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.