Monday 17 December 2012

Swimming without the girls, I need you back !!!!!!!

Hello I am back again recovered from my illness and both my children suffering, so apologies for not blogging for a while.

Back with a bang, Girls I need you back only three of us there today so I had to swim with the big fish, it was very scary but secretly enjoyed every minute.

The classes wont be running for two weeks, but I know we will all be there and ready to go for it in the NEW YEAR, as the count down begins, hooray !!!!!!

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Andy for putting up with me over the past 10 weeks, it has been challenging but I have loved every session, thanks again

Sarah XXX For Luca

Sunday 25 November 2012

My training last week

This is my weekly update........

It began last Sunday with a three mile run with my very best friend Michelle who I have known since we started high school.  I love running with Michelle, we used to run together in school in those dreadful gym pants, thankfully they are no longer.
Every few years or so we say we are going to start running but as soon as the cold, wet and dark nights fall so do we, but not this time, we have a goal !!!! having read a lot of training posts they say you are much more likely to achieve if you have a clear goal, something to achieve.
This is certainly true when it comes to Michelle and I, the last time we achieved our goal was a charity run five years ago for Cancer research just after the loss of my beautiful mum.
Although Michelle has never met Luca she is determined, in fact I have never met someone so determined, she never wants to quit once she sets herself up for something and she is so competitive which is great at keeping one another motivated, although she does need to invest in some new trainers as they squeak with every step lol.
Sunday night ended up in another swimming class by accident although it was great getting some more tips.

Monday - with Jo (Bradley Wiggins ) Wilkinson, as Jo has been injured she is not able to run and can only go on a stationary bike, so we completed a 16km ride in under 34 mins, which we are trying to reduce on a weekly basis.  I have also gone back to working with weights as I have read its important to keep up with strength work, especially working on core muscles, well you never know I may even get somewhere towards that 'Strictly stomach' I always wish for, since Santa hasn't delivered it for the past two years !!!!!
Monday evening our usual Triathlon swim session with the lovely Andy in the pool, thankfully we were not doing endurance work this week, I think last week we swan 1500 m which was a wicked goal but was really hard.  This week we were concentrating on technique, although I am not sure mine has improved much in the last few months, some days it feels like I get it and then others well I look like i'm drowning, I think some video footage is required or is that going too far ???

Tuesday/Wednesday has been taken up with school activities so no training, its amazing once you start training you actually miss the routine of not going, sad I know

Thursday - Back on the bike another 16km, with Lucy and Lou, three in a row all smiles and chat to begin with, by the end we no longer have the energy to speak, sweat everywhere believe me it's not a pleasant sight lol x Next onto some weights and strength training.
32 Lenghts in the pool, starting with 8 straight off then drills, oh get me drills like I know what i'm taking about, I love the feeling of the water after a gym session it's so relaxing, if only the triathlon was the other way around it would be lovely to flop in the pool after a cycle and a run.

Friday - Gym session with Jo, completed 20 minutes on the cross trainer, kept occupied by the ladies doing zumba in the class opposite, just the thought of me in a zumba class sends shivers down my spine, as anyone can tell you I have absolutely no co- ordination what so ever.  The cross trainer also looks over the pool, so being the professionals we are, we were able to critique others technique from the side line he he he
In the pool for 16 lengths, a quick session before the kids School Christmas Fayre.

Friday night - Have got Michelle a 12 day pass to David Lloyd so have met her there for my second gym and swim session of the day.
10 minutes cross trainer, 10 minutes on the ski trainer or whatever they call it and 10 minute interval training on the running machine, and some abs, ready for my bed now
In the pool, Michelle tries to take a sneaky pic of me in my swim cap lucky enough I manage to dodge that one.
Well what can I say I try and give Michelle a few tips on what I have been taught, it was so funny she cracks me up, I guess you would have to have been there to really appreciate it but omg we laughed and laughed trying to teach Michelle to push and glide her little legs were all over the place, her feet flapping in all different directions we could not stop giggling, but Michelle being Michelle carried on and on until she got it. I cant wait for tonight's lesson I hope you have your swim cap and goggles Michelle looking forward to it

Sarah xxx For Luca

Thursday 15 November 2012

Training has begun for Matt

Back injury now on the mend, decided to start my training. A quick bike ride yesterday went ok so made use of a 12 day pass at David Lloyd today to get in some swimming. Haha, seemed so much easier back in those school swimming lessons!! Just about managed 12 lengths with a few breaks to 'adjust my goggles'!!

Lots of work to do, think I will need every bit of the 6 months we have before D-day! Going to cram in those David Lloyd swim lessons in the next 12 days before I return to Pentwyn leisure centre :-)


Tuesday 13 November 2012

Run and swim

Rewind back to Sunday when I completed a 3 mike run with Michelle who has been persuaded to do the half marathon for Luca xxx it will be like the old days in school minus the gym pants thankfully .
Thanks to andy at David Lloyd who really pushed us last night as we completed 1600 m, that's  64 lengths wow never thought I could do that in an hour really pleased

Sarah xxx For Luca

Saturday 10 November 2012

Back to gym work

After a week of Halloween, birthdays, kids parties early on a Sunday and fireworks night finally got bak in gym to week, gym session Wednesday, ( sore as hell thurs), swim thurs eve 66 lengths  goal with longest run of 16 without stopping this time slightly disappointed, also crashed into the side due to avoiding a dopey woman backing across the pool and new googles making me think I was further away.  First bike session on the trainer fri night nearly killed me 16k in 31 min felt bad need to adjust bike a lot again as new saddle not seating right but will get there, still got to get properly organised now.  

Thursday 8 November 2012

Back in the Gym after a week off for Half term

Why oh Why is it sooooo hard after just one week off ????
Ok so lets not talk about the gym too much did 20 minute cycle 10 minute run , some weights, lunges, abs blah blah blah
However the good news is the swim was much better, Firstly I managed to do 8 lengths non stop, followed by 24 lengths, concentrating on legs, arms etc.....then 10 lengths non stop to finish off so really chuffed although Jo did comment on my lack of technique on the last few lengths ha ha ha

Thanks Mrs J (Bradley Wiggins) Wilkinson x

Sarah xxx For Luca

Tuesday 6 November 2012

First road cycle

Enjoyed my first road cycle today 20 km not too bad although still can't imagine running after this aswell as swimming before but trying not to think of this too much......

Sarah xxx For Luca

Thursday 1 November 2012

Date night at David Lloyd!

Yes....I took Jason out on a date to David Lloyd!!! 20min cycle followed by a swim...managed  30 leisurely lengths!  Jason's first proper swim....I was rather impressed!  Not sure I could train with him on a regular basis....he does not exactly take "anything" seriously....if you ever go swimming with him, ask him to swim the length of the pool in 1stroke.....very funny!  Hey...we may have another addition to our triathlon gang!!!

Lou xx

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Monday's Swim with Andy

Thanks to Andy Thomas for yet another good swimming class last night, working on kick oh joy :-)
1250m in total obviously with breaks, however we are now up to 6 lengths non stop so just another 10 on top and we be ready lol xxx
Took the kids swimming today, I say swimming more standing whilst they used me as a jumping board, don't  you just love half term.
Will be hard trying to squeeze in a full weeks training this week but will try ...........

Monday 29 October 2012

New Page for For Luca Triathlon

http://www.facebook.com/Forlucatriathlon2013
This is the new page being set up for the Triathlon, the current Profile and page will be deleted in 30 days, so please do not miss out on any updates and information that is to follow.

3rd time lucky hey

Sarah xxx For Luca

Changing ForLuca Triathlon from a Profile to a page

Hello all sorry to be a pain however I have se up the ForLuca Triathlon as a Profile rather than a page, so I have sent to all a request to like the new page currently being set up, sorry for any inconvenience caused

Sarah xxxFor Luca

Better day in the pool

Better day in the pool today, 4 length warm up, 22 continuous lengths, then 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 4 length cool down total of 60 length, not trying to go fast just smooth and steady, apart from the penultimate 2 as tried to go fast as I could which was not very as was pretty beat by then.  No gym first just swimming obviously the way forward, could not have got on a bike though after that (not yet anyway)


Try a Tri

More details about the Sprint Triathlon, it consists of a 400m Swim Pool based, 16km - 20 km Bike and 5km Run outdoors.
Some of the team will be completing a Super Sprint which consists of 400m Swim Pool based, 10 km Bike and 2.5 km Run. 
Hope this information is helpful !!!!!

Sarah xxx For Luca

Sunday 28 October 2012

Some days good some days not so.......,,

How come some days you can swim for ages and not seem to struggle , other days it does not seem to happen in pool after gym today could not keep my rhythm in pool after 4 lengths or so, bleeding frustrating.  Probably does not help went in gym first and blasted legs and shoulders a bit but wasn't finding it physically hard just kept losing the pattern, ah well still kore work to do then!  Did do bit on the bike, so borrowing in the gym and no way feels like proper bike, still bottling the inning though have to start soon.  Need to get organised with training !!!!

2 new participants Hooray, Welcome to our mad world!!!!!!!

Wow already we have had two people come forward wishing to join the team, this is fantastic thank you so much Lindsay and gavin

Sarah xxx For Luca

About us..............


We are a group of mums from Marshfield all with two or more young children who attend the local school.
Most of us work Part/Full time and when not working in the day can often be found in the cafe area of David Lloyd, ''well they do say caffeine is great before a workout"
A few months back a group of us attended the ''Ladies who lunch for luca'' whilst there we were affectionally named table 10, basically the loud ones at the back flirting with Gethin Jones ha ha well why wouldn't you ???
So about the Triathlon, well after the event how could you not be inspired to do something ? after meeting such a determined little boy and an amazingly welcoming family we began to throw ideas around.
''Lets do a triathlon'', well why not ? most of us are at the gym three days a week usually drinking more coffee than actual training.
''Isn't it going to be hard'' ?, well of course, thats the whole point of it,  but we need a challenge.
''Let's do something no-one would expect us to do'' ok but a triathlon ? that's big not all of us can swim, ''so we find an instructor''.

So it began not without hesitation I may add, please don't underestimate the' want' to do something amazing for Luca, but at the same time this would mean a huge amount of commitment, time and individually personal challenges and fears to overcome.
Never the less we find ourselves here !!!, we felt that writing our training blogs would encourage people to follow our progress, individually and as a team, to provide support and training tips, so please any advice, bring it on............
Secondly I would like to add what began as a small group of women has grown quite a bit, of course we have managed to rope in some of our husbands, so men do not be afraid.

FINALLY WE WOULD LOVE OTHERS TO JOIN US ON OUR ADVENTURE, RAISING MORE AND MORE FUNDS 'FOR LUCA' we are currently looking at the Fairwater Sprint Triathlon on May 5th, although this may change depending on the numbers of people.
If you require any further information please let us know

Sarah XXX For Luca

Thursday 25 October 2012

Kevins first post

Had first session back at lloydies today after a week , good session in pool total of 52 lengths including a 14 non stop to start then a 12 non stop towards end, madly the one at end seemed easier even though I was nackered, probably cos was warmed up and relaxed rather than trying to thrash it out.  Still not done any bike or running work yet not sure when gonna fit that in as well.  Feeling more confident about swim now, only about 4 weeks ago was just turning out 2 lengths and struggling at that, so don't worry guys all of a sudden it starts to come as was only managing 6 non stop 2 weeks ago.

Liam's Swimming Class

Ladies you would have loved Liam's class tonight, 10 mins warm up, 30 mins technique nice and easy, one length at a time, then what I can only describe as advanced water aerobics !!!!!! he he
it was more like a gym workout but lots of fun, different to Andy's but equally as good but not as many lengths as last week thank god.

Sarah xxx For luca

Joanne's first blog & update!


Well had a good training session today although I have had the lurgy (northern word for bad cold!) all week so missed Tuesdays session, managed to do 16k bike in 33.33 mins following an interval running session 5 mins on then conditioning weights then 5 mins run then abs then 5 mins run etc and so on, however I turned my usual training colour of a tomato so worked hard. (I actually detest running, I can't actually think of a reason for running other than running for your life from a lion in Africa as it eyes you up for its tea, why else would you want to run anywhere for fun?!) so thanks to sarah J for the advice to break it up and do it in 5 min portions.
Decided after the gym and sarah talking to 10 stroke liam that working on our swimming technique is more important than banging out the lengths so i completed 16 lengths using all our different training methods that Sarah 'Rebecca Adlington' Burford has learnt in her proper lessons!
Feel absolutely shattered today but really good, gutted I'm going to miss training next week due to half term holidays but I'm taking my cossie with me to Sheffield!

Jo 'Bradley Wiggins' wilkinson xx

Thursday's triple event

Ok so now up to 16km on bike hooray!! took approx 35 mins, then interval training on running machine 5 minutes on, off for weights, on for five off for abs, on for 5, back off for weights.
Can I just state for the record I HATE RUNNING!!!!!!!! 
Although it did help by breaking it up, thank you Sarah J for the tips and to Jo for remembering them. 
20 lengths in the pool, and getting ready to go to swimming lesson tonight, although I will not be making the same mistake as last week doing 70 lengths, my back did not like that :-(. 
I have been warned ''take it easy Rebecca Addlington "I wish lol x

Sarah xxx For Lca
Jeni progress update!
Started the day with some porridge. Needed all my energy to focus on being able to float and move at the same time!
Did 15km on the bike then 5min intervals on the running machine. Then the pool.....I have now invested in a swimming cap (I had held off on this purchase as I didn't want to look the part too prematurely!) I managed 26 lengths and can now do 2 without having to rest, aiming for 4 by next week.
I have just rewarded myself with a welsh cake for this mornings effort. If I manage 4 lengths at a time next week I may allow myself 2 welsh cakes!
Jeni xxx

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Invitation to Blog

Hi all I should have sent you all an invitation to blog for Luca.  If you open the invitation and follow the instructions it will allow to blog under your own name and profile.  Any problems let me know and I shall ask Mr. Nodder  he he xxx

Sarah xxx For Luca

Gym & Swim Tomorrow DLC

Hey ladies just a gentle reminder of our Thursday Gym session, Run, Bike Swim tomorrow straight from school if anyone can make it ???
Also Liam from DLC runs a swimming class tomorrow evening 7.30 - 8.30 if anyone fancies joining me ?

Look forward to seeing you all there

Sarah xxx For Luca

Photos for Page

Secondly please send me some pics of you all.
Preferably ones of you in training on your bikes, running, swimming etc ......... all raising your hands for luca, if you wish for me to take your pics please just ask.....
Sadly we will not be using the glam ones posted last night on facebook, sorry girls we want 'real' action shots lol xxxx

Sarah xxx For Luca

Don Skene Bikes

Hi all just a quick update, a few of us popped into Don Skene's bike shop yesterday.  The guy was really helpful and had loads of information on road bikes so if you are considering purchasing a bike its definitely worth popping in for a chat.
A new bike ranges from £550.00 up to £4000.00 for those of you with deep pockets.  Obviously you do not need a new bike but if you were considering he was kindly offering us a discount so if you do go in just mention the 'Triathlon For Luca'
For those of you who are going to use your own mountain bike he can also give you advice on purchasing road tyres to convert your bike making the cycle a little easier and more comfortable.

Hope this was helpful

Sarah xxx For Luca

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Hooray !!!! Our Just giving page For Luca xxx

http://www.justgiving.com/For-Luca-Triathlon

Sarah's First Injury :-(

Ok so the swimming had been going well, however it has flared up an old back injury, which meant I had to leave my spin class early today ;-( not a happy bunny.
I managed to get a sports massage this afternoon and feeling a bit better so a day off tomorrow but fingers crossed back in the gym and pool for our grueling Thursday session Run, Bike and Swim cant wait ;-)

Sarah xxx For Luca

Breathe!!

Went swimming for the first time today since signing up for the triathlon.Felt like I have had my confidence knocked today after swallowing so much water!Going to dive straight back in tomorrow and try again!

Forlucatriathlon Just Giving Page

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising-page/creation/event-selection?pcid=02d11c48-64eb-4d85-b6f0-b0a9f77035c8

Monday 22 October 2012

For Luca Triathlon - Just Giving Page

http://www.justgiving.com/forluca

Sarah Week 5 in the pool

A brief update............

Week one - First lesson ok, so I haven't swam properly for 20 yrs but felt good to be back in the pool, just            
about swam one length without stopping.

Week Two - Really enjoying the new skills I am learning, can swim two lengths without stopping.

Week Three - Thought I was progressing well, however got told by a lifeguard to consider tuition lol.

Week Four - Really frustrating, thinking too hard about the technique but managed to swim three lengths. Later in the week did another class and swam 70 x 25m in one hour really chuffed.

Week Five - Really starting to enjoy swimming, now up to four lengths without stopping, although was hard tonight think weighed down by all the cupcakes lol

Sarah xxx For Luca


Jeni Week 1 pool
Well I finally got my hair wet and entered the pool. Andy, our coach, watched me swim 25m and then presented me with a float! Step 1....practise breathing and put my head under more. Step 2 for this evening was my arms.....I had to imagine I was tickling under my armpits! I had a lot of things to try and remember kick, breathe, arms, head further under! Now that is multi-tasking!
Had lots of fun with the girls and have lots to practise for next week xxx

Week 5 - in the pool

Dedication....triathlon swimming class on my birthday!!
Won the glide challenge!!!

Lucy week 2 swimming

Well I came back after week one, when I thought swimming was definitely not something I can excel at (being very competitive) but I gave it another go. I would say that week 1 was a 2 and now week 2 a 3 may be a 4, so a little improvement.

Our Just Giving Page

http://www.justgiving.com/ForLucaTriathlon.

Ladies who lunch..........

Firstly Happy Happy Birthday to our very own Louise Fowler.
We enjoyed a lovely day shopping at House Envy, then off to Cowbridge for lunch to celebrate Lou's birthday.
However we have not forgotten the effort we need to put in tonight for our Monday Triathlon Swimming class to improve on our much need technique !!!!!
Tonight we will be joined by Jeni Evans and Sarah Jeffery for their first session, its a good job we had those fab cup cakes made by Lisa and Lisa we need all the energy we can get, update on our class to follow later ..................
Sarah xxx For Luca