Juneathon day 30. That's it, over for another year

Last day of Juneathon, well done everyone.

I have done something every day, some says just a walk, others, walking, biking, swimming and running.

I have not run everyday. I'm trying hard to stick to my Ironman plan.

So that's my Juneathon,

Juneathon day 30 totals

Walk 4.5 miles

Swim 1.2 miles

Cycle 28 km

Core workout 20 mins.

Overall totals

503 miles cycled

110 miles walked

104 miles ran

  11 miles swum

    4 hours of core fitness

------------------------------

Total mileage 731

Total hours.   104

Juneathon day 29 sea swim

All month we have known that we could choose today's training, so we planned a sea swim. I asked on Facebook if anyone was swimming at North East coast, A lady replied who planned to swim for about 6 hours, she is training to swim the English Cannel in 4 weeks.

We got up this morning and it was a bit dreary outside, but undaunted we set off, as we got closer to Seaton Carew, the sun was out but it was windy. We parked up and OMG the sea looked rough.

We met up with the othe swimmers and after squeezing into our wetsuits we followed Amanda and her support crew into the water. Amanda was just in a bathing costume. I was scared. The water was battering us, Amanda and Matt soon disappeared into the white foam. Billy stuck with me and we forced our way trough the breakers, they battered us relentlessly, trying to grab my hat, getting in my goggles, I was so buoyant I couldn't get upright to sort them out, and still the waves came.

Eventually, we attempted to swim parallel to the shore (left) no mean feat, as the waves were coming at us diagonally. Breast stroke felt the best method so I could see the waves and where to go, but my breast stroke is pathetic, so heads up front crawl it was, I couldn't get my breathing timed right, I swallowed the water, it shot up my nose but Billy stayed close and I kept onwards. 

Eventually he said we should head in to shore. As soon as we were amongst the breakers we were battered again, my hat and goggles were coming off, so Billy shouted duck when the big waves came and I stuck a hand on my head, Then, suddenly a huge wave caught us, my hat was in my hand and I didn'tt know which way was up,  I could feel the sand and struggled to stand as the waves battered me, I looked behind and there was Billy. His hat had been swept away.

We got our bearings and realised that for all our efforts, instead of swimming along the beach, we'd had been swimming but also been swept backwards and we were a few hundred yards right from where we had entered.

Relieved to survive, I soon recovered and no feel I need to try sea swimming again, hopefully when it's not so rough.

Day 29 totals

Swim 0.33 miles

Walk 3 miles

Juneathon day 28 loads achieved

Plan said 8 mikes running so that's what I did, after walking the dog. I donned my lovely new trainers 

and set out to work hard, and work hard I did, I pushed myself and ran to Studley church, home again would be 6 miles, so I ran down the mile straight, back up to the church and then home. I was a lovely morning for a run, drizzly and cool, there were not many people about either. At one point the deer were stood all over the road, but they moved as the mad woman in bright red trainers and a face to match approached.

I was very pleased with today's run.

After getting home, stretching and getting cleaned up, Billy and I went holiday clothes shopping, not our favourite pastime. We went to Monks Cross shopping park at York. We wandered the shops and he got some swimming shorts and I got a play suit, a dress and some shorts. We were fed up and Billy's toe was very sore so came home via the Wetherby Whaler fish and chip resteraunt, yummy in my tummy.

This afternoon we cleaned the house top to bottom, walked the dog, did some food shopping, and Zi sorted the garden.

We can't believe how much we've got done in one day, you can tell it's rest week, and also how much our lives are dominated by the Ironman training.

Day 28 totals

Run 8.29 miles

Walk 4 miles

Juneathon day 27 rest day

Rest day at last, but that still means walking to keep things moving. 

Yesterday Billy stubbed his toe getting into the lake last night. Well, 4 weeks to Outlaw and he's broken his second toe. Gutting. But he's not backing out, four weeks to recover. 

Billy's toe meant I walked the dog on my own this morning, it was cooler than it has been of late, and so I had to put a hoody on for the first time in days.

This evening Iwent back up to school to view the students and other members of the communities art work, it was fantastic.

Back to it tomorrow though.

Day 27 total

3 miles walked

Juneathon day 26 going swimmingly

Today was open water swim day. I look forwards to it all day, then as the time to get in gets closer, I start to get nervous. I'm always like that but today it was worse because I was already aware that the weed had surfaced.

This the lake at Ripon Racecourse . It's very inviting. This is an old pic of me getting in.

Map of the lake from the Ripon Black Sheep Triathlon website.

Tonight Billy Martin and I got in tonight, 22 degrees c the co ordinater informed us. Didn't feel that warm. Martin asked what we planned. Billy was hoping for 2 laps of the lake, that's both Islands twice, I said 1 lap and then we'll see. So off we went. I had steamed up goggles, so stopped, stopped my watch and sorted them. The boys were already specks in the distance as I started again.

Weed, I hate it, nasty, grabby, prickly weed. I knew it was in there, where would it be. Yuk! there, about 50 yds in, just a small patch, Head up force my way through, head down back at it. I soon was passing the first island it was clear, past the second jetty, still ok. This was going well.

 About half way along the second Island , grab, scratch, I'll soon be through, head up, OMG! 

You could see it on the surface, all around, I'd have to swim heads up. it was too thick, breast stroke. Now I can't actually do breast stroke, well not well anyway, but I worked my way slowly through. It felt like forever, I looked to my left and saw

Lily pads? What? Didn't expect that. I'd been admiring them on the neighbouring canal on my run last Sunday, never thought I'd see them in the lake, still nice places for the pike to hide.

I finally cleared the weed and swam wide of the top Island and headed back to the starting jetty where I turned and set off to do the whole lot again. 

This time I didn't hit the first patch of weed, that cleared me up, maybe there was a route through, I swam on, past the first island and the second jetty, I was about half way along the second island when I was surrounded. 

I clearly watched too many murder mysteries as I imagine there are dead people in the lake, waiting to pull me in. I hate pale patches and dread what I may see.

It was like I was been pulled and tugged as , with my head up, I fought my way though for a second time. Phew! What a relief to egg clear.

I returned to the start for the second time, Billy was there " can I do a bit more?"  Yes he said, so off I went.

No way was was I doing that weed again so I aimed for the first island. 

I was swimming up towards it, "Blooming Heck!" It never seemed to get closer. I finally made it to the first island, doing sums in my head. " Oh no!' I thought, no one is allowed in the lake after 8, I'd gone too far. This was racing a cut off, I swam as guard as I could, there were no other swimmers, no big buoys, I had to sight accurately. I swam hard and was tiring and finding it difficult to focus on the jetty, but I had to jeep going, I had to be out of the lake by 8 pm. Finally I made it there were a couple of people in the shallows. I stopped my watch.

1:34:25. OMG! That was the hardest and fastest I've done, BUTmy Garmin showed only 1.53 miles. 

No way, the route is 1500 mtrs, so that's at least 3000 mtrs in 2 laps and then the first island is well over half way up the lake, so I am claiming the iron distance for it.

On entry to the lake, Billy stubbed his toe, he said it was very sore, thought it was broken. Now if is bruised swollen and sore. Had had it iced, he swam 2 and a half laps, so the cool water had helped, now he is in a lot of pain.

Day 26 totals

Walk 3 miles,

Swim 2.4 miles

Juneathon day 25 the massage day

At least once a month I have a sports massage. I have been going to Libby since March 2010 and I am sure that I would not be able to train as hard as I do without getting the usual runners/cyclists niggles if I did not invest the time and money in these regular treatments.

Libby now knows me and my body as well as I do, today she worked on my feet and calves, but mainly on my neck and shoulders, ironing out knots and stretching out shortened tight muscles. 

I feel much better for it. 

So feeling like I had a new body, I went out with my friend Jill to recce the Ripon Tri route. She has not cycled much this year. You couldn't tell. We rode at an average of 15 mph. At one point we ended up in the middle of a time trial, I couldn't resist pushing myself a bit, I couldn't keep up, but it was fun.

Afterwards I went for my brick run and my watch had lost satellite, but I couldn't wait around, so set off anyway. I ran the route I always run on a Saturday and I got to the same place as Saturday, but 1 min quicker. Very happy with my pace.

Also today I took my resting heart rate, and it was the same as my age, 47 I am very chuffed with that.

Day 25 totals

28.62 miles cycle

3 mike walking 

1,6 miles running

Juneathon day 24 terrific Tuesday

Busy as always today, the school was ful of yr 6 s on their move up day. Lots to do. The n coaching the juniors and finally the adult run. We recycled a route for speed training. I ran the first half with a new runner, I like encouraging the new runners, after all, if I hadn't been welcomed and encouraged by the other club members when I first joined then I wouldn't have achieved all that I have so far. Then I ran at my own pace, well, actually I pushed myself with my fastest mile 8 min 19 sec. I was very pleased with that, even if it was downhill.

Day 24 totals 

7.5 miles run

3 miles walked

Juneathon day 23 recovery week

Recovery week on the plan, that just mean a bit less volume, so I still swam and went to the cycle studio for the watt bike session.

The week does promise to be less tough than last weeks 222 mile week, so that's good, probably still will not much pare time either. 

Less than 5 weeks to Outlaw ans 12 weeks to Ironman Wales., there is an end in sight.

Totals day 23 

Walk 2.5 miles

Swim 1.36 miles

Bike 7 miles

Juneathon day 22, a run with a view

Sunday, Runday. 

Yesterday's long cycle has left my legs reluctant to run, so I chose a route with plenty to distract me.

Along the river and canal in the early sunshine, the ducks and swans were bobbing about on the still water.

The bridges were reflected in the water

There were some area where I could not run, because the path was so overgrown

I almost missed the path through the hedge

But the best views by far were of Fountains Abbey from a path I've not run before.

I took a moment to sit under a beautiful old oak tree to admire the views.

It was a warm day for a run on tired legs.

Day 22 totals 

Run 15.12 miles

Walk 4.5 miles

Juneathon day 21 longest day, longest cycle

G&T Happy summer solstace everyone. 

Today's plan was a 90 mile bike but I could attempt 115 if I wanted. So that's what I did.

I set off feeling tired and a bit unclear as to my route, I planned 115 but If I felt rubbish I could reduce it to 90,

I set off for Masham, debating with myself whether to go to Richmond or Hawes, I got to Leyburm and decided on Richmond. On Route I was doing maths in my head and figured Richmond and back would be 65 miles ish, so I decided to go via Catterick Garrison to add some miles, then I could always go onto the relatively flat Ripon Tri route to make up the miles. It was tough getting to Richmond, warm and lots of climbing. As I headed back to Leyburn, I realised that I was at 47 miles, not too bad, maybe 100 miles would be possible, Hawes should add a few miles on. 

So I headed out to Hawes, via Aysgarth, the villages were lovely, all decorated to welcome the Tour de Yorkshire in a fortnight. As I looked across the valley. Across the river Ure to Castle Bolton, I decided that I would return to Leyburn by that route.

There were lots of cyclists heading to Hawes, cycling parts of the Tour route, Hawes was so busy. Instead of just turning around I cycled though Appersett and Hardraw, then back into Hawes before setting off back to Leyburn.

I retraced my route to Bainbridge and turned to Askrigg, more climbing. The route was hillier than I had anticipated, but I managed, Slowly, and eventually made it back to Leyburn. 84 miles done.

Now Leyburn to Ripon is 20 miles so not far enough, so I went to Masham then Bedale and home taking in 1 last hill out of Hutton Conyers at 113 miles.

Hot hard work, over 6000ft of climbing and it took 9 hrs and 2 mins to complete. Almost as hilly as Wales but not quick enough.

Still I am very pleased with my achievment.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/525312288

After getting home I bricked a short run on, which also was tough.

On route today I only took one picture and it was this

Cheesy, I know

Totals day 21

Walk 1.5 miles

Cycle 115.03 miles

Rin 1.62 miles

Juneathon day 20 Yesterday's race

Yesterday I raced for Ripon Runners in the Harrogate District Summer Race League. It was the 4 th and final race in the series. There is still the handicap to do, but as we are hosting that, I will be Marshalling not competing, anyway the winners of the series weird decided last night.

I run, I do my best and hopefully get points for the club, I shan't be winning any category, unlike some of our speedier club ladies, bug my points count and I love the series.

Last nights race was hosted by Yeadon Dragons and was mainly off road on hilly uneven woodland. I've done this one twice before, but forgot how tough it was.we parked near the cricket club and Jogged the mild to the start. The actual race started slightly downhill but on a narrow path that created a stop start bottleneck. Then onto a Tarmac path, at about a mile the rocky downhill unevenness started taking us along a muddy rocky path and up into the trees, the uneven surface slowed me, I was so worried about a trip or fall, ruining 33 weeks of hard training, 5 weeks before the first iron distance Tri Outlaw. Up an down between the trees and back onto a road, I ran as quick as I could for this short period befor turning sharply up into the wood, up, up ,up I ran, then when the down finally came I was too cautious to make the most of it, but I ran hard back to the path, and the mile back to the start. 

Just over 54 minutes for the 5.4 mile race. Not as quick as last time but still happy.

We then jogged and walked back to the cricket club for supper.

Today is rest day, I've done a fair bit of walking, walked the dog, walked to and from work and to and from a couple of housed viewings. We are looking for a new home at the moment, went to see 2 tonight, can't do anything till we've sold ours though. Wish some one would come an buy ours.

Total for day 20

7.5 miles walking

Juneathon Day 19 memories

Earlier blog today, I'm going for a 5.5 mile race soon and won't be home till late.

2 years ago on this date it was a Tuesday, the weather was gorgeous, and this was happening in Ripon.

The sun was shining and the streets were crowded. I was standing on a street corner like a lost child looking for my mum.

And then I saw her, recovering from a stroke that she had had 6 months earlier, with my family

Only a short run for me on 19/6/12, a couple of hundred yards.

Does my bum look big in this?

Do I care?

This year I have walked 3 miles and will be running 5.5 miles later.

Juneathon day 18 less and less time

No song today, too late to think of one, This training has taken over my life right now. I have only just sat down for the evening, and it's already past my bed time.

I've walked the dog twice today, been to work done some essentially shopping, had tea then went for a swim, came home and went out for a couple of hours on the bike, followed that with a short run and long stretch.

So I apologise for yet another poor blog.

Totals for day 18

Walk 4.5 miles

Swim 1.2 miles

Bike 32.52 miles

Run 1.2 miles

Juneathon day 17 Rocking all over the world (sort of)

Thought I'd stick to the musical title, 

One of the best parts of the world is Yorkshire, and we have a lovely rock formation Brimham Rocks. It is looked after by the National Trust and they have, in conjunction with Ripon Runners come up with some lovely trail runs, which will soon be available to download, so you can visit and run them yourself.

Ripon Runners are currently based at Ripon Cricket club, and there are some cricket fixtures that are on running nights. When that happens, we go else are, normally a pub, and run in different groups to usual and have a lovely supper after. So this evening, after Marshalling for the Junior club members championship race,

I got a lift to Brimham Rocks for one of these runs. The weather was lovely and the clear skies allowed us some stunning views. We could see about 40 miles.

After the run we had a lovely buffet supper. Mmm! Food, I like these social runs.

Day 17 totals

Walking 4.5 miles

Running 6.64 miles

Juneathon Day 16 Just another Manic Monday

Ok, so whilst you've got that song going round in your head, embedding itself to the point of annoyance, I'll sneak a poor excuse for a blog past you.

Dog walk make massive packed lunch walk to work  dance class walk home from work  dog walk eat 2 rice cakes swim for an hour and a half, home swap kit collect energy drink go to watt bike studio sweat the chlorine out for an hour come home drink massive hot chocolate eat a load of fruit get a bath do the laundry, and breathe.

Time for bed now.

Day 16 totals

Walk 4.5 miles

Dance 40 minutes

Swim 162 lengths (2.3 miles)

Bike at least 10 miles worth

Juneathon day 15 Whooaaaaaa! We're half way there Whooooaaaa! Livin' on a prayer Take my hand- we'll make it - I swear Whooaaaa! Livin' on a prayer Livin'on a prayer .

.Half way through the month and today I did a run today.

It was cooler today and drizzly, that means good running weather for me. I chose to run along the Ripon Rowel walk route 

to West Tanfield and back. I saw a great Yorkshire bike trail bike 

I love it. In North Stainley the children have been busy

I hope the cyclists slow down on this fast part of the course to admire them.

The path was hard going at times

But I fought my way though , before reaching West Tanfield

Turning round and fighting my way back.

Run done, and scratched and stung limbs covered in savlon.

Total miles today

3 mikes walked

13 miles run

Juneathon day 14 I hate chips

The plan today was a 75 mile bike ride followed by a 15 min run.

I thought I'd do some hills  for IMWales training and some flat for Outlaw training. 

After walking the dog I set out, 07:45, it's good to get an early start. I thought I would ride up the Pateley road to Risplith and turn to Grantley, then goo Dallowgill, over the moors to Pateley Bridge, then to Summerbridge, Markington, cross the A61 and head for the Vale of York.  I had hardly left Ripon when I was treated by this

Not great for cycling, but it was quiet so I continued with my plan. Soon I passed this sign

And started to descend, a sharp left the right and

Back up the other side. The first of many ups and downs for the day, down then up into Grantley, I then headed the reverse of the Grantley 10km route, aiming for Where the Drovers in once stood. As I got to the Laverton Road end I was confronted with fresh chippings, I turned to Laverton and Kirkby Malzeard. I decided to do the hill at Mickley, it's a 1:5 and then head for Masham via Grewelthorpe and head up to Wathermaske, a steep long hill with no sign.

I got to Grewelthorpe, and there again, new chippings, I turned around and headed back, I went back down the 1:5 Mickley Bank and went to Masham via West Tanfield and another hill, In Masham I headed up Wathermarske and down the 20% Ilton bank, up the not as steep other side to Druids a Temple, then turned and went down to the River Burn and then up to Healy. I went from Fearby to Swinton, back to Masham. 

Where next hmm! thinking ax I rode, I crossed the Ure bridge and turned to Newton le Willows, and went from there to Leyburn, from there, I had covered 52 miles and set off home, up hill and down dale, back to Masham, to Nosterfield, West Tanfield and back home to Ripon via Musterfield.

I was shattered, the flat bit of the ride never happened. 

Pace was slow, it averaged 11.9 mph over 76.06 miles with 1438 metres of elevation.

The run too, was hard 1.42 miles in 15 mins

Day 14 totals

Walk 1.5 miles

Bike 76.06 miles

Run 1.42 miles

Juneathon day 13 Rest day

Friday is rest day, the instruction on the plan is "enjoy" too tired to enjoy. Dog walk this morning and walk to and from work. In the meantime, however, I have done very little. Work was fairly inactive today which is unusual, but  worn out just grooming the dog. 

It's a well earnt rest though because I've covered 72 mikes this week already and have a busy weekend on the plan.

So that's it from me today.

Day 13 total

Walk 3 miles

Juneathon day 12 getting tired now

Twelve days almost half of Juneathon and they have flown by this year, probably because I am so busy.

Today the training plan was OW swim, 2 laps of the racecourse lake. I did the usual walking today walking the dog this morning and afternoon and to work and back. At work I was so tired Ai was fighting to keep my eyes open. I ate some love heart sweets and felt better almost instantly. I have worked harder than usual this week at my training and clearly am not replacing enough calories. Lesson learned.

I biked down to the racecourse for swimming, and was very hesitant, the water looked a bit mucky and after I was all wetsuited up was informed that the water temp was 23 degrees c. I didn't think I could manage 2 laps. I got set of and the water was murky and felt cooler than 23 and so, ax I realised that all the recent rain meant the weed was mainly well below the surface I decided to do the 2 laps.

I then cycled home and I've had Ryvitas and cheese, so hopefully after a big break kid tomorrow, I won't have a repeat of today's low blood sugar. 

Day 12 totals

Walk 4.5 miles

Swim 1.8 miles

Bike 4 miles

Juneathon day 11, getting the miles in

Today, as ever has been busy, dog walk x 2 swim bike and run. I biked to a neighbouring town to pick up some Tri kit, it was a nice flat route and the sun was sinking low as I pedalled home.

Well There's no sign of rest for a while, busy with work, and the training plan gets busier too.

The hardest part of Ironman training is resting. Again I'm writing a blog when I should be sleeping, and before I know it the alarm will be going off again.

Day 11 totals

Walking 4.5 miles

Swim 1.02 miles

Bike 27.52 miles

Run 1.13 miles

Night all x

Juneathon day 10, busy again

Another busy day, so short blog tonight.

Junior runners were short of coaches tonight so we stayed on the field for a pyramid session.

With adult runners we ran around Studley deeer park, was a lovely evening, but maybe a bit humid.

On return home I managed 100 sit ups, 100 push ups (girly style) 100 squats and a 2 min plank.

I've spent the rest of the evening completing a training plan for a friend running the York marathon in October. Hence short blog.

Totals for day 10

Walking 5.5 miles,,

Running 5.8 miles

Sit ups 100

Girly presses 100

Squats 100

Plank 2 min

That's all folks

Juneathon day 9 busy day

Busy busy, that's me, dog walk before work, at the end of work I did gage dance class for 40 mins. It's great fun, but I am no dancer, I have no flexibility. I walked home then a dog walk again, then straight to the pool for a swim, only me in the land tonight, it was great, Garmin says I swam 983 feet and did 1466 strokes. Clever Garmin. 

I popped in the shop on the way home from swimming, got home, had a light snack and went to try out the gears on my bike. I picked a local hill

It was a steady climb to the hill, and then a quick twisty steep down and a long climb out of the valley to Galphay. The hill is not so steep at the other side. I cycled up to Galphay, turned round and came back up the steel hill.

Then a lovely downhill sweep back home, where I put on my trainers and headed out for a 15 min jog. I didn't push it because my legs are fairly tired already.

Back home it was 50 sit ups and 50 press ups ( the girly sort) and a 1 min plank.

It takes just as long to write it all up.

Day 9 totals

Walk 4.5 miles

Swim 1.68 miles

Bike 9.22 miles

Jog 1.32 miles

Plus 50 sit ups

50 girly presses 

1 min plank 

And some dancing

Juneathon day 8 a good day at the office

Early start today to get the miles in, a dog walk and a run in the early morning sun. More hills, I ran some of the route that I cycled yesterday. I found it tough, it was warm and I was tired. But that didn't stop me, I got it done.

This afternoon some work friends from work and I went to Redcar to see another of our friends in a dance show. The show was fantastic with dancers of all ages dancing lots of different styles. Afterwards we headed for the seafront for fish and chips and

a lemon top icecream. 

We debated the wind turbines and admired the vertical pier.

We found a building with the same name as our workplace

We had a great very relaxing afternoon. Back to work at our Hub tomorrow.

Day 8 totals

Walk 1.5 miles

Run 12 miles