Saturdays Session

Had a good session today, a bike ride of around 30 miles and a one and half hour swim.

Waking up I felt rather queasy, had a dinner of exotic mushrooms and mackerel last night, and my stomach did not appreciate it. I nearly didn't go, but decided to just try and see how it went. Glad I did.

On the bike we split into two groups of 4 and did this thing that has a special name... erm... can't quite remember.. something like through and off or similar. Basically when you ride in a straight line, then the one at the front pulls in and everyone else goes forward and the front one joins the back. It was good, I enjoyed it, I used to be really scared of sitting so close to the wheel in front, and was reluctant to do so, but have definitely gained confidence now.  On the way home the two groups joined up and I got to go in the faster group for a short while, which was just fab! We went really fast. Really really fast. I started laughing. Like a ''whhheee this is great fun'' laugh. Not wanting to slow people down when I went at the front I spun my little legs went as fast as they could go, and I hit 27mph. Was grinning like a cheshire cat when I stopped, even with the quads burning!! I'd love to be able to ride like that all the time, it was a proper rush. I mean, that's pretty amazing really. That you can go that quick without an engine. Or wings. The weather and road conditions were on my side though, I must admit. No wind. Or rain. Or ice. Makes a nice change!!!

My swim was just as enjoyable. 10x100m, then 400m at Outlaw pace. I didn't know what Outlaw pace was, so I just went with something that I felt I could maintain over a while. I was really pleased that I did that in 7 mins 37 seconds, I was expecting it to be quite a bit slower. It had felt quite easy. After that I did 4x100 hitting 1.45, then 4x50 hitting 42 seconds.  Followed by 3x50 at Outlaw pace again. This session was to help me get understanding of my RPE. (Rate of Perceived Exertion) I think I now have that, and was able to pace myself correctly each time. When I think back to when I first joined the club, and couldn't even do a length without stopping and did my first tri 400 swim in 10 minutes 15 seconds I can see the huge improvements. It makes me want to keep going! Another thing I discovered today- if I actually kick my legs I go much quicker!! :p

Still anxious about my legs. Had to run for a bus yesterday, and felt pain again. And just as I got there the idiot drove off anyway!! Sure they think that it's funny. Thank God I don't have to frequent public transport often. Had to get a train yesterday as well, that was an experience!! everyone shoving and crammed on like sardines, (Similar smell to sardines in the air too I must add) tripping over bags, tripping over people sitting on the bags, armpits and arses everywhere, oh dear. I was glad to be in the safe confines of my car again today!!

Anyway, the legs. Still sore, but doing my exercises, and I'm going aqua jogging next week too. In a public swim session. They're probably going to wonder what the hell I'm doing. Some one said to me today in between hysterical laughter, ''That's going to draw some attention isn't it, you all tattooed up with your rubber ring on, very nice'. Think he has a point, I am going to look a complete prat. Especially with a swimming hat on. I look ridiculous in a swimming hat. It squeezes my head and makes it look massive. not flattering at all. And mine is bright yellow. So I'm sure I look bizarre. Especially when it begins to slip higher and higher and takes my eyes with it.  That is coupled with goggles that steam up so I can't see and have to lift my head right up to peer out of the bottom. Oh yes, the leisure centre residents are in for a real treat next week!

On that note, it's off to bed for me, got a 3.30 ride tomorrow, going to do some of the Outlaw route.