Daz Does Tri

Or simply the most boring blog in the history of the world. Lot of talk lately about PrestonPace, intervals, races etc. I think a lot of people assume I do all my running at 10 minute miles and then go and run 17 min 5ks off talent or something!! Way back when I was running 3:30 marathons, I did a lot of reading about base training and came across a topic called HADD. If you Google it the full document is easily available and properly boring unless your a data geek like me! I bought into the training, used it as best I could and got myself down to 3 hours for a marathon, and then kicked on to a 75 min half. In fact, from my 5 mile time I was capable of around 16.10 for 5k off zero speedwork. Important to state that I come from a track background (I may have mentioned once or twice lol), so I know how quick intervals can make you. It's pretty much all I did as a kid! BUT, I think personally people of a certain age overlook base and why it's important.

Seems like I only blog for races nowadays! Last week, decided that it was wise to completely bin off the bike and swim and purely dedicate time to run. I'm in OKish shape and a bit of leg conditioning would serve me well for a half marathon crack. So, with 53 miles in 5 days I decided to go and get myself a nice sore throat on Thursday night! So rested Friday and Saturday but made the wise decision to pop out with the lads for a beer Friday night. Ouch, Saturday I was a mess and basically self medicated everything from Morrisons pharmacy in the hope it would help. Woke up this morning feeling not too shabby, legs still tight but not worst ever so hopeful of a half decent turn out. Rain didn't help and if I was travelling solo there's a good chance I would have binned it off!

Last tri of the season, and a race I entered a couple of months back just to give me something to keep my eye in coming off Ironman/holiday and going into winter. If I'm honest I never expected to do much here, it was always going to be more about a good solid workout and keeping in good shape. However, still thought I'd be alright. Usual race day deal, Mr Turner picked me up and we arrived without incident. I'd changed waves to start in the slower wave 1 rather than the faster wave 2. I was thinking that being one of the slower swimmers that are 'faster' finishers I'd be better off getting out ahead rather than hanging back. I also thought that starting half an hour in front of Ian meant he wouldn't have to wait ages for me to finish!