I went for club ride yesterday with Barracuda Tri club, 30 miles. I felt really rubbish, tired and pissed off when I got up. It really was touch and go whether I would go or not. Anyhow I forced myself out and I was probably one of the quickest riders on the day, certainly uphill, though I could feel my legs wanted to cramp up which I put down to fatigue. Not fatigue from too much exercise but fatigue from lack of sleep I think, another of my mental victories. I think I am spurred on more during a group ride, I wouldn’t have ridden so hard on my own. The extra motivation was just what I needed.

Went for my first run since the duathlon, I felt ok but a bit tired. Just did a slow 3-4 miles. Looking forward to smashing my PB time at the Howden 10km on Oct 10th.

Humber Duathlon 10km run - 40km bike - 5km run

This was my first mutli-discipline event, the Humber duathlon, 10km run - 40km bike - 5km run. Sounded like a doddle as I regularly do bike rides of up to 100 miles. I only started running in february however and I know that I am weak in this area, my first 10km event back in June was completed in 47 minutes.

It was a 8:00am start this morning and I hate running that early! anyhow I started at the back and plodded away, slowly picking off a few people and saving myself for the bike which I am pretty confident on. However, 5 minutes into the bike ride my calves started cramping up! Oh dear I thought and it crossed my mind that I may not finish, maybe I'm just not used to the transition from run to bike etc....? anyhow I just slowed down the pace a bit on the bike, got some energy gels and drink down me and my calves eased a bit and I was able to keep a decent-ish pace for the remainder of the ride. This was also my first ride with aerobars and what a difference they make! I had no trouble with controlling the bike, though I did lose a water bottle at one point!!

I could feel my quads start to cramp up towards the end of the ride and thought that I was going to be in for a painful last 5km run. How I wish I had been wrong! the first climb up to the Humber bridge had, now what is that wee muscle called, just above your knee, before your quads??!! anyways they were locking up good style!! Again I briefly thought that I may not be able to finish ( though mentally I knew I wouldn't quit unless I was literally floored through agony). Those muscles of which I cannot recall their name really were locking up, agony is an exaggeration, but hell did they hurt. Eventually they calmed down and I was able to finish with a steady plod, though all the pain made it feel like I was really working hard.

My times?

Total time 02:26:00

10km run - 00:46:51 (PB)
40km ride - 01:09:19
5km run - 00:26:53 (this hurt)

I was pleased, I was thinking it would take me 3 - 3.5hrs. But everyone set off at such a pace, I couldn't help but try to keep up. Maybe I should have done my own race and finished without the pain, maybe I just need to train more?

Anyway, it was a good day (I am number 20 in the below photo).

Update: Just a note to say how I am feeling in general. Still feel tired a lot of the time, but sleep is getting a bit better. My ears are playing me up a lot lately, they feel blocked and make popping and pulsing noises. Sinuses also don’t feel too clever, when I am sat around I feel like I’m not getting enough oxygen at times, hey-ho. I’m sure it could be sorted, poxy NHS.

I didn’t feel particularly good during the duathlon, I just kind of plod on in my determined way.

That said, now my legs have recovered (3 days later), they feel stronger than they have since my health took a down turn three years ago. I never give up on getting back to FULL fitness.