From Fat Slob To Fit Triathlete

A down rather than an up week.

Conquered the bike course so reasonably confident over that. All the practice in the world’s not going to improve my swimming in 3 weeks so resting on my laurels a bit there so decided it was the week to concentrate on running.

Had a very confident 5k on the flat on Monday in 35 minutes so was feeling really good. Thursday I decided to do the Ruthin Road hilly route. I got to Hendy Road and my legs felt like lead. I hadn’t even started the hill by then. I walked a bit, tried again and still couldn’t get going. I ended up walking. It wasn’t a breathing thing, just really heavy legs. I finished the 4k in 39 minutes which wasn’t bad for a walk.

Desperately emailed everyone when I got back. Ever the pragmatist Ian wanted to know could I not run because I was injured? Or couldn’t be bothered?

Basically the verdict is that I’ve been overdoing it. I have to laugh. Me, couch potato of the centaury overdoing exercise. It does become very addictive though.

So the new strategy. Quality not quantity of training. I am absolutely terrified now of picking up an injury or making myself ill.

Had a full leg wax on Friday. Expected to lose ½ stone! Seriously, on race day your number is written on your calf/thigh in permanent marker. I have warned the organisers they’ll need extra ink for me!

I love my bike and the temptation is to cycle,cycle and cycle. The hills are hard but the satisfaction is enormous. Had a good old ride Saturday morning and then straight to the Coaching Station for a leg massage. Told Tracey I’d got achy knees. I am so thick! She soon diagnosed stretching and building up quads as the "problem." Resolved in 2 minutes flat with her magic fingers.

Intended to do "something" yesterday but got caught up emailing 250 businesses in Mold begging for sponsorship. Not sure what will come of it but one has to try.

Out on the road this morning. Took it very, very steady and just jogged 2.5k on the flat. Didn’t feel right but was a million times better than last week.

Off to Chirk tomorrow to run. Watch this space.

Got my race number tonight 28 and start time 9.30. All of a sudden this is becomming very real and very scarry!

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• #1 Comment from teresathrs 
  08/04/08 08:34 | Permalink

  I'm no expert, but what you describe is basically how I feel when I overtrain, and a couple of days of rest usually sorts it out.
  
  Do you schedule easy weeks (every third or fourth week) in your training.  This has worked wonders for me.  Though possibly not that helpful for you right now, since three weeks to go is just about taper time isn't it?
  
  Now its time to start getting your race belt and safety pins and elastic laces together - as well as practising your transitions, and doing timed tyre changes in a Pirelli pit stop style-y (I'm given to understand!)
  
  Your almost there sister!  
  We expect you to post a photo finish picture though - and I think its compulsory to finish smiling!