IM thoughts

forgot to ask folks (been too busy smiling since Sunday) ... on the bike the top of my neck/back got sore, it hurt to bend down and check behind me etc.

I'm assuming this is just crap positioning and 4hs solid riding which I'm not used too.

Problem is that I've had a numbness area there since which makes me think I need to work something out.

Is it just lack of training and it will improve, or posture, muscle strength?

I'm assuming I hold my head up and that this is stiffness caused by the angle of head lift. I would like to get areo bars at some point, would this make it worse?

Lots of bike numpty Qs I'm sorry!!

Great race report, an excellant acheivement 

Sorry I cannot answer re your neck problems but I suspect you may benefit from a bike fit.

Yeah I think I may need to speak again to my LBS but I'm hoping it's just lack of practice as I was very undertrained.

I've been so tired this week. Head wants to exercise but I am exhausted. Can't get up in the morning and fall asleep on the sofa after tea!

Calf and legs better which is good and once I am at school I'm OK but before school and driving to/from school then night I'm half asleep.

Mind you I did do over 10hrs exercise last week 8 of which in one go!!

Pixie you did appear to be a bit head up and stuff on sunday but might be a bike fit is needed. How you feeling today. 

shattered mate!  Neck seems ok now but it did take time to settle

I guess having come from a horse riding background iI'm used to sitting upright and head up hence the neck ache

I also have a fear of hitting things on the road and coming off so stare as far ahead as I can

EP - I'm only just getting rid of a numb spot on my left upper back following Outlaw which is now over 2 months ago  Doesn't usually bother me other than if I scratch it I can feel the sensation of pressing but not the "scratch" sensation.......which is wierd but not the end of the world

In training I suffered tremendously with pain in the upper arms and lower neck but never the area where I've now got numbness - go figure

It has been suggested to me that along with a bike fit (but going to London appears to be my nearest option so it hasn't happened!!) it would benefit me to improve my core strength and hence take some of the pressure of the neck / upper back and arms / shoulder areas a bit 

that's nice to know Podds actually as I was a little worried it was me!!

I did wonder if it was a core strength thing and maybe upper body (I have very poor upper body strength and my core probably isn't much better!)

Not done anything all week I think that I've been more tired than post mara because I'm teaching and therefore on my feet most of the day, having said that I feel better than post mara (well apart from the early calf issue)

Going to go out with son on his bike later (ie v slow and short) to start getting back into training.

Calf guards have been purchased - pink as yellow is pre-order only but once they are in I'll have to get yellow because we all know yellow is faster!

10k on the old bike with son today, really steady and legs were fine. shame he stopped suddenly meaning an abrupt stop/dismount for me as I'm now sporting a purple knee from smaking the peddle!

Tomorrow I'm getting back to pre-work runs

Hmmm it seems that my HIM has spread at school as I've had a few teachers go "hey that was cool, so full next year? Respect!" I've muttered yes and July to the IM question so that's another reason I have to do it!
Also spoke to resident bike dude who said that my neck pain could just be I'm not used to the road bike. Simple as that. So I'm going back to shorter rides and then increasing time slowly in a sensible sort of way!! Is 15mins extra each couple of weeks OK? too slow too fast? I'm wanting long term results for IM so don't mind a slower approach.

Also plan to go to LBS soon and sort some areo bars so I can get used to these on the turbo before I brave outside!!

EP - you can afford to build time on the bike quite quickly especially if you're only riding long once a week and will therefore have lots of recovery time. What was the longest ride you managed before the HIM that didn't leave you aching for days - 35 miles? - if so start from there and build. Using the aero bars shouldn't be an issue for an ex horse rider, it's much easier than riding in the half seat though good core strength helps.

cool LMH

I never ached on my 1hr rides and the 35m was broke up so was OK

more worryingly I've had the Outlaw is open mail!

OMG OMG OMG This is terrifying.

I've filled out the form but just can't press proceed to pay!

*taps fingers impatiently*

Well???? Have you??????

 *has big wet fish in one hand just in case punishment is needed.*

I think she's entered said as much on the outlaw thread.

yep and I've felt ill ever since

what have I done?

Not told hubby yet mind!!

The Evil Pixie wrote (see)

yep and I've felt ill ever since

what have I done?

Not told hubby yet mind!!

You wait unti you receive the briefing pack 2 months out, or you see pictures from 2012 nearer your race date.

You'll really want to puke . Oh, and the first real sight of the lake the day before....wow.....

Well done Evil Pixie.

Have you a plan to tell hubby?

I only told mine after I entered 

Told son he said "you're an idiot" and I wrote the date in husband's diary! That counts as telling him doesn't it?!

as if I did't spend enough last night I've just hit amazon

book on swimming and cycling and IM weight management! I need to lose it not gain it and I gain when marathon training due to the "have trained loads can eat" head so can't afford that!!