Goanna watch
Happy belated xmas to our bloggers! As hard as I have been trying I still cannot get used to Chrimbo in the sun! But the big stuffed bird was not missed! I was a given plenty of reasons to celebrate a lovely Chrissy, some fab pressies, a yummy feed and a day off training!!!
Christmas was spent in a stunning National Park - Platypus Flats which was about 90 mins from home, with the last 30 mins being off road, 4 x 4 country! As you would imagine we were in the middle of nowhere, bliss, with the river and rapids to keep us company, well that’s what we thought! The smell of our bbq, skewered prawns, chicken kebabs and pork made not only our mouth’s water but clearly those of the locals too! Staking us out and then stalking us was a trio of Goanna’s! Persistent, cheeky or just hungry it took us various attempts of diversion tactics to keep the 3 at bay. The winning strategy, in case you are faced with a similar dilemma is chasing them with a whip style stick!
Fed, watered and still on Goanna Watch it was time for the games to commence!!! Time to limber up for a battle of Botchie. For those not in the Botchie know, which included me, it’s a Boules type of game where you have to get your ball as close to the jack. Botchie could also be described as Curling on grass not on ice and minus the hoovering motion! Without wanting to rub it in Team benben emerged as the victors! Although we nearly had to abort the game as a big black bird swooped down and stole the jack in its beak!
Boxing Day training was a struggle, I felt as though I could not emerge from my Christmas comma! The 27th I was still feeling as though I could not get into the next gear, but I had too, the teeth got gritted! The morning’s teeth gritting session was a pool swim not far off the 4km marker. A run session was in store for the afternoon, 10 x 500m repeats, with fast feet / a quick leg turnover the orders from the boss. We were running on my fav beach Boambee, which at low tide is great to run on, hard sand not the stuff you sink in, phew! Well, maybe it was my fav place to run! I realize it’s not the technical term but the wind was whipping up and it felt as though we were running into a “full frontal” when into the wind. Just to give you an idea how crippling the wind was, it took me nearly 30 secs slower to run the same distance in comparison to when we had the wind assisting us!
We had a lovely day on Wed with Kimmy, Ben’s sister in a cool spot Bellingen. Team ben ben rode, Kimmy took the car which meant we had a taxi home!! As usual the road was lumpy and bumpy to our destination but it was worth it for the afternoon chatting, chilling and coffee drinking.
I felt as though I had my mojo back a little today, (29th) and thank goodness, just nailed a tough session! (Ben never seems to misplace his mojo!) Hill repeats on the bike followed by a rolling 8km race pace run. When I say hill repeats, it meant going up and down Bruxner which is a 3.5km climb, 6% gradient, 4 times and not at a leisurely pace! Pushing a panting pace!!! Swim session in the afternoon to ensure I was whacked!!!
Within 12 hours we were back in the water, a 4km session of 10 x 400meters, call the session what you like!! The afternoon was a struggle to get back on my feet let alone pull off a run technique session! I of course did it somehow, panting featured again! To the untrained eye the run technique session would have looked like at times we were practicing skipping to any on-lookers!!!!
Today NYE, no time for buying a new dress or getting the hair / nails done, instead on the agenda was a brick session bike and run which went something like this……rain would not stop, got wet, rode 100k on the bikes up and down up and down, rain started again, got even wetter, ran 30 mins off bike up and down more rollers, saturated and starving!!!!
I have suggested we bring NY celebrations forward by about 4 hours to 8pm so we can go to bed at tri-athletes bed time! In not out tonight, 5.5k fun run tomorrow! Not sure how much fun my legs will find it!?!
Happy New Year bloggers, I won’t wish you a fit and fast one which at 8pm team benben will probably be toasting too with h20! Here’s to a happy and healthy one for you!
Be back next year xx
Friday, 30 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
Our Cards are Marked......
As mentioned in a previous update, we have joined the local tri club, Sunday 18th was the last club race of the season. It’s a very active club holding sprint races in the beautiful harbour area every fortnight. For those not up with the tri jargon a sprint race is a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run. As we are training for an Iron man which will take about 10 hours longer the race and races will be treated as hard training sessions on tired legs, more of the mental than physical workout!
As the new kids on the block we were very much under the radar, but now after the race me thinks our cards are marked!! Ben came in 3rd male, but more incredible on his debut over the course he went under the hour in 59 mins only about 4 guys in club history have gone under the hour. I will now provide the bait for the girls as I managed to be the first lady over the line and show those Aussie girls this Brit means business!!! Game face aside it’s a very friendly set up, everyone is super nice and encouraging. And just to prove it was not all about the winning, I did not get recognized for the win another girl did but no “steward’s enquiry” was requested. Santa even made an appearance!!
I made reference about to an Iron Man, again those not down with the lingo we are training for a 3.8k swim, 180k bike ride and then a marathon which is 42km, and yes all in one day with no stopping not even for food, everything and I mean everything is done on the go! As we are going long the volume of our training has been stepped up a notch. Coach Webeck has us training over 20 hours per week with some of the following if you’re tempted and have a few hours to spare!! Maybe the sessions could be banked for post xmas if you have indulged in indulgence:
Swimming 6 out of the 7 days: Key session 30 x 100m repeats with 10 secs rest in between each 100m at the fastest pace you can hold for the duration, that means getting breathless.
In the saddle 5 days: Long bike ride clocking up 100k of ups and downs with the longest climb being 15km. That ride was done in the pouring rain and I never thought I would have to say this, but I was freezing on the way down!
Running is a complete mélange: 90 mins steady, 1k repeats faster than your race pace and running 2km not on the flat as fast as your little legs can go and that was straight off the bike after a ride. I think I was treated to just 1 day off my pegs!
Asides from puffing and panting we enjoyed a rest day, wahooooo, pic-nicing in a Dorrigo, a stunning spot in one of many National Parks. The occasion: Ben’s dad’s birthday, so he was the one puffing and panting trying to blow his sparklers out from his birthday cake! Credit to Ben’s mum she knows how to put on a picnic, homemade sushi, sandwiches are soooooooo last season!!!
I also met the boys! We caught up with Ben’s old school mates for a picnic (no sushi) on Sunday which was fun, they were all very well behaved and did not dish any dirt on ben.
This week…..Another big week of training, Ben’s sister is arriving home for xmas from Alice Springs and a few gifts still need to be purchased! Till the next update, take care with love Team BenBen x
As the new kids on the block we were very much under the radar, but now after the race me thinks our cards are marked!! Ben came in 3rd male, but more incredible on his debut over the course he went under the hour in 59 mins only about 4 guys in club history have gone under the hour. I will now provide the bait for the girls as I managed to be the first lady over the line and show those Aussie girls this Brit means business!!! Game face aside it’s a very friendly set up, everyone is super nice and encouraging. And just to prove it was not all about the winning, I did not get recognized for the win another girl did but no “steward’s enquiry” was requested. Santa even made an appearance!!
I made reference about to an Iron Man, again those not down with the lingo we are training for a 3.8k swim, 180k bike ride and then a marathon which is 42km, and yes all in one day with no stopping not even for food, everything and I mean everything is done on the go! As we are going long the volume of our training has been stepped up a notch. Coach Webeck has us training over 20 hours per week with some of the following if you’re tempted and have a few hours to spare!! Maybe the sessions could be banked for post xmas if you have indulged in indulgence:
Swimming 6 out of the 7 days: Key session 30 x 100m repeats with 10 secs rest in between each 100m at the fastest pace you can hold for the duration, that means getting breathless.
In the saddle 5 days: Long bike ride clocking up 100k of ups and downs with the longest climb being 15km. That ride was done in the pouring rain and I never thought I would have to say this, but I was freezing on the way down!
Running is a complete mélange: 90 mins steady, 1k repeats faster than your race pace and running 2km not on the flat as fast as your little legs can go and that was straight off the bike after a ride. I think I was treated to just 1 day off my pegs!
Asides from puffing and panting we enjoyed a rest day, wahooooo, pic-nicing in a Dorrigo, a stunning spot in one of many National Parks. The occasion: Ben’s dad’s birthday, so he was the one puffing and panting trying to blow his sparklers out from his birthday cake! Credit to Ben’s mum she knows how to put on a picnic, homemade sushi, sandwiches are soooooooo last season!!!
I also met the boys! We caught up with Ben’s old school mates for a picnic (no sushi) on Sunday which was fun, they were all very well behaved and did not dish any dirt on ben.
This week…..Another big week of training, Ben’s sister is arriving home for xmas from Alice Springs and a few gifts still need to be purchased! Till the next update, take care with love Team BenBen x
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Team BenBen Down Under
Although the race report has been a fairly recent addition the race and our departure from Thailand was nearly 2 weeks ago which also means we have been in our new home nearly a fortnight. I will not write “War and Peace” on the past 14 days, instead just bring you up to date with what Team BenBen has been up to…….no prizes for guessing, as yes, training, eating and sleeping still features!
In between our 3 favourite past times we left Phuket and arrived in Oz. Australia will be our new base for the next 10 months. We are staying Chez Mr and Mrs Webeck, (Ben’s parents). Lots of first’s for me Oz and meeting the parents!!!!
On arrival Down-Under we had 2 nights in Sydney with Auntie and Uncle who spoilt us. We also got to catch up with some of the ex London crew, Dee and Emma who live over here which of course was great. Quick look and photo taken at the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Sydney to be done when we have more time and energy!
Within a few hours of arriving in Coff’s Harbour our new home, bikes had been built and within 12 hrs we were out riding them! The cycling is amazing around here, rainforests, open farmlands and lots and lots and lots and lots of hills, no they are mountains. Ben forgot to mention it was hilly here!!! Recovery runs are even uphill! I have to keep telling myself what goes up must come down, the hill might but my heart rate is not following suit at the moment, its staying high!! I am also prepping myself that I may never fit in skinny jeans again!!
As you would expect we have joined the local tri club, had a massage, found the bike shop…..
Ben’s mum and dad have been spoiling us, they must stop or they will be exhausted!! I can see where Ben gets his personality, forgetfullness and good looks from! Mrs W has cooked some lovely meals, another trait I am glad Ben has inherited. Ben and I have been doing our share of cooking, don’t worry girls and mum I have yet to treat them to my signature dish of carrot and celery sticks with "humerous"!!!
No spiders or snakes yet which I hope is the way it stays! Seen a few skippies, they are so cute! I can’t get my head round seeing xmas decorations when its sunny, I have heard Santa arrives in Coff’s on a jet ski too!!
It's nearly 8.30pm so triathletes bed time, good night x
In between our 3 favourite past times we left Phuket and arrived in Oz. Australia will be our new base for the next 10 months. We are staying Chez Mr and Mrs Webeck, (Ben’s parents). Lots of first’s for me Oz and meeting the parents!!!!
On arrival Down-Under we had 2 nights in Sydney with Auntie and Uncle who spoilt us. We also got to catch up with some of the ex London crew, Dee and Emma who live over here which of course was great. Quick look and photo taken at the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Sydney to be done when we have more time and energy!
Within a few hours of arriving in Coff’s Harbour our new home, bikes had been built and within 12 hrs we were out riding them! The cycling is amazing around here, rainforests, open farmlands and lots and lots and lots and lots of hills, no they are mountains. Ben forgot to mention it was hilly here!!! Recovery runs are even uphill! I have to keep telling myself what goes up must come down, the hill might but my heart rate is not following suit at the moment, its staying high!! I am also prepping myself that I may never fit in skinny jeans again!!
As you would expect we have joined the local tri club, had a massage, found the bike shop…..
Ben’s mum and dad have been spoiling us, they must stop or they will be exhausted!! I can see where Ben gets his personality, forgetfullness and good looks from! Mrs W has cooked some lovely meals, another trait I am glad Ben has inherited. Ben and I have been doing our share of cooking, don’t worry girls and mum I have yet to treat them to my signature dish of carrot and celery sticks with "humerous"!!!
No spiders or snakes yet which I hope is the way it stays! Seen a few skippies, they are so cute! I can’t get my head round seeing xmas decorations when its sunny, I have heard Santa arrives in Coff’s on a jet ski too!!
It's nearly 8.30pm so triathletes bed time, good night x
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Laguna Phuket Race Report
Finally we have managed to get a race report up from the race. IT problems and been busy settling into our new semi permament home in Coffs Harbour....... Enjoy and soon to be another update.
It is called the race of legends and is on every top ten Tri races to do before you die. As soon as we agreed to spend some time in Australia a MASSIVE penny dropped in London to go via Phuket to see what the fuss was all about. It was then Cat's idea to spend some more time here before and from what you have been reading............ It was one of her better ones!
The ferries take you across the lagoon to the start on the beach as the sun rises and every ones hearts start to race, including mine from a redbull and a caffeinated gel. There was still banter and chat so moods were high and knowing many people racing from Thanyapura added to the comfort.
Beach start, I was in the first wave and Cat in the 3rd (10mins behind). First wave included all the Pro's and young gun males up to 34yrs. Quick gallop from front row into the water.... Flat on my face into the white wash after 5 steps...Graceful!? From then the swim was ok in the ocean being crystal clear. Approaching the beach, the dread also approaches as you have to pick yourself up and run over the dune and continue back through the fresh water Lagoon for 600m more. The colour is a orangy brown and a few degrees warmer so it feels like you are swimming through honey rather than water after being in the pure salt water. I struggled and most people did. Couldn't be over quick enough as the heart rate was in overdrive.
We knew the bike course from training so no surprises and both put in some solid times. Unfortunately the famous steep hills come first and my heart rate was still in overdrive from the swim. Finally it settled after about 15mins but was a struggle up to then riding conservatively. Could tell it was going to be a hot one half way through the bike. For me it wasn't until I was on the main out and back road that I knew I was in 7th spot overall. At least I thought I was as I was trying to stay focused on turning the peddles at the same time. The course had it all in terms of hills, technical sections, rollers and flat AND a little extra of excitable school children out to cheer us on. They loved it and I manged to high five one. Hope I didn't break his hand as it nearly knocked me off my bike. Many words from out on the bike course were that Cat was tearing it up and managing to embarrass some of the boys!
Transition area back in Laguna Resort has a great atmosphere. Jumping off the bike onto the run I set in the rising heat of low 30deg's before 9am. The run winds you through parts of resort and golf course (the furnace). Checking the km splits I was clicking along ok for the start of the run. Aid stations (water/ice/coke etc) were approx 2km apart and this is where I raced myself to the next icy cold sponge. AGAIN the heart rate was in overdrive from the heat and sections I had to pull right back as it felt like I had ran into a wall instead of across the 4th tee.
Since coming out of the water no-one had passed me which was a pleasant surprise and the finishing chute couldn't have come quick enough. The atmosphere at the end was fantastic and when I was being called over whilst running up the finish chute it was amazing. The tape went up........ Hang on a second, why is the tape up!?!? I was out of it and JUST managed to get the arms up over it and was told I had won my amateur category! Wont go into the detail but I was and am very pleased. 2hrs 51min had passed for me and 3rd overall amateur. It was back out onto the course before too long as I caught a glimpse of Cat on the run course. Walking around out there is where you see the carnage from the sidelines of mother nature getting the better of people. Meanwhile Cat was steaming along unaware of her surroundings. She was on course for what she wanted and put together a fantastic result in the end at 3hrs 24mins and 3rd place on the Podium. (Just for the record, I won our little bet :)
Awards ceremony was bigger than the race! Word has spread that it is a good show and it didn't disappoint. Was pretty cool to except our awards on stage together.
Not only was the race an amazing experience but the entire time training in Phuket and in particular Thanyapura Academy was a dream for both of us. Can't thank everyone there enough for making it so special for both of us.
Team BenBen Pumped!!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
25th Nov Taper week
Taper week
In our world of swim, bike and run with the race looming at the weekend this week is taper week, as mentioned before training volume reduces but a degree of intensity remains like some sort of comfort blanket, a reminder you are fit, you can do it and you will smash it come race day.
Both Ben and I have had a satisfying week, splits of our 1k runs and 50m sprints in the water have headed south, PB’s (personal bests) smashed, wahooooo!! Those who have read each installment of the blog are probably as familiar with our training regime as we are! Mon afternoon means a run. This run was surprisingly uneventful, no yapping dogs, no charging cows, just Ben hot on my heels!!! However, never dull, we witnessed a local using trees as a boxing punch bag and a man practicing his violin skills but no violin just an imaginary one in his head. We did a ramp run, start steady and build the pace up, finish on a high! One hour later with a high achieved job done.
Tues am was a steady 40k ride with your fastest 1k run straight off the bike. Whilst out riding I also got a lesson on what 7 meters looks like!!! Whilst racing on the bike leg drafting is illegal, i.e. being closer than 7meters behind the cyclist in front of you, 7 meters and 1 cm behind the rider in front of you is legal, no penalty and you get about a 10% energy saving. Jurgen had us cycling in a line 7 meters apart, he said I was more like 12 meters. Why is it girls always have such a poor gauge of measurement when it comes to size!!!!
I had promised my legs once again the 1k run was the last time that I had to run like the wind until race day, it was now time to reward them. Purely for research purposes, I of course, had the check out the Sea Salt Body Scrub which is on offer at out new favorite massage destination, Thai Carnation. Let’s just say it did not disappoint, my skin did exactly what it said on the tin, glow! I also had a cheeky 1 hour massage after that to ensure I was completely relaxed. No offence to anyone I have spent 2 hours with but those 2 hours will take some topping!!
Ben opted just for the Thai massage and met his match! I did want to write ben likes it hard, oh whoops I just have but what I meant was he likes his massages firm, of course!!! And “Knock” his masseuse today delivered exactly what he asked for. Just for further clarity …….. with all the pounding we are giving our bodies day in day out a deep tissue (firm) massage is part of being a pro or wannabe athlete.
The day was topped off pretty well, seared tuna with salad, my kind of dinner and all for less than £3!!
Thurs was an organized, police escorted cycle of the bike course, we had cycled most of the route over the past few weeks but there were a few new twists and turns which was great to see pre race. Next was a practice swim, the swim course takes in the ocean (1.2k), a small beach run then a swim in the lagoon (600m). The ocean is exactly as you may have seen in some pics white sand, crystal clear water, AND THEN….. there is the lagoon!! The best way to describe It for those familiar with open water swimming it’s like a lake in the UK. For those not familiar with lake swimming, picture this……..swampy, muddy, black, dark, reduced visibility, am I selling it to you!!! The lagoon is a far few degrees warmer than the sea, this is what it must be like to be in an incubator! I just hope the excitement of swimming in the sauna race day does not keep me awake the night before with excitement!!!!!!!!!
Thurs eve we were out to dinner with Gift and her family, it was to be our last supper with them. They chose a fab Thai restaurant in Phuket town which resembled a tree house. With all the food pics and menu choices we have talked about you may have got the impression it’s hard to go wrong in Thailand with food and I have yet to have a bad meal. Now that’s something from a fussy eater like me who thinks some oil or sauce will mean instant obesity!!!
Friday, today was the first day since we have been in Phuket an alarm was not set, does one detect a lie in. Although yes you have guessed it a lie in for team benben is not want most would put on their Christmas list as a lie in. It was 7 something so good for us!! Not only were we treated to a lie in but it’s a full rest day where feet up, sipping on electrolyte drinks and cat napping is the order of the day. Bikes will get a polish too!
Oh and how did I forget to mention in between and alongside all of tasks for today, R N R, my golf knowledge will be once again be improved. We have Euro sport on the TV which means the Golf Channel, rest and watching golf now appears to go hand in hand! I can quite comprehensively tell you who has a great swing, who is going to have a dislocated shoulder in the post from their somewhat erratic swing and that there is LOADS more money in golf than triathlon!!!!
Oh and how could I let you read on without this golf gem, on the PGA Tour Rory McIlroy is 116 under par!!! Do please let me know if you would like to nominate me as your “phone a friend” on “Who wants to be a millionaire” Golf Christmas Special!!!!
Talking of jingle bells we saw our first Christmas tree, it felt very bizarre to me witnessing twinkling lights as beads of sweat rolled down my skin, Ben was of course the opposite, it felt very normal, more familiar to him.
Next update will be post race with a full account of blood, sweat and tears!!!???
Team benben xx
In our world of swim, bike and run with the race looming at the weekend this week is taper week, as mentioned before training volume reduces but a degree of intensity remains like some sort of comfort blanket, a reminder you are fit, you can do it and you will smash it come race day.
Both Ben and I have had a satisfying week, splits of our 1k runs and 50m sprints in the water have headed south, PB’s (personal bests) smashed, wahooooo!! Those who have read each installment of the blog are probably as familiar with our training regime as we are! Mon afternoon means a run. This run was surprisingly uneventful, no yapping dogs, no charging cows, just Ben hot on my heels!!! However, never dull, we witnessed a local using trees as a boxing punch bag and a man practicing his violin skills but no violin just an imaginary one in his head. We did a ramp run, start steady and build the pace up, finish on a high! One hour later with a high achieved job done.
Tues am was a steady 40k ride with your fastest 1k run straight off the bike. Whilst out riding I also got a lesson on what 7 meters looks like!!! Whilst racing on the bike leg drafting is illegal, i.e. being closer than 7meters behind the cyclist in front of you, 7 meters and 1 cm behind the rider in front of you is legal, no penalty and you get about a 10% energy saving. Jurgen had us cycling in a line 7 meters apart, he said I was more like 12 meters. Why is it girls always have such a poor gauge of measurement when it comes to size!!!!
I had promised my legs once again the 1k run was the last time that I had to run like the wind until race day, it was now time to reward them. Purely for research purposes, I of course, had the check out the Sea Salt Body Scrub which is on offer at out new favorite massage destination, Thai Carnation. Let’s just say it did not disappoint, my skin did exactly what it said on the tin, glow! I also had a cheeky 1 hour massage after that to ensure I was completely relaxed. No offence to anyone I have spent 2 hours with but those 2 hours will take some topping!!
Ben opted just for the Thai massage and met his match! I did want to write ben likes it hard, oh whoops I just have but what I meant was he likes his massages firm, of course!!! And “Knock” his masseuse today delivered exactly what he asked for. Just for further clarity …….. with all the pounding we are giving our bodies day in day out a deep tissue (firm) massage is part of being a pro or wannabe athlete.
The day was topped off pretty well, seared tuna with salad, my kind of dinner and all for less than £3!!
Thurs was an organized, police escorted cycle of the bike course, we had cycled most of the route over the past few weeks but there were a few new twists and turns which was great to see pre race. Next was a practice swim, the swim course takes in the ocean (1.2k), a small beach run then a swim in the lagoon (600m). The ocean is exactly as you may have seen in some pics white sand, crystal clear water, AND THEN….. there is the lagoon!! The best way to describe It for those familiar with open water swimming it’s like a lake in the UK. For those not familiar with lake swimming, picture this……..swampy, muddy, black, dark, reduced visibility, am I selling it to you!!! The lagoon is a far few degrees warmer than the sea, this is what it must be like to be in an incubator! I just hope the excitement of swimming in the sauna race day does not keep me awake the night before with excitement!!!!!!!!!
Thurs eve we were out to dinner with Gift and her family, it was to be our last supper with them. They chose a fab Thai restaurant in Phuket town which resembled a tree house. With all the food pics and menu choices we have talked about you may have got the impression it’s hard to go wrong in Thailand with food and I have yet to have a bad meal. Now that’s something from a fussy eater like me who thinks some oil or sauce will mean instant obesity!!!
Friday, today was the first day since we have been in Phuket an alarm was not set, does one detect a lie in. Although yes you have guessed it a lie in for team benben is not want most would put on their Christmas list as a lie in. It was 7 something so good for us!! Not only were we treated to a lie in but it’s a full rest day where feet up, sipping on electrolyte drinks and cat napping is the order of the day. Bikes will get a polish too!
Oh and how did I forget to mention in between and alongside all of tasks for today, R N R, my golf knowledge will be once again be improved. We have Euro sport on the TV which means the Golf Channel, rest and watching golf now appears to go hand in hand! I can quite comprehensively tell you who has a great swing, who is going to have a dislocated shoulder in the post from their somewhat erratic swing and that there is LOADS more money in golf than triathlon!!!!
Oh and how could I let you read on without this golf gem, on the PGA Tour Rory McIlroy is 116 under par!!! Do please let me know if you would like to nominate me as your “phone a friend” on “Who wants to be a millionaire” Golf Christmas Special!!!!
Talking of jingle bells we saw our first Christmas tree, it felt very bizarre to me witnessing twinkling lights as beads of sweat rolled down my skin, Ben was of course the opposite, it felt very normal, more familiar to him.
Next update will be post race with a full account of blood, sweat and tears!!!???
Team benben xx
Monday, 21 November 2011
There’s a frog in the bathroom (not a tiger!!!!)
I sit in bed, it’s the room with air con as Ben lies and drifts off, once again!
We have just finished our last tough swim squad session (Mon morning) with the boss Jurgen, a great pre-race set to maximize our efficiency and speed in the water. Included in the set was 5 x 100 meters as fast as you can, which I often refer to as balls out! We had plenty of time in between the 100’s to recover actively which means moving, does talking count! Ben pulled out of the bag his fastest 100 he has ever done, credit to him and credit to the faster swimmers that have been pushing him since we arrived. Oh and credit to Jurgen who knows how to gee Ben up and get in his head!!!
Over the weekend we get bike miles in, if you have read installments of the blog Saturday is what Jurgen calls the “advanced athletes” bike ride I call it the “animal” bike ride. 40km time trial averaging just under 40kmph then an easier 30km, last 8km ramps up again to balls out pace!! To demonstrate the quality of the athletes training here in Phuket, based at the Thanyapura club, there were just 5 of us out cycling sat morning. 2 pro’s, 1 retired pro plus Ben and I.
No rest for the wicked after a shower, food, rest we were back for the 2nd session of the day. In the pool this time sharpening up for the swim part of the race. This set included sprinting (or balls out) 50m, jumping out of the pool and diving back in, sprint back the 50m and so on and so on and so on…….!! I cannot quite seem to nail not losing my goggles which makes it a very dark return 50m, eyes being shut most of the time!
Sunday we are back in the saddle, 90k as opposed to the normal 120k spin today, reducing volume a week before the race. However the last 20k you have the chance to “unleash the beast” Jurgen’s phrase not mine. But yes that means balls out (again)!!! I kept promising my legs it was the last really tough session before an easier pre-race week!! Not sure how much they listened as I could not hang on to Ben’s wheel for the duration, which means it just gets harder, I have no wind barrier in front of me!! I must just add in here, girlies I was as someone said looking “pretty in pink” today, I had the Rapha top on, I felt a million dollars thank you again!
There were a few “touristy” things we still had not ticked off the list, we had said we would do them in our first few weeks. Sunday was our last chance as it’s all about rest, rest, rest race week. After we had re-fuelled, topped up on caffeine we were off to the “Big Buddha”, he really is pretty big! On route to the big man, surprise surprise Ben had already scouted a lunch stop! Credit to Ben it did have great views over the Southern Eastern stretch of the island. The next 2 stops took in 2 view points, one at Rawi and one at Kata.
Having spent the afternoon in our jazz car we got to experience first hand for a few hours the skills and etiquette( or lack of!!!) of the local drivers. Ben found the horn and used it to great affect on a few occasions, there was also definitely an element of satisfaction as he honked!! Honking and houdini drivers aside Ben and I both agree Phuket is a lovely island, great beeches, amazing cuisine, the nicest people and of course world class tri training.
Next on the agenda was a drink with yet another very impressive view before time to eat, again. Dinner was at our fav restaurant, we eat there more than we eat at home! Beef curry and a glass noodle salad was the choice today and Ben agreed to share them!!! He realizes it actually works in his favor as I do not eat my full 50%!
Before we ate and in between me saying I am starving, Ben suddenly muttered, “don’t move, don’t look behind you”!! At that point I had already convinced myself there was some massive big, black object that could fly. I jumped out from my seat and exited my chair in the opposite direction of where I thought this thing was lurking. To me relief it was a toad or a frog but a pretty big one, don’t just think English pond size, this was on another scale!!. I knew it would not hurt but I was somewhat jumpy after that! I nearly exited my chair once again when I put my foot to the floor but to my horror I did not feel the familiar hard surface of concrete, instead I felt something a little more spongy. “Have I just trodden on a frog” I asked Ben? “No, it’s your napkin” he replied!
Quick facilities stop before we jump back in the car home, but yes you have guessed it, who was there looking at me, there was another f’** frog in the bathroom!!!!
(For those that don't understand Frog/Tiger in the bathroom need to watch the Hangover..... actually watch the Hangover full stop, it is a hoot!
We have just finished our last tough swim squad session (Mon morning) with the boss Jurgen, a great pre-race set to maximize our efficiency and speed in the water. Included in the set was 5 x 100 meters as fast as you can, which I often refer to as balls out! We had plenty of time in between the 100’s to recover actively which means moving, does talking count! Ben pulled out of the bag his fastest 100 he has ever done, credit to him and credit to the faster swimmers that have been pushing him since we arrived. Oh and credit to Jurgen who knows how to gee Ben up and get in his head!!!
Over the weekend we get bike miles in, if you have read installments of the blog Saturday is what Jurgen calls the “advanced athletes” bike ride I call it the “animal” bike ride. 40km time trial averaging just under 40kmph then an easier 30km, last 8km ramps up again to balls out pace!! To demonstrate the quality of the athletes training here in Phuket, based at the Thanyapura club, there were just 5 of us out cycling sat morning. 2 pro’s, 1 retired pro plus Ben and I.
No rest for the wicked after a shower, food, rest we were back for the 2nd session of the day. In the pool this time sharpening up for the swim part of the race. This set included sprinting (or balls out) 50m, jumping out of the pool and diving back in, sprint back the 50m and so on and so on and so on…….!! I cannot quite seem to nail not losing my goggles which makes it a very dark return 50m, eyes being shut most of the time!
Sunday we are back in the saddle, 90k as opposed to the normal 120k spin today, reducing volume a week before the race. However the last 20k you have the chance to “unleash the beast” Jurgen’s phrase not mine. But yes that means balls out (again)!!! I kept promising my legs it was the last really tough session before an easier pre-race week!! Not sure how much they listened as I could not hang on to Ben’s wheel for the duration, which means it just gets harder, I have no wind barrier in front of me!! I must just add in here, girlies I was as someone said looking “pretty in pink” today, I had the Rapha top on, I felt a million dollars thank you again!
There were a few “touristy” things we still had not ticked off the list, we had said we would do them in our first few weeks. Sunday was our last chance as it’s all about rest, rest, rest race week. After we had re-fuelled, topped up on caffeine we were off to the “Big Buddha”, he really is pretty big! On route to the big man, surprise surprise Ben had already scouted a lunch stop! Credit to Ben it did have great views over the Southern Eastern stretch of the island. The next 2 stops took in 2 view points, one at Rawi and one at Kata.
Having spent the afternoon in our jazz car we got to experience first hand for a few hours the skills and etiquette( or lack of!!!) of the local drivers. Ben found the horn and used it to great affect on a few occasions, there was also definitely an element of satisfaction as he honked!! Honking and houdini drivers aside Ben and I both agree Phuket is a lovely island, great beeches, amazing cuisine, the nicest people and of course world class tri training.
Next on the agenda was a drink with yet another very impressive view before time to eat, again. Dinner was at our fav restaurant, we eat there more than we eat at home! Beef curry and a glass noodle salad was the choice today and Ben agreed to share them!!! He realizes it actually works in his favor as I do not eat my full 50%!
Before we ate and in between me saying I am starving, Ben suddenly muttered, “don’t move, don’t look behind you”!! At that point I had already convinced myself there was some massive big, black object that could fly. I jumped out from my seat and exited my chair in the opposite direction of where I thought this thing was lurking. To me relief it was a toad or a frog but a pretty big one, don’t just think English pond size, this was on another scale!!. I knew it would not hurt but I was somewhat jumpy after that! I nearly exited my chair once again when I put my foot to the floor but to my horror I did not feel the familiar hard surface of concrete, instead I felt something a little more spongy. “Have I just trodden on a frog” I asked Ben? “No, it’s your napkin” he replied!
Quick facilities stop before we jump back in the car home, but yes you have guessed it, who was there looking at me, there was another f’** frog in the bathroom!!!!
(For those that don't understand Frog/Tiger in the bathroom need to watch the Hangover..... actually watch the Hangover full stop, it is a hoot!
Friday, 18 November 2011
Ko Lanta, Ko Rok and What colour polish??
Going on holiday on holiday!!! Team benben were heading to Ko Lanta a small island just 90 mins fron Phuket, passing swiftly by Phi Phi on board a speed boat. We were meeting Gift our lovely Thai friend and Kev, a mate from London. It also meant a day off, wahoooo, treated, but just the 1!!! We headed to Ko Lanta Thurs mid-morning after an early 90 min spin on the bikes.
Ko Lanta is a real beach destination, think beach huts, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches and you will not be disappointed. We were staying just down the road from Gift and Kev who were in the hotel with slightly more stars than ours! Visitors were allowed so we soon made ourselves at home in the endless pool, the jacuzzi, on the loungers and so on. We watched the sun set before heading out to eat.
We grazed on yet another fish feast, Sea bass, Barracuda and prawns done on a bbq, my mouth is watering again just thinking about how yummy our feed was.
Friday we were on yet another speedboat, are you getting the impression team benben like life in the fast lane!!! Today we were on a trip to a small inhabited island Ko Rok to do some snorkeling. A rather rocky ride to our 1st snorkeling site did make me feel a little sick! The day was spent snorkeling and relaxing on those white sandy beaches you think only exist on postcards. Ben and kev checked out the corals but did not catch any dinner! After being in the sun all day we needed a little down time before dinner.
Guess what we had yet another amazing Thai banquet. Gift being Thai and Kev who can speak a very impressive amount of Thai looked after us “ferangs” (Foreigners) very well. They know exactly what to choose on the menu, tonight we munched our way through chicken satay, fresh pawns, duck curry, rice with pineapple and cashew nuts, glass noodle salad and it all went!! Oh how did I forget team benben treated themselves to a beer, ok to be honest we shared a large bottle between us, each night tho!!!!
Friday was the day off training so guess what we did sat morning before brekkie, yes the trainers were slipped on for a 50 min trot. Breakfast with Gift and Kev before we were back on the speedboat and heading home to Phuket. It was yet another rocky ride with some big waves unsettling the stomach. Quick turn around and we were heading to the sports club for a swim session. The 25m not 50m pool was used, that can only mean one thing…………sprint sets or swimming as fast as you can!
Sunday was the usual long steady bike ride 120k with the group, no charging 4 legged beasts this week, how dull hey! Ben and I with the 2 local Thai superstars popped the trainers on for a 4k run off the bike. Just so I am not giving anyone the wrong impression I am very much bringing up the rear as the boys float on ahead!
Sunday eve was all about food, again!! Ben and I had been invited to Gifts to enjoy a Thai cook off! Gift, her family and Kev were all making a dish, team benben were…..taking the fruit for pudding, pineapple and lychees. But don’t just think we took a pineapple and bunch of lychees, oh no my creative skills got put to good use, Ben’s engineering skills were also utilized!!! We took a pineapple boat filled with lychees of course!! Ok so I was probably the most excited person about our boat creation!!! I will be honest (hands up full on no denying, plagiarism!) I cannot take credit for the idea, our pineapple for desert on Sat night was presented in a pineapple that had been cut into the shape of the classic Thai boat the long tail. Ben cut the tail off our 1st attempt!
Mon we were back in the pool, it’s just under 2 weeks to race day so the main set was a straight up 2k set holding your fastest pace, it was just not happening for me in the water today, toys got properly thrown out of the pram!!!!
Session number 2 of the day had to be better than the swim. Mon afternoon is the longer run, 1hour 20 was on the clock. Last week we got drowned and chased by cows what would happen this week…... Dogs, yapping dogs and 3 of them! On our way out to our half way turn around point the dogs hardly wagged their tails, on the way back is was a very different story, had they not had their pedigree chum? You would have thought I had stolen their bonio the chase they gave me. The treatment was not just for me, the same was in store for Ben who followed a few mins behind (his turnaround point was of course further down the road than my turn around). Both of us were saved by passing drivers, they could clearly see the dogs were unwanted company and steered their trucks in the direction of the dogs and continued to drive for the dogs as long as they chased us. We escaped again in one piece, team benben and doggies were no worse off.
With the race on the horizon the training volume starts to decrease but the intensity, otherwise known as pain continues! Tues ben and I did not cycle with the crew, instead we went over the hills we will be racing on just to get as familiar with them as possible. Vital seconds can be lost if you are in the wrong gear or take the wrong line!! A fast 1.5k gallup on the track followed the bike ride, I was glad when those 3 laps were completed and even better I had held my fastest 500m lap for the 3 loops, you go my little legs!!! FYI Ben completed the 1.5k over a minute quicker than me and no I did not stop for tea and biscuits half way round!!!
A sea swim, a track session, another bike and run session, a core session, swim squad session, little run have all been done over the past few days. Out of the lycra we have found time for a sports massage, manicure, and pedicure. Just for peace of mind Mr and Mrs Webeck it was just myself who had the manicure and pedicure. I must give the body scrub a go and I must get my hair trimmed. I have probably spent about 10 mins over the past month doing hair and make up it really is wash and go! Although once I go and the hair dries I realize I do often resemble some unkempt lion at times, minus the roar!!!
A week on Sun the 27th is the LPT (Laguna Phuket Triathlon) a week after it’s another race 70.3 or half ironman. This means over the next few days lycra clad triathletes will be heading to the island.
Next week is also taper week where training takes more of a back seat and sleeping / rest is what it’s all about. Keeping stress levels down is also key race week, I do not think that will be a prob for us, the most challenging things I have to consider is what to eat, pineapple, mango or both! What colour lycra outfit shall I put on today, what colour polish for my nails do I go for, stressful huh!!!
On that note I had better roll over and switch off before I g
et a headache looking at the computer screen for too long! By the way ben is already asleep!!!!!
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz xx
Ko Lanta is a real beach destination, think beach huts, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches and you will not be disappointed. We were staying just down the road from Gift and Kev who were in the hotel with slightly more stars than ours! Visitors were allowed so we soon made ourselves at home in the endless pool, the jacuzzi, on the loungers and so on. We watched the sun set before heading out to eat.
We grazed on yet another fish feast, Sea bass, Barracuda and prawns done on a bbq, my mouth is watering again just thinking about how yummy our feed was.
Friday we were on yet another speedboat, are you getting the impression team benben like life in the fast lane!!! Today we were on a trip to a small inhabited island Ko Rok to do some snorkeling. A rather rocky ride to our 1st snorkeling site did make me feel a little sick! The day was spent snorkeling and relaxing on those white sandy beaches you think only exist on postcards. Ben and kev checked out the corals but did not catch any dinner! After being in the sun all day we needed a little down time before dinner.
Guess what we had yet another amazing Thai banquet. Gift being Thai and Kev who can speak a very impressive amount of Thai looked after us “ferangs” (Foreigners) very well. They know exactly what to choose on the menu, tonight we munched our way through chicken satay, fresh pawns, duck curry, rice with pineapple and cashew nuts, glass noodle salad and it all went!! Oh how did I forget team benben treated themselves to a beer, ok to be honest we shared a large bottle between us, each night tho!!!!
Friday was the day off training so guess what we did sat morning before brekkie, yes the trainers were slipped on for a 50 min trot. Breakfast with Gift and Kev before we were back on the speedboat and heading home to Phuket. It was yet another rocky ride with some big waves unsettling the stomach. Quick turn around and we were heading to the sports club for a swim session. The 25m not 50m pool was used, that can only mean one thing…………sprint sets or swimming as fast as you can!
Sunday was the usual long steady bike ride 120k with the group, no charging 4 legged beasts this week, how dull hey! Ben and I with the 2 local Thai superstars popped the trainers on for a 4k run off the bike. Just so I am not giving anyone the wrong impression I am very much bringing up the rear as the boys float on ahead!
Sunday eve was all about food, again!! Ben and I had been invited to Gifts to enjoy a Thai cook off! Gift, her family and Kev were all making a dish, team benben were…..taking the fruit for pudding, pineapple and lychees. But don’t just think we took a pineapple and bunch of lychees, oh no my creative skills got put to good use, Ben’s engineering skills were also utilized!!! We took a pineapple boat filled with lychees of course!! Ok so I was probably the most excited person about our boat creation!!! I will be honest (hands up full on no denying, plagiarism!) I cannot take credit for the idea, our pineapple for desert on Sat night was presented in a pineapple that had been cut into the shape of the classic Thai boat the long tail. Ben cut the tail off our 1st attempt!
Mon we were back in the pool, it’s just under 2 weeks to race day so the main set was a straight up 2k set holding your fastest pace, it was just not happening for me in the water today, toys got properly thrown out of the pram!!!!
Session number 2 of the day had to be better than the swim. Mon afternoon is the longer run, 1hour 20 was on the clock. Last week we got drowned and chased by cows what would happen this week…... Dogs, yapping dogs and 3 of them! On our way out to our half way turn around point the dogs hardly wagged their tails, on the way back is was a very different story, had they not had their pedigree chum? You would have thought I had stolen their bonio the chase they gave me. The treatment was not just for me, the same was in store for Ben who followed a few mins behind (his turnaround point was of course further down the road than my turn around). Both of us were saved by passing drivers, they could clearly see the dogs were unwanted company and steered their trucks in the direction of the dogs and continued to drive for the dogs as long as they chased us. We escaped again in one piece, team benben and doggies were no worse off.
With the race on the horizon the training volume starts to decrease but the intensity, otherwise known as pain continues! Tues ben and I did not cycle with the crew, instead we went over the hills we will be racing on just to get as familiar with them as possible. Vital seconds can be lost if you are in the wrong gear or take the wrong line!! A fast 1.5k gallup on the track followed the bike ride, I was glad when those 3 laps were completed and even better I had held my fastest 500m lap for the 3 loops, you go my little legs!!! FYI Ben completed the 1.5k over a minute quicker than me and no I did not stop for tea and biscuits half way round!!!
A sea swim, a track session, another bike and run session, a core session, swim squad session, little run have all been done over the past few days. Out of the lycra we have found time for a sports massage, manicure, and pedicure. Just for peace of mind Mr and Mrs Webeck it was just myself who had the manicure and pedicure. I must give the body scrub a go and I must get my hair trimmed. I have probably spent about 10 mins over the past month doing hair and make up it really is wash and go! Although once I go and the hair dries I realize I do often resemble some unkempt lion at times, minus the roar!!!
A week on Sun the 27th is the LPT (Laguna Phuket Triathlon) a week after it’s another race 70.3 or half ironman. This means over the next few days lycra clad triathletes will be heading to the island.
Next week is also taper week where training takes more of a back seat and sleeping / rest is what it’s all about. Keeping stress levels down is also key race week, I do not think that will be a prob for us, the most challenging things I have to consider is what to eat, pineapple, mango or both! What colour lycra outfit shall I put on today, what colour polish for my nails do I go for, stressful huh!!!
On that note I had better roll over and switch off before I g
et a headache looking at the computer screen for too long! By the way ben is already asleep!!!!!
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz xx
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Wet n Wild!!!
7th Nov
Mon morning kicked the week off just how you would expect, a swim set to die for! When I say to die for it’s not quite in the same vain as a pair of shoes or bag I would die for. Although my fins have become my new best friend in the pool and fit like a pair of Louboutins!!! The painful / to die for part of the swim was the main set of 2k, 20 x 100m’s with 5-10 secs rest holding your fastest pace throughout. Not forgetting the warm up includes a set close to 1k with pull and paddles, those not offay with paddles, just take it from me it makes your arms hurt even more than without them!
Breakfast with the crew afterwards, then some jobs then home, the next session is never too far away! Mon evening when it starts to cool so about 5pm we head out for our long run, duration is increasing each week, tonight was 1hour 20 mins on runner’s road.
The first 10 mins of the run I was really questioning if I was living the dream, it felt as though I was running on wooden pegs! I got the I pod pumping and told my legs they must get pumping too. Even after less than 10 mins Ben is just a mere dot on the horizon! (Bless him he does circle to keep a check on slow coach!!) Nearing half way of my run I felt those familiar drops, rain was on its way. There is no hiding or running from Phuket rain, its monsoon stylee. Down it came, within about 5 seconds we were drowned running rats!
Just in case I had not mentioned it before the road (Runners Rd) is not flat, on a downhill section I caught sight of Ben waving his arms in the air. It did not look as though he was waving “hello”, lost in my tunes I kept trotting! The arm waving of Ben continued, at this point I turned around to see a herd of cows, maybe bulls picking up a canter and charging across the road in the direction we were running! I did a 180 and turned around but Ben carried on running in the same direction as the charging 4 legged animals. I have never seen him pick up the pace so quickly! Fortunately the cows darted into a drive way and we were safe from this encounter.
At this point I was half way through my run, soaking wet, it was still pouring, just missed a heard of charging beasts and nature called! Let’s just say I was not just caught out by the rain that day! The off road I chose was also the destination for a truck of workers, doh!!! “Holiday” then came on my I pod which made me chuckle! We made it home just as night time was falling, do not worry parent’s team BenBen were together at this point!
So that was Monday, what could happen Tuesday, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! In a nutshell we got locked out of the flat and could not open the gate. It was 6.15am car packed for our bike / run brick session, we both thought I had the keys for the house and gate but no, they were inside having taken them off the main bunch of keys for our run Monday night. The front door slams shut as I realize the keys we require are missing! Silence, trying to break in, texting our Thai friend and so on followed for the next few mins. The Thai family who have been looking after us so well and who own the house live just a few k up the road. Ben realized he had the mum’s number, it was now 7am so “you ring, no you ring, no you” followed! I drew the short straw and had to make the, ….. “I am really sorry to ring so early but”… .call! Within about 15 mins we were back on track, spare key had arrived we got our set from my fuel running belt and we were off for our session.
Our bike ride took us up and down the hills we will be racing on in a few weeks’ time, although this session we go over them twice there and back in the race we just do it once, phew! We jumped off our bikes, trainers on and a 2km gallop as fast as you can on the track followed, easy jog to cool down then done.
You of course know the drill now food then rest. As mentioned in a previous blog Kev a mate from the UK was arriving so it was a big family dinner (and a lot of we are so sorry to have troubled you this morning from Ben and I ) at a fish restaurant on Coconut Island with Gift, her family, Kev, Ben and I. As you walk round the restaurant there are pools of fish, now you see it now you see it on your plate!!! What a fish (protein) feast!!
Wednesday is our open water swim session in the sea, well today we should have said the session is in a washing machine! I might as well have jumped in a “Bosch or Whirlpool” the waves were crashing on to the beach! We were given the choice not to swim, no one took up the offer and I confidently piped up “it might be like this on race day so good practice”. That is about where the confidence started and ended! Entering the water the boys seem to cruise through the wave’s dolphining I was one step forward two steps back as the waves kept punishing me!
Before I add anything else about the spin cycle swim session, I must mention what we witnessed on route to our swim. Most of our amusing sights have been involving mopeds and this was no different! The journey to Naithon Beach,( swim session destination) takes in the ups and downs of the course we will be cycling race day. Picture ascents and descents of 15 - 18% with a few hair pin bends thrown in for good measure. On approaching the climbs we saw 2 guys on a moped with the passenger carrying a bicycle. I squawked “checked out those nutters”, on closer inspection we realized we knew them it was Chris and Zimmer from the tri club. I did the polite and what I thought sensible thing, stop and offer to take the bike and a passenger. Fully focused on not letting the hills defeat them, Chris shouted “no thanks we are fine!” Zimmer will not mind me saying this but Chris, (the driver of the moped) did not just have your average Jo on the back he had Zimmer aka the “hulk”!!! Outside of tri training team benben sleep and drink coffee, Zimmer must be in the gym pumping iron, ladies he has muscles “Popeye” would be proud of!!! I followed cautiously behind them a safe distance in case a body and bike or bodies and bikes needed scraping off the tarmac. All credit to drives, he, the hulk and the bike made it to their destination, phew!!!!
Just a final note on the swim I made it one length, 1k of the beach before I hung myself out to dry. Pls pls pls, pretty pls no BIG waves on race day!!!
With love Team BenBen x
Mon morning kicked the week off just how you would expect, a swim set to die for! When I say to die for it’s not quite in the same vain as a pair of shoes or bag I would die for. Although my fins have become my new best friend in the pool and fit like a pair of Louboutins!!! The painful / to die for part of the swim was the main set of 2k, 20 x 100m’s with 5-10 secs rest holding your fastest pace throughout. Not forgetting the warm up includes a set close to 1k with pull and paddles, those not offay with paddles, just take it from me it makes your arms hurt even more than without them!
Breakfast with the crew afterwards, then some jobs then home, the next session is never too far away! Mon evening when it starts to cool so about 5pm we head out for our long run, duration is increasing each week, tonight was 1hour 20 mins on runner’s road.
The first 10 mins of the run I was really questioning if I was living the dream, it felt as though I was running on wooden pegs! I got the I pod pumping and told my legs they must get pumping too. Even after less than 10 mins Ben is just a mere dot on the horizon! (Bless him he does circle to keep a check on slow coach!!) Nearing half way of my run I felt those familiar drops, rain was on its way. There is no hiding or running from Phuket rain, its monsoon stylee. Down it came, within about 5 seconds we were drowned running rats!
Just in case I had not mentioned it before the road (Runners Rd) is not flat, on a downhill section I caught sight of Ben waving his arms in the air. It did not look as though he was waving “hello”, lost in my tunes I kept trotting! The arm waving of Ben continued, at this point I turned around to see a herd of cows, maybe bulls picking up a canter and charging across the road in the direction we were running! I did a 180 and turned around but Ben carried on running in the same direction as the charging 4 legged animals. I have never seen him pick up the pace so quickly! Fortunately the cows darted into a drive way and we were safe from this encounter.
At this point I was half way through my run, soaking wet, it was still pouring, just missed a heard of charging beasts and nature called! Let’s just say I was not just caught out by the rain that day! The off road I chose was also the destination for a truck of workers, doh!!! “Holiday” then came on my I pod which made me chuckle! We made it home just as night time was falling, do not worry parent’s team BenBen were together at this point!
So that was Monday, what could happen Tuesday, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! In a nutshell we got locked out of the flat and could not open the gate. It was 6.15am car packed for our bike / run brick session, we both thought I had the keys for the house and gate but no, they were inside having taken them off the main bunch of keys for our run Monday night. The front door slams shut as I realize the keys we require are missing! Silence, trying to break in, texting our Thai friend and so on followed for the next few mins. The Thai family who have been looking after us so well and who own the house live just a few k up the road. Ben realized he had the mum’s number, it was now 7am so “you ring, no you ring, no you” followed! I drew the short straw and had to make the, ….. “I am really sorry to ring so early but”… .call! Within about 15 mins we were back on track, spare key had arrived we got our set from my fuel running belt and we were off for our session.
Our bike ride took us up and down the hills we will be racing on in a few weeks’ time, although this session we go over them twice there and back in the race we just do it once, phew! We jumped off our bikes, trainers on and a 2km gallop as fast as you can on the track followed, easy jog to cool down then done.
You of course know the drill now food then rest. As mentioned in a previous blog Kev a mate from the UK was arriving so it was a big family dinner (and a lot of we are so sorry to have troubled you this morning from Ben and I ) at a fish restaurant on Coconut Island with Gift, her family, Kev, Ben and I. As you walk round the restaurant there are pools of fish, now you see it now you see it on your plate!!! What a fish (protein) feast!!
Wednesday is our open water swim session in the sea, well today we should have said the session is in a washing machine! I might as well have jumped in a “Bosch or Whirlpool” the waves were crashing on to the beach! We were given the choice not to swim, no one took up the offer and I confidently piped up “it might be like this on race day so good practice”. That is about where the confidence started and ended! Entering the water the boys seem to cruise through the wave’s dolphining I was one step forward two steps back as the waves kept punishing me!
Before I add anything else about the spin cycle swim session, I must mention what we witnessed on route to our swim. Most of our amusing sights have been involving mopeds and this was no different! The journey to Naithon Beach,( swim session destination) takes in the ups and downs of the course we will be cycling race day. Picture ascents and descents of 15 - 18% with a few hair pin bends thrown in for good measure. On approaching the climbs we saw 2 guys on a moped with the passenger carrying a bicycle. I squawked “checked out those nutters”, on closer inspection we realized we knew them it was Chris and Zimmer from the tri club. I did the polite and what I thought sensible thing, stop and offer to take the bike and a passenger. Fully focused on not letting the hills defeat them, Chris shouted “no thanks we are fine!” Zimmer will not mind me saying this but Chris, (the driver of the moped) did not just have your average Jo on the back he had Zimmer aka the “hulk”!!! Outside of tri training team benben sleep and drink coffee, Zimmer must be in the gym pumping iron, ladies he has muscles “Popeye” would be proud of!!! I followed cautiously behind them a safe distance in case a body and bike or bodies and bikes needed scraping off the tarmac. All credit to drives, he, the hulk and the bike made it to their destination, phew!!!!
Just a final note on the swim I made it one length, 1k of the beach before I hung myself out to dry. Pls pls pls, pretty pls no BIG waves on race day!!!
With love Team BenBen x
Sunday, 6 November 2011
7th Nov Made it to the Beach and not just any beach…..
So what have Team BenBen been up to since we last blogged!?!? In a nutshell lots of training, rest, fuel and coffee, I am sure that comes as no surprise! Ben has still yet to take a day off training since we started swimming, cycling and running in Phuket with Jurgen and I am sure he is just getting stronger, animal, robot have been some names thrown in his direction!! I feel like the wannabe trying to keep up! In my defense I have still just had the 1 day off!
Kev a mate of mine from the UK is over in Thailand as I type visiting his bro, Tues he arrives in Phuket, can’t wait! On Wed our Thai friend Gift we have mentioned, Kev, Ben and myself are going to Ko Lanta a small island for a few days so down time and a day out of the lycra is round the corner. Kev is also very kindly bringing me another pair of cycling shorts that got ripped day 1 cycling in Phuket! Let’s hope the virgin voyage is more successful for this pair of shorts! Although I managed to escape a potential drama this morning when my back wheel came loose, I will not go in to any more detail parents may get worried and all is fine! Ben was there to rescue me what a hero hey!
So to the beach…..or should I say the private Island, I think its best I let the pics do the talking but just for clarity wow! We of course arrived by speed boat, how else would one arrive!?
To give you an idea on the size of the island we swam round it (of course!) and it’s about 500m so a small island. There is just a restaurant on the island which the owner Peter another German has built. The island is decked out with all mod cons: wi fi, sun loungers with uber comfy cushions, a massage deck, sound system, bar and the list goes on.
Eating a sandwich on the lounger would have done but check out the SIZE of the prawn we feasted on instead……Champagne, wine, beer of course all available but Team benben stuck to the h20 rehydration strategy.
The fish even got fed! We were given bread to feed them, a cheeky bit of baguette thrown in the water and they were everywhere. The fish were like “Nemo” clearly not there proper name but I am sure you can all relate. We also had some parrot fish come and say Hello. Jurgen our coach was with us and started playing, “let’s try and catch the fish”! Try and picture this…..Ben would stand in the water holding bread just above the water line to bait the fish and Jurgen, whilst the fish swarmed for the bread would try and catch one! I will not pretend, I did have hysterics as I turned around at one point to see Nemo flying through the air!
5pm our tuk tuk (the speed boat) awaited and we whizzed home. All that sun we were exhausted in bed by 8.15pm!!
I do not want to blamed for rubbing it in or name dropping but FYI many celebs book the Island to hang out!
I was glad we got the early night in as I was riding with the boys!! Saturday morning is the fast and furious bike ride! The only positive of the ride at this fast pace is its over quickly! Well 2 hours so not done in a flash! Ben and I also added a little extra pain by ditching the bikes after the 80km and popping the trainers on for a 4km trot. On the run the local dogs appeared to all chase Ben but they did not even wag their tails as I passed, phew!!!
Saturday finished with a swim set and then dinner with Gift and her family at our fav restaurant. Sunday we were back on the bikes for a steady 120km, my legs were tired after keeping pace with the boys yesterday but Ben just seemed to get stronger. Bikes got ditched again after the 120km and guess what came next …. yes the trainers, I opted for a steady 4km loop whereas, yes, you have guessed it again Ben went for the 7km loop at pace!
We had been recommended a restaurant, “Taste” at Surin Beach so we went to check it out. And I am glad we did. The food was fantastic, I allowed myself a beer and a burger, no fries or mayo tho!!! On a full stomach and a quick trip to Tesco on the way home it was time to get horizontal again, night!
It’s now Mon morning as I type another swim session in the bag, just off to try and flatten the stomach next then a long run this afternoon. Countdown to a rest day is on!!! Until the next update, take care with love Team benben xx
Kev a mate of mine from the UK is over in Thailand as I type visiting his bro, Tues he arrives in Phuket, can’t wait! On Wed our Thai friend Gift we have mentioned, Kev, Ben and myself are going to Ko Lanta a small island for a few days so down time and a day out of the lycra is round the corner. Kev is also very kindly bringing me another pair of cycling shorts that got ripped day 1 cycling in Phuket! Let’s hope the virgin voyage is more successful for this pair of shorts! Although I managed to escape a potential drama this morning when my back wheel came loose, I will not go in to any more detail parents may get worried and all is fine! Ben was there to rescue me what a hero hey!
So to the beach…..or should I say the private Island, I think its best I let the pics do the talking but just for clarity wow! We of course arrived by speed boat, how else would one arrive!?
To give you an idea on the size of the island we swam round it (of course!) and it’s about 500m so a small island. There is just a restaurant on the island which the owner Peter another German has built. The island is decked out with all mod cons: wi fi, sun loungers with uber comfy cushions, a massage deck, sound system, bar and the list goes on.
Eating a sandwich on the lounger would have done but check out the SIZE of the prawn we feasted on instead……Champagne, wine, beer of course all available but Team benben stuck to the h20 rehydration strategy.
The fish even got fed! We were given bread to feed them, a cheeky bit of baguette thrown in the water and they were everywhere. The fish were like “Nemo” clearly not there proper name but I am sure you can all relate. We also had some parrot fish come and say Hello. Jurgen our coach was with us and started playing, “let’s try and catch the fish”! Try and picture this…..Ben would stand in the water holding bread just above the water line to bait the fish and Jurgen, whilst the fish swarmed for the bread would try and catch one! I will not pretend, I did have hysterics as I turned around at one point to see Nemo flying through the air!
5pm our tuk tuk (the speed boat) awaited and we whizzed home. All that sun we were exhausted in bed by 8.15pm!!
I do not want to blamed for rubbing it in or name dropping but FYI many celebs book the Island to hang out!
I was glad we got the early night in as I was riding with the boys!! Saturday morning is the fast and furious bike ride! The only positive of the ride at this fast pace is its over quickly! Well 2 hours so not done in a flash! Ben and I also added a little extra pain by ditching the bikes after the 80km and popping the trainers on for a 4km trot. On the run the local dogs appeared to all chase Ben but they did not even wag their tails as I passed, phew!!!
Saturday finished with a swim set and then dinner with Gift and her family at our fav restaurant. Sunday we were back on the bikes for a steady 120km, my legs were tired after keeping pace with the boys yesterday but Ben just seemed to get stronger. Bikes got ditched again after the 120km and guess what came next …. yes the trainers, I opted for a steady 4km loop whereas, yes, you have guessed it again Ben went for the 7km loop at pace!
We had been recommended a restaurant, “Taste” at Surin Beach so we went to check it out. And I am glad we did. The food was fantastic, I allowed myself a beer and a burger, no fries or mayo tho!!! On a full stomach and a quick trip to Tesco on the way home it was time to get horizontal again, night!
It’s now Mon morning as I type another swim session in the bag, just off to try and flatten the stomach next then a long run this afternoon. Countdown to a rest day is on!!! Until the next update, take care with love Team benben xx
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
More from Sunny Phuket.......
What's been happenin?? A LOT
I guess the picture has been set on our routine of training. It is not letting up. Although acclimatising has made it more bearable the effort is rising so not getting any easier. No pain = No gain!
Lifestyle choice!? Mad, Crazy or just driven or even inspired?!
I like to think it is the latter. People not educated in the triathlon way of life straight out say we are "crazy", but spend some time with the group we have been with for 2 weeks now and you quickly realise what potential there is and how much fun it can be being around such a positive vibe. It surely has opened both our eyes pretty wide and so far it has been a dream.
Lets take it away from the blood sweat and tears and talk a little.
The Phuket way?
Well, starting on the ROAD....
Rule No. 1 : there are no rules!
Rule number 2 : expect the unexpected.
Rule No. 3 : NEVER hesitate.
We have seen some awesome sights starting on our main road. First being truck loads of workers packed in like sardines on the way to the morning shift, hanging to the last rail at the back, chin right up against it....... But what if driver suddenly? School kids doing the same on route! Busses gunning it in the scooter lane, jumping reds all over the place. It is fun I must say driving in a steady line amongst it all. We do limit our time on the main road in the busy times. The back lanes are more subdued driving which is why we go the long loop home after a heavy session.
Out on the bike we are mostly on the lanes. Here there are not many stationary obstacles to look out for a part from the speedbumps. The roads are very nice! BUT the moving objects are somewhat different. DOGS a plenty! They love the road and when they are suffering from the heat they don't know the back legs from the front and tend to zig zag whilst the group is approaching. We tend to pick a line at last minute with a whistle warning. They are cute though :) Human's on scooters tend to hold there line much better and are actually quite considerate. Buffalo was a new one for us a few days ago......
Picture this, ONE farmer, SIX Buffalo of varying size with an equal number of ropes. Buffalo on one side of the road, farmer on the other. Both hugging the bitumen. Add to this about 15-20 cyclists coming around a bend at about 30kph..... Now I think on certain permutations of this it could make it into funniest home videos at a drop of a hat. I was at the front and could see the eyes of the biggest Buf, shift eye sight to farmer who looked like HE had left the big pile from his steads beside the road. What to do..... For me, easy don't slam the breaks as I would have a handlebar up my arse.
Secondly..... I pray (if I was religious)
The farmer, I think he hoped and prayed as well. I could see the ropes getting tighter as the Bufs got startled. Split second you could he and his 14legs could have hung out to dry 15 cyclists keeping firm with his heard. He probably would have been launched also..... Instead he LET GO and 15 cyclists safely made it over 6 moving speed bumps. Had to laugh but holy shit that could have been brutal. Most of the guys in the group shrugged it off pretty quick. Hoping it isn't a regular occourance!
Mmmm what else... Oh yeah how cool are the 80yr old granny's. They ride side saddle on a scooter going at 80 clicks!
The WEATHER. Its not that i don't have much to say but it does intrigue me.... Hot and humid is a start. We have literally just missed the rainy season. Before we got here it was said to have been poring for days on end (explains Bangkoks situation) Whilst we have been here it has been HOT and mostly crystal clear to go along with it. I guess you can tell it has been a while for this Aussie to experience the heat. There has been the odd storm drenching at night and the odd monsoon shower out of no where but mostly 30odd, humid and a light hairdryer breeze to top it off. Chatting to a local (German local) it is said that when the sea goes 'flat' that is the end of the rain. Apparently it is flat as I a couple of days ago so we are home and dry..... we get to see this phenomenon on our weekly swim....
Mmm yes swimming at the beach. Being in our triathlon community we get to experience the little quieter ones and the little coves. We have both come to the conclusion that we are non Patong goers and opt for the quant beach with a fishermans boat passing by. It was way too mental for us kids on our tourist route the other day. We are a bit biased for the northern part of the island.
REAL ESTATE! Remarkable. All the londoners will know the set up of the good the bad and the ugly being in each others pockets and Phuket is no different. We are in a new estate with some cute little old men for guards, a gated front with a neat door bell. 2 mins out there is someone selling fish on a little cart. The cart is in front of a shack made from tin. The person selling the fish doesn't look content, bit angry or even scary.......Or do they!?
The PEOPLE - You give the person selling the snapper a smile whilst dripping with sweat from finishing a run along side their 'house'. In a split second their face lights up and extinguishes any second guessing you were making about them or there family behind the cart. They are JUST really nice people and as you have found out (if reading older blogs) they love to help. That has struck a cord with me in the first couple of weeks here. No second guessing.... Atleast out of the tourist traps where we are. The Thai guys in the Tri Academy are some of the nicest guys I have met. Not only are they talented athletes that can push me but they are a pleasure to spend time with and always keen to end a session with a high 5 or slap on the back of job well done.
FOOD - during training blocks it is my last thought before falling off to sleep and my first thought when I wake(sorry Cat). We have manage to feed ourselves on half a traditional English and half on bastardised Thai. This divide usually is split from breakfast to evening (don't fancy curry for brekky). Visiting the markets for veg, veg and more veg and visiting Tesco Lotus for all our safety deposit box food. I tend to be the cook for eating in and have to admit the sauces that I use with particular dishes need some serious thai work. Eating out is CHEAP and to die for. The taste is amazing and we are trying to do it more. Now we have our favourite not far away we will be well looked after....
I guess I better shut up shop or my first one of our adventure. Just a bit of musing. Not many additional pics thus far as too busy to stop ;)
In store for us over the next week, Starting with our little beach swim in the morning, and we are being taken to a private island on Friday so stay tuned.
BenBen (still not sure who is first?)
I guess the picture has been set on our routine of training. It is not letting up. Although acclimatising has made it more bearable the effort is rising so not getting any easier. No pain = No gain!
Lifestyle choice!? Mad, Crazy or just driven or even inspired?!
I like to think it is the latter. People not educated in the triathlon way of life straight out say we are "crazy", but spend some time with the group we have been with for 2 weeks now and you quickly realise what potential there is and how much fun it can be being around such a positive vibe. It surely has opened both our eyes pretty wide and so far it has been a dream.
Lets take it away from the blood sweat and tears and talk a little.
The Phuket way?
Well, starting on the ROAD....
Rule No. 1 : there are no rules!
Rule number 2 : expect the unexpected.
Rule No. 3 : NEVER hesitate.
We have seen some awesome sights starting on our main road. First being truck loads of workers packed in like sardines on the way to the morning shift, hanging to the last rail at the back, chin right up against it....... But what if driver suddenly? School kids doing the same on route! Busses gunning it in the scooter lane, jumping reds all over the place. It is fun I must say driving in a steady line amongst it all. We do limit our time on the main road in the busy times. The back lanes are more subdued driving which is why we go the long loop home after a heavy session.
Out on the bike we are mostly on the lanes. Here there are not many stationary obstacles to look out for a part from the speedbumps. The roads are very nice! BUT the moving objects are somewhat different. DOGS a plenty! They love the road and when they are suffering from the heat they don't know the back legs from the front and tend to zig zag whilst the group is approaching. We tend to pick a line at last minute with a whistle warning. They are cute though :) Human's on scooters tend to hold there line much better and are actually quite considerate. Buffalo was a new one for us a few days ago......
Picture this, ONE farmer, SIX Buffalo of varying size with an equal number of ropes. Buffalo on one side of the road, farmer on the other. Both hugging the bitumen. Add to this about 15-20 cyclists coming around a bend at about 30kph..... Now I think on certain permutations of this it could make it into funniest home videos at a drop of a hat. I was at the front and could see the eyes of the biggest Buf, shift eye sight to farmer who looked like HE had left the big pile from his steads beside the road. What to do..... For me, easy don't slam the breaks as I would have a handlebar up my arse.
Secondly..... I pray (if I was religious)
The farmer, I think he hoped and prayed as well. I could see the ropes getting tighter as the Bufs got startled. Split second you could he and his 14legs could have hung out to dry 15 cyclists keeping firm with his heard. He probably would have been launched also..... Instead he LET GO and 15 cyclists safely made it over 6 moving speed bumps. Had to laugh but holy shit that could have been brutal. Most of the guys in the group shrugged it off pretty quick. Hoping it isn't a regular occourance!
Mmmm what else... Oh yeah how cool are the 80yr old granny's. They ride side saddle on a scooter going at 80 clicks!
The WEATHER. Its not that i don't have much to say but it does intrigue me.... Hot and humid is a start. We have literally just missed the rainy season. Before we got here it was said to have been poring for days on end (explains Bangkoks situation) Whilst we have been here it has been HOT and mostly crystal clear to go along with it. I guess you can tell it has been a while for this Aussie to experience the heat. There has been the odd storm drenching at night and the odd monsoon shower out of no where but mostly 30odd, humid and a light hairdryer breeze to top it off. Chatting to a local (German local) it is said that when the sea goes 'flat' that is the end of the rain. Apparently it is flat as I a couple of days ago so we are home and dry..... we get to see this phenomenon on our weekly swim....
Mmm yes swimming at the beach. Being in our triathlon community we get to experience the little quieter ones and the little coves. We have both come to the conclusion that we are non Patong goers and opt for the quant beach with a fishermans boat passing by. It was way too mental for us kids on our tourist route the other day. We are a bit biased for the northern part of the island.
REAL ESTATE! Remarkable. All the londoners will know the set up of the good the bad and the ugly being in each others pockets and Phuket is no different. We are in a new estate with some cute little old men for guards, a gated front with a neat door bell. 2 mins out there is someone selling fish on a little cart. The cart is in front of a shack made from tin. The person selling the fish doesn't look content, bit angry or even scary.......Or do they!?
The PEOPLE - You give the person selling the snapper a smile whilst dripping with sweat from finishing a run along side their 'house'. In a split second their face lights up and extinguishes any second guessing you were making about them or there family behind the cart. They are JUST really nice people and as you have found out (if reading older blogs) they love to help. That has struck a cord with me in the first couple of weeks here. No second guessing.... Atleast out of the tourist traps where we are. The Thai guys in the Tri Academy are some of the nicest guys I have met. Not only are they talented athletes that can push me but they are a pleasure to spend time with and always keen to end a session with a high 5 or slap on the back of job well done.
FOOD - during training blocks it is my last thought before falling off to sleep and my first thought when I wake(sorry Cat). We have manage to feed ourselves on half a traditional English and half on bastardised Thai. This divide usually is split from breakfast to evening (don't fancy curry for brekky). Visiting the markets for veg, veg and more veg and visiting Tesco Lotus for all our safety deposit box food. I tend to be the cook for eating in and have to admit the sauces that I use with particular dishes need some serious thai work. Eating out is CHEAP and to die for. The taste is amazing and we are trying to do it more. Now we have our favourite not far away we will be well looked after....
I guess I better shut up shop or my first one of our adventure. Just a bit of musing. Not many additional pics thus far as too busy to stop ;)
In store for us over the next week, Starting with our little beach swim in the morning, and we are being taken to a private island on Friday so stay tuned.
BenBen (still not sure who is first?)
Friday, 28 October 2011
10 days in!
27th Oct finally bought some sun cream and made it to a beach....
There certainly weren’t any Monday morning blues for team BenBen! In fact it was a bit of a lie in 6.30am the alarm went off, swim session was not until 8.30am. The later start did mean swimming costume marks were burnt on! Note to self, must apply sun cream before the pool session. The set was a tough one, I was done and there was still the main set to go, excuse the cliché but I dug deep and surprised myself.
That was one of the toughest sets I had ever done and was starving!
Tesco on the way home, more food, then more rest, then another session, PM run. There is a great road just close to us, we have named it runner’s road, as guess what ….. others running! Not only did we have a solid run but Ben noticed a little restaurant that looked perfect for dinner, I was clearly very focused and did not notice it even though I ran past it twice! The restaurant was close to an English school so the owner spoke some broken English and is used to the English not liking food to HOT! Had the perfect strength Thai curry, made to order, we will be going back.
Tues was a brick session bike then run. The bike session took in part of the bike course of our race (LPT Laguna Phuket triathlon) at the end of Nov, it was great to see just how demanding the climbs are / will be, do not be fooled Phuket is not flat! Having gone up and down a few times it was then a fast 2km dash on the track. Tues afternoon we made it to the beach, we headed south to Kata which was very touristy compared to our home. Too hot to sun bath for us so it was a dip in the sea which was like getting in a warm bath. We somehow made it home as there are very few signs in Phuket, our journey home took us up and down more hills, locals were having to push their mopeds up some of the climbs, thank goodness this is not part of the race bike course I kept thinking!!!!
We had our first beach session Wed, swim 1km the length of the beach then a 1km run back to where you started your swim and repeat that 3 times. How did the Baywatch Babes make running along the beach look so easy and cool?!?! I was just trying to make sure I did not step on any crabs which were whizzing around, man they are fast! Coffee and omlette after with the team then RELAX time, another Thai massage. We have a loyalty card, they must consider us locals already, so it would be rude not to go back. The massage was the calm before the storm………Wed pm was a tough run session on the track. Balls out or whatever you want to call it but it was feast of fast 1km sets and sprint sets of 200m. As Jurgen the coach said if you can talk you are not trying hard enough by the end I was breathless bordering on panting!
Thurs was another bike and run session, more hills which are STEAP with a 8km time trial to bring us home. I got paired with Jurgen this time and Ben got a donkey! Bike shoes off and run shoes on a 7.5km loop to complete the session.
29th Oct
IT support was not available to upload the entry from the 27th so I can chuck a few more days on to the entry. It’s Sat morning, I have taken the morning off training, the first since we have been here, Ben is of course out on his bike with the fast boys. I am sipping on a smoothie of veggie juice it’s so green but so me!!
The routine has not changed over the past few days, a siesta (that sounds far more civilized than a nap) is now compulsory and expected by our bodies!!! With eating out being so cheap we are taking full advantage of this. We went back to the local restaurant Ben found when out running, I left the ordering to him and thought we were going to have way too much food but it was eaten! Ben was silent whilst eating, a sign it’s very good!!!
Mixed things up a little on the massage front went for a sports not Thai this time, must try the foot massage!
There are 2 amazing swim coaches here, so it seems silly not to get a 1 on 1 personal coaching session with them and its soooooooooo cheap. Hence I am booked in next week to get my swim mended!!!!
Until the next update take care, with love Team BenBen x
There certainly weren’t any Monday morning blues for team BenBen! In fact it was a bit of a lie in 6.30am the alarm went off, swim session was not until 8.30am. The later start did mean swimming costume marks were burnt on! Note to self, must apply sun cream before the pool session. The set was a tough one, I was done and there was still the main set to go, excuse the cliché but I dug deep and surprised myself.
That was one of the toughest sets I had ever done and was starving!
Tesco on the way home, more food, then more rest, then another session, PM run. There is a great road just close to us, we have named it runner’s road, as guess what ….. others running! Not only did we have a solid run but Ben noticed a little restaurant that looked perfect for dinner, I was clearly very focused and did not notice it even though I ran past it twice! The restaurant was close to an English school so the owner spoke some broken English and is used to the English not liking food to HOT! Had the perfect strength Thai curry, made to order, we will be going back.
Tues was a brick session bike then run. The bike session took in part of the bike course of our race (LPT Laguna Phuket triathlon) at the end of Nov, it was great to see just how demanding the climbs are / will be, do not be fooled Phuket is not flat! Having gone up and down a few times it was then a fast 2km dash on the track. Tues afternoon we made it to the beach, we headed south to Kata which was very touristy compared to our home. Too hot to sun bath for us so it was a dip in the sea which was like getting in a warm bath. We somehow made it home as there are very few signs in Phuket, our journey home took us up and down more hills, locals were having to push their mopeds up some of the climbs, thank goodness this is not part of the race bike course I kept thinking!!!!
We had our first beach session Wed, swim 1km the length of the beach then a 1km run back to where you started your swim and repeat that 3 times. How did the Baywatch Babes make running along the beach look so easy and cool?!?! I was just trying to make sure I did not step on any crabs which were whizzing around, man they are fast! Coffee and omlette after with the team then RELAX time, another Thai massage. We have a loyalty card, they must consider us locals already, so it would be rude not to go back. The massage was the calm before the storm………Wed pm was a tough run session on the track. Balls out or whatever you want to call it but it was feast of fast 1km sets and sprint sets of 200m. As Jurgen the coach said if you can talk you are not trying hard enough by the end I was breathless bordering on panting!
Thurs was another bike and run session, more hills which are STEAP with a 8km time trial to bring us home. I got paired with Jurgen this time and Ben got a donkey! Bike shoes off and run shoes on a 7.5km loop to complete the session.
29th Oct
IT support was not available to upload the entry from the 27th so I can chuck a few more days on to the entry. It’s Sat morning, I have taken the morning off training, the first since we have been here, Ben is of course out on his bike with the fast boys. I am sipping on a smoothie of veggie juice it’s so green but so me!!
The routine has not changed over the past few days, a siesta (that sounds far more civilized than a nap) is now compulsory and expected by our bodies!!! With eating out being so cheap we are taking full advantage of this. We went back to the local restaurant Ben found when out running, I left the ordering to him and thought we were going to have way too much food but it was eaten! Ben was silent whilst eating, a sign it’s very good!!!
Mixed things up a little on the massage front went for a sports not Thai this time, must try the foot massage!
There are 2 amazing swim coaches here, so it seems silly not to get a 1 on 1 personal coaching session with them and its soooooooooo cheap. Hence I am booked in next week to get my swim mended!!!!
Until the next update take care, with love Team BenBen x
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Quick update of first week.......
Our home!
We have now been in sunny Phuket just under a week, and loving it (just in case that was not clear!) Since the last update we have had our first Thai massage, first of many i hope but we have stil not got the sun cream or been to a beach! Wed morning this week is a sea swim so we will at least get to have a paddle.
We are very much into a routine already....alarm goes off 5.30am, coffee, breakfast, train, eat, sleep, train, etc tri-athletes bed time is about 9-9.30pm rock n roll!!!!
Over the past few days we have done lots of biking and swimming. Saturday i had to hung on to the wheel in front of me for dear life to ensure i was not dropped on the "animal" bike ride. We did the first 40km as a team of 7 speeding along at an average of approx 40kmph. The second 30km my heart rate was allowed to drop by a few beats, i was riding with Thomas another ex German Ironman, the fast boys rode off into the sun!! For the 70k spin we averaged 37kmph, we would be done for speeding at home for that!
Sat evening was a swim session, nice easy cool down session after the effort on the bike in the morning we thought, oh how wrong we were........!!! It was a "Zack Attack" swim set (Jurgen Zack is the name of the ex pro). Basically it was a set of sprinting flat out, add to that your legs are tied togeather with rubber for some of the sets (to ensure no one gets the wrong idea the rubber is a bike inner tube around your ankles!!!) Add to that i was the slowest swimmer so i got no rest in between the sets! Jurgen moved Ben to swim next to Freddy a pro to test him, i think Jurgen was testing me, would i cry, get out, throw my toys?! Don't wory none of that happened i instead swallowed lots of pool water whilst gasping for breath!!!
Our friend Gift and her family have still been treating us like royalty, dinner out with the family Fri night at a seafood restaurant then dinner at theirs Sat eve, the perfect way to re-fuel.
Sunday, no rest for the wicked a 120km bike ride at a steadier pace 30kmph! Guess what.....more food then more rest then the rugby.
Ben just reminded me we have done a touristy thing, we went to Ton Sai Waterfall, although if i am really honest we finished the 2km walk and i was still wondering where the waterfall was, it was not Niagra lets just say that!!
We have now been in sunny Phuket just under a week, and loving it (just in case that was not clear!) Since the last update we have had our first Thai massage, first of many i hope but we have stil not got the sun cream or been to a beach! Wed morning this week is a sea swim so we will at least get to have a paddle.
We are very much into a routine already....alarm goes off 5.30am, coffee, breakfast, train, eat, sleep, train, etc tri-athletes bed time is about 9-9.30pm rock n roll!!!!
Over the past few days we have done lots of biking and swimming. Saturday i had to hung on to the wheel in front of me for dear life to ensure i was not dropped on the "animal" bike ride. We did the first 40km as a team of 7 speeding along at an average of approx 40kmph. The second 30km my heart rate was allowed to drop by a few beats, i was riding with Thomas another ex German Ironman, the fast boys rode off into the sun!! For the 70k spin we averaged 37kmph, we would be done for speeding at home for that!
Sat evening was a swim session, nice easy cool down session after the effort on the bike in the morning we thought, oh how wrong we were........!!! It was a "Zack Attack" swim set (Jurgen Zack is the name of the ex pro). Basically it was a set of sprinting flat out, add to that your legs are tied togeather with rubber for some of the sets (to ensure no one gets the wrong idea the rubber is a bike inner tube around your ankles!!!) Add to that i was the slowest swimmer so i got no rest in between the sets! Jurgen moved Ben to swim next to Freddy a pro to test him, i think Jurgen was testing me, would i cry, get out, throw my toys?! Don't wory none of that happened i instead swallowed lots of pool water whilst gasping for breath!!!
Our friend Gift and her family have still been treating us like royalty, dinner out with the family Fri night at a seafood restaurant then dinner at theirs Sat eve, the perfect way to re-fuel.
Sunday, no rest for the wicked a 120km bike ride at a steadier pace 30kmph! Guess what.....more food then more rest then the rugby.
Ben just reminded me we have done a touristy thing, we went to Ton Sai Waterfall, although if i am really honest we finished the 2km walk and i was still wondering where the waterfall was, it was not Niagra lets just say that!!
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
And so it begins.........
After about 19 hours which included a few tears (from Cat not Ben!!!) we touched down in Phuket our new home for the next 6 weeks! We were met at the airport by a friend Gift and her parents, with a car and truck for the bikes! Our pad (kept safe by guards) is big for the 2 of us. Day 1 Gift picked us up and took us for a tour which included lunch with the locals. Out again for dinner with Gift and her parents, we have been sooo looked after and so lucky. Ben and i said we would have to eat what they were having, that is what you are meant to do isn't it!?! Our moving crab was picked, cooked and served. We are also had prawns, fish, more fish and of course some sticky rice, it was delicious and i was very releaved we did not have to eat with chop sticks, i would probably still be there and starving!!!
As you know the main aim of our trip is to train and race with our first race being Phuket Laguna. Phuket was also chosen as we were aware of a tri academy based here. Once again Gift took us to the academy and we signed up, 6 weeks training with Jurgen, the German pro who runs the academy. 7am the next morning we were in the 50m pool with a view to die for.........
you do not find that in London and not to rub it in, but, they actively have to cool the pool water to prevent it getting too hot, we are in heaven!! We then did our shopping in Tesco's so there are some similarities to our lives in London! Fed, watered we were back training Coach webeck put us through a run session, job done!! Re-fuelling was ...... hot! Ben is working out just what a wimp i am with the spice! Thurs am we met the boss, jurgen and were out for a bike / run session. The roads are amazing no pot holes, of course a few dogs, tuk tuk's and lots of mopeds. I was out with the boys but did ok, i think! A cheeky few 18% hills were thrown in to test us! On the way home was a time trial Ben of course got paired up with the pro Jurgen and apparantly smashed the record. I got the slow boy but dropped him!! Spinning home was interesting...got wiped out by another cyclist who failed to tell me we were turning right and turned in to me, boom down on the floor. Bit of road rash and swelling but more embarassing was my ripped shorts and a**e hanging out. I am fine just more concerned about the Assos shorts that were out for their virgin ride and the new Felt DA that was immaculate. No time for getting patched up quick change of lycra and we were running. Jurgen had got the idea Ben was quick so instructed him to go with the quick boys for a 7k trot, i was again given the slow boys!! Lost them again and did my own route!!! It was only about 9.30am after the sessions but roasting hot. Breakfast with Jurgen and some other fellow triathletes, great way to finish the session. FYI Jurgen was of course v interested in Ben and his race times, he has already said he can be a 9 hour Iron Man, i think someone is going to be worked hard! No time has been found yet for the beach or a thai massage, must put it on the list!! Oh and sun cream to the list!!!
Until the next time, take care, with Love Team BenBen xxx
As you know the main aim of our trip is to train and race with our first race being Phuket Laguna. Phuket was also chosen as we were aware of a tri academy based here. Once again Gift took us to the academy and we signed up, 6 weeks training with Jurgen, the German pro who runs the academy. 7am the next morning we were in the 50m pool with a view to die for.........
you do not find that in London and not to rub it in, but, they actively have to cool the pool water to prevent it getting too hot, we are in heaven!! We then did our shopping in Tesco's so there are some similarities to our lives in London! Fed, watered we were back training Coach webeck put us through a run session, job done!! Re-fuelling was ...... hot! Ben is working out just what a wimp i am with the spice! Thurs am we met the boss, jurgen and were out for a bike / run session. The roads are amazing no pot holes, of course a few dogs, tuk tuk's and lots of mopeds. I was out with the boys but did ok, i think! A cheeky few 18% hills were thrown in to test us! On the way home was a time trial Ben of course got paired up with the pro Jurgen and apparantly smashed the record. I got the slow boy but dropped him!! Spinning home was interesting...got wiped out by another cyclist who failed to tell me we were turning right and turned in to me, boom down on the floor. Bit of road rash and swelling but more embarassing was my ripped shorts and a**e hanging out. I am fine just more concerned about the Assos shorts that were out for their virgin ride and the new Felt DA that was immaculate. No time for getting patched up quick change of lycra and we were running. Jurgen had got the idea Ben was quick so instructed him to go with the quick boys for a 7k trot, i was again given the slow boys!! Lost them again and did my own route!!! It was only about 9.30am after the sessions but roasting hot. Breakfast with Jurgen and some other fellow triathletes, great way to finish the session. FYI Jurgen was of course v interested in Ben and his race times, he has already said he can be a 9 hour Iron Man, i think someone is going to be worked hard! No time has been found yet for the beach or a thai massage, must put it on the list!! Oh and sun cream to the list!!!
Until the next time, take care, with Love Team BenBen xxx
Monday, 3 October 2011
Counting down the days now until we fly out for the year. Both very excited for the adventure ahead. First stop is Phuket/Thailand for 6 weeks and then onto Aus. All in all it has been labled as a 'Holiday' but not sure if it is a typical one by any means. We are looking forward to training and racing in the southern hemisphere and trying to keep work to a minimum.
Ben has got a list together of the main races we are doing up until June 2012. They all look amazing and the current list ending with Full Iron Distance 'Challenge Cairns'........should be a blast.
27-Nov-11 : Laguna Phuket Triathlon (1.8/55/12)
11-Feb 12: Falls Creek Triathlon, Aus. Championships (Long Course 2/80/20)
19-Feb 12: Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival (Long Course 2/80/20)
25-Mar 12: Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival (Olympic Dst)
13-May 12: Byron Bay Triathlon (Olympic Dst)
05-Jun 12: Challenge Cairns (Full Iron Distance)
Ben has got a list together of the main races we are doing up until June 2012. They all look amazing and the current list ending with Full Iron Distance 'Challenge Cairns'........should be a blast.
27-Nov-11 : Laguna Phuket Triathlon (1.8/55/12)
11-Feb 12: Falls Creek Triathlon, Aus. Championships (Long Course 2/80/20)
19-Feb 12: Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival (Long Course 2/80/20)
25-Mar 12: Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival (Olympic Dst)
13-May 12: Byron Bay Triathlon (Olympic Dst)
05-Jun 12: Challenge Cairns (Full Iron Distance)
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