Well from the highs of one week too the lows of the next. Last week i was really getting into my training well and enjoying getting back into the swing of things, maybe a little too much. After my apparent minor injury on Saturday morning, things really went down hill. Monday morning after swimming, i couldn't walk from the traino to my office without having to stop...oh dear.
Consequently i had Monday night through to Saturday night off. Oh except for when i flipped my roadie and bruised my lower back and backside trying to teach my little sister how to ride her first road bike (oh the sweet irony). So i was a bit down this week!
"Commentating" Saturdays road race with Craig was good fun, and it was good to see Caroline and Lauryn having a good crack pushing the pace in their respective grades. It was also really good to see Brucey and Paige have a really good shot at their first road race with Paige, i'm pretty sure taking out third!? Well done! (my coaching must be doing wonders... :P)
It was off to Jarrahdale after the race to relax and freeze in some classic Jarrahdale temperatures (minus 50 billion), and listen to Grace reminisce how EVERYTHING tastes/sounds/feels/reminds her of Jarrahdale.
Sunday morning rolled around and i felt it was finally time to have a crack at riding again....everything felt good :). Me and Paige smashed out a short but hilly 40k and i felt so good afterwards! I may have smashed it a little hard on the return trip up hill, consequently bringing up my 5 wheatbix and coffee, at the summit of the big climb. It looked delicious. After some deeeeelicious bacon and egg sandwiches i hit the road and made it back home. Good weekend. For some reason i had one of the worst sleeps i have had in a long time on Sunday night, but that didn't stop me from hitting up a good swim this morning. 3.5k and i was feeling good.
Now to carry on this positive feeling through the week ahead! Can't wait. Stay uninjured...
Peace and Love
Markus
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Riding with better riders...
Well it's Sunday night and i am s-m-a-s-h-e-d. I was feeling a little tired during the week, as a result of being a little to eager and jumping into training pretty hard, so i took the smart option, a couple of easy days, well...kind off. I didn't swim Wednesday arvo and it was amazing to be able to leave work and just come straight home!
I had Thursday off work, so it was decided previously in the week i would meet up with Bestie Lauryn and 2nd Mum Caroline for a early morning hills ride. We rolled out at 6am from Lauryn's and headed out through Rockingham and into the hills, up Neddleton (correct spelling??) Road. We road into Jarrahdale stopped for the worlds STRONGEST double shot flat white then road back to Lauryn's. 120k in the tank and i was buggered!! Was a good ride :). I came home relaxed ate an extremely large amount of food, the it was off for a nice 7k cruise with Paigey, and Nugget (Paige's dog). T'was a nice run, with the highlight being Nuggets un-canny ability to find her way home no matter where we were. It was funny watching her trying to lead us the short way home.
Friday unfortunetly work was in the way and i had to miss my second swim off the week!! NOT HAPPY JAN. Not to worry though, i really appreciated the rest and i believe this put me in good stead for the weekend. Friday night turned into one drink and then another, however being the sensible athlete i am, i stopped early and hydrated up with water!
Saturday morning rolled around and it was an early cruisy run around Kings Park with Bennooo, Carloline and Janet. The run was going swimmingly until about 11k through the 12, my right foot got instantly painful. I'm still not sure what happened but it feels as though someone has stood on it/ran over it. Not good. After i limped back to grab a quick coffee (I am quickly becoming an addict) it was off home to get ready for the road race.
The race was at 2pm at Baldivis with it being a graded points race, points for the top 5 over the line, over each of the 6 laps. Unfortunately (to every ones (all my "friends") satisfaction) i was moved to B-grade. Boy wasn't that a shock! I had the intention of trying a break or two, but my god those guys were good. Unfortunately i am not much of a sprinter so i was out sprinted (out of the points) on all the laps but managed to keep up with the boys...untill..with 3k to go, the peleton split. The 4 or 5 guys i was sitting behind, literally, gave up. I was so angry! (I learnt a lot about race tactics this day). I "solo'd" for 3k trying to catch the guys, i didn't give up but i just missed them :( ahh well live and learn.
This was a tough race but a really good training run. I was quite surprised and happy to be moved up to b grade after 1 race, and look forward to the future challenge and moving up further. I was stuffed Sat night and it was an early one for me...(lameo!)
Up early again this morning (Sunday) to meet Clarky and 3 other guys for some hill riding. Wow. I of the guys is heading to the TDF in two weeks to ride and follow TWENTY stages of the tour, the other was a sub 4.30 180k rider. I can honestly say, i have never ever, ever been more physically exhausted after a ride and all most after any type of physical activity. 100k ride, 60 - 70k of hills, with QUALITY riders, i was absolutely exhausted, totally smashed.
But i loved every minute of it. I am so enjoying training at the moment, with people that are much better than me. It lifts your performances 10 fold. My confidence is growing by the day! Unfortunetly my foot is still sore (still unexplainable) but i will just keep of it for a day or two as it is feeling better as time goes on. Tomorrow it's back into the pool finally :) and the usual afternoon core and upper body set. Can't wait. Hope all winter training is going well peeps. Hopefully i will see you out there. Keep it rubber side down...unless you are wearing a rubber helmet...?
I need some sleep...
Cheers
Markus
I had Thursday off work, so it was decided previously in the week i would meet up with Bestie Lauryn and 2nd Mum Caroline for a early morning hills ride. We rolled out at 6am from Lauryn's and headed out through Rockingham and into the hills, up Neddleton (correct spelling??) Road. We road into Jarrahdale stopped for the worlds STRONGEST double shot flat white then road back to Lauryn's. 120k in the tank and i was buggered!! Was a good ride :). I came home relaxed ate an extremely large amount of food, the it was off for a nice 7k cruise with Paigey, and Nugget (Paige's dog). T'was a nice run, with the highlight being Nuggets un-canny ability to find her way home no matter where we were. It was funny watching her trying to lead us the short way home.
Friday unfortunetly work was in the way and i had to miss my second swim off the week!! NOT HAPPY JAN. Not to worry though, i really appreciated the rest and i believe this put me in good stead for the weekend. Friday night turned into one drink and then another, however being the sensible athlete i am, i stopped early and hydrated up with water!
Saturday morning rolled around and it was an early cruisy run around Kings Park with Bennooo, Carloline and Janet. The run was going swimmingly until about 11k through the 12, my right foot got instantly painful. I'm still not sure what happened but it feels as though someone has stood on it/ran over it. Not good. After i limped back to grab a quick coffee (I am quickly becoming an addict) it was off home to get ready for the road race.
The race was at 2pm at Baldivis with it being a graded points race, points for the top 5 over the line, over each of the 6 laps. Unfortunately (to every ones (all my "friends") satisfaction) i was moved to B-grade. Boy wasn't that a shock! I had the intention of trying a break or two, but my god those guys were good. Unfortunately i am not much of a sprinter so i was out sprinted (out of the points) on all the laps but managed to keep up with the boys...untill..with 3k to go, the peleton split. The 4 or 5 guys i was sitting behind, literally, gave up. I was so angry! (I learnt a lot about race tactics this day). I "solo'd" for 3k trying to catch the guys, i didn't give up but i just missed them :( ahh well live and learn.
This was a tough race but a really good training run. I was quite surprised and happy to be moved up to b grade after 1 race, and look forward to the future challenge and moving up further. I was stuffed Sat night and it was an early one for me...(lameo!)
Up early again this morning (Sunday) to meet Clarky and 3 other guys for some hill riding. Wow. I of the guys is heading to the TDF in two weeks to ride and follow TWENTY stages of the tour, the other was a sub 4.30 180k rider. I can honestly say, i have never ever, ever been more physically exhausted after a ride and all most after any type of physical activity. 100k ride, 60 - 70k of hills, with QUALITY riders, i was absolutely exhausted, totally smashed.
But i loved every minute of it. I am so enjoying training at the moment, with people that are much better than me. It lifts your performances 10 fold. My confidence is growing by the day! Unfortunetly my foot is still sore (still unexplainable) but i will just keep of it for a day or two as it is feeling better as time goes on. Tomorrow it's back into the pool finally :) and the usual afternoon core and upper body set. Can't wait. Hope all winter training is going well peeps. Hopefully i will see you out there. Keep it rubber side down...unless you are wearing a rubber helmet...?
I need some sleep...
Cheers
Markus
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Half Ironman NZ - Entered!!
Well, like i've stated recently i have really been enjoying my training lately and nothing has changed. Been up to some good consistent training, with some good, sets including a killer 14k run around the river loop (x2), on 4.05min k's which considering my relative fitness atm i was really surprised with. A 110k hills ride on Sunday was killer but really good, and i can feel my riding improving by the day.
Tuesday and wed have been quiet days for me, with me feeling pretty tired tues morning, so a sleep in was required. Running was Tues night, but unfortunetly i had to miss out swimming this (wed) morning. I had to enter New Zealand Port of Tauranga Half Ironman at 6am Perth time (the time i would usually be swimming). Not only for me but for big Andy T as well, as the lucky bastard is in Europe! The reason why i had to enter when i opened at 6am? Well it sold out in 66 mins last year, so we wern't going to let than chance slip.
No Problems though! We are both all entered (you are welcome big T :P) and am very excited to have entered the first big race of the season!
Swimming this arvo, and i think i might enter the other two 70.3 races i have targeted this season, Gold Coast Half and Singapore 70.3 today.
See you out there folks! And piss of this shit weather!!
Cheers
Markus
Tuesday and wed have been quiet days for me, with me feeling pretty tired tues morning, so a sleep in was required. Running was Tues night, but unfortunetly i had to miss out swimming this (wed) morning. I had to enter New Zealand Port of Tauranga Half Ironman at 6am Perth time (the time i would usually be swimming). Not only for me but for big Andy T as well, as the lucky bastard is in Europe! The reason why i had to enter when i opened at 6am? Well it sold out in 66 mins last year, so we wern't going to let than chance slip.
No Problems though! We are both all entered (you are welcome big T :P) and am very excited to have entered the first big race of the season!
Swimming this arvo, and i think i might enter the other two 70.3 races i have targeted this season, Gold Coast Half and Singapore 70.3 today.
See you out there folks! And piss of this shit weather!!
Cheers
Markus
Friday, June 11, 2010
Another week down
Well as the title suggests, another week down and the weekend is upon us (in Australia). I've had a good week this week and am really getting back into the swing of training.
Monday was a public holiday, so i took full advantage of that and hit up an early (freezing) hills ride with the crew. T'was a good ride, stopping in Jarrahdale half way and then making our way back to Clarkys. We got back and i scoffed down a quick lunch and drove back out to Jarrahdale for some running. I got there a little late and the Mountain bikers i was going to run after had all ready left so i had to try and catch up. After an exhausting run i finally caught them and finished of my run. A good 10k on some sweet trails, i love running off road. My Monday finished off with a strength class with Scotty too Hotty, Lauren and the rest of the crew.
Tuesday was the usual ride/run/ride combo and the run was a killer hill set. Wednesday, as usual was "double swim Wednesday" but my arms were killing me after Mondays gym set. But, TOUGHEN UP PRINCESS and i made both the sets. I smashed out a good ride with clarky on Thurs and that brings us to Friday. A good swim this morning, followed by hopefully a good run this arvo, can't wait! This weekend should be a good one, 2 rides, 2 runs and a swim planned. Can't wait!
Really enjoying the training at the moment and can feel myself getting fitter by the day! Getting closer and closer to getting that pro licence, haha, we'll see how this season pans out.
Keep it up right people, see you out there
Peace and Love
M (to the) Ark
Monday was a public holiday, so i took full advantage of that and hit up an early (freezing) hills ride with the crew. T'was a good ride, stopping in Jarrahdale half way and then making our way back to Clarkys. We got back and i scoffed down a quick lunch and drove back out to Jarrahdale for some running. I got there a little late and the Mountain bikers i was going to run after had all ready left so i had to try and catch up. After an exhausting run i finally caught them and finished of my run. A good 10k on some sweet trails, i love running off road. My Monday finished off with a strength class with Scotty too Hotty, Lauren and the rest of the crew.
Tuesday was the usual ride/run/ride combo and the run was a killer hill set. Wednesday, as usual was "double swim Wednesday" but my arms were killing me after Mondays gym set. But, TOUGHEN UP PRINCESS and i made both the sets. I smashed out a good ride with clarky on Thurs and that brings us to Friday. A good swim this morning, followed by hopefully a good run this arvo, can't wait! This weekend should be a good one, 2 rides, 2 runs and a swim planned. Can't wait!
Really enjoying the training at the moment and can feel myself getting fitter by the day! Getting closer and closer to getting that pro licence, haha, we'll see how this season pans out.
Keep it up right people, see you out there
Peace and Love
M (to the) Ark
Saturday, June 5, 2010
My first road race..
Well as the title hints, today i had my first road (cycle) race. It was a part of Peel Cycle clubs season and was an out and back race from Dwellingup to Pinjara. As this was my first road race i was put i B division with there being 4, A, B, C and D. Each group was sent 5 minutes apart, with the idea being the best guys would catch the other divisions close to the line to make for an exciting finish.
I haven't ridden a road bike in a number of years (i don't even own one at the moment) so this was going to be quite the shock to me. I also have done 4 rides since busso, and sold my bike last week so haven't done any riding at all lately. But before i knew it our time had come and we were off. Clarky set a mean pace from the start and within approx 5 k the peleton was starting to split. The out and back course was extremelyyyy hilly, with a max gradient of 14%!! And very little chance for rest. I was riding comfortably in the peleton at the start untill about 7k in when on a decent a girl in front of me all most lost it big time descending. I talked to her after and we think maybe her front wheel was loose!? As she had the BIGGEST death wobbles. Unfortunately i had to pretty much stop to avoid hitting her and i immediately lost the group. Farkkk, i though and for the next 5k i had to ride solo to catch the group, i was redlining big time but JUST made it back.
I settled then hit the turn around. Our group was starting to slow so clarky and i went to the front to do a lot of work, and A LOT of work we did. There seemed to be only 3 of us working (me, clarky and the death wobbles girl) and everyone was pretty easy to sit there and do nothing. Especially annoying was the stupid young girl who kept abusing people to do work and not doing any her self, what a moron, i hope you read this and look at yourself foolish girl.
After getting pretty tired of working our arses off, we got to about 10-11k to go, the start of the pretty much constant up hill to the finish. I decided to go for it, clarky and 2 other girls came with me. Immediately we dropped all the posers, which was really satisfying. From here to be honest it was all a blur, i dropped all the others and within a few k had caught all the riders that had started ahead of us. I was in the lead with 5 k to go. However i started to cramp and was so worried about the A graders catching me, technically they should soon...
I pushed really deep and put in A LOT of effort, pushing pushing up the uphills. I finally rounded a corner and the finish line was there! I was so happy! i had a quick look behind....no one there! I had done it, my first road race and i managed to take it out :) everyone cheered as i crossed the line. I waited for all my mates to cross the line and we all had a good chat and laugh about the race. It was a really enjoyable day and i will definitely be back!
Thanks Andy T for the lend of the roadie for 9 weeks ;) and all the guys there, great fun. I'm getting more and more confident with my training and can't wait everyday, good sign! Cya on the road peeps
Peace and Love
Markus
I haven't ridden a road bike in a number of years (i don't even own one at the moment) so this was going to be quite the shock to me. I also have done 4 rides since busso, and sold my bike last week so haven't done any riding at all lately. But before i knew it our time had come and we were off. Clarky set a mean pace from the start and within approx 5 k the peleton was starting to split. The out and back course was extremelyyyy hilly, with a max gradient of 14%!! And very little chance for rest. I was riding comfortably in the peleton at the start untill about 7k in when on a decent a girl in front of me all most lost it big time descending. I talked to her after and we think maybe her front wheel was loose!? As she had the BIGGEST death wobbles. Unfortunately i had to pretty much stop to avoid hitting her and i immediately lost the group. Farkkk, i though and for the next 5k i had to ride solo to catch the group, i was redlining big time but JUST made it back.
I settled then hit the turn around. Our group was starting to slow so clarky and i went to the front to do a lot of work, and A LOT of work we did. There seemed to be only 3 of us working (me, clarky and the death wobbles girl) and everyone was pretty easy to sit there and do nothing. Especially annoying was the stupid young girl who kept abusing people to do work and not doing any her self, what a moron, i hope you read this and look at yourself foolish girl.
After getting pretty tired of working our arses off, we got to about 10-11k to go, the start of the pretty much constant up hill to the finish. I decided to go for it, clarky and 2 other girls came with me. Immediately we dropped all the posers, which was really satisfying. From here to be honest it was all a blur, i dropped all the others and within a few k had caught all the riders that had started ahead of us. I was in the lead with 5 k to go. However i started to cramp and was so worried about the A graders catching me, technically they should soon...
I pushed really deep and put in A LOT of effort, pushing pushing up the uphills. I finally rounded a corner and the finish line was there! I was so happy! i had a quick look behind....no one there! I had done it, my first road race and i managed to take it out :) everyone cheered as i crossed the line. I waited for all my mates to cross the line and we all had a good chat and laugh about the race. It was a really enjoyable day and i will definitely be back!
Thanks Andy T for the lend of the roadie for 9 weeks ;) and all the guys there, great fun. I'm getting more and more confident with my training and can't wait everyday, good sign! Cya on the road peeps
Peace and Love
Markus
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Pre-season Begins
I've decided to do a lot more blogging this year, with myself being previously restricted with work/uni/training commitments i didn't blog nearly as much as i wanted to, and i do enjoy blogging!
Well, preseason has officially begun, i managed a few rides over my 4 weeks off, but to be honest it was filed with a lot of drinking and partying, but it was exactly what i needed. I got to wind down catch up with a lot of mates and sleep in!! Yay. It was amazing, but what was more amazing was the fact that it let me get my motivation back in a big way. Last week i was really ready to get back into it and if it wasn't for study commitments i would of, but! Not to worry, Tuesday morning (after a Monday exam) i was at squad running up in Bateman hills, my god, what a struggle.
It was a short warm up, followed by 5 hill loops, up along down along x 5. It hurt, a lot, but it was good hurt, the hurt i have been waiting to feel for a long time. Pleased with my set it was a warm down back to the car. I also gave my new Garmin bike computer a good spin, on the run...only because i haven't used it yet, and it's a GPS so why not, worked beautifully.
Wednesday morning it was back to the pool (after 2 swims last week) and I'm finally starting to "feel" the water again. The required set was 3400m, but i finished up with 3800m just a little extra, like i keep saying to Paige, "it's the 1%ers" or in this case a little more. Wednesday has again become "double swim Wednesday" inspired by my good friend Edwin and today was no exception. Only 2800m in the arvo, but a good little set and it's all ways fun seeing the afternoon swimmers, such good fun.
Well that's the first of many blogs over the winter, i really struggle to deal with the cold over the winter, BUT toughen up princess! Is my view this winter, so looking forward to it! Keep it rubberside down people and i will see you in the pool, on the road or the path.
Follow your dreams
Marky Mark
Well, preseason has officially begun, i managed a few rides over my 4 weeks off, but to be honest it was filed with a lot of drinking and partying, but it was exactly what i needed. I got to wind down catch up with a lot of mates and sleep in!! Yay. It was amazing, but what was more amazing was the fact that it let me get my motivation back in a big way. Last week i was really ready to get back into it and if it wasn't for study commitments i would of, but! Not to worry, Tuesday morning (after a Monday exam) i was at squad running up in Bateman hills, my god, what a struggle.
It was a short warm up, followed by 5 hill loops, up along down along x 5. It hurt, a lot, but it was good hurt, the hurt i have been waiting to feel for a long time. Pleased with my set it was a warm down back to the car. I also gave my new Garmin bike computer a good spin, on the run...only because i haven't used it yet, and it's a GPS so why not, worked beautifully.
Wednesday morning it was back to the pool (after 2 swims last week) and I'm finally starting to "feel" the water again. The required set was 3400m, but i finished up with 3800m just a little extra, like i keep saying to Paige, "it's the 1%ers" or in this case a little more. Wednesday has again become "double swim Wednesday" inspired by my good friend Edwin and today was no exception. Only 2800m in the arvo, but a good little set and it's all ways fun seeing the afternoon swimmers, such good fun.
Well that's the first of many blogs over the winter, i really struggle to deal with the cold over the winter, BUT toughen up princess! Is my view this winter, so looking forward to it! Keep it rubberside down people and i will see you in the pool, on the road or the path.
Follow your dreams
Marky Mark
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Busso '10
Well Busso '10 has been and gone, so here is an extremely late race report.
Getting down there a few days early was just what i needed to relax and get in the zone, get everything sorted and get some good rest. As a result i felt sprightly and ready 5am race morning. I was up early and as usual, one of the first into transition. I set up with plenty of time and went abouts making sure my other mates were ok. I was then into the water for a quick warm up, and before i knew it we were on the line. I positioned my self on the front of the line, confident with my swim. 1 minute!! was the call and i was ready. The horn went and we were off.
I had a reasonably good start and just missed the front pack of the uber swimmers, i knew Andrew Tyack would be in that pack, but i continued to swim strongly. The swim was pretty uneventful, and i came out of the water leading the 2nd pack, about 1 minute behind the others with a 29 minute swim.
Getting down there a few days early was just what i needed to relax and get in the zone, get everything sorted and get some good rest. As a result i felt sprightly and ready 5am race morning. I was up early and as usual, one of the first into transition. I set up with plenty of time and went abouts making sure my other mates were ok. I was then into the water for a quick warm up, and before i knew it we were on the line. I positioned my self on the front of the line, confident with my swim. 1 minute!! was the call and i was ready. The horn went and we were off.
I had a reasonably good start and just missed the front pack of the uber swimmers, i knew Andrew Tyack would be in that pack, but i continued to swim strongly. The swim was pretty uneventful, and i came out of the water leading the 2nd pack, about 1 minute behind the others with a 29 minute swim.
Initially i was pretty disappointed with the time, but i learnt quickly that the course was "long" and my mood changed as i realised i was only a minute behind Andy and the others and ahead of Johan. After a small error in transition i had my usual blinder (11th fastest transition overall) and was onto the bike.
I set out at a conservative pace, then i saw Johan come past at about 5k in. I decided to go with him for a bit (legally). I went with him for another 5k,
but his pace, although not ridiculous, was going to be to much for me for 90k so i dropped of. About 20k in i picked up another 3 guys and we went about trying to catch the front guys, i.e. Andy and Johan. We started to pick a few up but after the first lap the group split and i was on my own again. The ride was pretty uneventful with myself making a consistent effort not to draft or be caught drafting. I bonked a little at around 75k (probably from the previous efforts put in with the previous group) but managed to pop another gel and get going again. I was pretty happy with my ride in the end and came in on a 2.25, i wanted to go under 2.30. Again i had a killer transition this time having the fastest transition overall, including all the pro's yeww!! I was onto the run course.
My first 7k went well, i was hydrating and having all my nutrition properly and running at my target pace, 4 mins per k. A pace i believe i was able to maintain. I was making time on the leaders (except Johan, he would go to finish 9th overall and have a blinder) and was feeling good. However, sometimes a race doesn't go to plan and today was that day. At about 10k i blew, my mins per k blew out and i was running 4.45's. This was really disappointing but these days happen and only make you stronger. I never stopped running and ran the race out, finishing with a disappointing 4.35.
It was pretty awesome catching my twin sister Lisa on her last lap and being able to see her before running down the line, major props to her for finishing her first one. The support was amazing out there from all my training crew, Lauren, Paigey and Grace, Jess, the Tyacks and most importantly my family! Everyone was amazing and it all ways gets me so emotional out there so i thank you for your support. I was pretty pumped over the line and was pretty stuffed!
I have had about 4 weeks off now and am sooo ready to get back into training!! My new Argon E-114 is being built up and i have a few new pieces of gear that i am so ready to use when i get back into training. More importantly my motivation is back in a big way and i cannot wait to get back into it. I finished 2nd in the Triathlete of the Year awards in 20-24 Category (to Andrew, well done mate) which means I'll be racing open next year, another step up to the upper echelon or racing, something i can't wait to do.
I'm getting closer and closer to achieving my dream as racing pro, so i hope everyone can continue to follow me in my pursuit of my dream and continue the support. Its what gets me up in the morning, and what will get me there in the end
Follow your dreams
Mark Luckin
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