Swim

I don't want to swim for the first time since the cramp episode in the actual competition - that would be too nerve-wracking. So I went to LA Fitness this afternoon to try my legs out.

I didn't push too hard, but managed to swim for about 15 minutes, both breaststroke and crawl, without feeling any pain. Had a nice sauna too.

Bike

After work it was still light when I got home so I went for a spin on my bike to test my legs.

I cycled up to Wraysbury and then back through Horton ( ~10K ), and gradually increased my average speed up to about 30km/h to make it a 20 minute trip.

My cramp wasn't a problem, it's mostly only sore if I press the muscle. Quite pleased.

Fitness

My legs are very sore from the cramp yesterday. I can hardly walk, espacially down stairs.

Had to give the weekly cycle a miss.

I know I planned to take it easy in the last week before the race, but doing nothing at all wasn't really what I had in mind :-(

Swim

Total disaster today. went swimming at 7.30 in Heron Lake. first short lap went OK, but really struggled breathing and my old Aquasphere goggles steamed up.

Switched to the new Speedo goggles and attempted a full lap of the lake. Found that my breathing was much better now, perhaps I'd gotten used to the water, or maybe my suit was warmed up.

Half way round, did a long kick, and both calfs went into spasm with cramp. Luckily my wetsuit meant I stayed buoyant, but it was really painful.

Managed to get back shore again OK, even did a bit of front crawl which is improving after last weeks wash-out.

Worried about my legs though, this could take a while to get better, and my race is only a week away.

Run & Gym

LA Fitness gym today.

Did 15 minutes on the rowing machine to simulate swimming.

Then ran for 5 km, gradually increasing the speed, for a total of under 24 minutes. Stupid running machine stops after 20 minutes and you have to restart it.

Race

My first race rapidly approaches.

I am trying to remain calm, but really I'm quite nervous about it. I've been training since last August - nearly 10 months, and if I can't even finish the race I will be desperately disappointed. I'm reasonably sure my body will hold out. I'm scared of getting kicked in the face in the water, and of falling off my bike if the corners are wet. My time is going to suffer as I do everything I can to avoid these disasters.

I'm rereading my book, "The Triathlete's Training Bible" by Joe Friel, and reminding myself that this first year is a practice for a proper season next year. This small quote is particularly worth writing down:

"You do not, however, need a goal time for your first race. The objective of this one is to merely finish comfortably with a smile on your face. Once you accomplish that challenge and know what your capabilities are, realistic time goals can be determined for the next race. Every time you race, something is lerned that makes you a wiser, and ultimately more fit, athlete".

I feel better already!

Bike

Bank Holiday Monday. Did a ride in two halves, meeting Vivienne, Gina and Helen in Windsor for a picnic at the midway point. First time I've been out since I got the bike wearing only shorts and a shirt, and I've actually dirtched the gloves now as well. I actually got a little sunburnt.

distance 52.4
Time 1:47:15
Ave 29.41

So slower today than yesterday with the group. No wind protection I guess, and also I guess no pressure to keep up.

Bike

SBR bike ride. Thought it was just me and one other, but we bumped into another couple as we headed through Windsor.

It started out looking like it might rain, I wore my small black showerproof jacket which of course meant that the sun came out and it was really warm.

We went really fast, and I averaged my fastest time ever.

distance 67.32
time 2:01:30
Ave 33.23km/h
Max 54.95

That max speed is pretty high too. It was down the usual fast bit on my Cycle3 route.