Ironman

Paul Christie! You are Ironman!! Ok, technically, Ironman is a brand and Challenge Henley is an iron distance triathlon, but you know what? I don't care!! PAUL CHRISTIE! YOU ARE IRONMAN!!

On Sunday Paul swam 2.4miles, cycled 112miles and then ran 26.2miles.. Yes, a marathon!!

He hoped to complete it in under 14hrs.. He smashed that time and came in under 13hrs - 12hrs 55mins!!!

We spent the day following him on the live tracker and driving around to cheer him on.

So proud of you Paul!

You set this MASSIVE goal, you did the work and you earnt your title.

I love you so much xxxx

Ending the week BIG!

The Bigs went back to school - Lochie into year 2, and Bebe into year 1.

Niamh embarked on a new term of swimming on a Wednesday morning - now big and brave enough to go in by herself! She loves it.

We have also finished clearing the veg patch and with the help of Lucy, half

of it is freshly manured, with the other half to be done next week.

I have one run left of week 2 of the C15k, before moving onto week 3. I'm feeling good about it - I have missed running!

And so we end the week at my parents house, on Sunday Paul embarks on 'Challenge Henley'. An Iron distance triathlon - 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a 26.2 mile run..!!! All starting from the Henley management college - where I used to work a lifetime ago! I will of course be updating on that early next week - suffice it to say we are gearing up for a 16 hour mammoth triathlon event and Paul is excited.

Have a good weekend Clanettes xxx

Wales

Paul and I went to Wales, with our friends Jo and Dylan. Paul and Dylan had entered the Eiras middle distance triathlon and we made a weekend of it. We spent two nights at the foot of Snowdon and I was brave enough for my first 'wild swim' in a glacial lake - COLD! BRILLIANT!
Whilst the boys were racing, Jo and I went for a little bike ride along the race run route and I enjoyed my first leisurely cycle that didn't involve me testing myself. IT WAS GOOD!

A fabulous weekend - here it is in pictorial form:

The sun setting over Llyn Cwellyn the swim was so liberating, although very cold. My breath came in really short sharp rasps until I was used to the temperature, and even then I didn't stay in as long as everyone else. The lake is clear and clean, but once you're in and if you're brave enough to put your (goggled) face under, it is black and murky under the surface!

The day of the tri:

 

 

The boys did really well in the event, I am so proud of Paul. It was great to be a spectator on a public course and we were able to see them and talk to them on all the laps.

Special massive mention to my Mum and Dad for having the kidlets for two nights. Thank you. I know you know. But its nice to be told too. Thank you, it was such a great weekend, we really appreciate it.

See you soon Jo - hopefully sooner than last time - my only regret is that we didn't get a photo together. Don't worry, I won't forget our tri pledge..! xxx

Tri-versary

Its been a whole year since the Henley Triathlon (see here) and it feels like a good day to re-evaluate my goals. I spent the afternoon with Lucy today, and then we went for a swim this evening. The swim was good, if frustrating, yada yada, but it lead me to think about what my long term goals are.

What do I actually want to achieve now?

Back in January, before surgery, before I knew this year would be different to last year, I set myself 13 goals (I'm sorry I dropped out of your initiative Rebecca!) and those goals were:

My goals for 2013

Personal goals:
* SORT MY BACK OUT, OR AT LEAST LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE AND MANAGE IT
* FIND A PART TIME JOB - THIS IS A BIGGIE FOR ME, VERY SCARY MENTALLY

Family goals:
* 'DEEP CLEAN' AND ORGANISE THE HOUSE, ROOM BY ROOM
* INITIATE SOME ROUTINES TO HELP THE HOUSE FUNCTION MORE EFFICIENTLY
* GET THE KIDLETS INVOLVED IN HELPING THE HOUSE TO RUN SMOOTHLY

Health and fitness goals:
* WORK ON STRENGTHENING MY CORE, THIS WILL FURTHER HELP MY BACK
* TRY ALL THE FITNESS CLASSES I AM ENTITLED TO WITH MY GYM MEMBERSHIP
* HAVE SWIMMING TUITION TO IMPROVE MY TECHNIQUE AND SPEED
* TONE AND FIRM UP MY NEWLY SLIMMER BODY
* BEAT LAST YEARS HENLEY TRIATHLON TIME
* RUN 5K IN 30 MINUTES, SHAVE THE TIME FURTHER, THEN RUN 10K

* CYCLE 1OO MILES IN ONE DAY- THIS IS ALSO A BIGGIE, CAN I PHYSICALLY DO IT?

(See the post here)

I have actually achieved ALL of my personal and family goals - and I didn't even realise it!!! I have fixed my back, I have got a job, we deep cleaned the house, the kidlets are now more involved in the running of it, and actually, from my health and fitness list, I did have swimming lessons too. That's half the list done! Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Anyway my point is, well Lucy's point actually, as I was berating myself over a crap swim, was why do I keep beating myself up, why don't I just set myself a 'normal' goal? Why do I have to keep setting my standards to my old tri self? I didn't just get up and run from word go in Jan 2012, I didn't just cycle 66 miles one day. I wheezed my way through the C25K and earned my sweat and tears, I earned my first 5k run and I sure as hell earned my bike miles. So how can I expect what is effectively a new back, to start doing what old back couldn't even do towards the end (end of what?).

Normal goals!! I need to consider myself, my new self, my balance and what makes me happy.

My first goal, the first of my new and normal goals, is to set about finding 5 things I can achieve and will make me happy over the next few weeks and months.

This was taken a few weeks ago, it was a good evening and I laughed loads. I had just made the button necklace I'm wearing and enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine. More evenings like this are def going to be on my list of goals!

Thanks for Motivation Monday Rebecca,stolen your pin x


I challenge you too Clanettes, can you look back at the first half of this year and see what you've achieved?
Thanks for reading xx

Fareham Triathlon

Paul completed the fareham sprint distance (750 metres (0.47 mi) swim, 20 kilometres (12 mi) bike, 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) run) triathlon for the second time on Sunday, his first annual event! He beat last years time and was quite rightly, very pleased with himself.. It was great to stand at the finish line and cheer people in - I definitely want to get back into competing, both on my bike and triathlon. There is something about the pride and well earned sweat and tears in physical exertion that is exciting - and hard to replicate!

Anyway, a few shots for you. Paul competed for the Neuroblastoma charity heroes, with his friend Adam, and another heroine, Manuella.

Niamh and Rae Rae poolside

I was sat with Lochie and Bebe

Paul is stood (blue arm tattoos ans silver swim cap) waiting to get into the pool

In the pool - the charity filmed it!

How handy that he was allocated our near side lane!

Finish!

Posing with medals with Manuella - her first tri and she did amazing!

Paul and Adam coming in together

Post race posing. Well done Daddy!

Paul has big triathlon plans this year. A half Iron Man (also known as a 'middle distance' triathlon) race (1.93 km (1.2 mi) swim, 90 km (56 mi) bike, 21.09 km (13.1 mi) run) in August, then a full Iron man ('long' distance) race (2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run) in September... Only then the jammy triathlete WON a competition and gained entry to a half Iron on the 2nd of June!! 8 weeks earlier than training had planned.. He is nervous, and I think he is right to be so, but if there is one thing I can say about my husband - he can go the distance! You can totally do it Paul, we all believe it you. Love you xxx

Looking forward - sport

Paul and I have been looking to next year and setting ourselves some goals. After 3 weeks out of the game (aka gym!) I am feeling pretty de-motivated and so I really enjoyed our planning session last night - in front of a warm roaring fire, with bacon sandwiches, amazing apple cake courtesy of a visit from my family, in the coziness of our lounge. Win win. (See Vikki, I can own up to the less than virtuous food :-)

Swimming:
I had thought to enter an open water swim triathlon next year, but I have decided that this is perhaps bigger than I want for next year, when my primary goal is still cycling based. My swimming is good, although I maintain breaststroke, and I improve and improve, but it still isn't open water swimming worthy.
To this end I have decided to find a local lesson or two for adults who want to improve their stroke and technique.
I have promised myself that next summer I will endeavour to do some beach swimming.

Cycling:
100 miles in one go, during one sportif is my over whelming urge and goal next year. I love my bike and all the miles I do on her, she is my steed! I have decided to enter the New Forest Spring Sportive, doing the 'epic' route of 86 miles... Eeeeeeeeeeeeek. Let me reiterate. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKK. Emma and I booked the 50 mile 'standard' route this time last year and that was frightening. This feels on a par with that. I am further on than I was, I recognise that, but this is 20 miles further than I have done so far and its winter.. Dreaded cycling weather. BUT! Paul and I are gifting ourselves a turbo trainer for Christmas. The shed is fully kitted out and a perfect space for making the best use of a turbo trainer, and this one is our current favorite - although we will wait for the after Christmas sales before committing.
The autumn will see me enter my 100 mile race.. But dates haven't been released yet.

Running:
I continue to aim for 5k in 30 mins. My PB still stands at 5k in 33mins. I know that once I get back out there it won't be long before I can achieve it. I plan to maintain my running and vary my distance. 7k is a standard run for me right now, so extending that will be part of my plan. Continuing with my endurance will pay dividends once I get back into brick training come the spring.

Triathlon:
Initially Paul and I were very excited about the Festival of Sport, held in September in Cornwall. But the event has been cancelled (plus any triathlon there would have been open water swimming) so I have chosen two other initial triathlons for next year - a local one in Fareham (this years details can be found here, next year hasn't been confirmed yet) and I am going to go back to Henley (see here), now I know what to expect, to see what I can do about improving my time.

Paul's goals include a half distance iron man in August. The event is called 'The Eirias' and he plans to compete with our friend Dylan. A great challenge! My parents have kindly agreed to have the kidlets for two nights, so Paul and I are going to Wales for three days with Dylan and Jo - Jo is his wife, a friend I made when Bebe was born. I have mentioned her blog before, but you should go and check out her amazing feats here. They have four children, so it shall be slightly crazy that we will be without all seven kidlets for two nights! Bring on the wine. Ahem. I mean, bring on the training! Bring on the cheering!

Then in September Paul has entered 'Challenge Henley' which is a full distance Iron Man. C-r-a-z-y distances, not for the faint hearted.

I'm really excited by the initial plans we have made, and I am looking forward to getting back to training this weekend! On Sunday I shall make my come-back. A 5k run followed by a swim. Hasta la vista baby!

What are your plans for next year?

The Fear

So. This Saturday sees my last challenge of the year (well actually its not now (more on that later) but it's the last of my original planned challenges this year!). A 66 mile cycling sportive through the New Forest.

http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-new-forest-100-saturday-sportive-2012/

I am terrified. Excited. But mostly terrified.

This will be my 4th cycling sportive this year, my 5th event including the Tri, and my longest cycling distance ever. Full stop. 

I am particularly terrified because I haven't done any real distance on my bike for several weeks. The last two weeks have seen me do absolutely no exercise whatsoever, bar the 20 mile ride with the puncture last weekend. And then to round it off, my stomach, whilst healing nicely, is still bruised and not happy with the invention known as a 'waist band'.

Paul is cycling with me, he has stepped in to take the place of my Dad, who has an ongoing back injury. Emma, my original sportive partner, has decided to take on the 43 mile challenge instead and I totally understand and support her decision. Yet I am still determined to complete 66 miles.

Why on earth do I NEED to do 66 miles on Saturday?! Maybe I am slightly crazy (that's a given, right!) and maybe its a secret knowledge that I CAN do it (can I?!), but more than that, I think its probably that I need to keep upping my goals and keep proving to myself that I am capable of going the distance.  If I don't have a goal, whats the point?  The last couple of weeks have been frightening from a sitting on the sofa getting used to evenings in again perspective.  I have thought about how easy it would be to just not do any exercise again.  Its a routine, I know that.  Once you're doing it, you're in the routine and I enjoy it. I love how I feel after exercise.  But once I'm on the sofa enjoying a routine of sitting..  It gets easy to say 'tomorrow'..  And that only leads me backwards 10 months. I don't want to be her - I am NOT her anymore.

With that in mind, to keep my momentum (once I find it again - I am determined!), we have been looking at our goals for next year, and I am tentatively thinking about finding an 80 mile sportive in the spring, a couple of Triathlons during the summer and then going for 100 mile sportive next autumn..  I am still thinking about a half marathon, the thought of a warm winter on a treadmill really does appeal, but I just love my bike and running really isn't the same!

Anyway.  The Kidlets are going to my parents house over night tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday is do or die.  Paul will be with me, loaded with encouragement and food and even if it takes all day, I will complete.  As he says, we'll go and have a cycle, enjoy the time together, follow the route round and it'll be done before we know it.  True.

 Wish me luck Clanettes x x

9km!

Random running montage from this morning.  General shots of me trying unsuccessfully to use my camera phone whilst running and chasing Lucy into the distance

Lucy invited me to go running with her this morning, and very pleased I was too.  I decided to cycle to her house, and pack my swimming things and D-lock and cycle home afterwards, via the gym for a swim.  I haven't done any proper swimming for an age, so it felt good to get a set couple of hours where I was on for all 3 disciplines.
We met at her house just after 7am, popped my bike inside and off we we went.  It felt so good to be running with Lucy, I have missed her companionship.  I was pleased with how good I felt throughout and we got to 5km in 38 mins - this is an amazing pace for me, I can do 5km in 34 mins on a treadmill so I was delighted to keep under 40mins outside, in the rain and with inclines.  Brill.  Anyway, so we got to 5km, walked for a while and I thought we were done - so I switched my tracker off.  But no, Lucy set us off again and we got back to her house after 9km.. and whilst I was ready to stop, I didn't feel like I was ready to die.  Amazing.  A new distance personal best for me.  9km is just crazy!  I cycled to the gym on my way home, and did 20 lengths and as I cycled home I was high as a kite.  I kind of jumped in the front door and pranced around excitedly squealing to the children and Paul '9k! 9k!' I do like to celebrate, lol.  I don't think I have felt this good about a stand alone exercise related achievement since my spinning class back in March (read about it here).

This morning we reminisced about January and not being to run for even 1 minute, and how far we've come, what we have achieved in the last 9 months.  I honestly can't remember being that person back at the beginning of the year.. All I knew was that I didn't want to be her anymore - I didn't quite know what I wanted to be, but right now I can't imagine being anyone else, so I guess I've won?!

I'm not sure there is a point to my post today (is there ever I hear you ask!), other than to maybe record my achievement for myself.  Its so lovely to have a place all of my own to say 'Yay me!'.   And maybe to encourage you.  Seriously.  One day, or even one minute of effort at at time.  I honestly think you can achieve anything.

Look!  Look!  Clever me figured out how to screen print from my phone! The link to my workout is here - todays lesson is - do not press stop to early! 

And in other news - Paul has packed his kit, his RAB bag is nearly almost zipped up and ready to go.  I was on the sofa (a well earnt sit down, I think you'll agree!) ticking off the tick list, as Paul put his kit into the bag and we talked about requirements.  The kidlets were absorbed in lego when Lochie suddenly asked 'Mummy, will we be ok when Daddy is away?'  We were quick to assure him of course, but actually it made me cry and I'm not sure why.  Paul made light of it and reassured us all - we'd be worse off if it were Mummy going, he said, I have no clue what we'd eat or where your school uniform is.  Everyone laughed.

Of course we'll be ok Lochie, we are team Christie, we can do anything.

Triathlon article

Nice little article my Mum saved for me to have a read over, I couldn't find it online so I scanned it in to share with you.

Thanks for all of your well wishes for tomorrow's sportive, as Paul and I would say to each other in good luck 'Kill it Christie!' - I will do my best x