Communication problems this morning. Went for a ride with Turbo Man, and, after 50 mins working reasonably hard, was looking forward to the last 15 mins. Until TM mentioned that from where we were we would do a 10k loop, and then back the way we came.... Just over 2 1/4 hours in the end. Turned it into a brick with a run when I got back, so a real quality session.

Three leaving functions and a Birthday Party this week. Only managed two rides this week, mainly due to fatigue, rather than a shortage of time. Back on track next week, though.

I hate my Heart Rate Monitor

I hate my HRM. It sits there, on the handlebars, recording heart rate and time, ensuring that my efforts are worthwhile. But, it counts the time sooo slooowly. Which makes my legs hurt lots.

Last night I tested to find my lactic threshold; the point at which you go from training aerobically, to anaerobically. The test is 30 mins max effort on the bike, with your heart rate recorded and averaged out over the last 20 mins. If you go too fast, you won't be able to maintain the effort, so throughout the session you keep 'bouncing' off your anaerobic zone. Armed with this figure, I will be able to train at 90% of my lactate threshold (aerobically) all day long and so increase my cycling speed, but if you don't know 100%, you can't know 90%, or 120% can you?

A good start to training this week. 3 hours on the bike on Monday (God, it was cold) and then an hour's spinning at lunch today, with weights and core stability tonight after work. If I can keep away from illness, injury and Guinness, then I will rack up the hours this week.

Just over 2 hours with on the road Turbo Man. Fairly steady session, but starting to feel the effects at the end. It's clear that I need to put in some serious miles over the next few weeks if I am going to be dragging him around, rather than drafting him back home. Anyhow, he's bound to be faster, he shaves his legs.

My New Blog!

I was persuaded by Turbo Man to create a blog. I have been umming and aaring for some time, but he suggested that I use it as a motivational tool as I head towards this year's Ironman France. It's not my first Ironman, but, as I don't have the 'first Ironman (will I finish) nerves' I am looking into more scientific training methods to maximise both my training and the result on the day. Previously, I have used a 'get me round' strategy where the training consists of nothing more than long, steady efforts, building up to the race distances, interspersed with anaerobic efforts to relieve the boredom and give me some speed. But, as they say, train slow, race slow, so this year I intend to focus my training and quicken my pace.

Any suggestions from anyone who has been here before are very welcome!

CC