Run / Walk / Swim / Cycle 1000km / miles in 2021 here we go again!

[TriSeaSwim99]

Third year for me aiming to be as active as possible most days. So join me in setting a goal and keeping on track by logging on here . I’ve set a 500mile run target this year to be realistic as I’ve nursed foot issues most of 2021 which really curtailed my running miles but sea swimming and trail running have developed into my passions. What’s your challenge this year?

Bike off to bike repair man for a service today. Booked on a cycling group ride on Sat so he'd better bring it back by then! The ride is, in fact, probably about 50k but there's a train option for return if I can't quite make it. The final week of my training plan suggests very short rides the days leading up to the final ride. I think I might manage it but my legs might not be happy!
In walking I have done my steps but all around the house/school run so haven't logged any distance.

8km hike around the local mountain this morning with skylarks singing in the heather.

2.35 km swim this evening, definitely seems to be sorting my hip out. Think I might be able to attempt a run by the end of the week

15.2 km swimming total

@TheLongRider that sounds heavenly

@tizwozliz / other swimmers - I can't really do the front crawl - can't get the breathing. Any hints or suggestions for good online tutorials on improving? (I will take lessons eventually I think, but pools won't be open here for ages I don't think).

Swim smooth is a site I see mentioned. Think having a pull buoy is key so you can concentrate on your arms and breathing without worrying about your legs Someone who has learned as an adult may be able to advise better. I'm a pretty useless swimming teacher have never managed to teach the other half.

7km mostly on the canal this afternoon.

676.1 walked
40 rowed

[quote Ringsender2]@TheLongRider that sounds heavenly

@tizwozliz / other swimmers - I can't really do the front crawl - can't get the breathing. Any hints or suggestions for good online tutorials on improving? (I will take lessons eventually I think, but pools won't be open here for ages I don't think).[/quote]
I learned front crawl 18 months ago!

Definitely get a pull buoy to give you chance to concentrate on arms/head or if you still want to kick, buoyancy shorts.

Rotate from the waist, and only one side of your face should come out of the water and turn your mouth up, imagine trying to kiss your armpit

Keep your arms wide, your hand should never cross the centre line of your body, this will help with balance and rotation.

I started by slowing down and breathing on the same side every 2 strokes. I'm only now starting to get to grips with bilateral breathing!

I’m another one who taught myself front crawl a couple of years ago aged mid-40s. I used youbtube videos too. Swim smooth is good and effortless swimming . Great advice above plus the key for me was you don’t ‘lift’ your head to breathe the head coming out the water comes from the body rolling on a axis caused by the lever action from the arm in the water. So often I see splashy blokes normally using physical strength to lift their heads out to breathe bashing a stroke out kicking full wack only to collapse out of breathe at the end of the pool. They show limited signs of glide and body roll. I use a mantra when swimming relax & glide it normally helps me focus on calm strokes and I end up swimming faster. Enjoy practicing with a kick board to.

Oh brilliant, thanks for those tips @SSwimCycle21 @FrangipaniBlue and @tizwozliz. The rotating from waist sounds like a great pointer, and love the idea of kissing my biceps!

My third FTP test this morning 13 weeks into the training plan. My new FTP gives 3.18 Watts/KG. I'm happy with it.

Bike still at repairer taps toes impatiently

Short trail run tonight and cycle around town doing chores.

Running 267km
Swimming 14.8km
Cycling 532km

@Ringsender2 I only learnt front crawl last summer! I would highly recommend some lessons. Just 2 or 3 lessons made an enormous difference, those lessons taught me the basics and now I can improve on that by myself. I don’t think I would have learnt so quickly by teaching myself (I’m hopeless though). I used to be an avid breaststroker but since learning front crawl I haven’t looked back, it’s been amazing. Getting those lessons was one of the best things I’ve done for my adult self!

2.5k walk but I got in my 10k steps overall.
Need to up my walking a bit if I'm going to do my 1000k as I should be nearly 1/3 of the way there now.

@TheLongRider

My third FTP test this morning 13 weeks into the training plan. My new FTP gives 3.18 Watts/KG. I'm happy with it.

Awesome!! I'm sitting just under 3.... hoping weight loss plus increased strength will tip me over next test

Thanks, best of luck increasing your strength too! Time to go QOM hunting again.

Another 2.2 km swimming yesterday. I need to add up my walking totals to see how far off target I am. I'm sure I'm doing 20km a week of running/walking/swimming but need to make up from the beginning of the year I suspect

17.4 km total swim

More spring cleaning and cooking today in preparation for DD coming home to do her uni finals. We just had a brief leg stretch after dinner, mainly to show her the tiny goats so only 2.2 km

678.3 walked
40 rowed

Swimming today, getting into the habit of it. I think booking is helping this actually as I don't want to miss it!

Nice sunny trail run tonight.

Running 272km
Swimming 14.8km
Cycling 532km

I had a lovely outdoor pool swim this evening - the heating is broken so finally there were some spaces. 22 degrees which I find fairly comfortable for swimming. Only a short one, 1650m

19.05km swum

Lovely day again, 19°. just 5.8km

684.1 walked
40 rowed

Your outdoor pool sounds positively balmy at 22c. tiz
Just a quick spin on the bike before tea, super windy but sunny evening.

Running 272km
Swimming 14.8km
Cycling 546km

3K walk and about 5k bike now it's back from being serviced. Big ride tomorrow!

22 is pretty much perfect imo. I'm a bit disappointed that they've announced the heating is fixed. Going for a birthday swim after hopefully a long walk next weekend.

My rules are
11 degrees or below - too cold
12-17 swim with a wetsuit if desperate
18-21 swimsuit, rash vest and neoprene socks
22-28 swimsuit
29 too hot to swim