A parkrun, a Time Trial, a recce and a snake.

The merry merry month of May........

On top of the world, well, the Worcestershire Beacon

These photos are taken the same week. A bit bleak on top of the Malvern hills for my run and then glorious sunshine on my bike ride literally a day or so later. 'Ne'er cast a clout until May is out' too true, as I was wrapped up again later in the month.

Sunny (S)miles

On my way to a PB

Malvern Buzzard at Parkrun.

So I threw a Parkrun in this month, just to keep a little bit of speed work going, running a fast 5k on a Saturday morning with other runners always brings better results than me just trying to bang out some fast intervals around a very dull trading estate circuit in Malvern ! I went to Worcester Pitchcroft and was pleased with a sub 21 minute 5k. The following week I threw myself into the deep end and raced a 50 mile Time Trial. It was an open event organised by Bike Pace, basically up and down the A40 in Abergavenny. It was an afternoon start, so a nice relaxed drive over in the morning. It's been a while since i've time trialled a 50, so I had no idea how things were going to go ! I was a bit conservative for the first 5 miles or so, and then thought I may as well just go for it and see what happens. My water container was loaded up with Caffeinated green tea buzz Tailwind, and that was all the nutrition I took on board. It was a 2 lap course, I raced the second lap slightly faster than the first and was rewarded with a 12 minute personal best for the distance. I was 3rd female to finish in a time of 2:08:45...just over 23 MPH.(See separate blog post on time trialling) 

Oooh, new shoes.

I treated myself to some goodies this month too ! I bought a pair of Hoka One One Clifton 5s in preparation for the long mileage building up to Ironman Wales. I tried them on in the kitchen, loved them so much I instantly ordered a second identical pair ! so hopefully that's me shod for the year.

Goggles, tow float and Hokas (Pair 2)

Thinking ahead for open water swimming I also bought a Tow float, essential for open water swimming at some venues, especially the sea. They attached around your waist and float behind you making you very visible in the water to lifeguards, boaters etc. Some, like this one, are waterproof and you can store things inside...car keys, inhaler, water bottle, phone, for example. I also ordered a pair of Roka R1 goggles, I received a money off voucher to try a Roka product so thought these were worth a go. Not tried them yet,....I don't get into open water until June !...('Ne'er cast a  clout and all that)

SNAKE

I had to put this picture in ! For 20 years I have been walking and running on the Malvern Hills....this month I was going about my business on British Camp, near the reservoir, bothering nobody, when a brightly coloured ADDER slithered across the path in front of me! I couldn't get my phone out quick enough for  a photo...but the next best thing photographing the look on my face !! This was pretty much my expression for the remainder of my run !! As I was saying repeatedly to myself, 'I've just seen a *******SNAKE !' I was really spooked by it, but then really pleased that I was lucky enough to see an Adder on the Malvern hills, I had heard they were there, but until now......

Tenby

Recce, done., pass the Tailwind rebuild.

We spent the bank holiday weekend in Tenby. What a beautiful area the Pembrokeshire coast is. On Saturday morning I set off to ride/recce the 112 mile Ironman Wales bike course. I had downloaded the route to my 'Mio' and Ron was around in case I got lost/confused. (I did) It was a long day in the saddle what with trying to work out bits of the course where Mio was telling me I was going wrong. (I wasn't) But nevertheless it was stunning, tough and really enjoyable. The scenery is breathtaking in places, some of the hills are short,sharp, punchy and brutal, (especially second time around) but still very doable on a TT bike. The only nutrition I used was Tailwind, this time I used Caffeinated Green tea buzz, and also the Neutral flavour, I wanted caffeine in the morning, and then towards the end to keep my concentration up, but it was nice to back off and have the neutral flavour in between. This is what I plan to do on race day. I arrived back at the carpark (Transition) and whilst Ron 'lovingly' packed my bike away for me (!) I set off for a short run, 5 miles of the run course. This, to my surprise, was more comfortable than expected, but I was certainly ready for my Tailwind Nutrition chocolate rebuild and recovery shake when it was over. 
However, I'm not going to lie, a curry and a Gin and Tonic were consumed later that evening ! The rest of the bank holiday weekend we enjoyed the Pembrokeshire coast at a more leisurely pace.
Perfect weekend.

(Another) Delivery for Ms. Sivertsen.