Training Progress....

Monday

 

I did my weight and measurements first thing when I got into work. I was happy to see I had lost a bit of weight.

Weight - 58.1kg        56.9kg
Body fat - 22.2 %      21.9%
Waist - 77cm             76.5cm
Hips - 101cm             97cm

I took my spin class this morning and made everyone work hard. There were a lot of hill climbs and sprints. It was a tough session but really good.
I then managed to fit in some weights between clients which was a bonus. I just focused on a whole body session. Grainne and I then went out for a run and it was a lovely day for it. We went along the canal and then headed to the woods where I made her do some hill repeats which she loves:-) Not!!!

Thinking I hadn't done enough this morning I did Sophie's spin class which was good but by the end of the class I was pooped.

Tuesday

Melinda, Hilary and I went for a run from The Grove. The weather was not great but we knew we had to go. I would definately say it was not one of our best runs but we managed to get around!! We ran 11km but I felt it in my legs today.

Wednesday

I had the longest lay in for ages this morning 10:30am!! it was great and it was obviously needed. I met Melinda at the track in the afternoon. We could see a massive grey cloud which was not looking good and unfortunately while we were warming up it started to rain. We were not happy. The plan had been to do 8 x 400m but after 1, we called it quits because the rain started coming down  really heavy. There was really no point as Melinda is still not 100% and the wind was strong. We skipped the track and headed to Sportspace to go and swim.  We focused on lengths and our stroke. When I got home I went for an easy 3 mile run with my buddy Nina to get her miles in for her challenge she has nearly completed.

Thursday

Run club this morning and the ladies wanted to do the route from last week again so we headed off together on the 5km route. After that we went to the football pitch and I made them do some more running:-)

 

After run club I went to the gym and got on the spin bike. My buddy Donna came and joined me to keep going. I just wanted to do 1 hour and keep my RPM between 95-100.

Nigel was giving us moral support:-)

 

After my bike session I did some weights. Mark came over and gave me some tips on my squat which was very useful - thanks buddy:-) I finished off my weights session with some core and a good stretch and powerplate massage.



Friday

I covered cardio mix this morning. We did 30 minutes of a spin class followed by a circuit. After work I quickly squeezed in 40 laps of the pool before going to fetch my bike. I have to admit when I got home I had to lay down in my bed and snooze for a bit.

Saturday

 

6 weeks to go - Yikes!!!

 

Melinda met me at my house and she took me out for a bike ride. The sun was shining and Melinda was on a mission. We headed out to Tring and Wendover and back to Berkhamsted. I didnt know exactly where we always were but Melinda did so all was good. We had some hills to climb and when we were on the straight Melinda told me to put my head down and we went for it. The wind was strong today. I did find it tough but Melinda had said we were pushing it. I tried to stay on Melinda's wheel when I could but sometimes I had to just fall behind. It made we work hard though!!!  I did about 35 hard miles today. I was tired when I got home but pleased to have pushed it in the sunshine. I enjoyed my chocolate shake when I got home :-)

Sunday

Rest Day :-)

Training Progress

Monday

This morning I took a spin session at work and focused on keeping a steady RPM. My legs were still broken from my long ride yesterday so didn't fancy doing any sprints:-)
I met Grainne for our run session before work. The aim today was to do a 5km and a few hill repeats afterwards.

Before we set off

Grainne running strong along the canal by The Grove golf course. We are so lucky to have awesome surroundings to explore when we go running.

Grainne owning the hills:-)

Tuesday

Melinda and I did an easy 11km run in the morning. We were both feeling it in our legs from our bike ride on Sunday so we were happy just to let our legs tick over. I spent a lot of the day using my tiger tail and the powerplate at work to ease my muscles. I really do need to book a massage in soon.

Wednesday

After work I met Melinda at the track. I finally got her here:-) Melinda was a track virgin:-) Today was trial and error on the times but what I really wanted was for Melinda to just enjoy the session. We both ran  8x 400m  with a 1 minute recovery between each set. I havent been to the track for a while so my legs were pooped near the end but it felt so good to be back on it. What I love about the track is that it gives you a good opportunity to focus on your running technique.

Melinda after she had finished her first track session

Thursday

I had an awesome turnout for run club this morning. We completed a 5km run followed by a few hill repeats. After that, we went to the football pitch and finished off with a few sprints and some strength exercises. #buddytraining

My runclub buddies

 

After work I could only fit a quick gym session followed by a swim. I did some pull ups, trx press up and some core work. I then did a quick 50 laps of the pool at The Grove. I never managed to fit in what I wanted to but at least I got those bits in with the time I had.

Friday

I took the cardio mix class in the morning which was spin followed by a circuit. Then I headed off to Sports Space to meet Melinda and Vikki for a run with hills followed by a swim. We then headed to the pool and did a 2000 m swim. I could feel I was sore from my gym session yesterday and the push ups I did in my circuit this morning. After a really good workout session I went back home to bed for a few hours before going to work!

Melinda and Vikki before we headed off for our run

 

Melinda and vikki on it!! #buddytraining

Saturday

Rest day - 7 weeks until Majorca!!!

Sunday

I actually managed to have a lay in this morning. Woo Hoo!! How I have missed my lay in's. Once I was up and finished pottering around,  I sorted all my stuff ready to go out for my long bike ride followed by a run.

 

Once I set off it was then I realised I had under dressed for the weather yet again. The wind was really strong today so found myself concentrating alot more than usual. I ventured up the horrid Bison hill again, it was still very hard but I think I managed it alot better than previous days. I was very pleased when I made it to the top. I didnt need a rest this time, so I just kept going.

I wanted to do 30 miles today but when I was heading on the home straight I would of only done 26 miles so instead of coming up Hudnall Lane I stayed on the Leighton Buzzard road to make up some more mileage. OMG the wind was horrendous!!! It was an open area so no chance of any shelter. I was struggling at this point I have to be honest. I felt like I was going nowhere but I kept my head down and carried on going. I kept thinking Ballerina legs Kerry. (What my buddy Melinda always says to me:-))

When I was close to home I was feeling relieved but was still trying to talk myself out of doing the run off after the bike but thankfully I didn't. Once I got home I quickly put my bike away and changed my shorts and got my trainers on to head out the door for a run. I say I did it quickly but it really wasn't - my body was so cold so I think it was more slow motion:-)

When I started running my feet were so numb. It feels so weird running when your feet are still so cold. I was just going to run to the end of the road and back so thought I can do this. Just as I was near home it started to hail so I made it back just in time. I managed 33 miles on the bike today followed by a 1.5km run off.

Even though it was cold and windy I am happy with my session today.
I have felt this weeks training has gone really well. So hopefully next week will be the same.
#Majorcahalfironmantraining

Training Progress

Monday

I covered Roland's spin class in the morning so it was good to get some time on the bike. After work I managed to fit in some weights. My session included: Chest Press, Pull ups, Shoulder press, Squats and core.

Tuesday 

Melinda and I met early in the morning for our long run session. We ran around Berkhamsted and covered about 15km. In the afternoon I ran with my buddy Nina again to support her for her charity challenge. We did a nice easy 5km run.

Wednesday

On Wednesday Melinda and I met at Sportspace in Hemel and did a nice pacey 5km run before heading to the pool. We had a good 45 minute session in the pool and did a few 100m reps trying to get a time of 1:45. I have to say I was knackered after the session but felt good:-)

Our run time
 

Our swim time

 

Thursday

I had run club on Thursday morning so did a nice easy 5km run with my running buddies. It was a lovely day for it. I had a brick session planned for today and was contemplating whether to do it inside or outside. I thought if I go home I would be very tempted not to do anything but my buddy Melinda told me to get out in the sunshine. I cycled a nice route around where I live and it took me about 51 minutes. As soon as I got back I put my bike away, got my trainers on and headed back out the door for a 5km run. Surprising I actually felt okay and  was very chuffed when I finished that I had actually gone outside on my bike. I need to take advantage when the sun is out.

Friday

I met Vikki and Melinda Friday morning at Sportsspace in Hemel for a swim. We had a session planned, to swim for 45 minutes non stop. I have to say if my buddies were not there I would have stopped earlier. It makes such a difference having buddies to train with because they keep you going. We did 2150m in the pool. I'll take that:-)
In the afternoon Melinda came to The Grove and we went and did some hill training. I have not done hills in a while so found the last couple really hard. Hopefully when we do them again we will find it a little easier:-) Then we went into the gym and did an all over weights session which was really good. After doing the hills, the squats proved to be a little tricky but we managed them just about!

Saturday

Rest day - 8 weeks to go until Majorca!!!

Sunday

I was a little nervous going out on my bike today because we were doing a long ride. I wasn't sure on the distance because Melinda had planned the route for us but I thought it would be around 50 miles. So before I left the house I made sure I had enought supplies to fuel myself during the bike ride.

 

Fuel for my ride

 

 

I was really enjoying the bike ride in the sunshine with my buddies. Until we came down this horrible hill. I have to admit I was really scared coming down and had these visions of falling off but thankfully I made it to the bottom safe and sound!!! After that hill it was all plain sailing :-)

 A quick stop for a picture
 

 

I was extremely chuffed when I had completed 40 miles and knew I was on the home stretch. We had to finish by riding up Ivinghoe beacon. My legs were shattered but with Justin's encouragement I got to the top, thank goodness. My buddies noted that they had really seen an improvement since our last ride together so that has really helped motivate me to continue with all this training. I managed 56 miles in 3:45. I am very pleased with that:-)

Happy to be finished
 

The first thing I did when I got home was make my peanut butter and banana chocolate shake - yummy!! I think I deserved that today. My first long ride of the year.

 

I have really enjoyed this week of training. It really feels like we are progressing and its definately all about buddy training and helping motivating each other towards our goals. Bring on next weeks training plan.

Training Progress.....

Monday

I took Roland's spin class in the morning so managed to get 45 minutes on the bike. I didn't work as hard as the members though because there is no way I could spin and give out instructions at the same time! I am still a newbie:-)
I then went out for a 5km run with some hill repeats which was good. I had some time after work so I hit the pool and did 40 lengths and then also did some sprint repeats. Then later on I met my buddy Melinda and we had a good weights session at her house. We did an all over gym sesh and it felt good. By the time I got home I was well and truely pooped though!

Tuesday

I was tired from yesterday (yes - I did overdo it!!) So was happy to have a rest day. It was pancake day so it would be rude not to have made one:-)

Peanut butter, banana and blueberrie pancake

Cottage cheese

2 x eggs

Oats

Blend together

Wednesday

I woke up super early and met Melinda at hers for a 6am run. It was freezing to start but soon as we got into the rhythm of it, I loved it. It is so lovely running early in the morning. We did a good 14km route - not bad for an early start.

Melinda running

Thursday

I did a little run with my buddy Donna followed by a few weights which I really enjoyed. Then Melinda and Hilary met me at The Grove and we went out for a bike ride together. M and H had already been out riding before me so we made our way out of  The Grove and headed out towards Sarrat and Chipperfield way. When we got to Bovingdon we said bye to Melinda and Hilary and I made our way to Berkhamsted. Then Hilary headed home towards Markyate and I added another loop because I needed to add some more time on the saddle. I decided to head towards Whipsnade Zoo and go up the massive hill - Bison hill - OMG it was hard especially because my legs were tired from cycling anyway. I was huffing and puffing so much. I am glad I was on my own so no one could hear my breathing!! One day I will conquer that hill. I was very happy to stop and catch my breath and take a picture:-)

Top of Bison Hill

 I do love my bike:-)
 

I was out on my bike for about 2 and a bit hours. It was windy and Ifound it hard but I am glad I went out. Thanks for meeting me buddies and getting me out on my bike.
When I got home I collapsed on my bed for a while and then when I found the energy I made myself a chocolate and banana shake. It was yummy:-) I was meant to add peanut butter but I totally forgot (My favourite ingredient for anything!!) I must of been shattered!!

 Friday

I did Roland's class in the morning. We did 30 minutes working in different heart rate zones which was really good. We finished off with a circuit of chest press, core and lower back exercise.
I then ran with my buddy Melinda. Today we were focusing on pace so planned to do a fast punchy 5km run. We did some weights after our run which was really good which included Chest press, Lat Pulldown, Leg extension, Deadlift and Shoulder press. We smashed it!!!
After work, I did 60 lengths in the pool focusing on gliding
I joined my buddy Nina on her 3 mile run in the evening. She's completing a 250 mile charity run in 125 days in aid of Nicola Hughes, the police officer who was brutally killed last year. She's on the home straight now with about 60 miles to go! www.justgiving.com/bedfordshirepoliceruntoremember

 

 

Saturday

After work I did a brick session. A brick session is when you go from bike to run. I had planned to do it with my buddy Chris but he was unable to make it so I did it on my own. It was hard to start with but soon as I got into the zone it was all good. I did 20 minutes on the bike RPM 90-100 then 1 mile run x 3.
9 weeks to go until Majorca!!

Sunday

Rest day

Training Progress.....

Lately I've been feeling really tired when working out but in the last few days I'm starting to feel like I am back on track with my training:-)  I am looking at my eating now as I would like to lose some weight in preparation for race day. I only want to lose it slowly, nothing dramatic so will make some slight tweaks. I am having one Herballife shake a day which I am really enjoying. Depending on my training for the day determines when I take it but usually in the morning before work.

I have recorded my weight and measurements to see how I progress over the next couple of weeks

Weight - 58.1kg
Body fat - 22.2 %
Waist - 77cm
Hips - 101cm

My week of training

Monday -  I did Roland's spin class which was good and then a nice steady 5km run with a few hill repeats.
Tuesday - After work I attempted a brick session which I found hard to start with but once I got into the rhythm of it, it was okay. I missed my training buddy Melinda. After the brick session I did some weights.
Wednesday - I officially became British today so decided to have a rest day and enjoy a few glassess of prosecco:-))

 

Thursday  - My buddy Donna joined me on the spin bike for an hour session after run club. It was awesome to have someone next to me or I would probably have given up much earlier.  Thanks for staying on the bike with me buddy:-))  After the bike I did some upper body weights and had a good stretch.

Friday - Rest day

Saturday  - I did double spin with Sophie in the morning and really enjoyed it. By the end of the second class I was  starting to tire but glad I was able to do both sessions.
10 weeks until race day today - Scary!!!

Sunday - Lazy day
A lot of my training has being on the bike this week. The reason for this is that it is my weakest discipline so I really do need to focus and start to love cycling. Especially as I only have about another 8 weeks of hardcore training.

Brighton Half Marathon 2014.....

I made my way to Brighton in the pouring rain.  Thinking I must be mad to be doing this!!
That evening I had my favourite Pre Dinner at Pizza Express (this has become a superstition of mine!)

Before I went to bed I layed all my gear out ready for the morning.  Note my chip is on the back of my number:-)

 

I woke up early in the morning to have my porridge and cup of tea. When I was ready, made my way to the start line. It was buzzing and awesome to have the sun shining for a change. When I went to put my music on it said battery low!!! Not a very good start to a race and there was me thinking I was organised but obviously not :-)

Ready to go

The gun went and off we all went. All I could think about in the beginning was what a lovely day for a run but after about 2 miles I started feeling tired and heavy. Not a very good sign. The next 2 were the same and I was feeling very hot as I had over dressed. It seriously felt like a summers day. When I got near to mile 5 I was ready to stop. My body was tired and I was constantly fighting the demons in my head. Thankfully I didn't and instead put my music on to Katy Perry's track - Firework, it saved me. As soon as I was listening to my music, everything changed and I just got into my running zone - so thank you Katy:-)

At mile 10 we were heading back to the finish line along the seafront. My legs were starting to tire but I thought just 3 more miles Kerry - keep going. I could also really start to feel a blister on the back of my heel which was sore. The crowds were quite big at this point, lining the sea front and the support really helped spur me on. . When I saw the finish line getting closer I thought just keep pushing and then I can have my post race Nando's.
I was very pleased to finish with a time of 1:37:51. Beating my time from last year which is always good.
I love this race in Brighton, its always so well organised and is a great course. Definately one to recommend for anyone wishing to do their first half marathon, you won't be disappointed!

Happy to be finished

 

When I got back to the hotel room, I put my feet up on the bed and then saw blood and was thinking where has that come from? I looked at my feet and low and behold,  it was the the blister on the back of my heel. Look at the state of my trainer!!

I had to go to Nando's for lunch to celebrate!!