So- week 13 - unlucky for some!?
Good week back in the routine - starting to feel really ready for the sprint and long sprint events but still a little anxious to get some good millage in on the bike and also some bigger open water swims.
Training went to plan this week with some great sessions:
(Monday - as per last post)
Tuesday - Started with a nice power walk to recover from the week before: http://app.strava.com/activities/52814036 Then in the evening i made the most of the sunny weather and got out to do a longer run in the sun: http://app.strava.com/activities/52899835
Wednesday - Early morning (rainy) ride to Spin Class at 6am (to find it had been cancelled!) All was not lost as i used the aerobikes to push some power through and also did some weights too before heading back on the bike from Tonyrefail.
Managed to also squeeze in a swim in the wetsuit in the pool in the afternoon - much to the funny looks off the oldies floating in the water!
Thursday - After dropping off Felix at nursery me and Jo made it to the pool for a 1km sprint. The evening saw me taking on the wind on a great 45km road ride: http://app.strava.com/activities/53311364. Managed to get a few PR's too. Well happy with this as it puts me in a sensible time frame for the cycle element of the longer distance Ironman course. Managing a 1/4 of the distance in just over 1.5hours. If i keep that up ill be on for a good time!
Friday - early start and the long run to work, once again, setting a good pace and completing nearly a half marathon in 1.5 hours. Happy days: http://app.strava.com/activities/53873692
So- sponsorship still coming in slowly and total is nearly at half way. A big thanks to:
Stephanie and Janine for their donation - the only ones of this week.....come on the rest of you!!
Another week ahead of some long lower volume sessions with the hope of getting to Bristol for some open water too. Waiting for my phone to be sorted (end of May) then i can start uploading some pics too!!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - if you havent already - donate! its for a great cause!
Have a great week all and if you pass me in the car peddling away or running like a fool please wave or beep!
Sunday, 12 May 2013
Monday, 6 May 2013
Monday 6th May - Week 12 - Just like Arnie, 'i'm back'
This is a special post - for all those believers and supporters who have stuck by me from the off, asked me how its going, pushed me to recover to my full strength and speed - and a big hello to those who have not read one of these yet!
So, with a stunning bank holiday monday coming to an end its time to sit down and reflect on what has been going on for the last week - but also the last 8 weeks!
Shoulder wise - i think i am there, its still sore at times and every now and then i think 'oh, shouldn't have done that' but this is usually a result of me carrying too much shopping or throwing Felix about playing as opposed to swimming too much or running too far. I am aware of it all the time and constantly work to the recommendations of the physio and specialists to help it repair properly as this is more important to me than completing a race i can do any year.
Full training has resumed for the last month and i have started to log this again over the last 2 weeks, keeping the Facebook page updated with stats and when i get my iphone back ill start taking pics again of where i am at etc.
I have been swimming a lot, trying to get up my speed and strength, plus invested in a swimming wetsuit and found a great place to train: http://www.bristolopenwater.co.uk/
This is a great open water venue which is about 5ft deep all the way around and is proper clear and bright!
So, with a stunning bank holiday monday coming to an end its time to sit down and reflect on what has been going on for the last week - but also the last 8 weeks!
Shoulder wise - i think i am there, its still sore at times and every now and then i think 'oh, shouldn't have done that' but this is usually a result of me carrying too much shopping or throwing Felix about playing as opposed to swimming too much or running too far. I am aware of it all the time and constantly work to the recommendations of the physio and specialists to help it repair properly as this is more important to me than completing a race i can do any year.
Full training has resumed for the last month and i have started to log this again over the last 2 weeks, keeping the Facebook page updated with stats and when i get my iphone back ill start taking pics again of where i am at etc.
I have been swimming a lot, trying to get up my speed and strength, plus invested in a swimming wetsuit and found a great place to train: http://www.bristolopenwater.co.uk/
This is a great open water venue which is about 5ft deep all the way around and is proper clear and bright!
So, in keeping with previous posts i will be updating this page every week from now on, keeping you posted with training and event results. I have booked onto the following events in the run up to IRONMAN and if you are in the area, passing by, or fancy a day out to come and wave a flag or cheer me on please do so!
30th May - Bryn Bach Park - Aquathon (Swim 750m and Run)
15th June - Pendine Sprint Triathlon - (Swim 500m, Cycle and Run)
22nd June - Mumbles Triathlon - (Swim 750m, Cycle and Run)
30th June - Merlin Sportive - 110mile Bike Race (in the Black Mountain Area, Brynaman)
12th-14th July - The Long Course - Tenby - This is the IRONMAN over 3 days - lets see if i am made of iron!
All of these events are on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tomisdoingrionmanwales/
This week has been a fully loaded training week and i have many more like this to go:
Monday - Interval Training and Weights (indoor/Gym)
Tuesday - am Swim session and a great mountain run in the afternoon around Pen Y Fan from the Roman Road:
Wednesday - (early) am Cycle - Spin Session - Cycle
Thursday - Weights (indoor / Gym)
Friday - Triathlon training - 1km Swim, 20km Bike:
Saturday - am Negative Split run:
Sunday - Run / Swim (1.5km) / Run
To finish or start this week this morning was an early morning (killer) core aerobic session with circuits! ouch - i hate those!
So, heres to another week of hitting it hard - back on the bike for some long rides and time to pound the tarmac for a bit longer as the volume starts to increase. Also hoping for a sea swim too!
Please dont forget - i am raising money for charity! (a good one too) and if you think you can take some forms into your office, work, whatever and drum up support please drop me a line. During the last few weeks it has been great to still get a few pounds in the kitty - a big thank you to:
Charles Middleton and
Vikki Wakeford for their support!
Please Please Please keep the support up - its a tough ride, training, working, having a family, making a bigger family and just finding time to relax at some point too - so, every word of help and encouragement really does mean a lot!
Heres to this week -
ps. if anyone wants to come for a run or a ride or a swim please do let me know, its lonely at times without music!
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Sunday 10th February - Week 4 - Back On Track..
Hello Followers!
So, we are now into week 4, this was a big week for me as i had the all important appointment with the Shoulder Specialist on Friday which would hopefully be where good news would be delivered about my road to recovery.
The week has been a little mixed, 3 great gym sessions - Cross trainer one handed, bike and stepper can all be great ways of racking up good amounts of time and distance without too much 'bounce' on the shoulder. These workouts, combined with some simple leg work (weights and circuit style) gave me the confidence and good feeling needed to remind my self what needed to be done long term to not only recover but get a shift on with my Ironman Schedule.
On Wednesday, on route home from the gym, i was able to give a short jog a go:
http://app.strava.com/activities/39947932
Funnily enough, it actually worked out one of my quickest pace:KM since using STRAVA to log my runs/rides! Not too uncomfortable too but needed a sling to stop my shoulder bouncing.
As i said, its been a mixed week as with every gym session and feeling of 'right, im back on this now' has been followed by a downer such as ordering Dominoes, or going for a meal out.
Its a tough one for me as in the past, all of the training and working out has really been to not only keep me fit but to allow me to eat what i want, when i want! I love food and unfortunately dont have a great natural metabolism, if i dont exercise i put on weight! FAST!
I think, when you are at work and occupied too you dont think about eating so much crap, but being at home, always needed to 'pop to the shop for biscuits' or getting a 'Greg's' for lunch is sooo easy!
Friday rolled in and the appointment with the specialist loomed, would i need the op or not?
Basically, if a 1 was a sprain and easy to fix and a 6 was a total smashed sholder and also easy to know what to do, my shoulder was in the 3 area and NO ONE knows what to do with them! Can they heal on their own or do you operate! there are risks and benegits with both options and my guy decided to go with the physio and rehab route - but no promises that somewhere down the line it may need operating.....fingers crossed, if it does, after the 8th September!
So, armed with the knowledge that i now have a date for physio where i will be given a range of exercises for it to stop the muscle wasting away, the confirmation that i am ok to do 'non load bearing' cardio work and the great donation made by Dan Rhodes this weekend i was ready to go home and form a plan for my ongoing training.
This will consist of an early am jog - increasing in distance and time as my shoulder heals and then more high output interval training on the machines in the gym in the evenings 3 times a week, plus the leg and core weights i have been able to do too.
In the rain and the cold i was out this morning, not a huge distance or time but with my home made arm rest i was out....it felt sooooo good!
http://app.strava.com/activities/40386240
So, we are now into week 4, this was a big week for me as i had the all important appointment with the Shoulder Specialist on Friday which would hopefully be where good news would be delivered about my road to recovery.
The week has been a little mixed, 3 great gym sessions - Cross trainer one handed, bike and stepper can all be great ways of racking up good amounts of time and distance without too much 'bounce' on the shoulder. These workouts, combined with some simple leg work (weights and circuit style) gave me the confidence and good feeling needed to remind my self what needed to be done long term to not only recover but get a shift on with my Ironman Schedule.
On Wednesday, on route home from the gym, i was able to give a short jog a go:
http://app.strava.com/activities/39947932
Funnily enough, it actually worked out one of my quickest pace:KM since using STRAVA to log my runs/rides! Not too uncomfortable too but needed a sling to stop my shoulder bouncing.
As i said, its been a mixed week as with every gym session and feeling of 'right, im back on this now' has been followed by a downer such as ordering Dominoes, or going for a meal out.
Its a tough one for me as in the past, all of the training and working out has really been to not only keep me fit but to allow me to eat what i want, when i want! I love food and unfortunately dont have a great natural metabolism, if i dont exercise i put on weight! FAST!
I think, when you are at work and occupied too you dont think about eating so much crap, but being at home, always needed to 'pop to the shop for biscuits' or getting a 'Greg's' for lunch is sooo easy!
Friday rolled in and the appointment with the specialist loomed, would i need the op or not?
Basically, if a 1 was a sprain and easy to fix and a 6 was a total smashed sholder and also easy to know what to do, my shoulder was in the 3 area and NO ONE knows what to do with them! Can they heal on their own or do you operate! there are risks and benegits with both options and my guy decided to go with the physio and rehab route - but no promises that somewhere down the line it may need operating.....fingers crossed, if it does, after the 8th September!
So, armed with the knowledge that i now have a date for physio where i will be given a range of exercises for it to stop the muscle wasting away, the confirmation that i am ok to do 'non load bearing' cardio work and the great donation made by Dan Rhodes this weekend i was ready to go home and form a plan for my ongoing training.
This will consist of an early am jog - increasing in distance and time as my shoulder heals and then more high output interval training on the machines in the gym in the evenings 3 times a week, plus the leg and core weights i have been able to do too.
In the rain and the cold i was out this morning, not a huge distance or time but with my home made arm rest i was out....it felt sooooo good!
http://app.strava.com/activities/40386240
I have not stopped being amazed by the support and donations i have received from the very off! It has been great that throughout all of this i have not been a week yet without donation!
Thank you all and here is to a new week! Catch me if you can!
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Sunday 2nd February - Week 3 - No Pain, No Gain
Hello Followers-
Week 3 is upon us all, by now id be hoping to report on runs of over 15km, rides of near 60km and some pretty hefty pool sessions too - BUT - as you know, thats kind of on hold at the moment.
Its been a funny old week, i have had many intentions of getting to the gym but even the few power walks i have undertaken are still causing my shoulder somewhat of a dull ache!
I know i should take the advice and fully rest but it is starting to drive me insane.
There is not a huge amount to report on to be honest, the swelling has gone down, the bone is well and truly still sticking out of my shoulder and i just cant wait to find out what the specialist has up her sleeve to get this mended.
On thursday i took the decision to quite the painkillers (a concoction of Ibuprofen and some kind of codine, paracetamol mix) which has resulted in me feeling a little better mentally but quite sore, although i must say that long periods of taking ibuprofen do bung you up! owch! (too much info maybe??!)
On the plus side - it is great to see that not all hope is lost, a GREAT cash donation made by Richard O'Driscoll at Aquatic World in Cardiff has helped me to realise that people have not given up on me or started to ask for money back!
This week promises to be more upbeat and in my next blog i hope to report something more interesting!
A few people have asked - What happens if i cant do it? What will happen to the money? Can i wait until your mended to decide to donate?
Answer: I will be ready!
If i am not for some drastic turn of events (like another shoulder injury a week before) then i will look to put the money raised (if funders are happy too) towards a similar challenge that i could do - for example if i cant swim anymore i will do the Lands End to John O Groats Challenge on my bike then however many days it takes me to cycle ill run a half marathon that many days in a row! (thats an example by the way!)
Anyways, keep sending me your positive energy and ill be back up and running in no time!
Week 3 is upon us all, by now id be hoping to report on runs of over 15km, rides of near 60km and some pretty hefty pool sessions too - BUT - as you know, thats kind of on hold at the moment.
Its been a funny old week, i have had many intentions of getting to the gym but even the few power walks i have undertaken are still causing my shoulder somewhat of a dull ache!
I know i should take the advice and fully rest but it is starting to drive me insane.
There is not a huge amount to report on to be honest, the swelling has gone down, the bone is well and truly still sticking out of my shoulder and i just cant wait to find out what the specialist has up her sleeve to get this mended.
On thursday i took the decision to quite the painkillers (a concoction of Ibuprofen and some kind of codine, paracetamol mix) which has resulted in me feeling a little better mentally but quite sore, although i must say that long periods of taking ibuprofen do bung you up! owch! (too much info maybe??!)
On the plus side - it is great to see that not all hope is lost, a GREAT cash donation made by Richard O'Driscoll at Aquatic World in Cardiff has helped me to realise that people have not given up on me or started to ask for money back!
This week promises to be more upbeat and in my next blog i hope to report something more interesting!
A few people have asked - What happens if i cant do it? What will happen to the money? Can i wait until your mended to decide to donate?
Answer: I will be ready!
If i am not for some drastic turn of events (like another shoulder injury a week before) then i will look to put the money raised (if funders are happy too) towards a similar challenge that i could do - for example if i cant swim anymore i will do the Lands End to John O Groats Challenge on my bike then however many days it takes me to cycle ill run a half marathon that many days in a row! (thats an example by the way!)
Anyways, keep sending me your positive energy and ill be back up and running in no time!
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Saturday 26th January - Week 2 - Down but DEFIANTLY not out!
Hello Followers -
So, its been a week of frustration and testing times for me.
Shoulder is not looking the best, been in pain, been sitting about a lot not doing stuff then when i do try and do things it hurts!
Updated on thursday was promising - they are not now looking at surgery but i need the final decision in 2 weeks from a shoulder specialist. Downside is - no driving for a month and off work.
For those of you who do not have facebook - here is the x-ray pic
Yes - its surely looking a bit out of place.
SO -what does all this mean, you aren't following an supporting me to sit about and talk about my life and not be doing things. At least i now know what is wrong with it and have been given a rough time of 3 months from now until i am back caving, climbing etc. But this wont stop me at the gym, using my legs, cycling, walking etc.
This week i hope to stage a come back to the 'mobility bikes' in the gym, do some miles walking and just get my head into gear for the long road to recovery.
My first training event is going to be a Duathlon in Cowbridge (Run - Cycle - Run) in April and i have every hope of doing this with no problems.
IRONMAN is STILL ON!
Ill be keeping the facebook page updated and keep you all posted on my recovery.
For now, rest, reading, learn about the nutrition, training and mental condition i will need to be in by 8th September.
I can see why there has been a bit of a lack of donations this week and i hope that once i start reminding people of how strong and determined i am to do this they will start rolling in again!
So, its been a week of frustration and testing times for me.
Shoulder is not looking the best, been in pain, been sitting about a lot not doing stuff then when i do try and do things it hurts!
Updated on thursday was promising - they are not now looking at surgery but i need the final decision in 2 weeks from a shoulder specialist. Downside is - no driving for a month and off work.
For those of you who do not have facebook - here is the x-ray pic
Yes - its surely looking a bit out of place.
SO -what does all this mean, you aren't following an supporting me to sit about and talk about my life and not be doing things. At least i now know what is wrong with it and have been given a rough time of 3 months from now until i am back caving, climbing etc. But this wont stop me at the gym, using my legs, cycling, walking etc.
This week i hope to stage a come back to the 'mobility bikes' in the gym, do some miles walking and just get my head into gear for the long road to recovery.
My first training event is going to be a Duathlon in Cowbridge (Run - Cycle - Run) in April and i have every hope of doing this with no problems.
IRONMAN is STILL ON!
Ill be keeping the facebook page updated and keep you all posted on my recovery.
For now, rest, reading, learn about the nutrition, training and mental condition i will need to be in by 8th September.
I can see why there has been a bit of a lack of donations this week and i hope that once i start reminding people of how strong and determined i am to do this they will start rolling in again!
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Sunday 20th January - Week 1 - What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
So, Here’s my
first real entry to my weekly blog – and what a piece of news I have for you!
My aim is to summarise
the training and fundraising that’s been going on with pictures, info,
articles, links etc. that may be of interest and related to the cause.
At the end of
each blog ill keep an ongoing list of weekly donations I have received and the
list of all donations will be held on the www.virginmoneygiving.com/TomPartridge
page.
As this is the
first of my blogs here is the list so far – a massive thank you to all who have
contributed, its truly amazing how much has already been donated! We are now up to:
£331.25 with the gift aid!
|
Chris Rowe£10.00
|
|
Hayley Speicher£10.00
|
|
lily woolrich£10.00
|
|
Hayley Thomas£30.00
|
|
Andrew Walters£10.00
|
|
Clare & TQ£20.00
|
|
Lia and Kelvin£50.00
|
|
Sarah Hurley£20.00
|
|
Vicky Arnold£20.00
|
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Abandoned Shoe£20.00
|
|
Dai & Lauren£75.00
|
Training-
What a first
week- we’ve had it all from outdoor cycling in the sun to running in the snow
and plenty of in-between indoor gym sessions too.
Monday – Cycle to work (20km) then a Run from work to Ponty (11.5km)
Tuesday - Early morning sprint and
interval session then a great Cave trip
to Pwll Dwfn (above Dan Y Ogof)
Wedbesday – Early swim session (1.5km) and then a Weights
super set with cardio sets in between in
the gym
Thursday – Rest morning then an Interval Sprint Training and Circuits session at
the gym in the afternoon
Firday – Early Run in the SNOW (8.5km) and then some serious Snow Digging!
Saturday – Managed to get out for a 4hour Cave trip in the Forest of Dean
Sunday – Well….then It all went wrong!
Piece of News-
So, Sunday
morning I was out, just at the end of the road with dog, wife and baby in the
pushchair and I decided to try and head but the ice on the floor! Not really, I
slipped and whacked my head and in the process managed to land on my shoulder –
OWCH! Well a bit more than ouch – 3.5hours in A&E revealed that I have done
something (pretty bad I have a feeling) to my AC joint in my shoulder – to
which I prompted the nurse to give me the treatment and recovery, she said,
“well, if its bad, which it may be, it’s a simple operation and then a few
months out of action….what do you do for a job ?” I replied and she smugly
smiled as if to say – “I don’t think you will be doing any of that for a
while!”
GREAT! – I am
currently down, on painkillers, waiting for an MRI Scan on Thursday – BUT – I
am not beaten – its 8months until Iron man and having a bad shoulder doesn’t
stop me on the running machines, bikes in the gym or Turbo trainer at home…I
promise I wont let you down and ill be doing it!
I guess this also
proves all those people who say, when I take them out caving, climbing,
canoeing etc. is it safe? Will I die? Don’t you hurt yourself? And I always say
– “you are more likely to fall down and break something outside your house!”
Guess what? I am living proof.
There will still
be a weekly update on my progress and still be posting on the Facebook group
too.
Please do not
loose faith and this is a minor temporary set back!
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! – (Quote:
Kelly Clarkson!)
Caving on Tuesday Evening at Pwll Dwfn - Awesome evening!
Brrrrr!
Running in to work for the Train on Friday Morning
Getting geared up on Saturday for a trip into Wet Sink - Forest of Dean
I am sure you dont want to see my body but- Check out my shoulder!
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Welcome to my Blog!
Hello,
Thank you for coming to check out my Blog. This is where i will keep a weekly record of all my goings on during the week, the training iam doing, the money i am raising and also and other bits and bobs i may think are of interest!
I will be keeping my facebook group up to date and it would be great if you could check that out too:
Click here to be taken to my page.
Finally, as you will know i will be collecting the wonderful donations for SCOPE through the website set up which you can reach here:
www.virginmoneygiving.com/TomPartridge
Alternatively you can see me in person and donate the good old way in cash£$£!
Please feel free to share this blog, my facebook group and also my donation page with all of your friends, family and at work too!
So far i am well on my way with nearly £300 being donated so far! Huge thanks to all who have donated their hard earned cash for a great cause (and to see me pushed to my LIMITS!)
You can find out more about Ironman Wales and a little about me by checking out my profile.
Next Blog will be Sunday 20th January 2013! Keep your eyes peeled for that.
Thank you for coming to check out my Blog. This is where i will keep a weekly record of all my goings on during the week, the training iam doing, the money i am raising and also and other bits and bobs i may think are of interest!
I will be keeping my facebook group up to date and it would be great if you could check that out too:
Click here to be taken to my page.
Finally, as you will know i will be collecting the wonderful donations for SCOPE through the website set up which you can reach here:
www.virginmoneygiving.com/TomPartridge
Alternatively you can see me in person and donate the good old way in cash£$£!
Please feel free to share this blog, my facebook group and also my donation page with all of your friends, family and at work too!
So far i am well on my way with nearly £300 being donated so far! Huge thanks to all who have donated their hard earned cash for a great cause (and to see me pushed to my LIMITS!)
You can find out more about Ironman Wales and a little about me by checking out my profile.
Next Blog will be Sunday 20th January 2013! Keep your eyes peeled for that.
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