The now Annual update!!

It's been a while since I posted last, and to be quite honest, I have missed this.  It's surprising how therapeutic it is to babble on aimlessly to the absolutely nobody in particular.

So, to re-cap from the last entry (didn't want to say Last Post because I found that funny but thought most readers wouldn't), I'd pretty much decided to forget about entering any events through 2015 to allow the Heart investigations to continue, and boy they didn't seem to stop.  ECG's, blood tests, 24Hr Heart Monitors, MRI's etc etc throughout the year all the way through to the back end of September finally resulted in a formal diagnosis of the Congenital Heart Defect that I already knew about (and that the Docs don't feel is worth worrying about), and right at the end of the tests, a further diagnosis of a LV Systolic Impairment, which basically just confirms that the Heart ain't pumping as efficiently as most others, but again, the Docs will only monitor over the next couple of years as it's not a major impairment. 

With that said, all year I felt absolutely fine, and haven't had any repeat symptoms of the original chest pain from 2014.  Bonus!

And, me being me, I didn't want to completely stop any exercise, so I was continuing to do about 5-6 hours of light training all the way through to May.  Sunday morning cycles with my mate Al, occasionally joining Ashford Road Cycle Club and another local club ride, GRAPPA.  Early morning swims before work just to keep ticking over, and evening runs in the back-lanes around home.

It was during one of those runs that I fractured my leg .................
Yep.  I know.  Twat!

Now, I'm assuming that because I have no subconscious pressure of training for anything, my running was just getting better.  I'd slap the earphones in, click play ....... or at least swipe the screen, and run.  It was going so well, that in mid-May I loaded Bon Jovi (I know, I know, but it works for me!) and just sang along to my fastest ever average run speed and hardly felt it at all.  This was probably my downfall, 'cos the very next run was Injury Time ..... as opposed to Hammer Time.  Youngsters can ask their parents about that one!.
It was a lovely sunny evening (unusual in the UK) and I was about 3 miles in.  Slowly a dull pain in the lower LH ankle appeared ...... It'll be OK, will run through it.  I had done before.  Got worst .... and worst ..... to the point that I stopped and a road junction and couldn't re-start. 
There was nobody home to pick me up as the wife actually has a social life, so a very slow 4-mile hobble home was called for.

Much ICE and it'll be fine.  The pain was not sharp, and was exactly like I'd encountered loads of time over the years.  A couple of weeks off and it'll be fine.  Shin Splints!
I wasn't planning any races and my vacation was a couple of weeks away, so all's good.
Regular ICE, compression etc etc and it took a bloody age to calm down.  As in months!

So some of you may think that I was being the typical bloke and burying my head in the sand, not going to the GP ...... you may be right, but I'm not afraid of doing that sort of thing.  I just did honestly feel that it was something I'd felt before and 2-3 weeks of rest any it'll be right.

BULLSHIT!  The pain initially subsided over 3 weeks to a point where, without pressure it was 100% perfect, but I got to the point of dreading Stairs, and constant up and down from my desk was met with a face-pull that resembled me watching my dog eat shit!  Not pretty!
I finally went to the GP when it was quite clear that the swelling wasn't going down any further.  Not that it was that bad or painful.  I'd just expected it to go.
Anyway, a quick X-ray and blood test and yes, you guessed it ...... suddenly a mad panic with the dreaded 'two week consultation'.  For those who don't know the UK NHS,  as good as it can be,  waiting times for most examinations and procedures will be measured in quarters or halves ....... of years!!  Quick it ain't.   So when you get a 2-wk appointment it usually suggests something .... sinister.

A couple of MRI's later and there turned out to be nothing to worry about. All of the potential causes for worries had been ruled out and the only thing to do was to rest it until it was 100%.  This took .... no time at all because the waiting between appointments had taken about four months and the leg was fine by the time the final 'you're fine' came along.  Again, Bonus! 


I'm afraid that I didn't think to get an image of the MRI / X-ray at the time, so this image is the nearest that I could find from Dr Google!!

So what next?

Well.  to be honest I'm not sure.  I'm constantly thinking about the Heart when I go any form of exercise now, so I'm not sure how I'd fair if I entered any races.  Psychologically I don't think that I could push myself as I would want to with a long-distance event. I suppose that I'll continue with the swim / bike / run thing for the year and just see how I feel about them as the year progresses. 

I would really love to get better at the bike so will slowly build back the miles and try to keep up with the Club guys.  The Wife has recently gotten into road cycling, so I'll help here build up confidence on the roads for the early part of the year.  Traffic is quite heavy in the South East of the UK, and road surfaces are real bad, so she hasn't quite got the confidence just yet.

Swimming?  Looking forward to the Open Water season for the evening swims on the way home from work.  I've have very little enthusiasm to get out of the front door at 06:00 to use the pool for a couple of months now, so should kick my ass into gear.

Run?  I'll just ease myself into it real slow and do some exercises to strengthen up the ankles after more that 6 months off of the road.

I've been doing some simple strengthening stuff over the last couple of months - trying to get rid of the little belly that I seem to carry round with me all the time, so will continue to do that.  I've joined a couple of Calisthenics 'groups' on various formats.  YouTube vids of this look real impressive.  Not suggesting that I'll get to that level, but it might be nice to fill out my Leicester Tigers shirt a little more ;)
My Gym has just sent a letter saying that there is an imminent change of ownership - read 'prices are going to go up'!  If that's the case, I'll change to a closer gym and start going a little more.

Unfortunately due to work pressures and time needed to be spent with the Family (Daughter doing school Finals and learning to drive, Wife starting new job) I've decided to take a bit of a rest from the Ashford Tri Club for the foreseeable.  Will try to get back into it during the Summer as I do love the social side of the training.  Would love to group-run in the local woodland more.

I have a couple of overseas trips for work coming up, so hotel gyms will take a hammering, and hope to get a couple of runs out to Bondi Beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge area.  Happy Days.

Will try to post more regularly.  Promise.

Instagram:  chaoswill1

And it's over before it began

The last sentence from the previous post reads 'GET INTO MY PLAN AND STICK WITH IT ........ for a while at least!'.  And so it passes.  That while turns out to be a full two weeks.

New Year action was looking positive.  The new Turbo regimen was working a treat.  PC issues all gone, bike almost permanently set up in the shed so that I can just jump on and ride.  FTP numbers increased from an initial 250W to 299W and really loving it.
Running going well too.  Sticking to any one of three regular country lane routes with some small hills to keep me honest, I wasn't bounding out the big miles, but the 5 - 10 mile runs were coming to me easy with a fairly constant 8 minute mile pace without trying too hard.  Perfect.
Swimming was just ticking over, mainly due to work and not being able to 'pick it up'.  I was happy with the progress (short sessions revolving around short 100 or 200 repeats mostly) and awaiting the start to the (reasonable) Open Water season where I'd up the distance quickly compared to last years efforts.
Job, as they as, is a good'un.

So, re-winding a bit, and I'd received the expected 6-monthly Out-patient Appointment in Nottingham as a standard follow-on from my visit last year.  No problems.  They had even postponed the date form early Jan back to mid Feb because of the typical NHS scheduling process.  Again, no problem. 

I was more than happy to take a day off and have a relaxing 350 mile round trip for the 10 minute consultation for closure and continuity purposes if for nothing else. 
In typical fashion, while the Doc was reading my notes off his nice PC screen, I had to fill him in on the circumstances, what / why / wherefore etc etc.  As far as I was concerned, ramping up the training following the Kitchen Project had gone exactly to plan.  The ONLY time that I'd been cautious of how I felt during training was an extended MTB ride with some friends that was a little out of my comfort zone (compared to their fitness levels and experience).  After 4+ hours on the bike my chest just felt a little heavy.  Nothing more.  I quickly recovered and training continued.  No dramas.

So, the appointment was at 15:50 and I was back in the car by 16:15.  Parking was only GBP 2.00 as well.  Bonus!
The trip home was uneventful (except for my singing) and I was home by 21:00 if my grey and fuzzy memory recalls.
Back at work the next day and I receive a call from Senior Management (Wife) asking if I have received the answerphone message from home.  NO?  'twas the Doc calling.  "Hello Mr Farrell Its Doc Hollywood (Not really, but I can't think of a better name at the moment).  We've reviewed your notes and would like to conduct further tests.  Can you call me back ASAP?'  Ah!

I replied the next working day and yes, you guessed it.  They've reviewed the previous screen-shots from the Echo and Angio taken during my stay last August and would like to discuss further 'treatment'.  Confused.com.  Without misspelling some long words, they want to further investigate the Congenital Heart Defect with a view to 'rectification' if required, raising the risk of Stroke from blood clots passing from one heart vessel to another, then directly on to the brain.  No brain to speak of, so side-lining that one for now.
Twice I'd been waved goodbye and told the if I have any further reoccurrences of any chest pain then visit my GP, but otherwise, have a nice life.  Sure I say, no problem.  You too. 

Since that call, officially SHIT.  What the sod'in hell do I think now?  WTF, OMG, BOLLOCKS, and anything else the youth of today say.  What do I do?  I have no clarity and no real answers.  I'm not sure that the Docs see that I do a little more then 'exercise'. 
 
During the call I stated that I was happy to have further test done, but also requested that my care was moved closer to home - another suggestion that the Consultant in Notts recommended back in August.  Great.  Easy!!  NOT.  In my confusion, I didn't really ask what I am / am not able to do in the mean time, and follow-on calls have so far fallen on deaf ears.  Not surprising as I have to call twice just to actually receive the letter between Notts NHS and my local joint detailing the care transfer request. Moreover, we distinctly discussed the fact that I was not on any medication, and they didn't suggest I should immediately commence any, or even visit my GP pending a further consultation.  Angry Bird right here.

In the mean time, stress levels have just gone through the roof.  Literally since the day of the call I can feel absolutely EVERY heart beat.  Every little twinge or pull that people probably have every day of the week but never really notice.
Over-night I have gone from feeling strong and really positive about the Summer - maybe even more so that last year in a different way.  Not overawed with the IM thing.  Enjoying it in a different way and feeling improvements. everywhere.  As I write this I feel like someone has a Size 10 (Soucony of course) firmly planted on my Sternum and the only time it comes off is at night in bed!

6 weeks passed before I received the letter, and I'm just now awaiting a date for a local consultation.  I am not expecting this to be very quick either.

ALL thought of racing this year have been blown away and I withdrew from Outlaw last week.  Training has now been replaced by the dreaded 'exercise'  and I'm probably doing one swim, one run, one shed bike and one road bike per week without pushing myself at all.  Absolutely NO hard effort until I have finally been given the all clear to go for it.
Strangely the only time I feel 100% is during exercise (!) when I feel I'm actively controlling my heart rate.  Go figure.

I've been feeling pretty pissed at the hole thing lately.  I should apologise to these Tri friends who clearly immediately noticed something was up and offered kind words of support.  I'm not really very good at opening up (Blogging is my Therapy ...... Does that rhyme with a song?) and obviously not very good at acting either.  Appreciate it guys.  Also, I think I pissed them off a bit by updating my Facebook Banner - maybe inappropriately in hindsight.  Now revised!  Just goes to show that the head isn't there at the moment.

That'll be it for Tri Talk with this Blog ...... until I receive the All Clear.  Any suggestions for a new hobby in the mean time? ...... and a Tri Bike for sale?

W.

Just my luck!

How the hell does anyone ever actually stick to a plan?

So I have a lucky trip abroad with work,  Dubai no less ............ but hold your horses.  It just entailed long days on a Trade Stand speaking to numerous people from the Healthcare Industry in the Arabic region, plus a day to set up and a day to re-pack stuff.  Joy!  Long days and ............er............. long evenings meant not too much time to myself.

Home for four days ......



 

 

 

I wasn't expecting anything else really, but it might have been nice!  I'm stuck in an Exhibition Centre so wouldn't know that it WAS 25 degrees and clear blue skies.  May have well been a Manchester Summer (Rain every day).

 

Just to rub salt into the wounds, on the Friday that I did have off (got dragged round the Creek area where EVERYTHING was closed) I find out the Dubai Desert Classic golf was playing just round the corner.  Then, to add Vinegar onto the salt in the wound, I get home and the Tour of Dubai runs the very next week!   AHhhhhhhh  Whats a guy got the do?

 

Just to carry on the moan, I catch a cold on the last day and feel crap for the first week home.

 

I'll look at the bright side though.  I did get quality time in a decent Hotel Gym, had a (bit too warm) 25 meter pool to myself every morning and visited some fantastic restaurants and Hotel bars, so al in all, probably ends up evens with Lady Luck!

 

 

Why has this pic attached 90 degrees out?  Anyone?

 

I knew about the trip just prior to the Christmas break, so has intended to use it as a starting point to getting back to serious training.  I even finished creating my training plan before I left.  Its based on last years as I found it easy to fit in around home and work commitments, but instead of working on a 3wk / 1wk system, I've modified it to a 2wk / 1wk program so that I can add to the recovery a bit.  I'm also really motivated to stick to pre-set work-outs fro each session instead of just piling on the time like last year.  Its already showing progress with the bike on the Turbo, so I'll create running specific workouts to complete (both on and off road).

 

To compound my frustration, I was all set to kick it up straight away on my return, but this Cold wasn't in the plan.  Just means more CORE work (no 6-pack - doubt I'll ever get there, but lots of 'cross-directional' strength stuff  to help with running and swimming stroke). 

Although not yet fully recovered (I'm writing this when I'm off work er ........ sick), I did go for a gentle trot last night.  Lovely and cold, full moon - you know the scenario by now. 

 

Et Voila ......

 

 

 

Rocking a nice new pair of Saucony's in a certain 'Foff Yellow' (should be the official colour name - Mr H, have a word).  They seem sweet so far.  Will keep you updated on those.

 

Also just subscribed to Instagram to try and prompt more pics of training stuff if I ever remember to do it.  Search chaoswill1 if you wanna follow.  Also chaoswill on Strava where I log bike and run stuff.

 

PC / Turbo connection issues were sorted in the days before the trip, so will be banging out a session this evening before our regular Thursday shopping trip.  Get in there! ....... the shed that is. 

Hopefully back out on a proper bike this weekend if I'm better and the weather is at least a bit reasonable.  Need the fresh air.

 

Key words today:

 

Keen

Motivated (training)

Demotivated (work)

Sore (throat / nose)

Bemused (almost everything else)

 

The plan now ....

 

GET INTO MY PLAN AND STICK WITH IT ........ for a while at least!

 

W :)

 





 

 



Ahhh - The New Year

I mentioned in my last post that I needed some time off of work, so the Christmas break couldn't come fast enough, and with a couple of weekends in the break it meant a nice load of time away from work.  I had the 'out-of-hours' phone, but received only the one call.  Sweet!

As usual, I approached the holiday with many thoughts of grabbing a load of training time.  I knew we had a typically hectic Christmas Day, Boxing day and a day or two after that with plans, all of which were fantastic and appreciated (completely forgot about work quickly and the stress just fell away), but training for the rest of the time was not er......... focussed!  Never mind. I did get in a few nice long bike rides in the freezing cold (bottled one 28 miles in as the road ice was just not worth the risk). 

I had the onset of that old running injury, so I stayed off the runs for a week or so, but did manage my first Park Run 5K a couple of weeks ago.  Times were measured differently wherever I read - I timed 20:54, official time was 21:00.  Guess which one I'll be sticking with?  I'm pretty happy with that since I don't like speed work too much and never concentrate on speed when I do my lonely runs, and towards the end I was ultra conscious of my chest / heart rate.  Also, my PB is 20:48 from exactly one year ago.  
I'm undecided as to how many of these runs I'll do during the next few months. I guess that I'll just play it by ear.  A lot will depend on the plans for any given weekend!

The cycling remains good.  Trying not to look at times or speed.  As I mentioned, on the open road it has been a little risky with last years tyres only just replaced, a lot of frost and ice around, some howling winds recently and my lack of desire to risk it.  Having said that, one Sunday I reverted to the Rollers in the shed while watching the Isle of Man TT movie 'Closer to the Edge'.  So, dynamic cycling on rollers while watching on-board footage of a race-bike hurtling through villages at +180 mph is ..... fun!  Concentration was needed right there!

I've had a couple of great MTB rides.  One long 40miler that completely blew my up!  Had real period of disillusionment after that 'cos the old chest was really struggling.  Must remember to 1) take it easy, 2) remember that I'm building from the rest period STILL, 3) lots of time still, 4) don't be embarrassed to be slower than those you are training with 5), MTFU!
Rode Bedgebury last week with MrH.  Why-O-why do I ALWAYS drive back home from there thinking 'I must do that more often'?  Despite all the recent rain it wasn't disastrously muddy.  Sure, a little sloppy .... you should have seen the Missus's face when she saw the plastered clothes - I don't know why, I ALWAYS come back at least three times muddier than anyone else.  I do admit, the clothes remained 'soaking' in a water bucket for a couple of days before I plucked up the courage to tackle them.  Bike got cleaned straight away though :)
Note to self - DO MORE OF THAT!

The old (NEW) turbo trainer has been a bit hit and miss - mainly due to the lack of focus, but also 'cos I've had a couple of hardware (PC) issues with the web-site training software.  I needed to change the PC that I used in early Dec, but the old(ish) desk-top that I wanted to use just wouldn't acknowledge the ANT+ dongle that worked perfectly well on the loptop.  At least the company offering the software were both local (South of the UK and in to Time Trialling) and really willing to try and sort it.  The result was that it was almost 100% certain that it was my PC that was the issue, so a change of PC for a spare Loptop that I fortunately have at home (not my work one!!) and I'm back up and running ..... just in time for a business trip abroad so I can't use it for about 10 days now.  Bugger!

Swimming is going well considering the low volume I'm doing.  Happy to be doing CORE, low level strength work and technique work in the pool with short interval repeats, so Job is a good'un as they say.
The hotel that I'm in for the next week has a pool, so I'll use this to kick-start I think (hope!)

I'm lov'in the feedback I get from this blog - especially from over-seas, seeing how others cope / focus / enjoy.
Will try to remember to take some more images of training to help anyone interested see what I'm up to and the type of environment I train in.

Happy Days.

W.

One track mind

I'm beginning to think that I'm a little obsessed!

Although I think that I've always had the type of nature to 'need' a hobby or interest to focus on - something just for me, I don't think I have the sort of nature that has 'addictive' tendencies.  That is to say, what ever I've been interested in, it hasn't consumed me entirely.  I've always seen the bigger picture and always treated them for exactly what they were - a pass-time.  Something to enjoy, but would always be second place if more important things came up.  That has never been a problem for me.  Perfectly happy to stand-down and leave it for another day. 
But Tri ..... I'm beginning to think that it is becoming an obsession.  Even given the events of July (never to be mentioned by name again!), taking a couple of quite months and slowly ramping up the training, I've now found myself back top the place (in my mind) that I was in June / July.  Almost every spare moment I have I'm thinking about ......... the next training session, where I can fit in another Turbo set, where I'm gonna run, the swim set that I'll be doing tomorrow morning.
I have my face in Magazines, reading other Blogs, listening to Pod Casts (Friday Fat Black, IM Talk and The Real Starky are favourites), thinking about speeds and times and distances ALL the time!! STOP NOW!!



I NEED a break from work now (the past three weeks at work have been almost unbearable with office politics (not involving me, but with an open-plan office you just can't help but be dragged down by it).  I'm sure that I've been assigned my own personal 'Dementor' to follow me about when I'm in the building, sucking the life out of me when ever certain 'subjects' or people are mentioned.  I look forward to customers calling in and placing demands on you, just to create some relief..... or the Holiday break to do some more training :).  I should be moving to a new office come Jan, so that'll bring some relief.  The long commute home helps.  I've catch up with the obligatory PodCasts - The Real Starky is SO funny, and I'm also trawling my way through the Jack Reacher book series on Audible.  They make the journey fly by, and when I arrive home, seeing the Girls and doing a bit of exercise always helps.

So, thoughts have been:

• Considering the small amount of running that I've done, how come I feel so good? 

Mostly night running due to the time I get in from work, but that's all good.  I've mentioned before, running round the back-lanes of Kent in the cold rocks.  The last few runs (5 / 6 miles) have been at least as fast as pre 'the event' with relatively little effort.  I've certainly not gone out with an intention to push the pace.  I'm thinking of throwing in a couple of long runs to see what I feel like there.  I'm trying desperately to think only about form while running and look at the numbers when I get home.  This seems to be working - NO over-exertion, NO pressure.  I must get into the habit of using the local athletics stadium for some Reps on the way home from work.  I think that that'll really help my pace.  The 'interval-based workouts that I've done using the Turbo Trainer are already seeing benefits, so I'm thinking that run intervals may also help.  I MUST keep my eye on the prize though - FINISH first, time will be what it will be.

• Why do I NOT want too must more kit?

SO it's always nice to look at bike and gadgets and all (and I always do), I'm really happy with what I have right now.  The Chinarello is working a treat.  Smooth as silk and I feel completely at home on it.  OK, some winter tyres are probably long over-due and I have a new chain to throw at it soon, I'd be really hard pushed to replace it right now.
Watches and things don't really interest me.
I've invested in some exercise stuff to help with the CORE work-outs (Yoga band, Medicine Ball, Core Roller), but they are not exactly 'sexy' gadgets!  Am I normal?
OK, so maybe a new ATC Tri suit some time soon (broke the Zip on mine in hospital as I recall), maybe some nice new Soucony's will be coming my way in the New Year (but trainers are just wear'n tear aren't they?......... and a MTB would be nice .......... some new wheels may be coming next year .......and a training vacation ...... and ........ OK, I do want after stuff.  Consider myself normal.

• Target time - What 'could' I achieve .......... NO stop that.  What will be will be .......... But could I qualify for GB ..........NO - STOP IT!!

• Are the running injuries going to return when I crank up the mileage?

• Etc, Etc Etc.  You get the message.

The connections via GOOGLE+ are growing across the globe.  I've people following the Blog from all over.  It's bloody great.  NZ, Chile, USA, Columbia, Hungary, Italy ......... even Wales!  Reading some other's stories is interesting.  Different motivations, accomplishments and interests. 
Should really post more - tri and spread the ATC word!  Would ATC make a good global brand?  Think we should start an informal competition to see who has ATC club kit in the most far-off place for training or competing.


Recent bike action has been bloody great fun.  Sort of can't get enough but just have to juggle weekend commitments with saddle time.  Couple of HARD hours on the MTB a couple of weeks ago followed by a nice long road ride.  Couple this to the Turbo and I'm really happy with two wheels.  For all the rides that I've done over the years I've never suffered from sore legs the day after .... until the Turbo.  Even after 'the event' and 6+ hours of work - not a problem next day.  Maybe I just wasn't trying hard enough or was just happy in that comfort zone where I felt that I was working adequately, or I've re-calibrated the mind into having different targets.  Now, EVERY session on the bike in the shed results in sore Quads.  Sadistic, but LOVE IT!!
The re-calibration needs to transfer to the 'recovery' rides.  This is relatively gentle saddle time just ticking over with a low heart rate and minimal effort.  It is really difficult to understand that it IS Ok to ride slow and maintain what seems to be NO effort and still call it 'training'. 
I have found it strange that the sessions I concentrate on this and just plod away at 60 - 65% I get to a stage just over an hour in when I become so hungry I'm climbing off the bike almost shaking.  It happens within minutes.  One second I'm fine watching a film or something and then, the next I'm loosing concentration and desperate for food.  Bizarrely, working with a higher effort and I can go much longer than that while feeling relatively fine.  Must be the way I'm drawing on the old energy reserves or something!
I generally try to train in empty and look to replenish after a work-out.  I think this works well for me and the time that I get to train. I've started on the Fat Black coffees in the morning.  I've found it easy to do and feel fine with it, so I'll persevere with this.  I don't have a problem with any difference in taste and all.  I do need to drink more water though, so I'll focus on this during work-days - and stay off the Coffee after 12:00!! 

It seems that every week I try and plan for the next Park Run, or a nice long run, or hours on the bike or the Track Interval sessions but never seem to get round to it.  I suppose that isn;t too much fo a problem at the moment and I should remember to chill out about it.  I'm not in a fixed plan right now, so should just make sure I maximise the training that I can do!! 
I'll continue with the bike at Weekends, the Turbo mid-week and just slotting swim and run is as and when.  Over the Holiday period I'll be compiling The Plan onto a wall-chart and slotting in those target events to work back to a start-date so that I can slowly start to crap myself :)

Happy training!

W

Ramping UP!

So the training  is starting to take shape now and ramping up already - The bike mainly.  Still not going to panic too much about the run or swim just yet.

Last years plan for the bike only really ended up being road riding.  I was happy with that and I think I stuck to it quite well.  It was only after the event do you understand how all of those slow slogs through constant headwinds at what seem to be walking pace really do have some affect come summertime and race season.  Many was the time that I arrived home after a Sunday ride having been dragged around by Al (trying desperately to draft him ..... usually without success) in the freezing cold and drenched through sort of demoralised that I wasn't progressing quite as I wished. 
I did notice some improvement, but there didn't seem to be a fair return on the effort if you know what I mean. 

So for this winter, as I've enjoyed (not) the pumping House Music and the tacky nature of the Gym bike, I've invested in a shiny new Turbo Trainer.  Yeh, Yeh.  For those who read some early posts, I have previously talked of my Rollers and how I prefer these.  Well, opinion hasn't changed.  They are still a favourite, but they will be used in a different way.
The priority will be to get out on the road and Mountain Bike as much as possible at the weekends, but when the weather is too bad to have either a safe (!) or reasonable session, then the Rollers will be employed for longer duration Tempo training (steady-state constant effort stuff).  The new ingredient (and a different type of fun) will be the Turbo .....

This will be used for shorter duration (1 - 1.5 hrs) of 'Interval' based sessions where you vary your effort based on Power (through the pedals - measured in Watts), Heart-rate zones or simulated Slope Gradient.  The Turbo that I have is a computer controlled thing that links to an ipad of PC and automatically varies the resistance of the wheel depending on the requirements of the pre-set program.  All very cleaver stuff, and exactly what I like.  An image of a typical session graph is below.  I've subscribed to a web site (www.turbotraining.co.uk) who provide full training plans and individual turbo session plans.  And before anyone askes, no, I'm not sponsored by them, its just a site that is exactly what I wanted to back-up the use of the Turbo.

Ideal!

 

These plans will be the staple diet for weekday evenings.


Having said that, I've been loving the renewed enthusiasm for hitting the streets and trails with some fantastic weekend rides lately.  Muddy fun on the MTB (with a bloody hard road / off-road ride of 34.5 miles on Saturday followed by a ATC Club ride knocking up 47 more on the Sunday) only slightly tempered with the need to clean the thing after every outing ...... and the looks I get from the Missus when I return plastered in mud.

I'm all set for trying to do one MTB ride and one road ride throughout the winter.  It is strange how I seem to have a lot of confidence on the MTB in the slippery mud, but recently the road bike confidence levels are not there.  If its dry then fine, but any sort of damp surface any I'm a little tentative around the faster corners.  Not to worry.  Better safe than sorry I suppose!


I've already noticed progress on the bike (from the level that I can remember from just prior to the last Outlaw attempt), so all remains good.  I'll try to keep updating on my perceived progress as the posts continue.


Running has been OK, although not exactly full-on.  I have a fantastic night-run the other week with my head-torch around the country lanes.  I'll do that again this evening.
Seeing the various creatures eyes illuminating in the woods is quite un-nerving to start with, but it is nice to be off the main roads.  Although I hadn't run for a few weeks, the pace was just as I left it prior to the race (not the pace DURING the race!!), so I can only be happy with that.  At this point my only plan will be to concentrate on training to get through the race, not beat a specific race time.  I have a feeling that it'll be a massive mental struggle for me rather than anything else.
I'll be entering a local Half Iron distance event in May so I'll use this as a gauge of my running progress off the bike, together with entering Half-marathons and Duathlons in the early season.  Just watch this space!





 

And so it (Re..) Starts!

So, the last instalment seems like it was ages ago.  Seems like I've just been busy with work and stuff to have not really considered the planning or scheduling of the next 9 months of training and events.  Me and the Missus only really started to discuss it last night actually, and the small number of events that I think I'll do all seems to slot in quite nicely.  More later!

So, my lethargy to get back in to training seems to emanate from work-life at the moment.  I can't seem to get in to a routine that I can slot training around.  Days away in Ireland here and there and other things meant a bout of attacking semi-functional Gym bikes with only limited success.  What the bloody hell Hotels think they are doing in advertising a Gym when the bikes are nothing more then pitiful!  Broken pedal straps, missing illuminations for the control panel ...... and 'sticky' .... bits!

Now I know the gym bikes are not a very good representation of the type of things we want to get up to so maybe I shouldn't worry too much, but they do keep me out of the Bar and to be honest, I quite enjoy the use of the display statistics and various interval sets that you can do.  Think I'll invest in a programmable Turbo Trainer to help over the winter and mix it in with the Rollers for non-road bike training.



I have taken a step away from listening to Radio in the car and started listening to Tri related pod-casts.  This in itself is a bit of a double-edged sword.  At first it was quite a bit of fun as it was during the lead-up to Kona this year (late Oct), so there were loads of great interviews and opinions on who will do what in the race.  However, along-side that, there are some podcasts that are extremely opinionated on certain aspects of nutrition and general health-related 'policies' to stick to during training.  It seems that the more I podcasts I listen to, the larger the number of opinions that you are supposed to subscribe to.  One of the main issues that I have with this is that all of them are mostly focussed around Elite or semi-elite athletes, a category of which I sadly don't fall in to.  The notion of making suggestions for training based on the total number of hours you have to train in any given week (or to recover for that matter), or the food options / supplements, various grams of this or that that you should be monitoring, your fluid (type and intake) simply baffle and just can't be considered for the vast majority of hobby triathletes. 
Probably the most interesting aspect that I'm keep to at least research more is to become 'fat-adapted', where you gradually change your eating habits away from Carbs to certain fatty foods, training your body to relay on fat stores before carbs.  I'm really undecided on trying it, but I'll certainly look in to it. Something I'll also look in to will be to become a Gluten-free eater.  I do think that the largest consideration would be what impact it will have on general family eating habits.  I'm not going to impose anything on the Ladies of the house if it proves to be too awkward to do!

A couple of the Podcasts are:  Friday Fat Black, Triathlon Research and IM Talk



So training hasn't kicked off with any purpose yet.  I've bought a 2015 year planner that still remains blank.  Must fill that in soon!
I'll plan it based on last year for the four or so months lead up to the race(because sessions were flexible around the time I had - I didn't feel compelled to stick rigidly to it), but I'll structure and focus a lot more during the winter period.  Last year I feel I just went through the motions during the winter period.  This time I'm gonna ensure that I have a specific aims of the workout.
I've slotted into the bike quite well with the weekend rides going well.  I'll get the routine of complimenting them with evening interval sets.  Hopefully the Turbo trainer I'll get will have a power meter on it, so I'll use the Interval Set plans I have made up to develop as much as possible, and use it all the way through to about May time when the real long rides will start.
I intend the road rides to be really slow - Zone 1 / 2 heart rate as much as possible...... Oh, and MOUNTAIN BIKE ALOT! 

Swim stuff with stay pretty much the same as last year.  Given the time that I have available, it worked OK.  Just be sure to extend the Open Water Swimming as quickly as possible.  Do loads of 100m reps in the pool mainly.

Run, now where DO I start here?  I had no real long-term consistency last time so have nothing to compare to.
The final couple of months before the race went well and felt really good, so I'm inclined to just build up to repeat those as soon as I can.  Maybe off-road stuff to work on strength and hills, then graduate to long slow stuff.  The hotel gyms have at least got me hitting the tread-mill and a reasonable period of time.  Again, I think these are worse than gym bikes as the tread-mill does a lot of the work for you, but to observe technique in the mirror and as a means to build back up to getting outdoors again, it is a means to an end!

Again, I head nothing but mixed messages about the distances to run in the training for a Long Course Tri.  Some say don't do a marathon as it takes too long to recover.  Others say do as many as possible as the run is the hardest part and you need to prepare yourself.  Well, I wouldn't know about that yet would I!
I'm inclined to do some very long runs, but maybe not a race so that I can happily pace myself to cope with running for four+ hours.


Events that I'll try and do over the full training period:

Hole Park MTB Duathlon - Mid March
Paddock Wood Half Marathon - Late March

East Grinstead Tri - Early May (slim possibility)
Marshman Half - Mid May

Bedgebury Trail Half Marathon - Early June



If anyone has any feedback or questions, I'd be more than happy to make myself look a fool in responding!!


I'll try and take some images of training during the winter period to let you see how I'm getting on.

W.









   

If at first you don't succeed, enter the Outlaw again!!

So, The last post provided all of the drama that certainly wasn't the type that I had expected! So what next?  That's not a question that'll take too long to answer.  Get back on that horse and ride Baby, RIDE :)

The last post ended with the release from Hospital on good behaviour and me feeling 100%.  Although the Docs had given me the all-clear and throughout my stay I was absolutely itching to Tri (!) again.  I couldn't wait for another go - to get back into training.  The 2014 Outlaw was to be the first Long Distance race and I wasn't sure if I'd feel inclined to do another, but I enjoyed the training SOOOO much. I was hungry for another go.

Some readers may see that as my having 'un-finished business' as such, but I'm absolutely happy with the effort and performance that I put in, and that the reason for the DNF I had very little influence over.  After all, the Docs just couldn't attribute it to one specific cause.  No, Outlaw 2014 is truly over and done with.  2015 is completely new.  A re-load, not a repeat!

I had the week in Poltins .... sry, hospital, then another week of ... er ... working from home (I wasn't allowed to drive for a week due to the Angiogram) and a few weeks more of drug-taking to thin the blood for a while.  During this time I really chilled out, chatted with Senior Management (the Missus as Managing Director, Daughter as Entertainment Director!!) and we all felt that I should pick it up again.  Like I said before, had I been advised to, I would have completely dropped Tri, but by Christ am I glad that I don't need to.  Tri a not simply a sport.  Its a life-style thing (for me at least).  It's grabbed me and it isn't letting go just yet.  So, hold your horses, the Blog continues! 

So, to maintain the promise I made to the Missus back in 2013, the first half of 2014 was focussed on my training (very much appreciated), August and September were to be 100% focused on .... the new Kitchen.  At least I can finish that ;)

From:

 

To this .... in a little over 7 weeks.  Nice!  Few very minor finishing touches, but I think that's finished don't you Lads?

 

Other than one 20 minute swim, one evening 30 minute run session and one Sunday Social road ride, I hadn't done any training until last weekend.  6-weeks straight with nothing.  To be quite honest, while I was a little envious  in reading so many ATCers race reports and activities over this time, I think that it did me well to almost (but not quite) forget about Tri, and it certainly helped having something different to focus on.  I think that this will be a certain plan for next year - something to look forward to after the Outlaw.

 

The first real ride was a MTB morning at the local Single-track (somewhere I plan to spend a lot of time during the closed season.  What a baptism of fire though.  Only lasted one 13Km lap - I was shattered!

 

Swim is not much better - two morning so far the week and ..... how hard?  Oh, wait, if any ATCers are reading this, the Tuesday Evening coaches sessions I take are really easy.  You'll love them.  ;)

 

So, the advent of the 2nd September at about 10:01 and I can't hit the Add To Basket button for Outlaw 2015 entries fast enough!  Job done.  Confirmation email received and filed (I will be double-checking this over the winter as my memory is so bloody poor I think I my mind will play tricks on me.  I've just double-checked it just now actually!!).  Training plan will be thunk'd about over the next weekend and roundly discussed to help slot in with the Daughters GCSE exam support over next year. 

 

Another 5 fellow ATCers have also entered along with some racing the Relay event.  This'll provide another welcome boost to moral and plenty of banter. 

 

What too expect I hear you cry?  Will, I had privately planned to train for the 2014 race and never actually do the full distances so that the race would be the farthest I had ever swum, the bike would be the longest ever ride and the run etc etc.  Don't get me wrong.  I had put in the training miles, just purposely not hit the full distances.  So things didn't go to plan.  Only problem is that this time I have some 'targets' to aim for having completed the Swim and Bike.

 

The main one is FINISH.  That'd be nice.  I will finish this time, and finish with a smile on my frontage too.

 

Second one is to provide some inspiration to anyone who thinks that a set-back is a bad thing.  No, its good.  Its something to be used as a spring-board onto good things.  Think positive!

 

Third ..... OK, swim time of sub 1:15, bike of sub 6hrs and run more than 300m ;)  That'll do for now..... and reasonable I think.

 

Plan over the winter ...... HIT THE BIKE mostly, and certainly to have a full winter of consistent running.  That'll be a novelty!  The training plan will be mostly based on the last one I did as it seemed to fit in with home and work quite well, with the exception of stretching the distances a little earlier in the schedule so that I can get in more long O/W swims and bike.  Run was (!) working well towards race-day, so I'll stick with that schedule / distance routine of multiple 12-ish milers.

 

Later people! 

 

W.

 

 

 

Well I wasn't expecting that!

When I started this Blog I always had in mind that this post-race post title would just be the race finish time in all its glory.  Nothing more, nothing less.   So reading an alternative title may have some of you not close to me (who don't already know) immediately assuming a problem of sorts. Well, what a problem!!
It's been over a week since the event to this post.  There is a reason!

Official Outlaw 2014 results read:

Entrant #616  Will Farrell

Swim split           1:19:39
Transition ONE          7:20
Bike split             6:08:12
Transition TWO        8:35
Run

Result:  DNF

Bugger!

So what happened?  Sit down and read this in your lunch break.  This is going to be epic!

Although during the two week taper I'd been going through the highs and lows emotionally, for the weekend of the event I was really buzzing and looking forward to it.  Not one bit of nerves.  I had my race kit laid out on the table during the week before, packed the car calmly on the Friday.  No panic about leaving anything (rare for me).  The car journey up to Nottingham was relaxed and uneventful.
We arrived at the National Waters ports Centre around 11:00 and took a gentle stroll around the complex to check out what was going on.  Everything was easy.
I met up with a couple of club-mates also taking part and we trundled off to the mandatory Race Briefing.  Now given that the temperature was mid to high 20's, being stuffed in a tent with a few hundred other competitors was the only low point of the day.  The briefing effectively covered everything that we'd been sent in various emails and info packs leading up to the race.  one or two minor things new, but for that hour we were all sitting in a sauna that we could all do without.
Briefing out of the way and we all headed our separate ways for the rest of the day.  Mine was just to relax and soak in the experience.  I racked my bike, filled the various transition bags and I was fit to go.

Race Day

..... began at 4:00 with breakfast and the 20 minute journey to the venue.  Still no nerves.  Really ready to go.
I checked over the kit one more time and I was ready. 
The buzz as competitors gradually donned their wetsuits and made their way to the waterside.  The lake seemed to create this magnetic draw towards it like a vacuum created especially for wetsuits.  There was a massive sense of expectation.  The lemmings blindly jumping from the jetty into the morning bath.  I was not first in!!  As I pawed the pleasantly warm water, I remember thinking that the sight looks like a surreal for of fair-ground 'Hook-a-Duck' with millions of mini heads bobbing up and down.

Team mates Sal and Garry beckoned me in and I took the plunge.  The draw of the water took me to a position about 10 meters from the front of the pack and in a little space.  Perfect.  As the count-down to Start drew close the kayak marshals were rounding up the adventurous amongst us forcing them back towards the start line.  This meant that the space around me was diminishing and I became surrounded by swimmers.  Holy shit! Just as I thought I was in the clear, I'd found my way to be about 2 meters from the front and slap bang in the middle of the pack.
The ring-master in the Mic called out to the count-down and we all joined in, seemingly like it was happening to someone else .... Five, Four, Three, Two, One And we're off .....

Now, I was absolutely expecting the bar-brawl of a swim for the first 10 minutes or so.  It seems a common theme with mass-start swims.  Don't get me wrong.  Nobody goes out of their way to lump you in the cheek-bone but it's simple logistics.  You can't get everyone through a course without a little 'contact', but bloody Jesus!  The position that I had myself in at the start was a massive factor.  It was ridiculous.  I has people literally swimming UP my back and forcing me to almost swim completely upright.  Similarly, I remember taking a stroke with my left arm and hitting something.  While taking a breath at the same time I saw some poor bugger with my elbow stuck to the end of his nose.  Sorry mate!  
I had assumed that this will ease off by 500m, but oh no.  There were some swimming with their eyes completely closed!  There was plenty of room, but people persisted in trying to use me as a bloody spring-board for their own gain. Yes, I do admit it.  I don't usually kick very hard when swimming, but I kicked a little harder when this happened.  Sue me!
By the time you hit the turn-round point at 1900m (ish) you'd expect a bit of 'time' to negotiate the buoys at the far end of the lake, but oh no!  We were still 4 / 5 abreast.  I took a wide line!
All of this meant that establishing a nice consistent rhythm just didn't happen.  I was looking forward to conservative but purposeful swim just like the lake training had gone.  Dream on!!
So the result, On the way back in I was resigned to the fact that the swim was only a means to an end (the bike), so I tried as much as possible to catch the feet of anyone (most people) passing me and see it home.  I didn't know my swim time until the Tuesday afternoon.  1 hour 19 minutes and 39 seconds.  Now I had advertised a 1:30 swim, but was actually aiming for 1:20, so naturally over the moon with the time.  Bang on!  just need to concentrate on a bit of outright speed to try and avoid the maul next time (!). 
I was however, feeling well and not at all tired.  I had not expected this.

Transition ONE from the swim to bike when very well.  First name-check of the day to the ATC crew that had arrived and where right by the swim exit - Step up Captain Lee G.  Nice :) Me - Nice and calm through the change.  No dramas.

Trot out to the bike and to locate the trusty steed.  Another small trot to the bike mount line and away I go.  The first 100m took us right past the second group of fans - My family and friends who were there bright and early.  Splendid.  Hello Friends :)  
The bike route took us for a lap of the lake first - effectively tracing the swim route (except out of the water you understand).  I was very careful not to speed off like a Burk on the bike, making sure that I had everything, and settled in, got the legs working and all that jazz.  I was surprised that so many riders were taking it soooo slow on that lap.  Was I doing something wrong?

The bike leg took us on three loops - The first Eastern loop towards Newark, then onto a Northern loop towards Mansfield, then back onto the Eastern loop and home.
I'd arranged with the Missus and friends for them to drive to Car Colsten and camp-out there for the day as we'd be passing through four times.  In the event, as I headed towards this village, she and another mate in the car behind convened at a round-about  a few miles before there.  Lots of hand gestures and shouting (all of the good kind) and I was given that little boost in moral.  I was on my way ......
The Eastern loop was something over 30 miles long and reasonably flat.  Some rolling undulations and a few dead flat sections.  Nothing difficult, but I knew that come the second time round the winds would be picking up.  Put this out of your mind Will, out of your mind!  
During the first loop, I'm trundling along merrily minding my own business.  Guys were passing me - obviously very strong bikers and I'm not bothered.  This bodes well for my mental state later.  I am similarly passing others.  Each one I pass I admire for the obvious pace of their swim!!  Some I consider offering words of encouragement.  You have to be careful.  Some don't want to hear.  It may sound patronising,  others will happily enter a full-on conversation, like Kylie.  Yes, not only was I doing an Iron Distance race, I actually met Kylie ..... from Manchester!   Have a good race Kylie!
Some others sneak up on you, like team-mate Garry.  I'm having a little think about something or other, and Garry peddles up to me .. 'Morning'.  Would you believe it!  I knew that we'd be similar in time and all that, but the coincidence of riding side by side in a sea of ATC Blue - ATC.  Then, Who'd of thought it, We both then cycle up to Ben - ATC member.   Three of us on the course, at the same time, just about to take Car Calston for the second time.  Photo opportunity me thinks :)  Ben H leads the way followed by myself, then Garry-Garry Curly

Just after that we naturally split, with G peddling on and Ben falling a little back (he was to saunter past me on the only hill of the course later).  
The rest of the course provided plenty of opportunity to wave to groups of on-lookers and well-wishers as we passed through various villages.  This really took away the sense of having to ride for 6+ hours.  Time just flew.
I made sure that I was drinking plenty (temperature was going to get to 25ish degrees by the end of the ride), taking on the energy gels that I had planned and tried to take solid food.  A couple of time that I'd tried to burp I'd been reunited with some of the drink I'd recently swallowed.  Stay down there!  Because of this I wasn't really keen on taking solids just yet.  I did manage a bar or two of the Honey Crunch bars that I carried, but ate nowhere near the qty of food I though and should have.  I ended up carrying more than necessary.  Even-though, I ended the bike leg feeling exactly the same as out of the water - really quite ....... good!

The wind seemed to take its toll on the legs and at about 95 miles the thighs were shouting enough. Each time I stood on the pedals to stretch a little, or tried to power up even the smallest of climbs, there was just a little twinge of cramp.  Nothing bad, just the thighs saying Hello, letting me know they were there, in the 'negotiation' stage before going on strike completely.  Pace really dropped in the last 5 miles as the route headed back towards the Water Sports Centre and into a head wind.  Ah well.  I'd long since decided that this would be the first and last long distance race and I'm sticking to MTBing, and the time was not important at all.
The sight of the Centre entrance was fantastic.  Crowds lining the road and clapping, cheering and waving.  A real highlight of the day.  Free-wheeling to Transition where, just like a Pro, volunteers took the bike off you as you tried to remember how to run to the Transition tent.  Plenty more cheering from ATC on the side-lines.  Job's a good'un.  Bring on the run!  I can even remember thinking how my legs were yelling NO not five minutes ago, but now felt bloody great.  Not heavy, full of energy, ready to run.  Wow!

Transition from bike to run was again just controlled.  No panic.  Just calm preparation.  Ben caught and passed me through he tent and as he exited he turned and we exchanged best wished for the run.  Couldn't have gone any better.

I exited the tent looking for the Slappers (name for the volunteers that slapped the Sun Tan lotion on competitors).  Great.  Well covered.
I started the first lap of the lake with a very gentle trot.  Again, planned so that I didn't go off like a dick and over-heat myself.  I needn't have worried.  I made it about 100 meters and I started to get sharp pains across the Left Hand Moob.  What?  How?  Why?  What the ...?  It felt like a pain similar to you get with a 'stitch' down your side sometimes when running.  Maybe if I held it, it would clear?  I continued to trot very slowly passed the gathered crowd just the other side of the lake.  Wife & Kid, Mum & Dad, Bros & Sisters, Friends, ATC members all cheering with much heart (unlike me).  Things were not looking good.  The pain was there.  Breathing was starting to get difficult.  I immediately knew that if it didn't clear QUICK, it was over.  I trotted past Club Captain - he didn't know of my pain and offered words of encouragement and support.  I know what he was saying would be invaluable should I continue, but alas, I could not do anything to counter the effort needed to even breath, let alone do this for another four+ hours.  Half-way down the lake length (about a mile in) and I was walking.  Something I was desperate not to do for the hole marathon.  The pain would ease, and if I walked for long enough, would go completely.  The second I tried to pick the pace up, it would spring back and hit me hard.  I thought about seeking help form a medical guy at the far end of the lake.  He was sitting by his Mountain Bike.  His first aid kit was smaller than the one in my car, so no, I'll continue.
More run / walk and I approached the Grandstand.  I am going to bloody run past here!  I did.  It hurt.  Ben's wife, Ruth received the prize for the day for having the most amazing Banshee Wail of supporting cries .... 'Come On Wiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllll'  Their kids received massive High Five's  Thanks guys.  200 meters later and I know the Medical Tent was coming.  I thought about using the adjacent cold shower the organisers had laid on to try and cool down a bit - see if it clears, but no.  I had managed one lap and there was probably another 23 miles to go.  I was not in a position to try, and it wasn't worth the risk.  Sry guys.  I'm done.

I took a step in to the tent and the medical were a little surprised to see me.  It's the tent that all finishers filter through at the end of the day.  Nobody had finished yet and unfortunately it was not to be me! 

Now, It took a few minutes to decide to pull me for the event, but it was as quick as ripping off the timing chip.  One radio call to Race Control '#616 is out' and there you go.  Outlaw 2014 is over. 
I honestly felt find quite quickly, but was happy for the Docs to do their thing and check me out.
I can't say the experience was over though......

I can't thank the Medical staff or organisers enough.  They contacted the Wife and Daughter, bringing them around immediately.                  

Due to the type of event and heat of the day, they referred me to the local Hospital, QMC for additional checks.

They weren't happy with the ECG results..... Oh!  More tests - Blood this time.
Turns out the ECG results were unusual for most people, but OK for an Endurance Athlete (yes, I was actually called an Athlete).  Happy days, but ....
They weren't happy with the 'numbers' in the second blood tests - numbers only fractionally high, but suggest a possible minor heart attack .... Oh!
More blood tests 6 hours later to see if the numbers 'stablise', but by this time, it's a night in hospital.  Ok, not too much of a problem.  My mate Charlie was able to pick up the bike from Transition and cart it home (his place) for me.  Wife and Daughter were by my side.

So, another blood test at 1 in the morning and home right.  Wrong.  Results show almost certainly not mini heater attack.  Cool.  But, some number or other indicated possible narrowing of the artery.....  Oh! More tests, this time, an Echocardiograph scan of the heart.  Fine.  No problem, but can't be done until tomorrow. OK, another night it is then.
Echo on Tuesday showed Arteries probably Ok, but did show that I have a hole in the heart .... Oh! So, Angiogram it is then!
That evening I was transferred to City Hospital in Nottingham and thank God a side-room with private loo.  Guys, you have no idea what a relief!
So, just a quick 30 minute procedure and I'm done.  No.  Minor procedure = bottom of the List.  three further days in hospital waiting and I have the Angiogram, on Friday evening.  All is good.  Arteries 100%, Zero heart damage.  TFFT.  Down in Theatre the Consultant offers a final word and confirms that apart got the Hole in Heart issue, I'm as fit and well as anyone he's seen.

I felt like a real Bed Blocker.  42 yr old in a Cardiac Ward .... OMG.  I must have been the youngest in there by 25 yrs!  at 05:59 on Sunday morning I was in the best shape I think I had ever been in, both physically and mentally.  Days later and I was being discussed in terms of Heart Attack, Blocked Arteries, Angina, life-long drug dependency.  Holy Shit Batman!
If the Docs had said that training and Triathlon were not an option for the future then I think that I'd have been happy with that provided the long-term prognosis was manageable. 
Thank ..... something or other for the only words I wanted at the end - no damage to the heart and continue training.  Sweet!

The Docs and Nurses were first class, insisting I'm there for a good reason despite my feeling good.  
I received fantastic care, and a real nice cup of tea and slice of toast at 06:00 every morning.  I could get used to that.

Well, I was released without charge on Saturday AM with instructions to take it easy for a couple of weeks as I have had a minor procedure, and drugs for a month.

Time to contemplate a new hobby?  Guitar maybe?  Sod that.  I'm entering next year.  I've got a Marathon to do!

Until then, best keep my end of the bargain and make a start on this new Kitchen :)

W.