Just a quick update from the Atacama crossing in Chile, looks like Angelique Tostee is kicking some ass out there!!!!!
13:15, Monday, 7 March 2011, Stage 2: At 12:40, 69 were through CP2. The latest to arrive included Ben Aldous of Australia and Seranica Williamson of Canada who came in together, and May Okabe of Japan who was smiling as always and paused just long enough to fill her water bottles. Just through CP3, the two top ladies, Nahila Hernandez of Mexico and Sophie Collett of the UK. Still in third place for the women is Tostee Angelique of South Africa.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Dishclothes and Wiers
I think everyone has to have at least one session when you think the world is going to cave it - I think it's like food for the soul on race day and you feel really crap and you think back to THAT session when you just felt rotten.
Well Saturday was it for me.
From the time we left I just KNEW this was going to be a tough day and it got tougher. I couldn't keep up with the group from about the third kilometer and I got horribly dropped. Anyway, decided to just stick it out and see what happens.
What happened was that it got worse hahaha, but I stuck it out - going a little shorter than what I intended, but it was a choice of either shorter or bailing and I do NOT quit.
Thinking of it now, even feeling bad and tailing after the main pack on Saturday, I was still moving at a respectable pace (I'd like to think....)
I basically crashed for the rest of Saturday, I almost felt like I was getting sick, and to be honest I was a bit worried about Sunday's session if I felt that bad. Anyway, Sunday rolled around and I must admit I had totally wooden legs and was very tired, but didn't have that feeling like saturday where there is not NOTHING inside.
Did a decent bike - the roads were PACKED with guys training for the Argus - and a solid run.
Was a good group of people to do it with as well, so am very happy that I made the weekend intact :)
Well Saturday was it for me.
From the time we left I just KNEW this was going to be a tough day and it got tougher. I couldn't keep up with the group from about the third kilometer and I got horribly dropped. Anyway, decided to just stick it out and see what happens.
What happened was that it got worse hahaha, but I stuck it out - going a little shorter than what I intended, but it was a choice of either shorter or bailing and I do NOT quit.
Thinking of it now, even feeling bad and tailing after the main pack on Saturday, I was still moving at a respectable pace (I'd like to think....)
I basically crashed for the rest of Saturday, I almost felt like I was getting sick, and to be honest I was a bit worried about Sunday's session if I felt that bad. Anyway, Sunday rolled around and I must admit I had totally wooden legs and was very tired, but didn't have that feeling like saturday where there is not NOTHING inside.
Did a decent bike - the roads were PACKED with guys training for the Argus - and a solid run.
Was a good group of people to do it with as well, so am very happy that I made the weekend intact :)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Hot Hot Hot
The week so far has been interesting - I've been busy at work - even managed to do my first month end on my own.
The training has been successful - sort of - have not reached the proper distances as per program on some of the sessions, but doing the best I can under the circumstances.
The weather in the first couple of days has been Cape Town summer - Tuesday especially was 42 degrees when I left my client in Worcestor to race back to do my long run - Tuesday was a bit of stress bunny day - when you've got a commitment after work and you watching the clock knowing its a two hour drive back home. Anyway, done and dusted and looking forward to the weekend now.
On an amusing note though - and here's where a little back story comes into play - I have two messed up shoulders, one where the collar bone points freakishly skyward and another that I hurt as a combination of my neck injuries in my bike accident and a trip down the Zambezi (don't ask) anyway, I can't really do backstroke in the pool as my arms don't bend backwards without a clicking, grinding sound that I could seriously do without, so I just do crawl when we have to do backstroke at squad - btw I actually suck at all other strokes except crawl, I learnt to swim very late in life - but last night I attempted to do butterfly.
Well I got two strokes in when my right shoulder clicked out AND my neck went into spasm, and I am waiting for it to loosen up a bit so I can click it back into place.
All this exercise is particularly bad for one's health hahhaah
The training has been successful - sort of - have not reached the proper distances as per program on some of the sessions, but doing the best I can under the circumstances.
The weather in the first couple of days has been Cape Town summer - Tuesday especially was 42 degrees when I left my client in Worcestor to race back to do my long run - Tuesday was a bit of stress bunny day - when you've got a commitment after work and you watching the clock knowing its a two hour drive back home. Anyway, done and dusted and looking forward to the weekend now.
On an amusing note though - and here's where a little back story comes into play - I have two messed up shoulders, one where the collar bone points freakishly skyward and another that I hurt as a combination of my neck injuries in my bike accident and a trip down the Zambezi (don't ask) anyway, I can't really do backstroke in the pool as my arms don't bend backwards without a clicking, grinding sound that I could seriously do without, so I just do crawl when we have to do backstroke at squad - btw I actually suck at all other strokes except crawl, I learnt to swim very late in life - but last night I attempted to do butterfly.
Well I got two strokes in when my right shoulder clicked out AND my neck went into spasm, and I am waiting for it to loosen up a bit so I can click it back into place.
All this exercise is particularly bad for one's health hahhaah
Monday, February 28, 2011
Weekend
Haven't blogged in a while, yes I'm very guilty!
Had a bit of an interesting week, work-wise - did my first month end for Dark Horse Consulting, and had a 13 day on Friday, so ended up missing two or three sessions in total last week.
I was worried that it would end up being another missed session when I got up on Saturday morning - the wind was howling so badly - and the trip from Hout Bay down into Camps Bay turned into a trial by fire - at some stages I just wanted to stop and get off, I couldn't keep the bike straight, the wind usually gusts off the mountain side-on, heaven forbid one should be using a pair of deep sections on the bike :)
Once we got through Camps Bay, it was more settled and ended up riding through to the Atlantis turn off on the R27 - it was a pretty big group and we all knew that once we turned around, the real work would begin. It was a SLOG.
But I just concentrated on sitting on my bars and turning over and try not to think about the wind. I think it eventually becomes a head thing to just try and shut it out (pretend you're riding up a looooooong hill)
One the way back up Suikerbossie, I think the week and the lack of proper nutrition caught up with me - I went a little hypoglycemic, when you starting feeling a bit chilled even though its hot and I personally start getting the shakes.
But just kept it steady and I suppose that eventually you will get to the top.
Down into Hout Bay, and another loop to make up the final distance and another long ride in the bag! (Thank goodness)
Had a bit of an interesting week, work-wise - did my first month end for Dark Horse Consulting, and had a 13 day on Friday, so ended up missing two or three sessions in total last week.
I was worried that it would end up being another missed session when I got up on Saturday morning - the wind was howling so badly - and the trip from Hout Bay down into Camps Bay turned into a trial by fire - at some stages I just wanted to stop and get off, I couldn't keep the bike straight, the wind usually gusts off the mountain side-on, heaven forbid one should be using a pair of deep sections on the bike :)
Once we got through Camps Bay, it was more settled and ended up riding through to the Atlantis turn off on the R27 - it was a pretty big group and we all knew that once we turned around, the real work would begin. It was a SLOG.
But I just concentrated on sitting on my bars and turning over and try not to think about the wind. I think it eventually becomes a head thing to just try and shut it out (pretend you're riding up a looooooong hill)
One the way back up Suikerbossie, I think the week and the lack of proper nutrition caught up with me - I went a little hypoglycemic, when you starting feeling a bit chilled even though its hot and I personally start getting the shakes.
But just kept it steady and I suppose that eventually you will get to the top.
Down into Hout Bay, and another loop to make up the final distance and another long ride in the bag! (Thank goodness)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
West Coast Wind
Sat morning 5am and the alarm goes off. Faaaaaaaaaaaak here we go. I can hear the wind gusting outside. I think to myself if we get more than 100km in on the bike today we will be lucky. I wanted to sleep on but knew I would miss out anf kick myself later if I wasn't there.
5:45 we are at Velocity Sports Lab ready to to start riding. A few guys and chicks pulled in and the by the look one everyones face I could see that no was that keen to brave the wind let alone face it on the windiest stretch of road in the Cape ..... The West Coast Road!!!
The stretch of road down to Camps Bay we were met with terrible cross winds I actually contemplated changing the route but once we had made it down to the Vida we had settled down and started to find our rhythm.
There were about 20 of us which was really cool it always makes it that much more pleasant when you are in a group. A group comprising ... multiple Ironmen, people who have raced in Kona, people training to tackle the Pyrenees mountains and guys putting in the distance for their first Ironman. A great group.
The ride out was comfortable with a nice tail wind and my bike after its set up felt so aero. It really has made such a difference. We went through Koeberg reserve and then a further 5km down the W coast road. We turned ........ HELL ........ hahahaha okay not so bad. We worked in a team riding back towards Cape Town.
In strong winds I always try to ride lighter gears and keep my cadence higher ... it always makes the work feel less and it saves your legs.
Eventually we arrive back at the Vida in Camps bay for a quick re-fuel before tackling Suikerbossie.
The run on Sunday a bit of a mixture of trail and road. we parked at Constantia Nek and ran the green belt down to the Vida in the village (funny how many times I am riding or running to Vida ... I think I have a problem) to meet Ryan for his Vida run. It was great fun and we got about 2.5 hours on the legs. SATISFIED with that.
Later today will be a quick gym ..... no point in doing Ironman if you don't look good crossing the line!!! hahahahahaha.
Ciao for now.
RobbieG
5:45 we are at Velocity Sports Lab ready to to start riding. A few guys and chicks pulled in and the by the look one everyones face I could see that no was that keen to brave the wind let alone face it on the windiest stretch of road in the Cape ..... The West Coast Road!!!
The stretch of road down to Camps Bay we were met with terrible cross winds I actually contemplated changing the route but once we had made it down to the Vida we had settled down and started to find our rhythm.
There were about 20 of us which was really cool it always makes it that much more pleasant when you are in a group. A group comprising ... multiple Ironmen, people who have raced in Kona, people training to tackle the Pyrenees mountains and guys putting in the distance for their first Ironman. A great group.
The ride out was comfortable with a nice tail wind and my bike after its set up felt so aero. It really has made such a difference. We went through Koeberg reserve and then a further 5km down the W coast road. We turned ........ HELL ........ hahahaha okay not so bad. We worked in a team riding back towards Cape Town.
In strong winds I always try to ride lighter gears and keep my cadence higher ... it always makes the work feel less and it saves your legs.
Eventually we arrive back at the Vida in Camps bay for a quick re-fuel before tackling Suikerbossie.
The run on Sunday a bit of a mixture of trail and road. we parked at Constantia Nek and ran the green belt down to the Vida in the village (funny how many times I am riding or running to Vida ... I think I have a problem) to meet Ryan for his Vida run. It was great fun and we got about 2.5 hours on the legs. SATISFIED with that.
Later today will be a quick gym ..... no point in doing Ironman if you don't look good crossing the line!!! hahahahahaha.
Ciao for now.
RobbieG
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Weekends long ride
Hey dudes
Well after the the fun and games with U2 it was time to really test the new set up of the bike. Ian lifted my saddle by than more than 10cm!!!! Okay this seemed way to much for me - but sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith in life..... and leap I did. I am so glad that i did! At first I felt really odd on the bike but then quickly realized that it was almost as if my bike was forcing me onto my tri-bars ... to the extent that even on uphills where I would normally stand or at least move to my other bars, I didn't. AERO!!!
We rode the West Coast road again it was very windy but I guess no better way to test your new position. I felt comfortable the whole way .... on the whole a success.
This is going to be a biggish week. Beginning to settling into the training routine now!!! :) I am looking forward to this weekends big bike again. Still struggling with running distance. Hopefully I can turn this around now.
Ciao for now
RobbieG
Well after the the fun and games with U2 it was time to really test the new set up of the bike. Ian lifted my saddle by than more than 10cm!!!! Okay this seemed way to much for me - but sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith in life..... and leap I did. I am so glad that i did! At first I felt really odd on the bike but then quickly realized that it was almost as if my bike was forcing me onto my tri-bars ... to the extent that even on uphills where I would normally stand or at least move to my other bars, I didn't. AERO!!!
We rode the West Coast road again it was very windy but I guess no better way to test your new position. I felt comfortable the whole way .... on the whole a success.
This is going to be a biggish week. Beginning to settling into the training routine now!!! :) I am looking forward to this weekends big bike again. Still struggling with running distance. Hopefully I can turn this around now.
Ciao for now
RobbieG
Big Friday
Ok, so the weekend was a bit of a blur, so much happening.
Friday night was the U2 concert, and it turned out to be everything I expected - what was cool was that the setlist was a mixture of the back catalogue stuff and some of the more recent - apart from Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me (purely because it was probably the only thing that Batman Forever had going for it), there wasn't much from the mid to early 90's experimentation music. Not that I minded, but it stopped after Zooropa for me.
Went to the Fez after the concert and only got home at 04:00 so I had no choice but to sleep in for a bit, which meant that Saturday's training hurt a little bit hahahaha
You know how there's always someone out there who is crazier, faster, whatever whatever?
Well met two people this weekend who are doing things that are just totally out there!
Firstly met someone who is going to kayak around Iceland with David Grier. Don't have their blog details, but will put a post up when I do.
Then met George Scola who is walking from the northern most border of South Africa to Cape Point, 2222km, in aid of the Stroked Recovery Foundation (www.strokesurvivors.org.za).
George is being supported by Ray Chaplin who is about to start his own undertaking - the first human-powered vertical circumnavigation of the world - basically circling the globe by bike or in the case of water crossing, a pedal powered boat!
It was really inspiring to meet people who are so strong minded and who are doing something they believe in.
He also has a website - follow it on www.raychaplin.com
So back to business:
The long ride yesterday was a good one.
Firstly I have to say that the new bike setup is amazing - when I got on initially over the weekend, it felt weird, almost like I was going to topple forward, but yesterday I settled in and I must admit that I felt very comfortable and at ease - the great thing is that by the end of the ride I could have gone on for longer, which is ALWAYS good sign - and I think when you can have a good session like that, its always mentally so rewarding because it puts you in such a good place. Training is tough enough.
So a BIG thanks to Ian for the setup, I am so looking forward to everything now!!!!!
Friday night was the U2 concert, and it turned out to be everything I expected - what was cool was that the setlist was a mixture of the back catalogue stuff and some of the more recent - apart from Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me (purely because it was probably the only thing that Batman Forever had going for it), there wasn't much from the mid to early 90's experimentation music. Not that I minded, but it stopped after Zooropa for me.
Went to the Fez after the concert and only got home at 04:00 so I had no choice but to sleep in for a bit, which meant that Saturday's training hurt a little bit hahahaha
You know how there's always someone out there who is crazier, faster, whatever whatever?
Well met two people this weekend who are doing things that are just totally out there!
Firstly met someone who is going to kayak around Iceland with David Grier. Don't have their blog details, but will put a post up when I do.
Then met George Scola who is walking from the northern most border of South Africa to Cape Point, 2222km, in aid of the Stroked Recovery Foundation (www.strokesurvivors.org.za).
George is being supported by Ray Chaplin who is about to start his own undertaking - the first human-powered vertical circumnavigation of the world - basically circling the globe by bike or in the case of water crossing, a pedal powered boat!
It was really inspiring to meet people who are so strong minded and who are doing something they believe in.
He also has a website - follow it on www.raychaplin.com
So back to business:
The long ride yesterday was a good one.
Firstly I have to say that the new bike setup is amazing - when I got on initially over the weekend, it felt weird, almost like I was going to topple forward, but yesterday I settled in and I must admit that I felt very comfortable and at ease - the great thing is that by the end of the ride I could have gone on for longer, which is ALWAYS good sign - and I think when you can have a good session like that, its always mentally so rewarding because it puts you in such a good place. Training is tough enough.
So a BIG thanks to Ian for the setup, I am so looking forward to everything now!!!!!
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