PT1

First half hour session with the PT today. It was an "all body workout" apparently.  Some of the exercises I found hard.  Particulary the squat type ones.  Upper body is fine.  Exercises that require flexibility and core less so.   Still thats why Im working with a PT.

The hardest set for me to do today was an essential one for cyclists.  Basically you get in a press up position and then alternate bringing each leg forward.  I find that hard becasue I can't hold my weight.  The PT adjusted the exercise by adding a bit of height by using a box to put my hands on.  That at least made it possible for me to do the sets.

The PT alternated the sets.  So rather than doing 3 sets of the one exercise, moved between the sets.

It felt like a good half hour and maintain my confidence that it will work out.  I think the PT is still working out what my thresehold is, so maybe didn't push me 100 per cent.  That's probably wise, because a key thing is maintaing frequency in my workouts and being able to exercise 4-5 times a week at the gym and ride at the weekend. 

I finished with 11 mins rowing machine = 2km.  I'l  try to finish each wieght session with some cardio becasue that helps the fat burn.

Great being closer to the gym again - cuts out travel time.  Just need to to adjust to my new workplace.  eg today I didn't feel comfortable munching away at my desk after the gym so had a banana about 3 but not the ham and radishes I had until I got to the train about 5.15.  So just need to plan my eating a bit better.

Real nice having K lady on the same floor as me.  We are not in the same team, but will probably go to rpm together at least once or twice a week.

I'm pretty stuffed now - combintation of changing my gym programme and new work place, introductions - both taking me out of my comfort zone.  Ultimately this will be good though. 

West side story revisted

Yesterday I finally got around to changing my flat front tyre - which had gone flat after only one ride.  so I carefully checked for any glass or obstructions in the the tyre. I couldn't find any.  Hurrah, suceesfully changed the tyre and pumped it up.

After a sluggish start this morning I set off about 11.18 and did the back of Greytown route up by Matarawa station and back.  This is a flat ride, but has different directions where the wind blows.  My Polar thing that measures the rpm speed is not operating at full capacity, so all I knew for the ride was the time, and that went on and off.  It took about an hour and ten minutes.

It felt quite hard work.   My feet also hurt abit.   Not sure why.  Mentally, I'm still scared of falling off i guess.   It was a nice ride, and good to see the daffidols in the paddocks.

I struggle to think how I will be fit enough for Taupo this year, given I haven't been riding my bike as much as I was this time last year.  So a lot is "riding" on loosing some wieght and testing the theory that if I am lighter it will be easier.

I had a "fitness test" with the PT last week. We start proper sessions tomorrow.  I let him weigh me and take my body fat measurements from that etc,  I told him not to tell me and i didn't look.  I think it will work out with him, which sort of surprises me actually.  Turns out he has done Taupo about 6 times.  I was surprised by that too.  Not becasue I don't think he is fit enough.  But becasue he has the physique of a rugby player more than a cyclist.

Just checked the front tyre and its fricken flat again!  At least I lasted the ride this morning.  These are the same  hiccups i faced last year, getting over the tyre thing.  I'm not sure whether to take the bike in for a service or just to go and buy a new tyre and tube.  Surely that would work - although seems an expensive option! 

I start my new job tomorrow.  Its closer to the gym so thats good.  Although I'm fairly sure I'm going to have to work a "full day" and not be "underemployed" and have the luxury of flexible hours that I have previously had.  Apart from the fact that I wanted to let go of certain things from my last work place, thats why I sought a new job for the challenge, doing a full decent days work.  It's going to be a bit of a shock though.  It will probably necessitate getting the early and late train home to fit the gym time in i've committed to.

So, tomorrow kicks off PT training.  It feels like I have to make it work.  That's a good thing, given a few doubts that I will overcome about being able to complete Taupo this year.

That fricken tyre!...its slightly annoying, but a small challenge I guess...

Footprints and Chris Isak

Today I went to rpm, with the PT.  That's becasue today is Tuesday PT RPM day.   He played a few old skool tracks inlcuding quite a good one by Chris Isak.  So I blame Chris Isak for what happened today!

After class I asked the PT man if he would take me on as a client!!  I know.  I don't know if he was more surprised than I was that i actually asked him. Actually I've been thinking about approaching the PT for a few weeks, but decided that if I didn't do it today i never would.

I should have a little extra money each fortnight re my new 6 month job and I'm going to spend it on sorting my physical health out - because in doing this, it so helps my overall health.

The thing is I need to make some progress re my weight which I haven't this year really.  I can't hide my previous gym footprints from the PT, because he knows i've had a couple of PTs before - made progress and then gone off track.  so i think it is a challenge for both the PT and me.

I think it will work - I'm determined to make it work.

Because - I've made the decision to do Taupo this year - I'm not as advanced in my training as i was last year, probaly weigh more etc .   But I'm committing to the next 17 weeks.  I've decided it doesn't matter Im not as advanced, cos i'm going to have a smarter, meaner, leaner approach.

Realisticallly Ill still be facing 9ish hours - but hello that would be 2 hours less than last year!!  i think thats my goal.

So, decision locked in!  Taupo and training with the PT!!!

3 days of my current job to go - there will probably be drinks on Fri - and they will probably be my last until Taupo!

Carpet

When did the ladies changing room at the terrace get carpet?  eek.  when indeed.  I have no idea.

I went to rpm today with hutt girl.  She was in good form.  I am not. Physically.  Week by week has slipped into months.

i have to decide whether I enrol for Taupo.  i don't think i will this year.  i really don't think in 12 weeks I can resurrect my training, and all the accomodation is booked.  there is the option of staying in kuatau again, but thats essentially a 40 minute drive pre race - no longer than driving to wgtn say from the rapa, so possibly road blocks im constructing.  i think the way to go is to reset some bigger goals, inlcuding cycle  related.  eg just getting back into riding to Martinborough at the weekends, getting some road kms, and something like the elusive Windmilll hills - then i'll know i have fitness i am cool with.

I finish  my current job in a week or so.  The agency that declined me a month or so ago changed their mind!` And now I have a 6 month contract locked in until Feb.  Good news.  yeah.  It's an agency i have never worked for, but public service Wellington land, it is full of people who I have worked with.- including k lady who will be on the same floor as me.  So, I'll have a work rpm buddy which will be cool.  plus i'll be working at the end of the terrace, and just that 10 mins less walk each way will make a diffence.

This has taken ages to come though and i've been quite focussed on my exit strategy.  i pulled it off but to the detriment of my  gym training,

anyway, entries hopefully will be more frequent again soon - reflecting getting my training back on track.