Biking, hiking and then getting injured...

It's been a while since my last post (which was a review of my half marathon!). March has whizzed by in a blur and I have been super busy kick starting my training for Cotswold's Triathlon in June. It has been so nice to finally get back on my bike and reduce the milage in my runs. I have definitely made the most of being on wheels with a few good long cycles, including a 40 miler from North London to Richmond and back. 

Things were going really well and I was really excited to finish the month spending Easter in the Lake District hiking with my family. We had an absolute blast and managed to get in some good climbs. I did however come away with a rather painful injury to my right achilles, which even six days later, I am still suffering with. Looking back, I am wondering if its linked to my hiking boots (which to be honest were just a cheap pair from Mountain Warehouse). They didn't have the best support, especially around the ankle and I assume that I am now paying the price for this. 

Running is now currently off the cards and cycling is just about manageable. Going uphill is a bit painful. I can luckily still swim (thank god I can do something!), but even walking is painful. The aim of the game is to ice and stretch as much as I can to ensure I make a speedy recovery! I am definitely not in a place to be injured (well who ever is!?). I have Tough Mudder just round the corner and need to make sure I am in tip top shape for it!

Do you have any tips for achilles niggles? Would love to hear any advice for a quick, secure recovery!


Lipstick Runner.

TRAINING UPDATE: Feeling tired

This post comes with a mixture of feelings. I seemed to have gone from feeling unstoppable and speedy to lethargic, achy and well, quite frankly, a tad moody at times.

The last few weeks have certainly been interesting in terms of my training. Following on from the success of my last update (here), my running went from strength to strength during my training sessions. I found myself tackling more hills and even hurled myself out of bed on a Sunday at 6.30am to fit in a run before work. This is very unusual for me.

In terms of my swimming and cycling, these have been consistent. I'm not any slower but nor am I faster. It has come to my attention that I really struggle to 'push the pace' when swimming. I have reached a point in my training where I have a speed that is comfortable and manageable over longer swim distances. This is the fastest my body wants to go and I am happy to accept it. The swim in my triathlon won't be my shining moment so I just need to concentrate on getting through it with energy to spare.

Cycling has recently been on the back burner, with just my daily commute and the very occasional longer ride at the weekend. Over the Easter break, I did manage to join a fellow training companion for a cycle along the canal to Hertford. We cycled almost 50K in total, which was super good training for me. It was also the first time I tried out my cleats on a long ride and I must say they did feel very comfortable (even if I did fall off 10K in - shh it never happened).

In general, I can't complain with how my training is going. Trying to juggle workouts around work, wedding planning and generally having a life is getting harder, especially as my big day draws closer. I'm the busiest I have even been with hours, days, weeks flying past. I haven't really stopped since coming back from Christmas and I think my body is starting to protest about this. So much so, that this week my energy levels have depleted.

I started to notice a decline in my efforts when I went out for a 10K at the weekend. I went with my partner and we took on a hilly route at a casual pace. What was alarming is that I found this tough and I was running a good minute or so slower than normal. This worried me. I also got the worse stitch at mile five and had to stop for a couple of minutes for it to subside. When I got home, I felt a little upset but decided to shake it off and tried again on Tuesday, this time doing my normal mini brick session (cycle home and then a 5K run). Tuesday was a particularly warm day and I think us Brits are trying to adjust to the hotter weather (goodbye thick leggings and woolly hats!). About half a mile into the run, I began to feel really heady and thirsty. My legs were lifeless and putting one foot in front of another was proving to be a real effort. Two miles in, I had to stop as again I had a really awful stitch.

What on earth is wrong with me? Two runs suffering pain and exhaustion. Something isn't right and with my first ever duathlon only a week away, it is unnerving that I am feeling this way. I guessed I might be really tired in general but the other morning, I did wake up feeling a bit groggy with a scratchy throat and snotty nose. The start of a dreaded cold - which would make sense why I feel so poo.

Despite these symptoms, by Thursday I went out as normal to do my fortnightly speed session. I was going to sweat it out! It was warm again so I opted to take a drink with me which helped a lot. I chose to carry out a pyramid session and ran around Alexandra Palace and surrounding residential areas. By the halfway point I had found a decent pace - still slower than normal but a big improvement from Tuesday. I average exactly seven minute miles, which is just over my ideal 5K pace.

(above: before and after my hot and sweaty speed session)

Talking about 5Ks, I haven't forgotten about my challenge to go sub 21 (see here). It really is still on the agenda and I was close to trying it out the day after my birthday (the original deadline I had set myself). The only thing is that I may have had one too many gins the night before and didn't get up in time for parkrun. I know - I'm useless but it was my birthday after all...

The sub 21 will happen. I am sure of it. All my speed work and hill training is definitely helping me work towards this goal and I'm hoping by the Summer, it will be ticked off my list. I did have great success at my local parkrun ever so recently. It's a tricky course and I managed it in 22.26 so I am super keen to try out a flat 5K to see if I can make the 20s. 

This weekend I am away on wedding business so I will need to fit my training in around venue visits, florist meetings and of course a big fat lunch with the Best Man and Bridesmaid (this is a necessity). I'm hoping to do a brick session on Sunday - using my parents indoor bike and then heading out for a 30 minute run. After this, I will have a quiet week, resting up for my duathlon on the 18th. Judging by how tired and achy I'm feeling, I'm going to need it!

I'll keep you posted!

Lipstick Runner.

KIT PICKS: Going cycling pro with pedals & cleats...then falling off.

(my new cycling shoes and pedals - along with some lock laces I purchased for my triathlon!)

I've got fancy new pedals and shoes for the bike. They were an early birthday present from my parents. I guess you could say I have had a little voice nagging in my ear to man up and try them out. I cycle every day to work and also go on bike rides at weekends. Whenever I head out, whether on my commute or leisurely route, I am finding myself one of the few without cleats.

Since I got my bike eight months ago, I hadn't planned on getting special shoes. It felt fine with standard pedals and trainers but when I went on my big bike ride back in the New Year (which you can read about here), my friend, who wears cleats, was saying how beneficial she finds them. The motion of pulling and pushing helps to pick up speed and it eases the pressure on the legs which, without them, rely only on pushing the pedals down.

So when my parents came to visit me a couple of weeks back and suggested they get me new pedals and shoes for my birthday, it felt like a good time to delve into it. I opted for Look Keo2 Max pedals. No particular reason behind them other than the guy in the shop told me they were decent and my Dad was happy with the price. My only point was that I wanted pedals that weren't too small and these seemed a decent size. To go with the pedals, we purchased a pair of Louis Garneau's - in particular the women's Carbon LS 100 road shoes. Whilst the look of them put me off (I mean come one, they aren't the most feminine looking...), the dude in the shop did lure me in with the quick attach rail system. So basically, instead of Velcro straps, I have metal string on a loop that I tighten. It just means they are quicker to take on and off, which is great if I am going to use them for the triathlon.

In all, I was sorted. I left the shop with everything I needed and didn't hesitate to fit my new pedals and get going. I opted to head out early one Saturday morning (I went out at 7am to ensure the roads were quiet) and cycle around my neighbourhood to practice getting to grips with the clipping and unclipping of the shoes. It seemed straightforward and an hour later, I plucked up the courage to cycle to the train station where I took the train to Essex to stay with my future in-laws.

By the time Sunday came, I took the opportunity to head out on a 10 mile cycle along the quiet country lanes nearby. Half hour into the ride and I felt brilliant. "This clippy stuff is easy," I scoffed in my head. Ten minutes later, I fell. Not just a light fall onto the soft grassy banks on the outside of the road. I fell off a high curb into the road, hard, in front of a motorbike...

The thoughts that went through my head in that split second when I forgot to unclip and fell sideways into the road were 'I'm going to die!' 'the motorbike is going to hit me' and 'crap this is going to hurt'. Luckily, he swerved onto the other side of the road to dodge me and as soon as I cracked my shoulder on the curb, I sprung up from the fear and pain straight away. My bike chain had come off, my handle bar had bent inwards and I was looking a little worse for wear. Not cool. The man on the bike seemed more shook up than I did. Despite the pain, I felt more embarrassed than anything else.

The adrenalin from the fall made me pedal much faster home and by the time I walked through the front door, head hung in shame, my family had me in a hot bath followed by ice packs for my swelling arm and shoulder. 

Did it hurt the next day? Hell yes. I felt like I had been run over (which I could have almost been!). Every inch of my body ached and I had a nasty bruise on my right hand and shoulder. Have I falled off since though? No. What I've learnt is that no matter how much a fall scares you, you have to get back on the bike and try again. If you retain that fear, you will never find the courage to keep trying. Getting on my bike Monday morning to cycle to work, with the cleats, was terrifying but by saying over and over 'remember to unclip', I managed to get to work in one piece.

Will I fall off again? Probably. I mean, in reality I hope not but who can predict. What I can say for now is that I am not totally in love with my new pedals (yet) but I am hoping that with more and more practise, it will become second nature and I will start to see why this form of cycling is so much better for my speed.

Lipstick Runner.

TRAINING UPDATE: Countdown to Blenheim Palace Triathlon

My first triathlon is 14 weeks away. Wahh! Where has the time gone from when I entered back in August!? If I look back at my training, I oddly feel like I have progressed a lot but at the same time feel like I am flagging a bit behind schedule.

Truth is, I can't really gage how well I am doing because I have never done a triathlon before. My problem at the moment is that I am looking at each discipline and criticising myself, especially for running. A lot of my fellow club members are all half or marathon training so are clocking up lots of miles whilst little me over here is popping in a couple of short runs each week. It almost feels inferior but at the end of the day, I don't need to be out doing 10 mile training runs at this time. The run of my Sprint distance is 5.8K and I know I can cover this with ease. What I need to do is cover this with ease off the back of a 13 mile bike ride.

So this is where the introduction to brick sessions comes in. To this date, I have attempted mini versions after work on a Tuesday evening - cycling home 4.5 miles and then going straight into a three mile run. It doesn't seem a lot but starting off this small is really important. If I can nail this, I can slowly add on the miles and build up to Sprint distance standard (or near enough). My first brick session was interesting. I battled through rush hour traffic to get home and then I lobbed my bike in the hallway, quickly stripped down to my running gear and heading straight back outside. For the first 200m, my legs felt like jelly as they didn't have a clue what was going on. The first half of the route I take is also all uphill so they really didn't like the situation I was putting them through. However, by the final mile, it was a nice downhill slope, my legs had awakened and pace was on top form!

I felt fantastic when I walked through the door with this time in the bag. Not bad for a first timer and I must say, I slept soundly that night so it must have exhausted my body. The couple of sessions that followed this have been just as successful and slowly my body is learning to cope with back to back multi sport challenges.

To top off the success of my running, I have also been very fortunate to bag a course PB at my local parkrun. I attended not even expecting a new and improved time (at that point my PB was 23.30). I had also spent the night previous to this guzzling gin punch and dining on Indian tapas at Dishoom so my body sure didn't feel on top form. Yet, out of nowhere, I pulled off what is probably my best ever 5K run. Taking on the deadly steep incline of the two lap course, I still managed to hold an average pace of 7.13 per mile and crossed the finish line in a gobsmacking 22.26. 

(Above: Dinner at Dishoom. Below: new 5K time for Finsbury parkrun)

The realisation of this fancy new time didn't hit me at first - my initial thought was that my Garmin must had lost signal at some point. I really couldn't believe I had done it. When the results from the race came through later that day (confirming my time), I was also chuffed to see I placed 3rd lady. I must say I did feel slightly smug and the celebratory Nandos for lunch that day was totally deserved.

As I have been so busy with work lately and travelling to lots of different parts of the country, finding time to fit in speed and hill sessions has been tricky so to bag myself this parkrun time, I really have to thank these mini brick sessions. They have really built up my strength and stamina and when I run, my body does feel stronger and firmer.

Along with my brick sessions, I have also incorporated daily sit-ups and crunches into the mix. I took on the 30 Day Abs Challenge throughout February and whilst I must admit I can't psychically see a huge difference, I can feel it. My core engages with the rest of my body so much better now and I have especially noticed this benefit when cycling uphill or running at quicker paces. I plan to continue with the sit-ups, switching to doing them every other day. Now I know I can bosh out 50 sets, it is a workout that barely takes up any time. I tend to do mine whilst my dinner is cooking in the oven!

So, what's next for me in the final weeks of training? Well, if you read my latest Operation Bridal Bod post (see here), you will notice my rather attractive wetsuit has arrived. This can only mean one thing - time for open water practise! The days are getting lighter and the air is a tad milder so it will soon be an appropriate time to don the suit and get used to swimming in a lake. I have definitely nailed the front crawl technique in the pool, now I need to hold it up in open water without the security of sides to push off every 30m. I hope to carry out a few sessions in my local lido first before moving onto the Serpentine. I'll also be cycling to this location so can attempt a brick session of swim then cycle which will be extremely beneficial!

Along with this next phase in my swimming, I am also taking on my first duathlon in April which I have purposely positioned as intense brick training in the lead up to the big race. This is approaching really fast so I need to stay focussed on my current brick sessions in order to complete the run-bike-run course. Inside, I am hoping to pull it out of the bag come race day - luckily I have never done a duathlon before so whatever time I get will be a huge achievement for me.

Are you training for your first triathlon? What training are you doing to prepare for race day?

Lipstick Runner.

TRAINING UPDATE: Cycling 40 miles

At the weekend, I accomplished my biggest cycling achievement to date - cycling 40 miles! A year ago, I would have never predicted I'd be spending my Sundays heading out of London on bike rides but after arranging a ride with my fellow triathlon girls, I felt confident I could give a long cycle a go. I had already reached 20 miles (which you can read about here) and we were predicted to do around 30 on this ride.

We headed from Finsbury Park out of London up through Enfield to Epping Forest. A lot of it was very urban with lots of busy streets, weaving in and out of traffic. Luckily we had a leader, Beth (who is an incredible cyclist!) who knew the way and so we stayed close (well as close as we could keep up) behind her. The course to the forest was relatively flat and by the time we reached the edge of Essex, the country roads started to open up. 

It was nice to finally be on quiet roads surrounded by countrysides and after turning off a main A-road onto a little narrow lane, Beth said we were near Epping Forest. We just had to take this track to the forest and she did warn us of a short steep hill near the end. Beth was clever here by stating 'short'. In actual fact, for me who is a wimp when it comes to hills, it was a long, practically vertical climb and definitely the steepest hill I have tackled to date. Halfway up, my quads were starting to burn and the hill just got steeper and steeper! I was wheezing so much when I reached the top I had to stop for a break. My legs were shaking but I was secretly super proud of myself for actually get up it.

Soon after this mega slope, we reached Epping Forest and were quick to park our bikes for a break at a little tea stop by the car park, where apparently a ton of cyclists stop for snacks!

By this point we had reached roughly 15 miles and I personally was relieved to have this break. I stupidly only ate an apple for breakfast and so I was absolutely famished when we had reached this point. Not to mention bloody freezing! Cycling in the winter months really takes it out on your toes and fingers. Mine were all numb and painful. So we all took a pew and had a nice hot cuppa with a Snickers bar (as you do).

After our much deserved refreshments, we were off again and this time we cycled around the forest, taking in the beautiful scenery. Beth is really familiar with this area and took us on a lovely course along a secret path and through some really scenic trails. The weather, albeit it icy cold, was absolutely divine so I got some great pictures!

I really enjoyed this part of the route. I felt a million miles away from London and as it was such a bright, sunny day I felt like I was on a weekend break somewhere. Going along this particular route took us back through some small villages where we were back on roads but this time very undulating roads. We zoomed down windy slopes to then be met with a steep hill at the bottom which we would push on up. Ascending and descending was great practice for me in terms of speed work and I did secretly enjoy using the speed from the down-hills to get up the up-hills quickly. 

By going through the villages and residential areas, we found ourselves back on track for the road to London and Beth lead the way. Sorry to share what could be perceived as too much information but by this point my bum was killing me! I don't own cycling shorts and without the luxury of a padded butt, I was beginning to bear the grudge of not wearing a pair. Each and every push on the pedal ached and what happens when I start to feel this fatigue? Oh thats right, another massive hill! This one was dead straight and you could see all the way to the top. It was long but a tad less steep than the previous hill. I'm glad Beth didn't warn us as I would have thought about it all the through the cycle and so when I was faced with it, there was nothing to do but go up! It felt like it took light years but we struggled to the top, with me again collapsing at the side of the road huffing and puffing. Hills are so tough!

It was really hard to gage my whereabouts at this point but I kept looking at road signs where I could and we were in the E10 area of London heading for Hackney. It was these last few miles that were probably the hardest as I was feeling really tired, not to mention so hungry and absolutely frozen from the icy cold winds we faced. They literally made my eyes water. Being back on the busy streets with all the buses and cars also meant 200% concentration and so mentally I felt pretty pooped too.

We however made it safely back to Finsbury Park, with Beth using her Garmin to gage a route of just under 40 miles. I couldn't believe it! I set out to do 30 and I added on another 10 without it feeling too much. I was on cloud nine! After bidding farewell to my friends, I then had to troop back to my house which was another mile or so and rather unfortunately, uphill. By the time I got home, I devoured all the food I could get my hands on instantly, including a banana and cinnamon smoothie which was super yummy! I also added in a scoop of my fiancé's protein powder to help aid muscle repair. After cycling this distance, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel the next day!

That night, I had my first full nights sleep since I caught a horrible chesty cough on Christmas Eve. It was bliss and I can definitely thank this mammoth bike ride for it. The added bonus was that I didn't ache one bit come Monday morning. Hurrah!

Knowing I have the potential to cycle 40 miles has reassured me for the triathlon (which is a mere 13 mile cycle but obviously with swimming and running either side). I am also really keen to get out there again and explore more cycling routes out of London. Next time, I am thinking some down south. 

Are you a London cyclist? What are your bike ride hot spots?

Lipstick Runner.

Operation Bridal Bod: Week 12

(L-R: Week 1, Week 4, Week 12)

Three months into my plan to get wedding ready and I am feeling really good! After a slip up at week eight (which you can read about here), I made it my mission to get back on board both the diet and fitness wagon. Looking back at the last month, I feel like I really have! What's been great is that I haven't necessarily felt like I have been dieting. An extreme case of 'being skint' has lead to purchases of tinned soup, bananas and porridge, with dinners then being freezer food (which I know isn't great) but having no money has meant no subconscious mid afternoon sweet treats have been purchased from Tesco Express.

Looking back at week four, I was on a roll. I had dropped 5lbs and keeping my running up in training for Cabbage Patch 10. Then once the race was over, I slipped. Lots of social engagements led to eating out, drinking and feeling too tired to exercise. A bad patch but one I have definitely learnt from. I have since picked myself up, especially on the exercise front as I have just completed my first full month of triathlon training! 

I have kept to around 75% of my calendar plan and where I have made tweaks or missed sessions I have tried to make up for them elsewhere. Taking on swimming, cycling and running has been hard to adjust to but looking at my results, it has been totally worth it! Using my bike to commute is really helping me to pick up cycling skills, especially on long straights where I try to pick up pace (safely of course :)) and work flat out, pushing myself as far as I can go. Each week, I find my legs are getting stronger and I'm climbing the steep hill I face every morning faster. I even managed to get on a gym bike whilst visiting my parents where I practised the Sprint Tri distance of 20K. I found it quite uncomfortable cycling indoors as the room got so stuffy but was pleased to complete the session in 36 minutes. I'm hoping on the road bike I can shave off some time but for a starting point, I'm really happy!

For my swimming, it's, well, going swimmingly! Each week I alternate between technique practice and distance practice and I was astonished to find in my first distance session that I managed to lane swim 750m front crawl without stopping. I was chuffed to bits (below shows just how much).

With my running, as you all know I have decided to set myself a 5K challenge of reaching sub 21 minute territory (read about this here). I have only recently started this in the last week, tailoring my first training session to a track workout. Consisting of four sets of 800m followed by 400m, this workout was all about working to maximum effort at 3-5K effort and I managed to nail the exact pace I need to keep for a sub 21 minute 5K.

So where has this left my body overall? Well I am thrilled that say I have lost another pound (not much I know but it's still weight lost!) and I am now hitting the scales at 8st 13lbs. I cannot remember the last time I was under nine stone so to sneakily slip under this is huge for me! With 6lbs lost in the bag, my focus now is to not slip up with Christmas on the horizon. 

Already I have had to tell all my loved ones to not under any circumstance purchase any form of chocolate, biscuits, sweets or cake for me. I have even (with great strain) turned down my Mum buying me my traditional present of a Cadbury's selection box. However, what I avoid in the form of presents I will no doubt face on the coffee table at various family get togethers over the festive period. My willpower will most definitely be tested when I am in front of massive tubs of Quality Street, mince pies and cheese boards but I am going to try my absolute hardest to not go crazy. Note I am not saying I will completely avoid these treats. Christmas is a time to indulge a little and I will of course be eating Yule log and dipping into chocolate tins. I just won't be devouring whole packets.

You'll know how good I have been early January for my 16 week update. Let's hope for a good one!

Lipstick Runner.

TRAINING UPDATE: Cycling in the countryside

It seems like yonks since my last Training Update I'm struggling to think through all that has been happening the last couple of weeks. A few runs have happened, as well as swims but the key highlight for me has been spending a weekend in the Cotswolds with a fellow cyclist and close University pal for a weekend of cycling!

I LOVE getting out of London. I'm not exactly a super fan of living in a city so any chance I have to whisk myself off to somewhere peaceful with clean air, I'm off in a heartbeat. When my friend asked me to visit her for the weekend a few weeks back for a cycling weekend, I was so excited! This was in fact only my second ever proper bike ride and I knew where she lived was going to be picturesque (it's on the outskirts of the Cotswolds).

I started off bright and early on the Saturday cycling through Central London (in the rain miserably) to Paddington. I arrived nice and early to board the train with my bike but found when I arrived at the front carriage where the bikes are stored, I was refused entry due to there being a confusion about my train ticket and reservation. After almost flipping my lid at First Great Western (and many angry tweets after), I was luckily let on the train (so I should have been!) and was on route to the pretty little village of Honeybourne. 

I spent the journey reading my book and having a snooze until two hours later, I had arrived and my friend was waiting on the platform with her bike in tow. After a quick stop off at her cottage a mile away, I dumped my backpack and we were straight out on the road. She has a route planned of around 20 miles (I felt like that was a safe distance for me). The rainy weather was good to us and held off for most of the journey so we were able to thoroughly enjoy the cycle side by side catching up on life.

At around the halfway mark, we had arrived at a quaint village (where apparently scenes from Bridget Jones was filmed!) which was lined with pretty listed buildings of houses and boutiques. The rain also started to spit down on us so we saw this as a perfect opportunity to stop off at a local pub for this delicious hot chocolate.

Once we had warmed ourselves by the fire, we headed back out on the bikes to continue our adventure across windy country lanes and endless farm lands until we arrived back home.

I absolutely loved whizzing around the countryside on my bike with these glorious views surrounding me. Gone were the big red buses, endless taxi drivers and constant weaving in and out of traffic. This was my time to pick up speed and see just how great my Trek Lexa is. Turns out, this baby is a breezy smooth ride! Going downhill was a bit daunting as I felt like I was going 100mph but my bike offers great control and sturdiness, especially when braking at high speed. 

Once we has returned home, we got out of our cold damp clothing and into our slouchy slacks to chill for the rest of the afternoon. Being in a cottage felt so unbelievably cosy, especially when sitting in front of this homey fire. I was so comfy I nodded off!

It felt sooooo nice and relaxing being out in the country. The surrounding area was so quiet an peaceful and being snuggled up on the sofa with a toasty fire was far too dreamy. Not one part of me was missing my Central London flat on a busy high street.

By the evening, we were both revived from our cycle and dolled ourselves up to head out for an evening meal and cocktails. We drove into nearby town Stratford to dine at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The food there is divine! I was starving by the time we arrived and wolfed down a delicious three course menu, along with some rather scrummy cocktails!

By the morning, I felt really sad that I had to leave. I definitely should have booked a long weekend so I could have taken the opportunity to cycle out further and explore the area more. It really was such a lovely weekend and I'm already planning my return!

Now I am back in London, it's time to face the music and get ready for Cabbage Patch 10. The training has been well, minimal but I feel confident I will complete the course in full. I just have no idea what time. But, I also don't care. I'm not setting standards with time. Instead, I am setting a standard in enjoying the race. No matter the time, I just want to go out there, relax and have fun!

Lipstick Runner.

Dreams become reality: Blenheim Palace Triathlon 2015

This week, some exciting news landed in my Inbox...

I signed up for fast track entry to Blenheim Palace Triathlon months ago after deciding to pursue my goal to complete a triathlon. The last year I have been curious to give one a go, mainly because solid road running was giving me itchy feet to try something different. In May when I got my bike, the urge got greater and so I opted to look into Blenheim Palace after seeing The Runner Beans take part in the 2014 event.

Apparently, it's a very popular race so I'm glad I signed up for the priority window. When this email came through I did hesitate for a moment to click the 'enter now' button. 'Can I seriously do this?' 'Will I keep up the training?' 'What if I come last!?' were just a few of the thoughts that ran through my head before the 'This is an amazing opportunity TAKE IT' thought took over.

Filling in the application form, I got to the options box where you select your distance. I was so indecisive on whether to opt for Super Sprint (400m swim, 13.2K cycle, 3.1K run) or Sprint (750m swim, 19.8K cycle, 5.7K run). Originally when the idea of doing a triathlon came into my head, I had always planned on attempting the Super Sprint first but when it came down to applying there was little niggle in my head urging me to select Sprint. If I'm going to do it, I may as well go all out and give it a go. So, there I made the decision to take on the Sprint distance. 

I'm so excited to know what part of my plans for 2015 will be. As you all know from my Operation Bridal Bod post, I'm getting married next Summer (three weeks after this event funnily enough) so all the training will be a great focus for this goal too! I am a little nervous about what the months leading up to the triathlon will involve. I will have to whip my front crawl technique into shape, hell even learn to swim in open water but I am so excited to be taking on this challenge!

With nine months until the triathlon, I have got well under way in buffing up my knowledge by purchasing a guide to triathlons - I opted for Triathlon for Women by Charlotte Campbell (£8, Amazon). I'm hoping this will help me get on track with training, nutrition and body recovery. I am also going to look into filling the diary with other race opportunities which will play a crucial role in my training, such as duathlons and open swim meets. 

I'm not too sure what my level of enthusiasm will be mid February in the stark cold winter out training in my wet suit, on the bike etc...but right now, I am SO ready to get my Tri on!

For more information on Blenheim Palace Triathlon, visit the website HERE.

Lipstick Runner.

TRAINING UPDATE: A week to myself

I have been dying for this week to come! Time off work is something I have been craving for weeks. I've been starting to get the constant feeling of exhaustion and I can tell by looking at myself in the mirror that I need a break. Skin is grey and dull, eye bags are drooping down to my toes and my hair is limp and lifeless. When my fiancé's family asked if I could puppy sit their two French Bulldogs whilst they were on holiday, I didn't hesitate. A week out of London to recuperate? Yes please!

Another great thing about this week off is that I get to use my time to get out running and cycling in Essex countryside. This has definitely been a real treat, especially when you are limited to city routes on a daily basis. I arrived here on Friday night and straight away on Saturday morning, we were up and out to do a nice 10K training run. In my last Training Update, I mention at the end that I wanted to try a 10K and try and hold a steady pace. We started out running through some residential areas and the first mile or two I did feel really tired. I am noticing this a lot when I run. It takes me ages to get started and I do find it hard to get a rhythm working.

I started with a couple of 8.50 miles which was really bumming me out. Pre-injury, I would run 10K on a training run at around 7.50 miles, so knowing I am a minute slower is really getting me down. Still though, halfway in we had reached the winding county lanes and picturesque villages so having the nice scenery helped to pick me up. We ran down little lanes, past corn fields, horse stables and stunning views. It was super lovely! I returned back home to complete 6.2 miles with an average of 8.33 miles. This run did involve a lot of stopping and starting so really not pleased with my time BUT no point in dwelling and I must keep my patience intact.

The next day, we both went on a bike ride. It was really great to head out as a couple as my fiancé doesn't keep his bike in London. We headed out the same direction as we did for the run the day before but extended further into small quaint villages. This was only the second time ever I have cycled my bike without locks clamped to the rack and a huge backpack weighing me down. It felt soo light and quick - it was great!

When the start of the week came round, I tried to keep to a similar fitness routine as I would on a typical working week. Monday's is Nike Training day so I opted to do a 30 minute session working on key core and strength exercises. I am starting to look forward to these sessions now as it's a nice change to high intensity workouts. It's also a great time for me to stretch out my ITB and work to rebuild it's strength. 

As I am in a house this week and not a top floor apartment with thin wooden flooring, I took the opportunity to actually complete a full Nike workout. When I wrote my review on this app (see HERE) I mentioned that I have to pick carefully each step I take as ones involving jumping, hopping, running aren't suitable to do in my apartment. I'd fear I could fall through the floor into downstairs living room! However, with a huge living room to do my workout in this week, I chose the Slim Chance workout in the Get Lean category.

This workout got my heart rate working! With light jogging, split jumps, high knee runs and side hopping intwined with press ups, mountain climbers and Russian twists, I was pooped by the end! My core however felt the burn from it which can only mean it's working.

Tuesday I opted to do a standard four mile run. I've got into a routine of doing this. It's long enough to feel like I've done a workout but short enough to ensure I have plenty left in the tank for a speed session and long run later in the week. Again, like my 10k at the weekend, I found this run so hard. I was hot and bothered and had to stop early in to use my inhaler, something I hardly ever do! I completed the four miles with an average pace of 8.21 per mile and again, I am feeling a bit low that I am not getting any faster. What's gutting is that I feel incredibly tired during my runs and right now, I can't imagine running 10 miles, which I have to do in six weeks! Right now, I'm not sure how I ever managed to run at a sub eight minute mile pace for this sort of distance and sadly, I don't think I'll reach this standard for a long time.

Wednesday I headed out on a cycle, again heading back to the country lanes I went down at the weekend. I absolutely loved going back along this route. As it was mid week the roads were empty and at one point I stopped in this field and just stood there. It amazed me that there was not a sound to be heard. It was refreshing to be surrounded by this compared to the hectic rat race of London.

During the cycle, I noticed so many hot spots for blackberry picking. I mean loads! So with that in mind, the next day I came back out on this cycle, three tupperware boxes in the rucksack to get on a major blackberry picking spree. It was really therapeutic to be back out in the country, minding my own business and I also got tonnes of juicy blackberries. Check out my post on my findings and how I used them HERE.

On Friday, I was working from home so had a pretty busy day glued to my laptop catching up on everything. I worked straight through to 5.30pm and after staying in the same spot all day, I felt like I needed a good run. This was the perfect time for a HIIT session! My aim was to do three miles so I chose to do 800m warm up followed by 4x 800m at 5K pace and 2x 400m at 3K pace. It felt good pushing myself - hard but rewarding. Comparing my times to the last speed session I did (read about it HERE) my pace stayed exactly the same. I was slightly disappointed that it hadn't improved but at the same time, I've got to appreciate that it wasn't any slower.

Saturday = rest day. It was lush!

Sunday was long run day. I had been dreading this a little bit since my awful 10K a week previous. So, instead of going first thing in the morning, I opted to go at midday. Two reasons - 1. I wanted to watch Mo Farah in the Great North Run and 2. I wanted to see if running a bit later in the day, post breakfast and fully awake would make a difference. 

Turns out, it does. I had a fabulous run! I managed to complete seven miles and my pace was slightly quicker than the 10K. I'm absolutely thrilled with this result. I did feel tired but not extremely fatigued and even more importantly, the ITB band held up! I did get a bit choked two miles in when I passed a field being harvested (the dust in the air was horrendous) but this was the only part of the run I struggled with. I definitely think going a bit later helped. Having a bit of fuel in me gave me a boost, especially as this was going to be the longest run I have done in around five months. 

(me feeling super happy with my run!)

Overall, I am chuffed to bits with my training this week. I have managed to cram in a lot of workouts in-between chasing a four month old puppy around the house. I will definitely miss being outside of London, the country bike rides and generally spending all my time doing what I love. But, work is calling and it's time to face the city again. This next week, I make my return to the running club which I am so excited about! Let's start seeing those miles build up!

Until next time.

Lipstick Runner.

KIT PICKS: Decathlon Haul

Decathlon is a place I never get to visit. I haven't lived near one and the only time I got to experience it was years ago on a holiday in France. I'm in Essex for the next week having some time off work with family and on Saturday, my fiancé and I were driving to Tesco when we drove past a Decathlon. 'I NEED TO GO IN THERE' was my demand and despite having a boot full of freezer food, I made him take me.

As soon as I walked in, I straight away picked up a long sleeved skin on a promo stand at the entrance and was gawping at all the cycling accessories. This place was huge and I was tempted to spend a lot of money. In the last few years where fitness and exercise has taken up a big part of my life, I have found my wardrobe of sports gear now outweighs my wardrobe of normal clothes. Slightly worrying I know...

Anyway, I'm in wedding saving mode for the next year and this is always at the front of my mind. I am trying my hardest to avoid purchases because I 'want' them and instead am only making purchases because I 'need' them. I definitely didn't hesitate to pick up a few essentials that I 'needed' (yes needed - definitely not wanted).

Wed'ze Flowfit Base Layer, £9.99

Yes, this was what I picked up the moment I stepped in the store, but it looked so snug! I have been thinking about clothing when cycling during winter time and I reckon my morning cycles will become very chilly! I guess if weather is icy, I may steer clear of cycling to work but for days where I will, this breathable skin will keep my upper body nice and warm. I think it is meant for snowboarders so hopefully I don't need to layer up when wearing this too! I can see myself also opting for this for those snowy days out on the long winter runs.

Kalenji TS Ladies Running Top, £3.99

OK, I maybe didn't 'need' this but I go through running tops like no tomorrow and so when I saw this for £3.99 I couldn't resist a bargain. It's super thin and lightweight so more suited for summer running but it will also be great for winter running to wear over a long sleeved base layer. Bright and visible too so handy for both running and cycling!

B'Twin MTB 700 Gloves, £11.99

For weeks, I have been meaning to purchase some gloves for cycling. Twice now I have been caught out cycling in torrential downpours and despite it being summer, my hands turned icy cold and I was struggling to brake as the handles get really slippy (I cycle a road bike and I do find braking harder than on a hybrid at times). These gloves I saw on a hand mannequin (is that the right thing to call it?) and knew they'd be perfect. I wanted a pair to cover the tips of my fingers and most there did not. These however are lightweight, flexible and provide grip in all the right places. I couldn't find them anywhere on the shelf but Dan luckily found a small size hidden with other brands available.

B'Twin 550 Water Bottle, £2.99

Just because you can never have too many water bottles right? Most of mine have the middle cut out which are great for running as they are easier to hold but I wanted a standard one for the bike. I never like to invest lots of money in these sorts of things (and why should you frankly) so I found this a great opportunity to snap one up at a cheap price.

So there we have it. My Decathlon essentials. I'm very proud of myself for walking away spending under £30! I could have quite easily have purchased a lot more, including swimming costumes, new goggles, a cycling jacket and padded shorts. However, I might have to save these until next time.

For more information on Decathlon, visit the UK website HERE.

Lipstick Runner.

KIT PICKS: CYCLING TO WORK

When I first got my bike, my main goal was to save money on commuting. This has kind of worked. Once you desert monthly travel passes for pay as you go Oyster, the money can clock up when you do need to take the tube or bus so each month, I am trying my hardest to avoid Oyster usage as much as possible.

The second reason I got a bike was to ensure I exercise daily and improve my overall fitness. This, I THINK is happening. As I return to running, my fitness isn't as bad as I thought and I do think cycling has helped keep the momentum going during injury.

I was so excited when my other half allowed me to have a bike. I had been pining for one for months but to him London cycling was a danger zone, which I can totally appreciate. However, with the promise to him that I would take a cycling proficiency lesson around the city I was finally given the green light to get a bike. Wahoo!

I opted for this baby - the Trek Lexa Women's Road Bike 2013. I got this as the 2014 model launched so managed to get some money off as it was the old model. This doesn't bother me though. It's just so pretty! (I'm not too girly at all).

The next step was making this bike commuter friendly and that meant adding extras. First up was a bike rack for the back wheel. This is where I fix both my locks with bungey cord. Attached to this I then also clip in my cycling tool kit. Due to being a short arse, I can't fit this under the saddle so at the moment it hangs off the rack. This contains tyre repair tools and materials, plus a mini bike pump. You can never too prepared for cycling in London! Or anywhere for that matter. 

Next, I wanted a decent backpack to fit all my clothing, toiletries, shoes and god knows what else I need. I was on a budget and didn't want to invest too much in a bag and found a steal in this Karrimor Sector 25 Rucksack. I actually purchased this from Sport's Direct for £24 but you can buy it directly from Karrimor's website for only £16 at the moment! 

First of all, I picked it for it's bright colour. This will enhance my visible presence to drivers on the road. It also is the ideal size to carry all my crap (s'cuse the bad language). I work in beauty PR, so looking in tip top condition for work is extremely important. By the time I arrive at the office I want everything I need to get ready packed neatly in one bag. This rucksack allows me to carry an entire outfit, my toiletries bag (containing baby wipes, face wipes, a flannel, deodorant and perfume) and my make-up bag (bursting with concealer, powder, eye shadow and of course lipstick). I then also have space for my breakfast and lunch.

In fact, this bag is so spacious I have even packed the above along with two towels and swimming kit! It was a tight squeeze but I managed it!

(my everyday cycling essentials)

I make sure I pack my bag the night before so I'm not faffing around in the morning. I then also layout my cycling kit, which is normally a running top with my Adidas shorts and trusty Mizuno Wave Rider 16s.

Each morning, as soon as my alarm rings, I am up. I never hesitate or lay there for a second extra otherwise I'd never get out of bed. I hop in the shower to wake me up and always finish using Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser. This leaves my skin silky soft. 

Next, I chuck on my kit, throw my breakfast and lunch in my ready packed rucksack and head out the door. All this takes around 15/20 minutes. Getting on the bike, the first thing I pass is the clock tower in my neighbourhood and I always check the time. This is so I know roughly when I will arrive at work which is, on a good day, 25 minutes later. 

(arriving at work)

Getting to work, I head straight to the bathroom and use the flannel and baby wipes to freshen up. As I am showered, I never get sweaty really. My back does a little but this is due to the rucksack I carry.  I then chuck on my clothes and head to my desk where I sit for around 15 minutes sorting my face and hair out. By looking at the below pictures, you can truly see how blimmin brilliant make-up is!

(these two pictures show the importance of me drawing in my eyebrows. They also emphasise how little brow hair I have - embarrassing!)

I can normally do all of the above in around 20-25 minutes and by the time the rest of the team arrive at 9am, my rucksack is tidied away under the desk, helmet in hiding and my beauty PR self is all dolled up. Voila!

When 5.30pm strikes, it is then back to the loos to switch back into my gym gear (I normally lay my top over my bag under my desk during the day for the back to air out if it is ever damp). I then head straight out to my bike and cycle home to arrive at my front door around 6.15pm.

This new daily routine has been rather easy to adjust to. Yes, it may sound like an effort to some but I find heading out on a cycle ride every morning instead of being shoved into a tube carriage with hundreds of hot and bothered commuters a luxury. I love being outside, come rain or shine and my commute time has halved since I got my own set of wheels. 

Are you considering the switch to cycling for your commute to work? If so, I hope this post has been a good convincer!

Lipstick Runner.