HAVE A GO ROW?
As some will know my training for triathlon at the beginning of the year was not going according to plan, so I decided to switch back to rowing for pleasure rather than competition. A couple of events later and I’m in race-mode and thinking I should focus on this for the season.
I made the choice too late for the Sark to Jersey race, but increased my training for the Gorey to Carteret and was pretty confident of my form by the time it came to race-day. Unfortunately the weather conspired to scupper my plans and the event was cancelled.
Notwithstanding this the rowing this year has been great fun and I have taken part in some epic races and some great non-competition events. The Jersey Rowing Club will be hosting a have-a-go-row over the next few weeks so if you are interested look-up Jersey Rowing Club on the web or Facebook.
HAVE A GO TRIATHLON?
Disappointed with the cancellation of the Gorey to Carteret I re-examined by triathlon form and decided to return to my plans set at the beginning of the year, albeit now having missed the Island Games, European Champs and Jersey Triathlon.
The next bit opportunity which is ahead is the Guernsey GraniteMan and I have enjoyed tremendously getting ready for this. Knowing that I’m not at peak performance my efforts have been steady and slow rather than fast and intense. I have been rewarded with an injury free training period.
You can see below my standard training week.
Because I had good base fitness from Gorey to Carteret preparations I have attempted to cram the half-ironman training programme into 8 weeks. Not recommended, nor ideal, but it seems to have worked…so far!
Week 1 run 6 miles, bike 16 miles, swim 1600m
Week 2 run 25miles, bike 68 miles, swim 1800m
Week 3 run 27miles, bike 125 miles, swim 8400m
Week 4 run 29miles, bike 61 miles, swim 7500m
Week 5 run 32miles, bike 144 miles, swim 8400m
Week 6 run 35miles, bike 150 miles, swim 8400m
This week I am on target for run 31miles, bike 150 miles, swim 2700m
I have then 2 weeks to taper, relax and be ready for the race on 13 September
One aspect I have really enjoyed is the open-water swimming. Ironically although the weather has been a bit wet recently (which doesn’t matter when you are swimming!) the dawn swims have been warm and dry. The rain inevitably seems only to arrive from about 8am.
The Jersey Triathlon Club have a number of races left this season and shortly will be re-commencing winter training and coaching. This is a brilliant time to get into triathlon. If you are interested look-up Jersey Triathlon Club on the web or Facebook.
HAVE A GO ADVENTURE?
Both Sandstorm and Silkworth Challenge offer great opportunities for people interested in Challenge events.
SandStorm Adventure Race
New Dedicated Website for the SandStorm Adventure Race coming very soon. Dates for the next event is on the 17th of October 2015
Silkworth Challenge
This is being run in conjunction with Kaz Padidar of Wild Adventures and will consist of a number of physical challenges across all twelve of the islands parishes. The event will open for registration in March 2014, however if you would like to register an interest now, please e-mail: info@silkworthlodge.co.uk
HAVE A GO CLIMBING?
This year, as part of my flexibility work, and as a relaxing alternative to rowing or triathlon I have started rock climbing. The Jersey Climbing Community (Facebook) and the Jersey Climbing Club (Website) offer lots of support, guidance and advice.
The weather recently has been not-so-good, but I have still managed to get 30+ climbs in over the last 3 months and for a beginner that is OK for me. Like the Jersey Triathlon Club the winter provides a great opportunity for beginners to start and get ready for next year: there is a climbing wall, excellent tuition and an opportunity to get fit and be a rock lizard next year.
CONCLUSION
There is plenty to do, and no reason to be bored, even if it does rain!
USEFUL LINKS
These links are useful for planning your activity
Map http://www.timhjrogers.com/chart/
Weather http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/6296595
Wind http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php?sc=35643
Tide http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/locations/5469.html
Current http://d1k4o5s4mgbr45.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Tide-streams-around-Jersey.Not-for-navigation.pdf
MY STANDARD TRAINING WEEK
You are welcome to come along and join me for any of these sessions!
Monday - 6:30am pool swim; 12:00pm lunchtime run and 5:40pm climbing
Tuesday - 6:15am swim from Archirondel; 12:00pm lunchtime run and 5:40pm climbing
Wednesday - 6:30am pool swim; 12:00pm lunchtime run and 5:40pm spin class
Thursday - 6:15am swim from Archirondel; 12:00pm lunchtime run and 5:40pm bike
Friday - 6:30am pool swim; 12:00pm lunchtime run and 5:40pm rowing
Saturday - 6:30am long bike from FitnessFirst, short run after and maybe swim in afternoon
Sunday - 6:30am long run (cliff paths or cross-country) and maybe swim in afternoon
THE AUTHOR
I am a triathlete, rower, and open water swimmer who also enjoys kayaking and climbing. If you want to join me in any of these pursuits I have spare bikes, kayaks and harness and a spare seat in the rowing boat! I am always keen to learn more about these pursuits (there is always room to improve) and share what I know. I am especially interested in anyone what wants to try adventure racing, but equally happy just enjoying the outdoors.
Tim HJ Rogers
TimHJRogers@Hougue.Com
07797762051
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