The Quest for M dot

 This is a story from the past. Its the story of my first every open water triathlon experience in Lough Cutra in Galway in May 2018. And it was a car crash of epic proportions. Imagine being that guy. I was. Imagine everything going wrong. It did. Imagine how much prep you put in. I didnt. Imagine not knowing what to expect and then it being way way way worse that that. It was so grim, embarrassing and crazy somehow Ive kept it locked up inside until now. On the bright side it gave me a massive boot up the backside that was needed to actual prepare for open water swimming.  If I was to give one pice of advice, it is NOT like swimming in a pool. Do not make that mistake. And do not practise in the shower. Even when the shower is cold it is NOT like a lake in Galway. Our story starts with as per previous blogs by drive to learn to swim. This all happened in a pool firstly with swim lessons and then a triathlon coach programme including a swim session so yes I had done everythin...

 And so it starts. Or continues. The quest to do some more running. But first given the previously mentioned well timed sprained ankle, and Im feeling the usual ligamnet damage some swimming. The same ankle, weak as always and as always, again not strengthened. Previously injuried in a tragic dancing accident 2 years ago it took some many months to recover successfully and a lot of physio. This time Im skipping the physio, doing the exercises, and getting to the pool. The theory to work on the aerobic capacity if not the legs. So lets see where the swimming journey takes me and any sucess it will lead to running. Im assuming none so at least my expectations are low. Anyway since leaving Ive been just running. Life got in the way of triathalon and time was not so forgiving. So I ran. And then ra some more. In fact I ran alot but in no way any any time was I consistent, which is probably my problem. I do have an urge to always run further but I dont seem to be getting there easily. M...

 A new quest to challenge the backyard ultra process.  This is my beginning. Starting with a sprained ankle and 8 months to get right.  I've had a running history but no documentation so I'll briefly catch up in the next installment.  This is some accountability. I don't want to turn up and fail early and be convinced I did OK. I want to win. Not win the race exactly but I'd take that. But win as in be content. Not stop at a milestop. Not die on my chair and not give up my mind. This is a mental challenge. The physical stuff is easy. The nutritional is tangible. The prep is all doable. Discipline is mandatory. Turning up is mandatory. Giving up is not allowed. Updates and basic training and the journey to follow. Time to fucking focus.

Why leave anything to chance? That's what I'm wondering today. A number of reasons I've gotten to this thinking and writing it down means I need to do something about it. I need to understand the problem. I'm training for a marathon. 6 weeks into a 16 week plan. And generally it's been going well. Although I have missed some sessions albeit for legitimate reasons. But that's just the point; I can always make a reason for missing a session but really mostly it's excuses. I'd never miss my long run. It would be too many miles to miss in a week. But when it comes to other sessions I'm not so consistent. And the ones I miss the most are the technical speed sessions. I suppose I think they are the least important but while actually doing one today I realised how important they are. They are in the plan for a reason so who am I to decide to skip them? I've missed 3 out of 6 of them for various reasons and 2 other sessions on days before them meaning ...

I'm sitting here at11.25pm eating a banana and a dry pancake, the left overs of my meticulously planned breakfast I forced down 18 hours ago. 2 hours ago I could barely hold onto the day any more with a deep wave of tiredness I've rarely felt before. Now I'm jolted awake with strange feelings all over my body and bouncing sore legs. I'm not sure why they are bouncing but they cannot stay still. Today I competed an Ironman 70.3 Dun Laoghaire. At the time of finishing it felt ok. Only ok. I'm not sure why or what I expected but I didn't get it. Possibly deflated. The day started at 5am with the aforementioned breakfast and porridge forced down with what turned out to be too strong coffee resulting (along with the nerves) four bouts of what I only wanted one of. So much for being worried about that. The first decision of the day; choosing the portaloos with the shortest queues. Nailed it, with still time to strap my nutrition, don the wetsuit and stroll yo the ...

I find it hard to keep up a blog and as with most things it down to mindset. When things are fantastic I've no time to write and when things are bad or tough well, I'm just too embarrassed or guilty. What's the point. It's sounds stupid but it's honest. The last few weeks have been tough. Life and work have been busy. The snow arrived and time was lost and excuses made. That's all normal I assume. Getting into a solid training streak is so important. And I did have one good week. But to be honest I've fallen out of love with swimming, unable to muster the energy and time to cycle and generally regretting all things triathlon. I find myself wishing I should have stuck with running and wondering what I could have achieved if I'd stuck it out. But I've made my decision and for now at least until August and the Half I'm going to have to stick to it. I've gotten a coach to make my training sessions have more purpose and direction. Also I want t...