Keep on running

It's been a busy old week. Four bike commutes ( 6hours) three swims (2hrs) but just the one run!
My feet are complaining at the moment after I stupidly ramped up my running volume dramatically in a bid to get better. For a while I though I might have plantar fasciitis but now I'm not so sure.

This had made me realise three things, (at least)
Training plans are good, 'cos you stick to them
No one is immortal
And, as Mario used to say " listen to your body".

This weekend I'm signed up for the Wokingham Half marathon which seemed like a great idea (back in November when I booked it) to try and boost my run times ( my worst bit of the trioathlon). Now I'm not to sure.

I'll let you know how I get on next week.

Optician launches the search for its six brave souls

There can be few sporting events which have the impact on your life that competing in an Ironman event has. For at least four months you have to train, get flexible, get serious about your nutrition and bring harmony to your life. If you think competing in an Ironman event is about pounding the pavements and pedals the hardest and sprinting up and down the local pool --think again.
The key to success in Ironman is steadily built strength and slowly attained techniques which allow you to compete and complete the event in a relaxed and controlled manner. That takes dedication, hard work but above all mental strength.
The payback is not just completing the event and joining an elite club of supreme athletes. It is also about recognising just what you are capable of both in sport and in life.

If you think this is for you and you are an Optician reader drop me an email to put yourself forward for one of the six places we have on offer.

The sun sets on another busy weekend of effort

Going Long is the title of a book my kids bought me for Christmas. It's a kind of Ironman training come psychology tome designed to get the boday and mind in synch. Now I'm not normally too well disposed to matter of the mind, I'm more a ' get on with' sort of person, I've even got a degree in engineering to prove it.

Over the weekend I had a long run as my sone cycled and Henry (the dog) ran alongside, then a swim with the boys and finally a rapidish 9km run on sunday just as the sky was turning pink ( I have a picture).

It then occured to me that I was determining my own pace. No aches or pains, blisters or breathing limitations. Quite empowering but also a bit scary. I must read that chapter on Shamanism

(Sorry about the picture it's still on the memory card of my camera but I'll post it soon.)

He's got the kit but is he fit?

One of the luxuries I enjoy is the best eyewear available.

I have always been poud of my Merino wool retro jersey and recently this was joined by a pair of Rudy Project Rydon's glazed with Drivewear by Shamir Optical in Cambridge. Very nice it is too.

On the ride into work this morning ( sunny to start with) I was collared by a fellow cyclist at a set of traffic lights. As he squinted into the sun he admired my specs and asked all the usual questions ( "I didn't know you could get your prescription glazed like that! They go dark in the sun as well." -- Doh).

He was suitably impressed until his eyes fell onto my bike.

Needless to say when the light changed he sped off at speed just in case I was in any doubt who had the cycling legs.

Happy swimmer

The start to the 2008 season was looking pretty grim.
First off I failed to recruit any optical folk to join me in the Optician Ironman team to take part in the UK Ironman 70.3. I then descovered that I had developed a reaction to the chemicals in the local pool. For two days after every session I have been all bunged-up and sneezing. A quick look at some triathlon forums revealed that this is quite comment. Simple solution, wear a nose clip.

I took my boys swimming on Sunday, bought a nose clip and hey presto -- it works.

I also had a breakthrough with the running at the weekend. They call me Mr blister in these parts. I only have to put on my trainers to get one. On Saturday I managed 22kms of muddy, hilly, rocky slog in 2hours - no blisters, result.
You never know I might even get an optician or optical bod to join my team! Applications on a postcard please.

The start of a new chapter

For anyone who has been visiting my blog recently please let me apologise for leaving the picture of that big, ugly Dutchman up there for long (sorry Kees, only a joke).

The Optician Ironman project has new direction! Exmoor. Optician's next Ironman challenge is the UK Ironman 70.3, june 15 2008.

So far I have taken on this challenge alone but over the next few weeks I am hoping to pick up some fellow team members and raise some money for charity. So watch this space. If you are an Optician reader and want to get involved post a comment.

Florida Kees

Sorry about the pun but I couldn't resist it. For those of you suffering Ironman withdrawal symptoms here is something to brighten up those dark winter days.

These are our two intrepid heroes after the world championships in Clearwater. Kees came in with a time of 4hrs 46 and Fiona 5hrs 36.

Well done to both!