Dodgy knee – Set back 1
by Matt on Nov.16, 2009, under Why
Typically as soon as I start I hit a snag. Last Tuesday on my usual commute home run I felt a twinge in my knee around the 4 mile mark. A slight slackening of pace and the problem went away. In the end I finished relatively quickly for me (sub 9 minute miles, in the dark, with a backpack, across muddy fields).
Yesterday on my long run the knee problem came back – I was lucky to happen across the route of a cross country 10K race as this gave me an opportunity to slow up and spectate. So, 9 miles done, but at least the last 3 were no fun.
This happens around this time every year. It may be a combination of mileage on my shoes (always around the 400 mile mark), or the weather (as it turns colder and wetter). But this time I wonder if it’s the rowing I’ve being trying in the gym. My quads still ache today whereas normally I don’t feel a run (especially a sub 10 mile run) the next day. I suspect tiredness from the row on Friday evening meant I wasn’t keeping good form on Sunday morning.
I’m going to lay off the running for at least a week. This is a shame as I quite enjoy my Tuesday cross country runs home from work. Hopefully this will mean I can concentrate more on my swimming, but I’m giving away ‘free’ mileage (the run home is easy to commit to) in exchange for dragging myself to the gym. I would like to bike to/from work – but at this time of year on narrow dark lanes I think it’s suicidal.
So the trick of the next couple of weeks will be keeping up at the gym.. and possibly laying off the Concept II.
The plan – Part 1
by Matt on Nov.15, 2009, under When
I’ve never run a marathon. I’ve never ridden a proper race bike. I’ve certainly never swam more than a mile.. in open water at that.
What actually concerns me most about the above is the run. My knee begins to hurt if I run too far.. usually about 15 miles, but today – about 8 (not good). That and the swim. The ride doesn’t bother me.. unless it’s uphill I suppose.
There are therefore some technical aspects I would prefer to get sorted (and tested) prior to a full Iron Man. Luckily there is a local Half Iron Man (70.3) organised by Big Cow Events (a local organisation). My stage one plan is to enter and complete that as a test of progress. Their main event (Cowman 2010) takes place in July. My goal between now and then is to be ready for that. I’m hoping this will show if my target of a full Iron Man is realistic, as well as helping to increase my fitness and training commitment levels.
Primary Target 1 – Enter and complete Cowman 2010 on 4th July.
Depending on how training for this event goes I may end up either tackling shorter events first – such as an Olympic distance Triathlon to get a feel for the open water swim stages, or even a second 70.3 if things go really well.
Ironman – Day 1
by Matt on Nov.15, 2009, under Who
To kick things off some more info about me. I’m 37, I have a partner – Laura, and a daughter. I’m one of the directors of a small bespoke software development company called Jemmac Software. I’ve been running fairly slowly for a few years. I don’t typically enter races, in the past I’ve taken part in one 10K race (50mins) and one short sprint Triathlon (1hr 22mins).
As of today,
- I run about 15-25 miles per week.
- I usually run about 9 minute miles.
- Every year (seemingly) my left knee conks out
- I bike a few miles each week (usually to and from the pub quiz) for leisure
- I don’t have a proper ‘race’ bike
- The furthest I’ve swum recently is about 800m. My technique is currently “trying not to drown”.
More info will follow – but hopefully this sets the scene.
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Matt's Blog
My attempt to record my progress in completing an IronMan event.
GarminConnect- Short ride to work May 17, 2012
- Run Home May 15, 2012
- Long ride May 13, 2012
- 2hr run May 12, 2012
- First OW swim of the year May 12, 2012
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