Just Wondering

If you never push your limits. How will you ever know what your limits are?

The return of Janathon

Its that time of year again, Janathob. I had thought I would not enter it this time as Outlaw Training plan says 1 total rest day per week but I am a week late starting the plan due to a nasty bug that Ive had for nearly 2 weeks now. I have only covered 15 miles this week, no cycling at all not a great start but I have needed the rest. Janathon will help me get my training on track.

Start of Ironman training a non starter

Today is the first day of my proper 30 week Ironman training plan. When I was looking for plans they all seem to have Mondays as rest days, but since Monday is the only day I can get to the pool for a long swim session I decided to swap Mondays for Wednesdays. I dont see this as an issue as I have always trained the day after my long runs when I have done marathon training and used it almost as recovery. I hope I am right. anyway today's plan called for 1 hr swim session and 50 min bike. But I feel awful, I'm full of cold and feel really washed out so I decided that for this week Monday is rest day. hope that tomorrow i am feeling back to my normal self. This cold has plagued me all of last week disrupting my sleep, but I carried on regardless running and cycling 105 miles over the week including my first 50+ mile bike ride on Saturday and The Percy Pud 10 km road race on Sunday. Both of these were completed despite strong winds and icy rain. I ran the Percy Pud dressed as a snow girl and completed it 24 seconds faster than last year in a time of 55:48. so I am pleased with that, especially as I have this cold.

So rest day it was today. Tomorrow is another day and hopefully training for Outlaw Triathlon will commence.

getting the speed back

On Sunday 20 November I ran a 10km race in aid of Help For Heroes at Lightwater Valley, a theme park about 3 niles from home. It was an incredibly foggy morning. The race was not till 11:00 am but we set off at 9;00, my running partner, Vicky and I. The junior runners that we have been helping to train we to run tge 3km fun run at 10:00. 13 of our juniors were entered. They looked great in Ripon Runners vests as I warmed them up around a carousel whilst Lisa the main Coach was making sure everyone was there and ready. I was then photographer and Lisa timekeeper aided by Vicky and Pam. We were all so proud as one of our runners was 2nd and the third runner was one of ours too she was first girl. All of our juniors did fantasticaly and we were so proud as we set off for our own race. There seemed as if there were loads of runners about 1000 I thought. Turns out there were more like 300. I was always rubbish with numbers. I set ogf cautiously the ground was uneven and it was crowded on the lanes, but after a couple of km it spaced out and I settled into the run. Ever worried about the injury Ive been fighting I ran hard to "bank some miles before it went" the course was muddy and uneven and was definately undulating. I used club members to guage my progess. I felt I was doing well. As I turned into the field for the finish I slowed slightly and was overtaken by a team mate, I didnt care too much because I was nearly home and my calf had held. I increases my speed again as I approached the finish and was astounded to see 54:38minutes on the clock as I was approaching the final turn. I have not ran that fast since 2009 when I ran a renouned pb course in 54:34. So I was ecstatic to finish in 54:46 my 2nd fastest ever 10km.

32 weeks to Outlaw

This weeks training has gone well, my calf has improved and I have trained for 99 miles. 11/20/11 Cycling Distance ride 38.65 02:45:09 14.0mph 11/20/11 Running LightWater Valley 10km 6.2 00:54:46 11/18/11 Swimming Swim training 1.14 01:00:00 52:47 11/17/11 Running club training 5.42 01:05:00 11:59 11/17/11 Cycling town loop 11.28 00:59:01 11.5mph 11/16/11 Cycling Bigger loop 13.6 01:10:00 11.7mph 11/15/11 Running Club run 5.82 01:19:00 13:34 11/15/11 Running Ripon Runners Juniors 3.5 00:45:00 12:51 11/14/11 Swimming distance swim 1.7 01:12:00 42:14 I feel however that I need to lay off it a bit, I dont want to be too tired when I start training propper in 10 days. On the plus side, my race on Sunday at Lightwater Valley was my 2nd fastest 10km ever. 11/14/11 Cycling morning loop 11.31 00:59:34 11.4mph

Outlaw -231

Well this week has been a bit tough for me. I was forced to stop running. My calf is still not right. This is kind of new territory for me. I sprained my ankle running the Brass Monkey 2010 because I hit a pothole. I could accept the fact that I was injured because I knew what had caused it. This tine is harder, the pain came out if the blue and I am not sure of its cause.. There is no heat, swelling or bruising. It just hurts in a cramping sort of way. It affected my last two races and as I wasnt racing this weekend, it was a good time to rest it. Fortunately it behaves when I swim or cycle, so I have swum and cycled more this week.I have found myself a loop around the outskirts of Ripon so that I can cycle a loop that is well lit rather than country lanes dodging potholes in the dark and being blinded by headlights. The downside of living in such a small city is that the whole loop is only a little over 10 miles. I also will be using my old bike to do this route as it is a heavy steel bike without any form of clip pedals and with big fat tyres, therefore it is a much more dificult and slower ride. Hopefully this will strengthen my legs. Monday I went to the pool to swim for an hour non stop. I did 4 lengths to warm up and then started my watch. I simply swam, I didnt count lengths but kept an eye on the pool clock to give me an idea of time. When I felt an hour had passed I checked my watch and realised I had swum for 1hour 2 minutes.I stopped my watch and swam another 2 Lengths of the 25yd pool. I did that 50yd in 1 min 5 sec. So I estimate my distance as 3000yd. A massive improvement. The training sessions on a Friday in a t shirt are clearly working. Workouts this week. Swim 5040 yds bike 56.47 miles run 16.79 miles Today I went for a bike ride with hubby, my aim was to increase distance. The weather was horrid, fog and rain but we went anyway. We cycled the Black Sheep route. When we got back to Ripon hubby went home and I went around some of the outskirts giving me a total of 36 miles in 2hr21 which averaged 15 mph average speed. If I can build up my distance but maintain that pace I will be quite happy.

Outlaw Training one week in

Well one week in for training and only a week since I ran a marathon. I am wondering if I should hsve had a week off before I started this new adventure. I raced again on Sunday, A 10 mile run around Ripley North Yorkshire. Last year I ran this race 3weeks before the Newcastle Yown Moor Marathon, but due to the marathon being moved into October, this year I was ta weking on a hilly 10 miler the week after a marathon and with a niggling calf. It was a cold day so I warmed up carefully and wore my 2xu leggings. The race started slowly due to bottlenecking on a narrow lane and people avoiding mud and puddles *frustrating*. I just ran in a straight line through the mud and water. The course was mainly uphill for the first couple of mile and my calf felt fine but as the course took a downward turn my calf became very unresponsive. At 4 miles as I headed up a steep hill I decided to run it slowly rather than walk as many were to prevent that changing of le position. About 3/4 up my calf twinged. I stopped and stretched but could not get going again it was quite painful. So I speed walked up the hill and abit on the flat, but with a hop skip and a jump I got going again, slower but going forwards. I continued onwards and at the next big hill with short steps I made it almost to the top but as it turned a corner I was forced to walk a while again. I was nt going to let it beat me. It was no way as bad as last week. I managed to run the last big hill but faltered slighyly on the uneven ground of the last mile. I completed the race 50 seconds slower than last year but am very happy with that under the circumstances. After a light lunch I went out with my husband on a hilly bike ride and although my legs were tired and that affected how far ahead Billy got ahead of me, I kept chasing and did the route 15 minutes faster than ever before. The good news is that my calf never hurt at all on the bike.

Journey to Outlaw 240 days to go

Earlier this year, after the Black Sheep Tri, I expressed an intrest in the Outlaw Triathlon (ironman distance). This soon became an obsession. In September my wonderfull husband entered me for said event. I still had some of this years challenges to complete at this point, but now they are done, boxed off and compartmentalised in my mind. As I am always looking ahead and moving forwards I am now concentrating on Outlaw. S whats the plan? How can I Build up my training in the next 240 days from swimmimg 2km to swimming 2.4 miles, 42 miles cycling to 112 miles and still have the energy to run a marathon afterwards? Theres a lot of work to do.I will be using this site to help http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/ironman-workouts/ and doing a bit of it my way I have started even though I am carrying an injury from Sunday's marathon. This is week I so far Mon Swim 1 mile Turbo 4 miles Tues run 9 miles Wed cycle 11 miles Thur run 8 miles Fri Swim training 2000 yd On Wednesday I had a sports massage which really sorted my calf. Its still a little tender but much improved. So thats my first 5 days of training sorted. I know that my biggest challenge will be the cycling. Please feel free to give me tips. I would really appreciate any help.

The challenge is over for 2011

On Sunday I completed my 2011 challenge. Here is the summary; I ran the LONDON MARATHON on 17th April 2011 in 5:02:44. Gosh it was hot and smoggy. But I achieved a child hood dream. The EDINBURGH MARATHON on 22nd May 2011 in 4:33:00. This time it was raining with gale force winds. I have swum the Great North Swim, (1 mile in Lake Windermere) in 45:38, my first ever swimming event. On 9 July 2011 I became an Olympic distance triathlete, completing the BLACK SHEEP TRIATHLON in 3:12:34 (my 1st Triathlon to mark 3 years since Dad went) I completed the GREAT NORTH RUN on 19th September in a personal best time of 2:00:41. The GREAT SCOTTISH SWIM 2km in a Scottish loch (NOW REDUCED TO 1MILE DUE TO LOW WATER TEMPERATURE) 24th September 39:33 The ROUND RIPON ULTRA a 35 mile trail race. 1st October got lost twice. Actually did 37.18 miles in 9:05:23 The NEWCASTLE TOWN MOOR MARATHON Sunday 30th October 4:48:57 This last challenge became the toughest as my calf cramped at 7 miles forcing me to walk almost a mile, but I was not going to give up at this point in my challenge, I forced myself to run again (well more of a shuffle with the occasional hop) determined to finish within the 5 1/2 hours allowed, which I did through total pig headedness. Thank you so much to all who have supported me and donated this year Lena Conlin TOTAL RAISED £644.00 Thank you all so much for your support.

Ripon, Black Sheep, Triathlon

Saturday ( July 2011 started with a lie in for me, 7 am, then at 9 am I headed for the racecourse to register for the Triathlon. I was issued a yellow swimcap for wave 5 and someone marked my number 830 on in black marker, next someone else with a black marker drew my number on my right arm and calf, carefully avoiding my tattoo. Then it was home for final carbing, porridge and bacon and mushroom sarnie on Bergen bread, but not all in one bowl. I repacked my bag into the race bag I'd been given. at 12 O'clock I got on my bike, which was stickered up with my numbers,donning my NYP Tri suit. the sky was a bit grey as I arrived. I had my bike and helmet checked as I entered Transition, then I went to set up. I unpacked my bag as a few fat raindrops fell.I turned over my shoes, and suddenly it was hailing, big hailstones, I ran for shelter with everyone else. Oh boy they were stingy on the ears. Within a few minutes the hail turned to rain and gradually slowed to a stop. Everyone tentatively emerged from their shelter. I went back to my bike to find everything soaked with a layer or little ice balls coating everything. I decided to don my wetsuit to stay warm even though it was an hour and three quarters before the first wave was due into the water.

I put on my wet suit and realised that I had forgotten my flip flops and set off out of transition in my bare feet, brrr!! suddenly the clouds burst again and I squeezed under a gazebo for shelter. When the rain passed again I headed into race headquarters to wait for Billy. On the way it was announced that the race would be delayed because of the weather for 30 mins. All to soon it was time for the race briefing then a final goodbye to Billy i headed off for the start gingerly walking over the rough ground around the lake. I chatted to other Yellow hatted competitors as we watched the orange hats work their way into the lake and swim to the start line, and the whites followed them. the klaxon went and off swam orange as white lined up and blue entered the lake, and again as the klaxon went and white swam, blue lined up and green entered the lake, there were only yellows left on the bank now. I was glad I was on familiar territory I knew the lake and had practiced a deep water start last week, I jumped as the Klaxon went again and blues swam, green lined up and us yellows worked our way into the lake. There was no gasp as I entered the water it was 19.5 degrees lovely and warm, I splashed my face and swam gently to the start area as the Klaxon went and off swam the green hats. There was no rush for the front, it was quite funny really as everyone tried to be at the back and the sides,

I suspended myself amongst the weeds and decided just to stay where I was and deal with possition later. The klaxon went and I was off swimming, I remembered to put my face in the water and relax. I got to the 1st island quite quickly there were still people behind me so I was reasonably happy, I just wanted to get the swim over and get on the bike. As I rounded the 2nd island (half way) I looked down and saw a good sized perch swimming in line with me under my belly, I tried not to be distracted but the fish stayed with me for quite a while, I laughed and then had to tell myself off. If I wanted to be a triathlete I needed to focus on the race. I focused on the bouys and aimed for the exit. I wobbled as I exited the water Kind hands steadied me as I ran (staggered) to my bike which was one of the closest.

I got out of my suit pretty quick and sat down to put on my wet socks and bike shoes, helmet on and bike unracked and off I ran with calls of "come on Lena" from what seemed like all directions. I waved at Tracey and Julie. I ran to the mount line. So glad I changed my shoes for MTB ones so much easier to run in. I mounted my bike and headed out of the racecourse following a fellow Tri/Running club mate. If I could keep up with him I was likely to get a good time. The first stretch of the bike route is a bit uphill, so I used this section to fuel up then as the course leveled out I picked up the pace. At Copgrove the route did not go the route that I had practiced, it was going a much platter route, I found myself laughing like a crazy woman as i realised the route was easier than I had practiced. I kept having bouts of crazy laughter I was having so much fun, john was still in sight as I hit the bypass, this is a horrid stretch so I just concentrated on John and kept on pedaling. As I approached Dishforth roundabout the wind increased and the distance between John and I was decreasing. As I rounded the roundabout I was nearly blown off by a gust of wind. I steaded myself and overtook John, a few yards on he overtook me but I stayed close and overtook him again as we entered Kirkby Hill. A few yards on and he overtook me again, I stuck to him like glue as we raced back towards Ripon, I was carbing and hydrating in preparation for the run. John and I entered dismount together and walked chatting towards transition.

As john went to rack his bike I ran again , to more shouts of "Go Lena", Iracked my bike changed into soaking trainers and set off on the run. Surprisingly my legs felt not too bad, a bit like mule 20 in a marathon, tired but nearly there. I ran past Stephen (nimblerunner) who had come to marshal and support me, He offered jelly babies and Kendal mint cake, I risked offence as I declined as I had just fueled up, then there was Billy taking a pick as I headed for the exit. I was a bit pressured I knew John was somewhere behind me. As I reached the bridge over the canal there was Ellie and Mike marshaling and cheering me on, it kept me going as i passed a couple of runners, I wasn't running fast but it was steady. As I approached the point where there were runners both directions I saw Bruce, he was looking great and well and truly on his way home, "looking strong" he shouted, " dont feel it" I replied. I was tired and would have walked if I didnt have John behind me. I ran on to the turn point and water stop, There was Chris she cheered me on and I walked through the water stop to make sure I got plenty on board and there was John, I'd better get a move on, I felt a bit better and found a nice pace but everytime I heard someone on my shoulder I thought it was John I kept me going. At the 2nd water stop, there iwasd Emma cheering me on, a faster NYP Tri bloke was close, I let him cross the stile first. then it was the canal path, I laughed as I realised that I was nearly home, 2 km to go I was nearly a triathlete. that thought kept me going as I approached the marina and then the racecourse. I ran past people who had finished and were leaving, i kept on going, it wasnt fast but I was running it all. It felt great as I turned through the narrow gate in the hedge, between the railings that I had helped put out on Wednesday night, around the trees and over the lumpy bumpy bit. I picked up my pace for my trademark sprint finish, it was there the blue inflatable finish line and the Blue mats, people were shouting my name, Vicky and Helen, who had driven back from London after watching Take That, Hilary, Julie and their friend, and Billy. As I hit the Blue timing mat my name was announced and I was greeted by Chris Mercer (cmmercer). It was over, a year of planning and training. I AM A TRIATHLETE 1500M SWIM, 42 KM CYCLE AND 10KM RUN 3:12:34 Way faster than my estimated 4 hours. A triathlon to mark 3 years since Dad died.

I would like to thank all of my supporters on the course and on the Internet (FB, DM and Twitter) You helped me achieve this goal.

It's nearly time

Well this is it, its nearly here my biggest chalkene so far. An Olympic dustance Triathlon. The Ripon Black Sheep Triathlon. 1500 m swim, 40km cycle and a 10km run. Its on Saturday starting at 2 pm. I will start at approx 2:25 pm http://www.nyptri.freeuk.com/ I, just spent my second night of helping set up the site. Its all very real now. Im nervous and excited. Pasta party tomorrow night. I am as ready as I can be I havent done enough brick sessions. But I hope I can get over that. My biggest issue is that when I swim I always need the loo as soon as I get out of the water and I'm not the fastest at getting out of a wet suit. Hopefully I can complete the whole thing in under 4 hours. Then I have a time to work on for next time. I am doing this to raise money for the British Lung Foundation in memory of my Dad who passed three years ago.

Juneathon 30/30 not a sprint finish

Eell thats it its over. Rest and taper at last. I had planned a sprint finish but that was not to be. Hubby came home a day early so I had to prepare tea rather than do my planned bike ride. Then there were only a few at club and we only did 5 miles. So thsts it I need to rest a bit now to prep for next weeks tri. I did better than Janathon. Janathon stats. Total 290 miles ron 179 miles Juneathon stats Total 365.7 miles cycling 195.55 miles running 161.74 miles Swim 8.44 miles So thats an improvement and I have raced 6 times. Happy with that.Well done everyone who has execised logged and blogged each day for the last 30 days each day for the last

Juneathon 29/30

Got up early to get a run in as I knew I couldnt get one in tonight. . It was one of those runs that just happen. I set off on a dogjog with Jed and it was lovely we went to the deer park and I hadnt planned to go so far but it was quite cool and so we just kept running. We did 10km Jeds first 10km. Then the day was just work work and more work, I did manage to get away about 7pm it was too late to go to Wetherby for the race but I did get to Drama where we cleared the damp wardrobe. We managed to save quite a lot of costumes but lots more and lots of accesseries are on the stage awaiting a skip. A sad day but at least we saved some

Juneathon 28/30 pass it on

Tonight after running club where lots of members of the group are racing tomorrow so just had a gentle one tonight. Unfortunately I cant race tomorrow I have to work :-( Anyway back to the point, after club a group of us met to start the process of setting up a junior group. Lots of the young people I work with have asked if they can come to running club and are dissappointed when I say they need to be 16. Hopefully by September enough of us will be CRB checked and Level1 coaches and we can start encouraging younger runners from our area to come to club.

Juneathon 27/30 just a quickie

A warm start to the day. Just did a short gentle dogjog after not feeling too great yesterday. It went well though legs feeling less achy than they have for days. Jed could not be bothered today, like me, Jed doesnt seem too keen on heat. I have staff training tonight so his walk will be later and hope fully if its cooler I hope to get a short cycle in tonight.

Juneathon 26/30 worst of three

Today was the Rainton 10 km. Part of the Yorkshire dales seies. . Its the 3rd time I ve run this flat . Mixed terrain race. It should be fast but the sun always comes out and beats down on us . With a 11:45 start, you could do without it. This year tru to form the sun beat down and It has been cool for the last couple of weeks. Basicaly it was too hot, my legs were tired and the whole race was hard, i did a fair bit of walking and had to watch people I normally beat pass me. I finally finished in 1:04:00. My slowest Rainton time yet. On reflection I have done alot lately and I need to think about taper for the tri. IMUST DO LESS NEXT WEEK so I dont feel like this at the Tri.

#Juneathon 25/30 Head in the clouds

Got all my phys done by 9:00 this morning. I had wanted to do a decent distance on the bike but ran out of time because I was going with my running partner to Hawes to look at the Wensleydale Triathlon route. We are doing this in August as a realay with another friend who will do the 1.5 mile swim in Semmerwater I am doing the bike part. The clouds were low and it was windy and rainy. Semmerwater looked like a sea with the waves breaking on ths beach. The bike route leaves the lake via a 1in 4 hill going up for about a mile then heading steeply down towds Bainbridge. The whole route was like that, at least 5 1 in 4 hills to clinb and descend. The views could have been stunning if only we could have seen more than 50 m in the mist. Its a pretty tough 42 mile route. I can see me getting off to push in places. My friends run route is 6 miles up the Penine Way to the peak of Shunner Fell and back down into Hawes. We now understand the scale of this challenge. Hope the clouds are higher and the wind stiller on the day because I could be a beautiful but tough Triathlon. Phys today 4 mile dogjog 4.6 mile cycling to and from racecourse 1 mile OW swim

Juneathon 24/30 Always up for a challenge

Well I had wanted to go for a cycle after work tonight but a rotten day at work and stiff quads from last nights hill session made the pub sound better. Pubs are a great place to think things trough and we decided (hubby and I) to do the Great Scottish Swim in September. when we got in from the pub, hubby sorted tea and I entered us into the swim and booked us into a Travelodge. So that's another challenge for the year, this swim is 2 km, a third as much again as the Great North Swim. This morning I ran 6.5 miles in the sunshine.

juneathon 23/30 1 week to go

Well thats it only a week to go and still going strong, although I am looking forwards to a day without running and it coincides with taper so thats good. I feel a little bruised today after yesterdays nassage. This made me feel a bit tired on tonights training session. But mow I feel good, ups and downs in the pouring rain, we were a small group. We have some fair weather runners in our ckub. The midsred a great session

Juneathon 22/30 glad its over

Today has been a bit of a mixed bag, I never felt great at the start of this mornings run, but after photographing a rainbow over the cathedral, it improved. Work was one of those days that you@d rather forget. The students were unsettled, then later at school I was informed that I had to attend a meeting from 16:00 to 21:00 next Wednesday, when I was supposed to be running the fifth league run at Wetherby. Any one who knows me or has read my blog will guess how that news went down, Not good. After tea I headed for Bishop Monkton for my sports massage, This was good Ive worked hard for this and I deserve a treat after the day Ive had. Oh boy it did the job I had knots in my left galf and hamstring, right hamstring, left shoulder and neck. some of these were a bit uncomfotabe to sort out. My problem is my high pain thresh hold, if I get a niggle I ignore it and so there are often a couple of tender spots on my massage, but I wont cry out. I cycled home feeling like a new woman. I have booked a halfhour appointment for the Wed before the Tri to keep my neck and shoulder loose. I got to the Youth drama group where I volunteer and we were sorting the wardrobe out, I discovered that the back wall was damp and it was stinking of damp and mould, so many costumes and pieces of equipment are ruined. this has made me feel very sad as lots of our stuff will have to be binned.

Juneathon 21/30 you cant stop it

I find today a sad day. I love daylight its great to wake up to the sun shine at 5 am and goe to bed when its not quite dark. Unfortunately like all good Juneathoners the earth does not stand still. And as we enter July and stop moving on the occasional day the earth will keep moving and the niggts will get longer again. Today I did another race, it went well Im pleased with the result. On the way to the race we passed signs warning about the up and coming triathlon, its only 17 days away and as the earth will keep turning, that dsy will arrive rather quickly. Anyway the rain put paid to extra daylight and Im shattered do night all. X

Juneathon 20/30 tired but still training

The weekend really took it out of me lack of sleep and not eating usual food saw me wake up this morning feeling tired. Still I forced myself to dogjog and once I got going it was ok. Cycling to work was hard,legs were not very responsive. But finding out that the 2 hr training session after work was actually next week perked me right up so after work I walked the dog and then went for a swim, I promised myself only 1km today, which I did. I got home and cut youngezt sons hair and then headed out on the bike to meet Vicky fo a bike ride, I like these Monday bike ris because they are relaxed and sedate, no pressure wich is lovely. I am still tired so when Ive done this I will have my hot chocolate and go to bed. Night all.xx

Juneathon 19/30 Shattered

It has been a busy #weekend and I am shattered. Yesterday was a quick run amd the Great North Swim, Today I have cycled to support 2 friends in a 10 mile race, then I bricked a run on the end. Its been an emotional time with lack of sleep (Stay in hotel) and lots of phys, therefore I am keeping this very short and heading for a kip. Night all, normal training resumes tomorrow

Juneathon 18/30 Great North Swim

Today started early,couldnt sleep and was awake from before 4 this morning. I challenged myself to run everyday this month so I had planned to run after the swim. Whilst I was lying awake I thought I may aswell go for my run early then ther'd be nowt to do after the swim so I got up an ran round Kendal, just short of 2 miles but a run is a run. The Great North Swim we set off from Kendal to Bowness on Windermere at 6:30 to get he ferry at 7:00. We had to pay for the car park but we didnt have enough change and the card machine was not working so we went to the overflow carpark where hubby could use disabled badge to park for free. This meant we had further to walk for the ferry. We had just missed one ferry and had to w Ait 15 mins for next one. The weather was wet but not cold or eindy . We got off the ferry and got a bus to the start. We got there at about 8:15. The skys were grey and it was drizzley. We got into our wet suits and checked in. There was an acclimatisation pool so we went in that initially it felt cold, especally when I stood up to get out. We than went to the start, did a warm up and then it was time. I felt sick I was so nervous as we walked at the back towards the start line, I reached for hubbys hand for reasurance as we enterd the water. The acclimatisation pool had done its job and entering the water was not too big a schock but I couldnt get my face in the water. Hubby got ahead as we made our way to the edge of the crowd he looked back and I signalled him to go on without me. I had another go at getting my face in the water, it was murky and disorientating so I continued to do front crawl wth my head up. Soon I was into a rhythmn a bit like distance running, I counted off the boys and was determined not to have a break. I knew I was not last and relaxed. I was hwever a bit too far on the outside as the pack spread out. I vounted the bouys off , yellow,yellow, yellow,pink. Halfway still going strong not fast but steady. I worked my way closer to the bouys and counted them down, yellow I was tiring thinking on land Im a tortoise does that mean in water Im a turtle, slow and steady. Yellow, I could do with a rest, yellow, its like seeing the last marker in a race, I just had to go between the orange boys and under the gantry, 100 m to go and I had not rested my arms were killing but I was nearly there. I got out of the water better than normal so was happy with that. I heard my name as I was staggering up the ramp and there was Hubby waiting for me. My watch sait 45:22 and his said 40:09so we were ecstatic. Big hugs. The hardest bit today was getting out of my wet suit. Need to practice that before the tri in 3 weeks. I bought hubby tickets to question of sport live in October as a gift for completing it I got 2 new charms for my nomination bracelet. A lovely day, busy and boozy on champagne. So happy

juneathon 17/30 800 miles run in 2011

Janathon and Juneathon have helped me to run over 800 miles so far this year. I am currently in the car heading for Kenfal, where we are staying so the Hubby and I can do the Great North Swim in the morning. This is the first big sporting event hubby had done and the first time either of us have swum competatively. I have pink champagne for after. This time last year I had not swum in years and then I could only only do a couple of lengths. Looking forward to doing sn event with hubby. Weather looks decidedly dodgy the closer we get. Right will log and blog the swim tomorrow.

Juneathon 16/30

Busy day today. Only got home from work 10 mins before it was time to go to training. Didnt get tea today. Ian the coach could not make training today so as a group we decided to go and run up the hill in the deer park a couple of times. It was surprisingly fun. Now I have got cleaned up Im going to meet hubby in the pub then we are goung for a chinese meal. A good way to end a busy day

Juneathon 15/30 Oh deer!

Thats half of Juneathon completed, its been tough at times and there have been times when I would have welcomed a day off, but in General it has not been too bad. The support from others has spurred me on and thanks to carlag27 for putting together the Google reader bundle. it has made it so easy when I have a spare moment to read a blog and leave a comment, wish I didnt have to keep doing the word recognition thing though. Today I went for a dogjog the aim was to get jed up to 5 miles, it was a sunny warm morning even though it was only 6:30. I decided to go up to the deer park again and as we were running through we were approaching a young stag, he did not move, instead he started to follow us, Jed was pulling on his lead wanting to play. I stopped and took a pic (above)as the deer was so close. when we got going again the deer was still following. Towards us there was a lone man running down the mile sraight, he passed us and when I looked behind the stag was following him. Later on we saw a deer with a crow standing on his head. A strange day. Any way time for some stats at the halfway point; Running 86 miles 6th on table for distance Swimming 5 miles joint 2nd on table for distance Cycling 93 miles 7th on table for distance Total 183 miles currently lying 3rd for distance covered excercising Time 28 hours currently lying 13 th for time spent exercising Over all I'm happy with progress but may not cover as many miles as i did during Janathon, but I had no races in January to affect my training.

Juneathon 14/30 Just a run

Well i was going to cycle to the racecourse for a swim before running club but hubby phoned and said he was on his way home ( normally works away) so I needed to return last nights fab meal rather than be selfish and go off on my phys campaign. I'm not as good in the kitchen as him and decided on Lamb chops, new potatoes and peas, not very adventurous but nice and summery. I cheated and bought trifle for pud, cause it drew my eye in Sainsburys. So just a run tonight. Vicky was late from work so we didnt go to running club, We went out on our own. I set my Garmin for heart rate training. Might as well make more use of its functions. I picked heart rate zone 2 111bpm - 148bpm. It was odd having to change pzce and even walk at times to remain in the zone. It ll take some gettting used to. It was very humid tonight and hard work. We also got nettled and scratched on overgrown pathways. But it was enjoyable, if not fast.

#Juneathon 13/30 I cant do this alone

Well another busy day. DogJog before work. We went up to the deer park the deer were beautiful in the early morning sun. Even though it had rained all night it was not cold it was really humid. Hubby was working from home so he got my bike out for me and fed the dog so I was not late for work. When I got home tea was organised and the dog was walked. This meant we could go for a swim together at the pool. Hubby was still tired from Saturdays lake swim he did 24 lengths and I stayed in for another 30. Tea was homemade steak and kidney pie roast potatoes.and cauliflower cheese. . I am so lucky having a hubby who is such a good cook. While tea was cooking he threw together a batch of mince pies from the minxemeat he made at Christmas. i ate my tea and then it was time to meet Vicky for.our weekly bike ride, just as the mincepies were coming out of the oven so I'd have to wait. I am now home after a loveley 14.6 mile bike ride, bathed and ready for bed. Had to stop blogging for a mo as hubby brought through mince pies and cheese, chocolates and a glass of homebrewed elderberry wine. I am so spoiled. I could not do the things I do without the support of my wonderful husband supporting and feeding me.

Juneathon 12/30 Ripon Rowel walk

I have entered the Round Ripon Ultra a 35 mile race that takes place mainly on the Ripon Rowel walk. The Ripon Rowel walk is a 50 mile walk starting and finishing in Ripon taking in lots of picturesque villages. The walk is apparently well marked so as a rubish navigator I felt I could tackle a session for a long run. I am a lazy runner I prefer road because it takes less effort, Im willing to accept the impact. As a lazy runner I avoid off road but since I entered the Ultra I have been hitting the trsils. The forcast was for rain later in the day so after walking the dog, I set out. I only lost the path once where a bush had grown over the sign and ended up adding a bit on to my run. Thanks to the runner who put me right again. Im glad I went wrong otherwise I would not have seen the beatiful dog fox crossing the field. He stopped to watch me. Above a buzzard was circling it was a lovely day. One field between Bishop Monkton and Burton Leonard had rape in it and it had fallen across the pah and interwoven, I had to force myself through it, wish Id worn long trousers. There was another similar field just after Markenfield Hall( what an awesomely beatutifl building). Approaching and leaving Markenfield hall there were cows and calves in the field so I walked.(dont want to be trampled). As I got to Whitcliffe lane my garmin buzzed 15 miles and I decided to do the next bit of the Roel Walk and headed across the field towards Studley. I headed for the Valley of the 7 bridges and helped 2 children get their bikes through the gate, gave me a chance for a breather,I ran across the bridges and up to the car park where I detoured for the loo before the long climb up to St Mary's Church. I walked this bit. Garmin buzzed for 17 miles at the gate. Then the best bit 1 mile down hill, then through the fields and back to Ripon.. Today was a good run, adventurous and I realised that being a lazy runner has deprived me of some amazing local views and path ways. Incidentally the first 15 miles are the 15 miles that are not part of the Round Ripon Ultra. Next time I'll tackle part of the course

Juneathon 11/30 dogjog swim and cycle

A busy day. Never slept well last night so was up at 5 am this morning. First job was to get Jed out so a jog by the river was the plan. It was lovely and peaceful not s sole about. Loved watching the ducklings of mixed ages bobbing about on the Skell. Next job was to get a swim in the racecourse lake done. The Great North Swim is next week so I needed to get a mile in. I also need to do a cycle as the Black Sheep Olympic distance triathlon is 4 weeks today. So I cycled to the racecourse for a swim in the lake. Hubby drove down with the equipment. The water was cold today 11°c but there were plenty of swimmers in already. Started well got my face in the water. There were loads of fish about I saw a massive perch and a couple of good sized carp. Everything was going well until just after half way I got the breathing wrong and dwallowed loads of water and ended up coughing and spluttering and floundering for a while.but I recovered my composure and set off again. After getting out of the water and my wetsuit I dried off a bit and set off on the bike. 10 - 15 miles was the plan but I was enjoying it and extended it a bit. Almost made my target of 15 mph average so well chuffed. Totals today were run 3.41 miles swim 1 mile cycle 21.08 miles. Today I reached 50 run miles for Juneathon. Totally shattered and had to go fir a kip after lunch

Janathon 10/30 a third through already

Well thats a third of the month gone and a third of the runs. Its gone so fast. Today I woke quite refreshed and took Jed for a DogJog. Today was a lovely morning and the run was one of those when you wish you could just keep going. Unfortunately I had to go to work so after 4.3 miles we went home a After a day at workI had planned a cycle but hubby offered a trip to the pub and me with the breaking strain of a kitkat, went to the pub. Oh well the weekend is here and hopefully I'll be stronger tomorrow and get a decent phys session in

#Juneathon 9/30 Life gets in the way of Juneathon

It has been a busy week this week at work and trying to get my runs in, I havent cycled or swum as much as I aught to with my first triathlon only 29 and a bit days away, but I feel a bit tired, infact I am typing this quickly with one eye shut ( I get double vision when I'm tired)I* dont think that its Juneathon making me tired, just the rest of my life. I really wish I had a super power that meant that I didnt need to sleep, then I would have time to do all of the things that I want to do.

Otley 10 mile road race. Juneathon 8/30

Whoo hoo! What a race. Challenging hills and awesome views with invigorating downs. Was dreading it but decided that if I could keep Vicky in sight on the ups I had Chance of overtaking on the downs. It worked I beat her in by a couple of seconds for only the second time this year. I descovered that I can still push myself tha bit jarder. All of us Ripon Runners had a great race at Otley tonight. Whst a lovely well organised race with lots of lovely friendly marshalls. Looking forward to the HDSRRL run at Otley in 2weeks noe.

Juneathon 7/30 Feeling lazy

I want to do more but I cant. Theres not enough time now that Im back at work. I feel that I should have swum or cycled but there werent enough hours today and I couldnt run furthr than the 4 chatty miles I did at club because I have a 10 mile race tomorrow evening and want to do ok at the very least. I know Im not lazy just addicted to exercise Im sure that Im not alone. Hope everyone else had a great day going to read some blogs now

Juneathon 6/30 Reality dawns

I always knew triathalon would be tough but today I realised that I maybe too big a wimp to be a true triathlete I am improving at swimming but I have heard horror stories about swimming in these competitions where you get dunked and your goggles get knocked of, elbows and knees digging in to you. I intend to swim at the back to avoid all thisAlso on my cycle ride this evening I was tootling along on my heavy old mountin style bike when I was passed by a group of cyclists on road bikes on a narrow country lane, they were flying initially I was jealous of their speed but as they approached the corned they moved onto the wrong side of the road. i was horrified What If there had been a car coming? I really am not brave enough to ride like that. I had to break to take the corner and I was only going about 20 mph. The running bit is the only bit that does not scare me. I know I need to be braver. But then again some one has to be last. May as well be me.

JoggedLogged and now Blogged 5/30

Today is ine of those days when I question my own sanity. Shattered from the recent racing and training, my body was screaming for rest as I put on running gear and trainers, put the lead on the dog and geaded out the door. I walked a while to warm up and let Jed do what he had to. Even as I set off I knew it was gonna be tough.But I persevered until I had slowly jogged 2 miles and was relieved to be able to stop and walk again. Glad its over today. Not enjoyable at all.

#Juneathon 4/30 A Race and a Ride

Had wanted a swim todayyy. It was lovely and warm today and tthere was a lake session but after being so tired at Thursdays race I decided to just go down and watch Hubby do his swim. Hubby and I are doing the Great North Swim in a fortnight. We have never done anything like it before so it'll be an adventure. The weather changed here suddenly it went cloudy and cool, ideal conditions for me to run in. It turned out to be a good race. I started near the back and eased myself into it. I felt good the whole run even the hills. I never even considered walking. Since the Edinburgh marathon 2weeks ago I have raced 4 more times and apart from Thursdays race at Catterick there have been no sign of marathon legs. I finished todays race in 56:36 which is a course PB Last year I did it in 63 mins and the year before I did it in 57:56. So despite the extra races and training I still did a good time. I went out on Tessie after I got hone from the race. Yesterday I bought new shoes and pedals and was itching to try them out. The shoes I had were road shoes and I didnt like the lack of grip for stopping and I always had difficulty clipping in quickly at road junctions. The new pedals are a combination of cleats and standard pedals they are also double sided. So not clipping in is not an issue. The new sgoes are mountain bike shoes, the cleats are inset into the treads of the she. They are easy to walk in and have grip. I rode a flattish course and was happy with the difference in my confidence at junctions, not worrying about getting clipped in.

Juneathon 3/30 A sort of rest day

Started early as I did not sleep well in the heat and I wanted a bit of a rest day. Took Jed for a 2.5 mile jog just after 6 this morning. It was a lovely morning to be out and abou. Knees were a bit sore so slavered them in Deep Relief and they geld up. When I got home I was starving so I had a couple of slices of toast and marmalade. Then I changed inyo my padded shorts and headed out on Tessie. Tessie is my beautiful Scott Contessa road bike. I planned a relatively flat route being tired. The down side was 1 hill within the first mile, O couldnt make it to the top today and had to get off and push. ( I normally dont have a problem with this hill) from thete it was much better lovely and peaceful and lovely views. I did jist over 15 miles. Now that todays phys is done I can rest. Bring on the retail therapy.

Janathon 2/30 HDSRRL Richmond

Just a little update on last nights race. No beating around the bush, I found that really hard. As I said yesterday I felt tiredcall day, the fact that the weather had become suddenly hot again and Im rubbish in heat. All I wanted to do yesterday was sleep. Anyway the race. It left the atheletics track and turned UP to wards the ranges wher it continued UP on a track. There were a couple of steep DOWNS but we were still working our way UP. Eventually we hit the road and the course leveled out afor aa bit. At about 3 1/2 miles it turned DOWN towards Scorton a DOWN it went. I had struggled up the hills passed people walking. I could have walked but refused. Now we were goung DOWN I was being passed by the ones who had walked. ANNOYING. Some people were walking on the flats too, I could have walked, I wanted to walk but I didnt but I couldnt catch the Walkers and eventually they beat me, but I ran it I ran it all . 1 ran a tough 6.48 mile race in the warm with no water stops in 64:34. Ok so its not fast but I have done alot of training for thr tri this week and in the last 10 days I have raced 4 times, 1 marathon and 3 10kms and I have another 10 km race on Saturday.

Juneathon 2/30

Well It started ok yesterday with a swim a cycle and a dogjog. Today I am racing tonight so no dogjog but I went for a swim and planned a cycle but its very warm a that had just made me feel tired so I've decided not to cycle. The swim went well 2000yd in just over 50 mins so Im pleased with that. Tonights race is at Catterick Garrison and its not excsctly flat. Its part of the Harrogate and District Summer Road Running League ( HDSRRL) which the running club takes part in. Tonights race is about 10km and starts around 7:45 hopefully it will be coolet by then. I wont be home till about 10:30 so I'll probably tell you all about it tomorrow.

Juneathon day 1/30

Well its official I cant do hills YET. On one I didnt get the gears right and stalled half way up. On another I just did not have it in my legs an had to walk half of it. Will have to do that route a few more times. I was quite tired before I started, today is a non run day so I did a Dogjog with Jed this morning, I followed this with a swim. I have 5 1/2 weeks to my 1st ever tri and I have spent too long concentrating on marathon training up to now. So now I'm trying to get as much training in as possible.

Good Luck Juneathoners

Today is the last day before Juneathon. Im hoping it will boost my mileage for the year. The last 2 months my mileage has been down because of the marathons. I did well in January at Janathon to get into the prizes much to my surprise. This month my training will be mainly cycling and swimming in preparation for the Great North swim on the 18 June and My first ever triathlon on 9 July. Here we go again, Good luck fellow Juneathoners

Untitled by lena1966 at Garmin Connect - Details

Untitled by lena1966 at Garmin Connect - Details

lake swim

After two marathons in 5 weeks my next 2 challenges are rapidly aproaching. The Great North Swim is 3 weeks today and ny First ever Triathlon is now only 6 weeks away. Both are nervewracking. Swimming a mile. Swimming in open water and swmming in a race. Alot of training is to be done over the next few weeks. Today I did an open water swim if about a km. It was very cold. It was quiet and it ws still tounmgh. I dread swimming with loads of folk.

VLM v Edinburgh marathon

London Marathon by lena1966 at Garmin Connect - Details

London Marathon by lena1966 at Garmin Connect - Details

And I would run 500 miles

I have run 500 miles in training for the London marathon, and the 8 that I just did were probably the toughest. I had a sore throat when I started, I now feel like some ones sat on my chest. I also layered up so that I could practice running whilst too hot, in case the weather is hot on Sunday, I was so uncomfortable, I hate being sweaty. So my last longish run is over and it was awful, I feel awful and can see me spending a lot of time in bed and dosed up with cold medications for the next couple of days. I am Invincible and I will not be beaten by a cold.

London Marathon -6 days, Edinburgh Marathon -5wks, 6days

Hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew this time. I am starting to get very nervous now, It seems an age away that I did my long run. I have planned how I am going to play it, I am going to Run my hardest at London, then just enjoy Edinburgh. originally I had planned it the other way round, but I realised that no matter how easy I take London, it will still be in my legs and affect my performance at Edinburgh so I swapped my plan round.
Well , its been a quiet week for me this week, adapting to taper, shorter slower runs were the best bit, could quite get to like them. I had a sports massage Friday evening, that seems to have sorted my niggling hamstring, Thanks Libby.
 At the weekend I fulfilled another childhood dream of walking up Roseberry topping a landmark hill on the route to Whitby. It was not as far as I thought, 0.82 miles to the top, but it was steep, the views were stunning, it was such a beautiful clear day. We then walked a longer less steep route down, Jed the border Terrier had a great time.
I have woken with an annoying sore throat, the downside of working with young people with poor hygiene practices in an unventilated room. I am bombarding it with all known remedies, trying to avoid a full blown cold. Typical start to the school holidays. Today I have planned a gentle 8 miler with Vicky then start organising my stuff for London. This is probably my last blog before the VLM. Thanks guys for all of your good wishes. Training this week, brings me almost to 500 miles of running, by the time I reach the start line I will have run over 500 miles since 01/01/11

Date	Type	Title	Distance (mi)	Duration	Pace
04/10/11	Walking	Walk off lunch	6.24	01:58	18:54
04/10/11	Cycling	Ride round town	8.5	00:45	11.4mph
04/10/11	Running	Dogjog	3.4	00:35	10:21
04/09/11	Walking	Roseberry Topping	2	00:56
04/07/11	Running	club training	4.05	01:03	15:33
04/06/11	Swimming	spa baths	0.57	00:32
04/05/11	Running	Running Club	6.3	01:15	11:54
04/04/11	Running	4 mile easy	4.5	00:46	10:13