Sat 8th May

Sunday 25Th April managed 56 miles before heading off to the hospice, the rout was loop round Troon back down to Kilwining up tp Bensley and over to Cunningham Head then over the back road to Stewrton & up over the Glasgow road to Newton mearns heading back to Fenwick with a strong head wind along the A77 and then across to Kilmaures and then home to Irvine.



Time = 3hrs 19min AVER Speed 16.5mph AVER H/R 115BPM 432M Climbing with 6052 cal burned.

Monday 26th nice easy spinning session 2hrs 10min 39 miles aver speed 17.6mph with 2154 cal burned. Lovely night very mild and slight head wind coming from the south.


Tuesday 27Th good club run tonight 14 out, 38 miles total with 371m of climbing average speed 16.1mph. Wet & windy soaked to the arse. Rest day tomorrow. LEJOG Meeting this Thursday I presume this will be the last before we head off 3 weeks on Friday, the only thing I am concerned about is my mothers condition at the hospice will she hold on till I am away or before I leave?

May 4th Club Time Trial over Eaglesham moor. Conditions cold & windy but dry.

Results


Euan Clelland - 32.08
Pete Forsyth -30-20
Scott Russell - 30.08
Alex Cruwfurd -31.55
Darren Rideout - 33.34
Tommy Gribbon - 30.48 (That's Me)
Russell Mowat -32.36
Catherine Logan - 31.49
Keith Johnsone - 28.32

Friday 7th May -

LN you can & will fight that little horrible Gremlin that's festering away. Your team is all with you and thinking of you.

Sat 8Th May having a rest but we had photo shoot with club sponsors this morning & all who are riding LEJOG in 2 weeks time.

Lands End - John O'Groats Team
.

4 Weeks to D-Day....................

Its been a while since I last updated my LEJOG Training Blog, Training was going well until my mother was been taken seriously ill and she is now sadly in a hospice in Glasgow; so training has had to take a back seat as hospice visiting is now a priority along work commitments & LEJOG training is now when I can get some free time.

This weekend is Walkers CC Yearly trip to Aviemore; the roads & hills are ideal for LEJOG training Last years trip was fantastic long hilly miles plenty of road kill & beers after a long day in the saddle but it was the weather that made the trip it was warm & very little wind, how ever reports from this years trip is that the weather is windy,snowy & pissing rain I am glad that I am not there with my fellow LEJOGRs Ha Ha.

A few training rides have been organized by the LEJOG team; we have completed the 3 Ferry's run which was the first full day of summer I was burnt to a crisp.We have also completed the West coast rout which is approx 100 very hilly miles but most importantly both runs have been excellent for team building and were fantastic days out.

Our training has also included speed training on "Marine Drive" 5 Laps which are 3.5 miles and with a average speed of 23mph on some laps this type of training can be also beneficial to TTs and LEJOG Miles.

The Back Of Walkers CC Peleton on the "3 ferrys route"

Check out the "HILLS"

Training Totals for the last few weeks. My Millage is considerably down.

Date 4th April - 24th April

Distance 563 Miles

Time 34 hrs

Elevation 4757m

Aver Speed 16.8mph

Aver Heart Rate 121bpm

Cal Burned 60,249

As all good cyclists are aware a recovery drink is incredibly important to help aid muscle and carb replenishment as Mr Kuhn is demonstrating below.

LEJOG Training Update

Seven weeks to D-Day and Its been a crap week with LEJOG Training between snow,rain, illness,beer and a boil the size of a golf ball on me private bits; my training millage has been severley impacted.

Monday - Rest Day

Tuesday - Gale force winds 45mph and snow nothing done used as another rest day.

Wednesday - Club run 37miles cold & windy.

Thursday - 38 miles dry and very windy (Picked up sickness bug from work laid up for 2 days)

Friday - Nothing ill

Saturday - Feeling weak but managed 20 miles with Jack on dog bike buggy.

Sunday - 50 Miles (Boil is frigin sore)

Total of 145 miles for week. (Crap)

The only good news worth reporting is My Claud Butler Carbon frame which was damaged in last years Arran crash has been repaired and has now been converted into this seasons TT Bike.

This Tuesday comeing is our clubs 1st TT of the season its only 7 miles but I am looking forward to it, just to see if my times have improved from last season.



RIP Rab Hendry

LEJOG Training Diary Update

Its been a few weeks since my last LEJOG Training blog update and eight weeks tonight we will be on stage two of our journey. The good news is I have not picked up any new injury's apart from a saddle sore on my right buttock.

I must invest in a pair of ASSOS Cycling shorts; expensive but fantastic quality.

Martin & Laura are looking extremely strong they both work well together they show each other fantastic support; they have been great with me especially after my tumbles when I was feeling down they helped me bounce back they are full of encouragement; its good to have a team that can support each other I am sure we will be needing lots of encouragement when LEJOG starts.

I have also started to get out more on weekdays/nights by cycling to work weather permitting
and I am putting in longer miles at weekends my target by the end of April is 450 miles per week but Looking at this weeks weather forecast winter is returning Snow,Snow & more bloody Snow.

Rolls Royce & Lucozade, Port Head Tavern, Annick Tavern & Delta Bar (great watering holes) have all kindly sponsored me and the rest of the teamgribbon cycling team. BHF Have also now sent us sponsor ship forms tea shirts etc for our fundraising.

Our April training calendar is looking hard; A few Arran trips have been suggested at the weekends which has the infamies Fig of 8 Route. The distance is only 60 miles that includes The Ross, The String & Lochranza hills they are all extremely difficult climbs but when doing it twice I see it as a good tester for the first two days of LEJOG in May.
The hills have very fast technical descents that are very dangerous (Had a tumble @ 50mph last July broke my ankle).

I watched Sports relief John O'Groats - Landsend challenge very good lots of money raised but my god they were all pampered. Nice big bus with beds, plenty of food, massages what an easy life they had; us poor soles have got it all to do. Eddie Izzards marathon completion was really inspirational what an achievement Eddie done.

Sometimes I wish I had changed my fund raising to cancer research as over the last 4 - 5 months I have lost family & found out that more of my family & some of my close friends have this terrible disease, I guess I am to late i have committed my self and the rest of the team to the BHF.



LEJOG Training Calender

Week Starting 14th March

Distance 157 Miles
Avr Speed 16.3mph
Avr H/R 120bpm
Max H/R 160bpm
Cal 17,008


Week Beginning Sunday 21st March

Distance 278 Miles
Avr 17.1mph
Avr H/R 126bpm
Max H/R 168bpm
Cal 21,328

Week Beginning Sunday 28th March

Wednesday 3rd March 2010

Its been another up and down week regarding training for LEJOG. Last Thursday 90 Min on Turbo and I decided to have a rest day on Friday.

Sat morning up early with Jack and we managed 20 Miles on the "DOG" bike buggy he's had a hair cut so I think he felt the cold. On Saturday afternoon I managed 48 Miles went out via Kilwining to Barmill over the hill To Dunlop and then out via Howies where i was met with 6ft snow drifts, I then went over the Glasgow Rd to the A77 and back to Irvine through Kilmarnock. Good hilly run but I was knackered.



Jack with his hair cut.

Sunday Old firm day (No more mention about the result), decided to go out in the morning to spin the legs 35 miles at a relatively slow pace, I had a few beers in the afternoon, I suppose you could say i drowned my sorrows. Pissed as a fart.............

Monday no Cardiac Rehab class (Christmas Night Out), decided to go out on bike and managed 25 hilly miles, up over Dundonald hill, I burned 2686 Calories in 1.5hrs. Not to bad considering it was bloody cold.

Disaster Tuesday, Walkers Club Run, I had another tumble tonight, hit a Pot hole @approx 15 MPH front Mavic Cosmic wheel hub split, 6 broken spokes wheel acted like a break I went straight over the handle bars no chance to react. I thought I had broken my wrist again due to the pain but my idea from last week with gel bar tape has cushioned my fall and prevented any other injury. North Ayrshire council are being sued for this tumble; British Cycling have been contacted and they will deal with my claim. £150.00 wheel totally knackered. I have taken photos of the Pot hole and the damage to my bike and I also have 6 good honest witnesses.

Front Mavic Cosmic wheel that was damaged after hitting pot hole, You can see where the hub is split and the 6 broken spokes, Surprisingly there was no impact puncture.

Tonight I managed another flat 30 miles average speed 17.3mph and I burned 3127 calories in 1hr 40min. Total road millage for the week is 172 miles not to bad considering I haven't been out much.

LEJOG Meeting tomorrow night no updates on sponsorship & hosptal next monday regarding broken wrist.

Wednesday 24th Feb

Had news regarding sponsor ship on Sunday night, looks like my main sponsor will make a decision in April as they are waiting to see what the company budget is going to be for sponsor ship deals for 2010.

Its been an interesting week training, most training has again been done on the Turbo approx 10hrs not to bad considering how boring it can be.

First TTT of the season last Sunday, my team mate Peter had a long hard cycling training week in Malega, lucky bugger; he's getting stronger & stronger, due to my injury I feel as if I am going back the way.

Our start time was 09.19 on the coldest morning of the week (-7) we were finished by 09.38. my wrist gave out on the first climb as I had to get out saddle to keep up with Pete, my weight and the vibration from the road aggravated my injury. I had no strength for braking or to change gears no option but to stop. Extremely disappointed as I let my old team mate down.

Used my new MAVIC Cosmos carbon deep rim wheels on TTT, Struggled at first but when cranked up to speed they were fast.

Monday; more bad medical news, but I know the person involved is going to pull through a true fighter & a very strong willed lovely livley person.

Tuesday Walkers CC club run night 35 miles average speed 16,7mph and no wrist pain, I had a brain storm and by using Gel cycling bar tape I wrapped it around my wrist then fitted my splint over the gel tape, great cushion worked a treat no pain and I could also brake and change gears.
It was great to get on my bike again here's hoping I can now start to get 250-300 miles in a week weather permitting.

LEJOG Meeting this Monday final preparations for accommodation & food stops etc.

A good friend of mine at work made me a lovely Pasta dish Indian style, absolutely delicious the only thing is I haven't stopped farting for 2 days........... My bums red raw........ or is that just saddle sores??? If anyone wants the recipe please let me know.

I am still concerned about Beta Blockers on how they are going to restrict me when on LEJOG. If any Doctors read this BLOG Please drop me a post on any opinions that they might have.

Wednesday 17th Feb

Last weeks training consisted of 12 hours of Turbo training in which 3 or 4 sessions were great, I was totally focused and on a high (LN), if you are in the correct frame of mind this helps with the boredom of Turbo training. I also had 2 Cardiac rehab classes and by the end of the week I felt stronger and into the bargain I lost 2lbs. I must really start to get road miles in 250 + per week.

Still waiting for conformation with our LEJOG Sponsors.

My smelly cast (above picture) was removed on Monday and I now have a splint and have another appointment with consultant in 3 weeks time. Here's hoping my wrist injury should be cleared up by then.

I made a big mistake last night by going out on club run, my wrist felt every bump and vibration that the Ayrshire roads through at me, had to chuck it after 25 miles. The only good thing about last nights run was I used my Specalized Tarmac Comp with my new Mavic Cosmic Carbon deep rim wheels for the 1st time. These wheels are really impressive but they take a while to crank up but when they get going they are good. Don't know if I will use these wheels on LEJOG.

This Sunday is the 1st TTT (Icebreaker) of the season; but I will leave until Saturday night to see if my wrist is any better before I make a call in racing.

Last Nights Disapointing Garmin Data

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24920715

TT Bike for that I am using this season.

Monday 08/02/10

Its been a good day for LEJOG training, Long 7 mile walk with Jack this morning, Good 1hr strong Turbo session this afternoon (beginning to get fed up with staring at walls) and then Cardiac rehab class tonight, feeling stronger and I lost 2lbs in weight last week.

Todays Heart Rate Data http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24254668

The cast on my arm is beginning to smell like "dead fish"; I Have tried spraying it with Lynx but its just getting worse.

Hospital appointment for cast removal is next Monday; thank god, hopefully I will be able to go out on next Tuesday nights club run after putting extra gel padding on my bars.

Young Laura received her new bike today, only problem is she picked up a Knee injury yesterday.

Sunday 7th Feb 2010

More good news today; looks like I have another sponsor on board for LEJOG. Also have meeting this Tuesday with Pub owner about jersey sponsor ship deal.

I haven't done any training for LEJOG over the last 2 days, going on Turbo this afternoon after the rugby is finished come on Scotland!!!

Local newspaper had an article about my tumble from my bike last Tuesday night, Fame at last!!! Thanks Laura!!!

Good hour on Turbo tonight I think the 2 days of not doing anything has helped felt really strong MAX HR 158 bpm Average HR 134 bpm.

Tonights HR Data http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24188052

I see Laura's training is going well she's sneeking the miles in another 70 today

Friday 5th Feb 2010

Nothing to report today, no training and a few more B&Bs booked for LEJOG

Thursday 04/02/10

Blood Pressure Check 120/73 Pulse 46bpm

Our Flights from Edinburgh to Newquay are now booked with Flybe for Friday 21st May our adventure starts with a 40 Mile round trip on the Friday Night. Bikes and kit are traveling by van and should be there upon our arrival. Again today I am severely pissed off as I can't get out on my bike. Its dry but cold and guess what no wind!!!

Sent another few emails today for hopefully more sponsor's.

Had another 45 min work out on Turbo Trainer this afternoon and will have another 45min tonight.

See Heart Rate Data for this afternoons session http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23915616 Couldn't get HR above 125 bpm due to beta blockers; I feel this is going to restrict me when on the LEJOG.

1st 2 up TTT of the season (Ice Breaker) is only 2 weeks away; entry forms are filled in and ready for posting.

I had another 50 Min Turbo Training session tonight, its amazing the difference in MAX HR Compaired to this afternoons, beta blockers have worn off.

Tonight's Heart Rate Data http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23939079

Wednesday 3rd Feb

Another long walk with my pal "Jack" this morning around Irvine & Kilwinning footpaths see Garmin Data. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23844634 Jack just loves the out doors.

Had a great phone call this morning from my sister "Helen" regarding sponsor ship for LEJOG looks like we may have landed a major company. Watch this space!!! I am still talking to other possible sponsors everything is looking very positive.

No training today, Trying to see how my new mobile phone HTC Touch2.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

Tuesday 02/02/10

Going to miss tonights club run its been a week since I broke my wrist.

Well its been another boring day, I wish I could get this cast off. This morning I had a long walk with Jack (My Dog) approx 6.5 Miles it snowed for a while and was also very windy but most enjoyable.

If I can plan my day it seems to go in very quickly. Tomorrow I am cleaning my winter bike full strip down so that should pass some time. I am also going to another Cardiac Rehab class at Irvine central its been a while since i attended this class but I must keep my fitness level up.

Checked BP tonight before Turbo session 120/78 and my Pulse was 43 BPM So no problems.

See Polar Data for tonight 1hr session.

LEJOG May 2010

Just set this BLOG up for our our training and cycling run for Lands End 2 John O'Groats in which we are riding in AID of BHF British Heart Foundation. The team consists of Tommy (That's Me) Martin Kuhn & Laura McFarlane We are riding for BHF as I had a heart Attack in October 2002 @ the age of 40 and I feel I the need to do something for this fantastic charity for the help they have given to me over the last 8 years.
I keep well now I am fit cycle approx 150 miles a week in winter and 250 to 300 in summer.

The Picture above is my new Specalized Tarmac that I am using for LEJOG and other road events.

All my training data is recorded on Garmin and Polar devices and can be accessed for viewing at the following links.
http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard;jsessionid=D6A945281C370ED10C652DC38A6C83BD?cid=123220

Our Link for BHF Donations http://www.justgiving.com/team-gribbon Please Donate Thanks!!!


Friday 1st Jan 2010

LEJOG Training starts today. Only 2 idiots out me and Laura Very very cold -9 it was that cold our water Bottles were frozen the wind chill must have been -12 or lower still managed to get 37 miles in with no slips or spills.

Monday 4th Jan

Another very cold day 34 hard miles managed to get some hills in; sticking to diet.

Tuesday 5th Jan

Tuesday night club run only 3 out 30 snowy and windy miles.

Wednesday 6th Jan

Very cold again 29 miles. I also today set up Just giving account for BHF.

http://www.justgiving.com/team-gribbon

Tuesday 12th Jan

Club run up A77 to Glasgow 39 Miles its getting milder.

Saturday 16th Jan

Back up to Glasgow using the A77 and home via Stewerton total 39.8 Miles

Sunday 17th Jan

Another cold day but managed 49 Miles.

Monday 18th Jan

Cardiac Rehab class back tonight after Christmas and New year. I have kept to my diet and my weight loss was 3lbs down to 14 stone 5. Very pleased.

Tuesday 19th Jan

Club run 40 miles.

Friday 22nd Jan

Training run with Laura & Martin first time we've been together for a few weeks 40 miles windy & cold.

Saturday 23rd Jan

38 miles on my own weather is getting better.

Sunday 24th Jan

Club run with Laura,Scotty Angela 60 miles, vast improvement in the weather. Beginning to feel strong especially on the hills. Todays Garmin Data http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23225050

Monday 25th Jan 2010

Cardiac Rehab Class Good work out BP 118/77 Weight 14stone 3lbs. (Its coming down)

Tuesday 26th Jan 2010

Tuesday night club run had a tumble from bike, carried on and got 41 miles in. Left wrist was slightly sore at the end of run, Got home showered, something to eat watched Shameless then went to bed. At 2 am I was in severe pain ended up going to Crosshouse hospital A&E. My fears were confirmed wrist is broken in 2 places. That's 3 breaks in 2 years in which 2 are in 5 months. So much for staying injury free. Laura you are mad shorts on at this time of year? Tonights Garmin Data http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23335658

Wednesday 27th Jan 2010

No road work for obvious reasons got 1 hr on Turbo wrist is pain full. I will start to record Garmin and Polar Data, BP Max HR, Average HR, MPH etc.

Thursday 28th Jan 2010

Had to visit consultant @ Crosshouse hospital good news only 1 break the other break was from an old injury this is the 3rd time I have broken this wrist,cast is only on for 2 weeks. Have to take it easy no bike for 1 week. Just going to have to work on Turbo.

Friday 29th Jan 2010

Real downer because of this wrist injury; let work know that I will only be off for 2 weeks, decided to have a few beers and drown my sorrows. Also met up with teamgribbon members we are still trying to decide what accommodation we should be looking at. Camper van with support driver is looking good. No Training today.

Saturday 30th Jan 2010

Went for 3 hour walk 6.5 miles with Jack my dog. Then the pub again no Training; I dare say that I have put on a few pounds this weekend with the amount of beer that I have had, will find out on Monday Night.

Sunday 31st Jan 2010

Another 3.5hrs walk with Jack and 1 hour session on Turbo. BP 118/69. Also pottered about garden today some bulbs are poking there noses through not long to spring.


Monday 1st Feb 2010.

Walked Jack this morning lovely morning here in Irvine. LEJOG Meeting tonight but I am unfortunately not attending as I have other commitments I think its regarding accommodation and route.

No road training due to wrist injury, the annoying thing about breaking your wrist is you cant drive and have to rely on others to pick you up, suppose I am fortunate that I have a good family and plenty of friends that are willing to help.

Cardiac Rehab class tonight good strong work out and of course I was severely slagged off due to wrist break. Polar Data to follow.

Weighed my self put on 1.5lbs since last Monday, I suppose if you attack the booze at weekends you have got accept the conciseness's. Just have to work harder on Turbo this week and stick too my diet and hopefully shed those pounds.

Its BHF Red Dress Day 26th Feb Please help follow the link below.

http://www.bhf.org.uk/news-and-campaigning/our-campaigns/national-heart-month/red-for-heart-2010.aspx