February 2016 – Jenwaar

Training week four

This week has been good…. Three runs, three swim sessions, two gym sessions and only once on the turbo trainer (oops). My long run this week was twelve miles! I’m pretty pleased with the distance, but the time wasn’t that quick. The last three miles were a killer, cardiovascular wise I felt fine but both my legs felt like ten tonnes each and sore for a couple days later. I’m hoping this will improve as I’m now running regularly.

I’m now starting to feel more at ease with training, previously I was doing six gym weight based session per week with the occasional run. I thought it would quite struggle to get back into running, swimming and cycling however after four weeks I feel like this was always my normal exercise routine. The five AM alarm is no longer a fight but maybe that’s because I’m going to bed earlier as I’m tired from all the training. I enjoy getting up early and getting the workout completed so the rest of the day is mine. I find if I have to wait all day the thought of training lingers and I find excuses so I’m less likely to train.

I’ve found blogging about each weeks training quite useful as I record what I do each week, so I keep a close eye on training and making plans. It also helps keep me accountable and motivated as I know I’ll be writing about it. I don’t think reading about how lazy I’ve been each week would be as exciting a read and I wouldn’t have anything to write about.

Next week my goals are to continue with the regular sessions and use the bloody turbo trainer more!! As you can tell cycling is my least favourite sport in the triathlon, I cycle to and from work every work shift so I feel it’s more a mode of transport (which it is) rather than sporting fun. If I want to improve I must train! I hope next week I won’t be writing this again.

Jenwaar

Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies

Last weekend my parents came to visit for my mum’s birthday. On Friday for her birthday we had breakfast at Montpelier’s restaurant in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh. Highly recommended for breakfast! I had Mexican beans with poached eggs and extra smoked salmon with apple juice and green tea. My Dad had the ‘The Full Monty’, a full Scottish breakfast including steak and my mum had a morning roll.

After we filled our bellies we went to the Falkirk wheel and then to see the Kelpies. The Falkirk wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde canal with the Union canal. We went on a canal boat trip using the wheel which raises the boat by 24 metres. I found watching the wheel in action more interesting and impressive rather than the actual boat trip but the guides were very good and informative.

The Kelpies are thirty meter horse head sculptures made of steel with stainless steel cladding and are the world’s largest equine sculptures. The name Kelpies comes from the mythological transformation of beasts possessing the strength of hundred horses. They represent the working horse’s heritage for Scotland. The structures are pretty impressive and stunning in both the day and night, definitely worth a visit.

Jenwaar

This blog post isn’t sponsored

Training Week Three

This week I managed two swims, two runs, two gym sessions and two rest days (all the two’s). Ideally I should have done a little more but that’s life. My parents came to visit at the weekend and I worked five shifts last week. On a positive note, one of my runs this week I ran eight miles; the furthest distance I’ve done in a while.

Sometimes I find it hard to train when working a few shifts together so I need to plan my sessions ahead. I work twelve and a half hour shifts both day and night which change each week. Some weeks I have a few shifts back to back so I have a few more 5am sessions and may train less. You just have to be realistic and flexible as we are only human and sadly I have to work to pay the bills. I plan each week ahead so I know what I’m doing each day and generally if I have a plan I do (most of the time) stick to it.

Another way I try to stick to my fitness plan each week is to go to at least one trained session per week. I am member of the Edinburgh Triathletes club and they run weekly sessions each week for running, swimming and cycling. This keeps me motivated by mixing up my exercise sessions. Group sessions help me to work harder as you have someone pushing you. I am quite good at plodding along at the same pace during training and I find club session push me much harder. Other members at training also help as I am quite determined to finish training just like everyone else.

Next week I’m continuing regular running and swim sessions. I am planning longer runs, maximum two gym sessions and to use my turbo trainer more this week.

Training Week Two

Training was much better this week… I managed 4 runs, two swim sessions and two gym sessions. I did a mixture of triathlon club running and swim sessions, runs by myself, a, gym session with my friend Kim and a personal training session. I’m slowly starting to feel like my lungs aren’t going to explode after each session and on Saturday I found my five mile run a pleasure. I’m feeling much more positive about being able to actually complete the Ironman.

Tuesday was Shrove Tuesday aka Pancake day! I made Chocolate avocado protein pancakes with blueberries, peanut butter and Nutella, they were amazing. I am not religious however I do like to give up something each year. I usually give up alcohol and this year is the same, apart from I am adding fizzy drinks as well.

On Thursday evening I went to a talk by Freya Ross about her cook book called Food on the run. Freya is an Olympic marathon runner and will hopefully qualify for Rio soon. She talked about her training regime and typical foods she eats every day. It was really reassuring to hear she doesn’t follow a strict diet, calorie count and weigh everything she eats. She advocates having a varied diet with a few treats. She spoke about when she eats before and after running and what she does during race days including what drinks and gels she typically uses during a marathon. I left feeling inspired and positive about my own training and dietary habits. The cook book is filled with easy to follow and simple recipes. I shall be trying out some of these recipes very soon!

This week my CycleOps turbo trainer arrived. A turbo trainer is a device that enables you to ride your bike whilst stationary, and indoors. They clamp around the quick release skewer of a bike’s rear wheel suspending it in an A-frame. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who build the trainer for me and attached it to my bike. Sunday evening I managed an hour of hill climbs whilst watching call the midwife. I hope being able to cycle at home will help me train when the weather is bad outside.

Next week I’m continuing regular running and swim sessions including one long run. I am planning to slowly increase my mileage and in a few weeks eventually to start increasing my speed.

Training week one

Training last week wasn’t that great…. I managed three gym weight sessions, one swim and two runs. I did also go for long walks on holiday however I know this is not enough. I am finding it hard not to hit the gym so regularly and up the cardio.

John o groats

Highlight of this week was running on holiday from John O’Groats to Duncansby lighthouse, I had clear views out to the Isle of Stoma and not a soul in site, just beautiful. The time wasn’t great as it was very hilly but was lovely to be out by the coast.

John o groats

john o groats

Yesterday I bought a turbo trainer. I’m quite excited about having equipment at home for training. I am a very timid cyclist, hate going out for a long ride by myself, and if the weather isn’t great I generally don’t ride. Being able to cycle at home will hopefully improve my cycling, but the main reason is to get me to cycle regularly. I also admit I cannot repair a puncture so I have booked myself onto a bike maintenance course in March.

Next week I have planned my week out, so my mileage will be much higher, and I only plan to be at the gym twice.

John O’Groats Trip

This week I was lucky enough to go away with my husband to John O’Groats. Yes that’s correct John O’Groats in February! We arrived in the wind and rain on Monday to stay at the Jan De Groot Penthouse within the Inn at Natural retreats. The apartment had views over the Pentland Firth and a free standing brass bath in the bedroom (I’m a sucker for a big bath). We stayed for four nights in self-catered accommodation. John O’Groats, like any coastal town, is seasonal and was very quiet at this time of year. Our aim of this trip was to relax and chill, which we did.

Tuesday we managed a coastal walk from John O’Groats to Duncansby Head lighthouse and back, our walk was cut short due to the unpredictable Scottish weather (gale-force winds and sleeting rain). Once we got our soggy cold bottoms home, I took full advantage of the bath, a long soak with a glass of Processo.

Wednesday we visited Dunnet Head, the most Northerly point of mainland Britain, and Thurso. I made our favourite dinner of fillet Steak, sweet potato chips and salad when back at the apartment.

Thursday was Sam’s birthday and luckily we had good weather so we could walk out to the Duncansby Stacks, such beautiful views and no wind! In the afternoon we drove to Wick and took the birthday boy out for a meal.

Friday we went home. It was the most relaxing week consisting of eating and drinking, reading and going for long walks. As it was out of season it felt like we had the place to ourselves (which I loved) however most attractions and places were closed. For a quiet break I would recommend coming over winter, just prepare for the weather!

Jenwaar x

Hello!!

Hello,

Thanks for having a look at my blog. I thought my first blog should explain why I want to write. Firstly it’s a new year and in my drunken state at the bells I wanted to start documenting my life and interests. I aim to write a lifestyle blog about my love for food, fitness, traveling, my mishaps and general ramblings.

Secondly I want to make 2016 count, 2015 was an amazing year filled with traveling, fitness, good food and marrying my best friend.

So 2016; my main goal this year is the Staffordshire Ironman 70.3 in June. I’ve been a runner all my life and I started participating in triathlons in 2014. Last year I lost my love for cardio and found a new interest in lifting weights (at the gym not competing). Although I still enjoy weight training I have missed racing so I have decided to challenge myself to an Ironman 70.3 triathlon. The longest triathlon I’ve ever done is Olympic distance and my lack of real regular cardiovascular training over the last 6 months means this will be challenging for me.

I am a massive food lover… I love to cook, I love to dine out, I love to eat and I LOVE FOOD! I try and keep a well-balanced, healthy, varied, flexible ‘diet’ with a few treats. I hope to discuss my favourite foods, recipes and dining out experiences (especially the treats!!).

I will be blogging as regularly as possible and hopefully I will bring you some interesting stories.

jenwaar

Jenwaar