New season: Looking ahead

Since the Triathlon, I've been feeling a bit of a mix of emotions when it comes to training. Part of me has been relishing the freedom of doing whatever work out I feel like, whenever I like! Running as usual, has been featuring a lot but I've found myself longing for a bit of yoga and so have often sacked off a run or cycle in favour of a good old stretch amid the rooftops of Manchester, (with cariad yoga, my new favourite class) or some hot yoga. And only doing a little bit of swimming and cycling as and when I feel like it. Bad triathlete.

Rooftop yoga

But alongside this feeling of freedom, I've felt a little bit lost with no big goal race in sight. With no marathon on the cards this year, the triathlon was something totally new and different to work towards. So what now?

But with the beginning of September, along with the whiff of new pencil cases, comes the feeling of possibilities, and my mind has been turning to Spring marathons. I've been thinking a lot about which marathon to run come April: Paris, Manchester or London (Ballot permitting)?

I also seem to have forgotten in all the excitement of Summer, that I do in fact have a pretty exciting and challenging race coming up - the Equinox 24 hour relay. Our team of eight, made up mostly from the Manchester YMCA Harriers, will run as many 10k laps as we can from midday Saturday to midday Sunday at the end of the month. Eek! It's not far away and in a bid to get used to running on already tired legs, yesterday I tried my first double run day: a few morning miles followed by my first Tuesday Track session with the club, and a lot of cycle commuting in between for good measure.

It made me feel tired. But it also felt OK! I'll try and do a few more double day sessions in the next two weeks to hopefully help me get ready for the big day.

I'm excited about the unknown, but mostly looking forward to a whole weekend, camping, running and having fun with the club. Can't wait!

Tuesday Track

Time to tri - Friday photo #40

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

Well, it's almost here. This week I received this lovely and terrifying bit of post:

Triathlon ready?

That's it - just over three weeks to go until I take on my first triathlon. Receiving this post has made me really excited. Excited to be taking on a new challenge and happy that I am not putting too much pressure on myself. I'm trying to think of the triathlon as doing three things I enjoy, in quick succession, rather than as a full on scary triathlon. My race goal is to enjoy it, learn from the experience and just give it my all and try my best. I may not be at the front, or even in the middle but as long as I give it everything I've got I'll be a happy bunny. Judging by my training I think I might be able to do it in under 2 hours, and I'll be happy with that or somewhere near.

But whilst I'm fairly calm regarding things like finish times, receiving this post has brought up some other anxieties. Current and very real new concerns are:

1) My hair. Seriously ladies how do you wear your hair under a helmet?! A ponytail is too bulky yet having it down is no good for the run. I'm thinking braids. Help! One of my Tricurious teammates has hinted she might just shave her head which may just be the way forward.

2) My bike, Is it safe? Will it pass inspection? Is my helmet OK? What will I do if I get a puncture? No seriously? Even if I manage to change the inner tube how do I inflate it? ARGH!

3) How will I get to the triathlon with my bike? Once in London how do I get it to where I'm staying? Can bikes travel on the tube? Apparently yes, but only at certain times. Can they go on overground? Do I have to pay?? This one was playing heavily on my mind until I realised I am talking about moving a vehicle. Stupid Crand - I can cycle it across London! Pray for me.

This is just a teeny tiny small glimpse into the questions and worries I'm currently trying to conquer. So whilst I'm excited, I'm also a tiny bit scared about the unknown. But I guess this is half the fun. Right?!

The Great Manchester Cycle - a report

When I was asked if I wanted to take place in the Great Manchester Cycle, I jumped at the chance. I find it difficult to get long bike rides in, way more difficult than long runs for some reason, so I figured this would be excellent triathlon training and an opportunity to earn my first bike bling.

I met Chantal at the station and we cycled along the canal to the event village and start at the Eithiad Stadium. There was a great atmosphere here, with food stands, bike maintenance help from Edinburgh Bikes and the all important toilets which were (shock horror) actually clean! We were taking part in the 26 mile event, and as we arrived the 52 milers were just finishing. Well done you.

Cyclists assemble

After a small delay we were off! It was a little cramped at the start, with everyone trying to get out of the stadium area and on with their cycle, but once out of the roads everyone dispersed and it never felt really congested. The route took us towards town, over Mancunian Way and on towards Old Trafford. After another little loop near the Quays we went back towards the stadium ready for lap two of the 13 mile route. The 52 mile option did four loops before we started, and the 13 mile event one loop. The staggered starts for the different distances meant that you were only ever among people of your event which felt like a good thing as well as keeping congestion to a minimum.

The route was good, very urban (ie city roads) but did take in some of Manchester's famous landmarks including the two football stadiums and the Beetham Tower. The freedom of riding on traffic free roads felt really nice and was way more enjoyable than riding with the traffic. It was also pretty flat with just a couple of short inclines, and there were little pockets of supporters dotted around the course. There was also an area halfway through the loop where you could stop for any maintenance issues, food or water if you needed to, which was reassuring even though we didn't use it.

Finisher!

Back into the stadium area at the end, music was blaring adding to the party atmosphere and names were announced as you crossed the finish line. We collected our goody bag including t-shirts and all important medals before cycling home to enjoy some well earned post-ride beers.

As with everything, cycling with friends is way more enjoyable than going it alone and as a way more experienced cyclist than me, Chantal kept my pace up whilst also having a good natter and a catch up along the way. One lap of the route is the distance I'll have to cycle in the triathlon, which we covered in 47.55 which I was really happy with. If I manage that on the day after a swim and before the run I will be a very happy Crandon.

We were kindly given our places in the Great Manchester Cycle for free and they knew that I would be blogging about the event.

The long run - Friday Photo #38

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

Triathlon training is all go this week. All my spare time currently consists of swimming, biking and running, and sometimes, like twice this week, all three in one day. Which is great! But the extra sports for me seems to mean shorter runs and I've found I'm missing my long run fun. Running makes me do this...

Disco run!

...and not only when there is a giant glitter ball around (although obviously it helps). When my brother in law suggested we run to and from parkrun last weekend whilst he and my sister were visiting I was so happy. A 9 mile run! With long working hours and tri training I haven't been able to get above 6 miles for weeks.

So off we went. I remembered how much I like longer distances, and so did what anyone would do while training for a triathlon: signed up for my next half marathon in a couple of weeks. That should get me back into double digits where I belong whilst also attempting to become a triathlete.

Do you prefer short runs or are you more of a longer distance runner?

Fitting it all in - Crandon Runs Friday photo #37

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

No matter what your goal, fitting in your training around a full time job is hard work. We are all familiar with the 6am alarm, the midday 'runch' and the post-work work-out in a bid to get it all done. Knowing I would be working long hours away from the office all week, I was worried how I'd fit triathlon training in too. Then I realised I would be working on location 10 miles from home - a perfect distance to get on my bike and a chance to log some longer rides.

Cycling selfies!

I've cycled about 70 miles in the last few days, which is a massive increase for me. The sunny weather has made me happy to jump on my bike for my morning ride, despite the enormous hills and the rides home have helped me unwind AND saved me from a later workout after I got home. Commute training is a total time giver. I've also been channeling my inner diva and having a little sing song. Sorry about that, people of Manchester. But after swallowing many many bugs, the biggest lesson I've learnt is to cycle with my mouth shut. So there goes tonight's stage performance.

How do you manage to fit in your training? Share your top tips in the comments below.

Race photos - Crandon Runs Friday Photo #35

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo


This week triathlon training continued with lots of swimming and a bit of cycling, but has mostly been consumed with a hilly half marathon. After a 6 mile run last night I learned that my legs still hate me and feel heavy and lead-like after their efforts on Sunday at the Buxton Half marathon. The weather also sucks today so in a bid to cheer us all up here is a photo of me running up one of those many hills. I look like I've puked in my mouth. I haven't, but I felt like it at times.

Holding it in...

Do any good race photos exist? I hope not - I enjoy the hilarity of bad running pics. The others from this race look like my face is melting off.

Are you training for anything? How is it going? Sharing is caring - leave me a comment and get the chat started.

Happy Friday folks!

Kit kit kit - CR Friday Photo #34

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

Another week, another new toy to play with. I might have 'accidentally' made another big triathlon training purchase this week: please meet our new lodger...

Pictured here with my (ahem - also new) road bike for my upcoming triathlon with Team Tricurious, this wet suit is the latest addition to my kit bag.

Although these are big bits of kit and necessary items for competing, I've made sure they've not blown the bank. The wet suit is brand new but hired with the option to buy at the end of the season (much cheaper than hiring each time I go for an open water swim), and the bike was at the lowest end of the range and on a massive reduction. I've also invested in a tri suit for the bike and run legs, which cost a very reasonable £15 from Aldi. So although three sports means more equipment it doesn't have to mean three times the money. Which leaves me with more money to spend on my other love - FOOD.

Apologies to my very understanding boyfriend for turning our spare room into what looks like a transition zone.

You can read more about my open water adventures here and follow my fellow Team Tricurious members here.

What's top of your kit list? Do you splurge or save?

Triathlon nutrition tips from SiS

On hearing that I am due to embark on my first triathlon with Team Tricurious, the nice people over at Science in Sport sent me over some nutrition tips to help me on my way.  Sharing is caring and all that, so read on for some advice from the professionals...

With all the excitement over your shiny new race kit, elastic shoe laces and changing times to rival superman, your nutrition might not be the focus of your attention.

You’re likely to need 1-2 hours to complete your event, which means you need to pay some attention to your nutrition to enjoy your race and get through it comfortably.

Ideally you should have a carbohydrate-based meal the evening before the race, based on pasta, rice or potatoes. Some lean protein is fine but try and avoid anything too fatty (cheese, processed meat, pastry etc.) that will be slow to transit through your gut and may increase the risk of GI distress during your event.

You're bound to feel nervous on the morning, but it’s really important that you try and have a decent breakfast. It should be based on high GI carbohydrates, at least 2-3 hours before your event starts.

This could be cereal, porridge, toast and jam, or fruit and yogurt. Ensuring that you are well hydrated is also very important. Ideally you should drink 500-1000ml of fluid from waking to starting your event. This could be SiS GO Hydro or if you’re struggling to eat too many carbs in the form of solid food then try SiS GO Electrolyte. 

The swim starts are usually staggered, so you may have to wait a while before you dip in! Keep some SiS GO Electrolyte with you so you can keep your energy and hydration levels up.

During the event the bike is really the only opportunity to take fuel and fluid on board, and typically lasts 30-60 minutes depending on speed. It is useful to carry one 500ml bottle of SiS GO Electrolyte to sip from during the ride.

You may want to carry a gel with you to take just before the end of the bike leg to give you a lift for the run.

After around 1-2 hours of intense racing you will have used a good proportion of your muscle glycogen stores. This needs to be replaced as quickly as possible after the race. Your metabolism remains lifted for around 30 minutes post-exercise, and you will absorb nutrients much faster in this period. SiS REGO Rapid Recovery contains carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes to replace what you have lost during the race. It can be mixed in your training bag or transition box ready to go as soon as you finish.

Keep hydrating afterwards and make sure you stretch properly. Have a balanced meal within 1-2 hours of finishing and then enjoy your achievement!

Emma Barraclough is the Sensior Sports Nutritionist for Science in Sport, www.scienceinsport.com

So there we have it! I sometimes find nutrition is the last thing on my list to think about, but I sure notice when I do let it slip! I'll be sure to practice these tips during training and hopefully this will help me towards traithlon success....fingers crossed!

Do you have any other triathlon tips? Leave a comment or drop me an email!

Into the Open Water - Crandon Runs Friday Photo #33

A roundup of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

This week has seen me tackle some swimming and last night I did something I once thought I would never do - I willingly went swimming in Salford Quays. 

Anxious before

As part of my forthcoming triathlon, open water swimming is something I need to get used to. So, despite the cold wind and greying skies, I literally took the plunge. Thankfully I had the all round awesome Sheila there to help me navigate the way and chat and laugh with. It was surprisingly warmer than I thought, and way more fun than expected. Full post is coming soon but in the mean time enjoy these before and after shots!

Open water - I didn't drown

Running kicks and politics - Crandon Runs Friday Photo #32

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

Whilst the country was gripped by election fever this week, I also had to make time to get some running in yesterday in the midst of navigating swimming and cycling triathlon training. The voting gods were very nice to me this year and put my polling station at my running club HQ - cheers guys.

Running kicks and politics

I cycled to and from work, ran to poll, queued, cast my vote and then got out on a very lovely spring evening 9 miler down the canals with the harriers. It was a long run but so good to be off the roads and on some summer routes. All in the safe knowledge I had exercised my right to vote. 

Making the Team - Tricurious Triathlon

I was so excited when I received the email from Laura and Katie, asking me if I wanted to do a triathlon with Team Tricurious. I’d applied for the team on a bit of a whim: after taking on two marathons last year, I had vowed to lay off running the full distance in 2015 and was in need of a new and different challenge. I forgot to think about the reality of swimming in open water at (attempted) speed with other people, followed by cycling further than I’d ever cycled before, and topping that off with a run.  I was just excited at the prospect of something new and experiencing it as a team; the help from Laura and Katie was the icing on the cake.

Then I was asked to select my triathlon distance and the doubts began to creep in. How far is a 750m swim, really? I know how far that is in running terms but swimming is a whole other world, as I’m learning. Despite my idea of a swim being a couple of lengths of breaststroke before hitting the pool side bar on holiday, I genuinely considered taking on the Olympic triathlon distance, including a 1.5 km swim. Having now hit the pool a couple of times in a bid to re-teach myself the front crawl, I am ever thankful that my boyfriend pointed out that, whilst I might be able to comfortably run a 5k in under 23 mins, I might not find it so enjoyable after an hour and a half of swimming and biking of which my current experience level is, well, low to say the least. Senses restored (almost), the Sprint distance was thankfully chosen. As it turns out, 750m is quite a distance to swim.

So I’ve got a long way to go on the swimming front, before I even think about tackling a wetsuit and the open water of Salford Quays. But I’ve covered the distance I need to do on the day in my swimming sessions, which has reassured me a little bit. Now I just need to stop having a rest every few lengths.

On to the bike. My current ride is this very beautiful little yellow number.

Now, whilst the other competitors would certainly agree that she is very pretty, I think we might get laughed out of the cycling leg and I’m pretty sure the wicker basket is not an aerodynamic feature. Although it would be very handy for storing all my food, which would be an added bonus. So I seem to be finding myself unwittingly thrown into a scary world of road bikes, of which I know nothing, and trying to break it to my boyfriend that our flat might have to house another bike.

I cycle commute to work every day and pride myself on being an ‘all weather’ cyclist, but I realise I need to start upping the mileage from 5 miles a day pretty sharpish. I plan on roping in my keen cyclist friend and undertaking some scenic cycling routes, which just so happen to end at a country pub that serves a nice lunch.

With the real possibility of having to be rescued from the open water and a rather dashing but unsuitable bike, you might think my decision to take on a triathlon is a little foolhardy. But as I’ve found before, sometimes it’s good to not think about these things too much, and just knuckle down and get on with it. Being out of your comfort zone can be frustrating but there is also the constant opportunity to achieve new milestones.

On that note, I’m off to buy some goggles and attempt to swim four lengths without stopping.

This post first appeared on the Tricurious Blog - check it out to meet my team mates and follow our journey as we venture into the world of triathlon.

I am Tricurious - Crandon Runs Friday Photo #30

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

Big news this week, I am pleased (and just a little bit scared) to announce that I will be undertaking my first triathlon this August. Yes, a mere 105 days away - eek!

I am really excited as I've been lucky enough to be selected by Laura and Katie to be part of their 'Team Tricurious' - featuring six novice triathletes who will be taking part in different distances at the London Triathlon. 

I have opted for the Sprint distance - 750m open water swim, 20k bike and 5k run. 

You can meet the whole team here, and follow our journeys to triumph (I hope) over on the blog. It's going to be a very exciting few months. 

As I don't know my tri-suit from my wetsuit I think I'd better get reading the Tricurious book, which will basically become my new bible to lead the way on this journey...I think I'm going to need it!