Ironman UK Training Weeks 3, 4 and 5

In Which I Battle The Weather And An Illness

Week 3

This week was quite a good week. Stuck to my training plan close enough as I was still on holiday for the first half of the week. Went back to work on the Friday for a 12 hour shift then ran an hour afterwards.

On the Saturday I worked 12 hours, then ran for 45 mins. I’m a security guard in a shopping centre so on my feet for nearly all the day, so very chuffed I still ran afterwards.

Sunday, however, was different. Sunday was a cycle day. Sunday was only a 7 hour shift day. Sundays weather was like a tornado.

I rode to work in the morning (3.4mile downhill) and then after work I planned on an hour and 45 cycle. I didn’t plan on the wind and rain however, and I took a battering. The wind seemed to be in my face the entire way (out AND back) and I was drenched. This was my first proper outside ride of the year, and it did me in. I turned back earlier than planned as I was drained, and a mile from home I had to nip in a shop to buy a mars bar for some energy. Not chuffed.

Swim: 1.03 mile (01:00:39)
Bike: 37.03 mile (03:02:06)
Run: 17.88 mile (03:02:00)

Total Distance: 55.94 miles
Total Time: 07:05:05

Week 4

Worked the Monday, did no exercise.

Tuesday I walked up to the bus stop (planning on an hour run after work) but instead of being normal my body decided to throw up. Horrible. There was an old woman at the bus stop who started rubbing my back and told me I should go back home, and if a random fairy godmother gives you advice at a bus stop, you listen. Called in sick.

Wednesday, called in again.

Thursday I went back to work (6-6) but still felt off. 30 min run after work.

Friday, sickness strikes back and stays through Saturday.

Sunday was a day off and a day of feeling quite good so went to the gym in the evening and did an hour on the bike and then a 15 min run.

Swim: None
Bike: 17.2 mile (01:00:00)
Run: 4.35 mile (00:43:20)

Total Distance: 21.55 miles
Total Time: 01:45:20

Week 5

Through the night it had snowed and snowed quite a lot. Wanted to get out riding on the road but settled for the gym. 45 min ride (13 miles) then a mile swim. Felt good after the previous week.

Tuesday was a rest day due to a family party so had beer instead of exercise. I regret nothing.

Weds was another 6-6 shift and the snow came down all day. I’d planned an hour run after work, however, and wouldn’t be beaten by the weather. I think a cleaner at work summed it up best when she saw me in my running kit, signing out of work when she said “Are you f**king stupid?!”

Chuffing hell it was cold. Plenty of snow on the ground and plenty more falling down. Surprisingly enjoyable though, never run in the snow before. Slipped a couple of times but nothing major.

Slow and steady all the way which meant I got a good look at the confused (concerned?) faces of people driving by. Six miles took 01:07:16. Got home to a lovely status:

Thursday and Friday I worked 10-9 and it was still crappy weather so didn’t get anything done.

Saturday I was off, so went for a cycle outside. It was still chuffing freezing though so wrapped up warm.

12 nice steady miles done by lunch time, including some hills.

That brings me to today. Worked, then ran home. My training plan called for an easy hour run so figured I’d get around 10k in that time. It actually ended up 10k in an hour and 19 seconds.

Swim: 0.89 mile (00:59:00)
Bike: 24.7 mile (01:58:06)
Run: 12.2 mile (02:07:35)

Total Distance: 37.79 mile
Total Time: 05:04:41

On to week 6!!

Totals Since Training Plan Started

Swim: 2.93 mile
Bike: 116.13 mile
Run: 48.78 mile

Total Distance: 167.84 mile
Total Time: 20:22:24

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