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The Improbable Ironman
Великобритания
Добавлен 20 дек 2009
I've been on a bit of a journey - losing 58KG in under a year to get myself back to Ironman. Here, I will Vlog about my ongoing journey back to the long course and what I'm doing - from fixing my bikes to the odd things I eat. I'd love to have you along to share this journey - and maybe even encourage me as I build towards my next Ironman.
Creatine Week 3 - Better, Stronger...Faster
This week's creatine update. Three weeks in now and I'm honestly feeling a change - even if I can't actually measure it.
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - It's been a heavy training week
00:33 - Two-up Time Trialling
00:47 - A Ventoux PB (and a convincing one)
01:21 - A good old-fashioned Zwift Team Trial beating
01:52 - Garmin and the numbers
02:14 - Body water anomaly
03:20 - The limitations of a Garmin Index Scale
03:48 - Going on feel
04:20 - Need to reset my internal Power Meter
05:10 - Real endurance benefits (already)
05:58 - Results...albeit subjective
06:15 - Final thoughts
07:38 - Outro and a vid to watch out for.
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - It's been a heavy training week
00:33 - Two-up Time Trialling
00:47 - A Ventoux PB (and a convincing one)
01:21 - A good old-fashioned Zwift Team Trial beating
01:52 - Garmin and the numbers
02:14 - Body water anomaly
03:20 - The limitations of a Garmin Index Scale
03:48 - Going on feel
04:20 - Need to reset my internal Power Meter
05:10 - Real endurance benefits (already)
05:58 - Results...albeit subjective
06:15 - Final thoughts
07:38 - Outro and a vid to watch out for.
Просмотров: 72
Видео
Creatine Week 2 Update
Просмотров 12019 часов назад
A very quick check-in as I continue to explore the benefits of Creatine. 00:01 - Intro 00:32 - Am I seeing a change? 02:20 - Changing my Ride Fuelling 02:45 - Forgetting a gel and changing the plan 03:47 - Raiding Nature's larder 04:04 - Candid thoughts and outro
Trying Creatine to see if the Performance Gains are Real
Просмотров 14714 дней назад
Over the next 30 days, I'm venturing into the world of sports supplements. I'm adding Creatine to my daily routine to see if there really are the performance benefits that are so widely reported. This is the introduction. Follow along with me to see how this goes.
Belvoir Olympic Triathlon - Kit, Course and One Big C*ck up!!!
Просмотров 9721 день назад
On Sunday, 28th July, I raced the Belvoir Olympic Triathlon (Hosted by the Castle Race Series). In this video I take a deep-dive into the kit I used - what worked and what didn't and also a detailed 'walk through' of the bike and run courses. If you are interested in one particular aspect, here are the chapter timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Garmin Fenix 7 FAIL! 04:37 - Swim Overview 06:23 - ...
Belvoir Olympic Triathlon Immediate Post Race Thoughts (Race Report Part 1)
Просмотров 5228 дней назад
The Belvoir race report is actually tin two parts. This first part is just my candid post-race thoughts. I did this just as a little diary piece for myself but I think it's a nice reflection of exactly how I was feeling after the race. Part 2 (out later in the week) will be a bit more of a deeper dive into numbers, equipment choices and lessons learnt.
Taper Week VLOG 2 - Wheel Decision Made and When is a Taper not a Taper?
Просмотров 107Месяц назад
Well, the tapering is done and I know what wheels the Greyhound will be wearing on Race Day. My taper may seem unconventional, but hear me out on why I think it works... 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Am I ready? 00:45 - Workouts this week 01:38 - An FTP Session! Really!! 02:26 - A Brick session in a Taper week...Really!! 03:03 - ...And a Time Trial!!! 03:40 - It's about reduction, not shutting down 04:...
A Week of Tapering and a Decision to Make
Просмотров 117Месяц назад
I'm into the taper for the Belvoir Tri. Here's the first of my taper week blogs - and the bike has thrown me a curve-ball!!!
The Grade (part 1 - Intro)
Просмотров 18Месяц назад
As you may have spotted, the influence for this has come from one of my favourite movies!!! Ever since I first tried Zwift's new climb (with added FTP test) I have been a dedicated fan of it. I like it so much that it features at least once - usually twice - in any training week. In fact, I like it so much I did it twice in one day recently!!! This is the first (short video) in a series, where ...
Race Day Nightmare
Просмотров 2402 месяца назад
On Sunday, I raced my second 'B' race of the year - the Dartford Bridge Triathlon. Things did not go according to plan - with a missed turning getting there (which cost me 15 minutes before I'd even started) and then a major catastrophe in the car park that meant I had to race on a cracked wheel, wearing a eight year old tyre....oh, and I forgot my running cap and shades...and then had a gastri...
Why I'm Bailing on the Hadleigh Tri - and It's Not the Reason you think!!!
Просмотров 1443 месяца назад
Well, I won't be racing this Sunday and that's a decision driven more by short-term health factors than anything. The sore throat I had turned out to be some sort of bug....and I just kept training.....and ended up on my back in bed all day yesterday. Some times you gotta know when to say no - and this is one of those times. I'm in my comeback year and the goal is to come back - not take myself...
No Rest for the D!ckhead!!!
Просмотров 1573 месяца назад
Having given myself just three days to taper into my comeback race, I thought my planning couldn't get any worse. Imagine my delight then when I realised I'd left myself just a week until the next race...and that race includes a scary-as-Hell MTB section. Oh - and I might have a cold coming!!! What cold possibly go wrong!!!
Hanningfield Sprint Triathlon - Race Report
Просмотров 3463 месяца назад
Yesterday, I raced my first Tri in about 6 years. And coincidentally, this comeback race was 10 years - to the day - since I raced my first ever Triathlon. In this video, I share my thoughts about the race and my candid thoughts about what this return to Triathlon means to me - it's a big step in the journey I've been on. The event was hosted by wilddeerevents.co.uk and I can thoroughly recomme...
Am I Ready to Race?
Просмотров 833 месяца назад
So - with less than 24 hours to go, am I ready for my first Triathlon in 6 years? Coincidentally, tomorrow also marks 10 years to the day since I did my very first Triathlon.
My First Tri in 6 Years and just 3 Days to Taper.......
Просмотров 573 месяца назад
My First Tri in 6 Years and just 3 Days to Taper.......
Brooks Caldera 7 Trail Shoes Review
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.4 месяца назад
Brooks Caldera 7 Trail Shoes Review
Super Team 88 Carbon Wheelset Review
Просмотров 8654 месяца назад
Super Team 88 Carbon Wheelset Review
How Long Will It Take Me to Burn Off a Creme Egg....
Просмотров 815 месяцев назад
How Long Will It Take Me to Burn Off a Creme Egg....
So Long Fat Triathlete - Hello Tomorrow...
Просмотров 1895 месяцев назад
So Long Fat Triathlete - Hello Tomorrow...
Planet X Exocet 2 Tri Bike Build - Project Greyhound Complete
Просмотров 5106 месяцев назад
Planet X Exocet 2 Tri Bike Build - Project Greyhound Complete
Project Greyhound Day One of the Build....In Five Minutes.
Просмотров 906 месяцев назад
Project Greyhound Day One of the Build....In Five Minutes.
Building the Greyhound - Planet X Exocet 2 Tri Bike Project.
Просмотров 3586 месяцев назад
Building the Greyhound - Planet X Exocet 2 Tri Bike Project.
Ultimate Pain Cave - Final Instalment
Просмотров 5387 месяцев назад
Ultimate Pain Cave - Final Instalment
Groupset Upgrade - 105 R7000 For the Domane 4.5
Просмотров 2979 месяцев назад
Groupset Upgrade - 105 R7000 For the Domane 4.5
Saving My Trek Domane with a £80 Bottom Bracket Fix
Просмотров 6 тыс.Год назад
Saving My Trek Domane with a £80 Bottom Bracket Fix
Finally Shifting Timber: Three Months in and 25 KG Down!
Просмотров 420Год назад
Finally Shifting Timber: Three Months in and 25 KG Down!
Calibre BBB Drivetrain Overhaul with IXF Crankset
Просмотров 216Год назад
Calibre BBB Drivetrain Overhaul with IXF Crankset
I used it in the past when I was doing more gym work and never had any health problems. I'm now in my fifties and I'm going to start using it again, just sensible amounts. It's very difficult to prove changes are linked to it but if it makes you feel positive you're already benefitting. I enjoy watching your channel, the changes you have made in your life are very impressive.
Thanks very much for this - I really appreciate it. I think you've nailed it regarding how hard it is to prove what's driving a change. Equally I do agree that if it simply makes you feel better then you perform better and that's all-round good. I've pondered quite a bit on whether it's me pushing harder, or creatine allowing me to push harder and that's why I think a longer 'test' period is a good idea - to see if I can get some measurable change. Thanks again.
Really interesting you are feeling the benefits after 3 weeks....look forward to the next update.
Thanks as always for watching and commenting. Yes - I didn't expect to actually feel any change within the first four weeks. But I do definitely feel like I can push harder. Let's see how it goes. Thanks again for watching.
Interesting 👍
Thanks s always for watching and commenting, Mike.
How was the lake swim in terms of depth; I’ve heard the lake is quite shallow?
I think quite shallow is a fair description. But it's perfectly swimmable; probably a similar depth to the shallow end of a decent pool in places. A few years back, I did the Castle Race series at Hever Castle...now, that was a shallow swim (in places that was more like a mud crawl). Belvoir was far better than that.
I'll add my two cents , if you have feet on the edge of being wide but you would not typically buy a wide version of a shoe , do it with these , narrow across midfoot.
Look up professor Tim Nokes he made up carb loading, carbs in sport, also invented GU energy gells back in the day, what he has to say now ???
One man, one bike, one legend. Well what you have achieved is amazing just look in the mirror and look at yourself. It's an incredible change from where you was to now. Your outlook and mindset is a lot stronger in all areas. You are one truly down to earth person with a great outlook on life. Keep it going you tri legend. Ps it's Andy from live Saturday morning chat. You should remember, l was speaking to you all that morning.
Hi Andy. Many thanks for this (I certainly remember the encouragement you gave me all the way up the Alpe that morning). Many thanks once again for watching and your very kind comments - very much appreciated. Hope all is well with you and thanks again.
This is a really interest real world experiment you are conducting. I suspect that two weeks is still a little early for any tangible effects to be noticed. Effects of supplementation always take a little while as your body adapts. Looking forward to seeing how you feel in another two weeks. Interesting video as always dude.
Many thanks for this - your comments are very much appreciated as always. It's an interesting supplement when you start digging in to the research. As you say, two weeks is really not a useful test window though - so I'll be interested to see if I can back up the subject evaluation with some data after the initial load period.
I've searched hedgerows for Blackberries before😂 You're certainly tempting me to try Creatine I have to say.
Thanks for watching and commenting mate. Blackberries are actually quite a good emergency backup. A small handful is about the same calories as half a gel and they come full of other nutrients, such as Vitamin C, Potassium etc. I do think Creatine is worth a go. From the research I've done, I honestly can't find a drawback. Hope you're keeping well mate? Any races planned for the rest of the season?
Feeling good is what it's al about! Even if it's the same watts, but you feel like you're pushing them easier, I'd say it's a positive result! 🥳
Thanks mate - yep any benefit is a benefit. I'm not expecting it to make a huge difference but given how cheap it is, if it's moving me in the right direction then I've got be happy with that. Just stepped off the Wattbike after another 2 x 20 FTP and have to say that I honestly felt stronger in the second set than they first so that all feels like progress.
Good vid 👍
Thanks Mike and thanks for watching as always.
Totally agree with you there. I lost interest in strava when e mtbs came along because there's no way I would get a kom anymore due to the tuned e bikes. Same with the kudos, what does it mean.? Nothing !! Just get out and enjoy the ride. Stop to look at wildlife have a chat and a laugh, like we did in the 90s .
Only downside is if you do the pre load way. 25g a day, it can upset your stomach. But take the 25g over the course of the day and not all in one go.
I did hear about this, which is why I'm opting for the phased load approach. Many thanks for watching and commenting.
Been using it since the mid 90's. Every single man should be using it. 100% natural. Finding more and more cognitive and longevity benefits.
Many thanks for watching and your comment. I totally agree with you - there really is no downside and I keep seeing strong evidence that it's a real positive addition - especially as you get older.
Interesting experiment. Great channel by the way. I used it 20 years ago when I was really deep into racing. No negative side effects but I can't say it helped much either. Now, that I'm back at it I've decided to just go with the eating real food route which seems to be working. The only supplement I take now is collagen peptides and it does seems to help with the aches, pains and niggles in this 55 year old body.. YMMV.
Thanks very much for this - I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. I do totally agree with you on the real food aspect - and that's something I also make sure to do. Interesting to hear your experience with Collagen Peptides - as you say, the body does get increasingly more creaky (and achey) with age. I'll certainly look into that myself.
Interesting
Thanks Mike - we will see...
Interesting experiment, mate! I've had similar experiences with creatine. I used it in my powerlifting days ages ago. Also, I have used it in the past (for a couple months) to get stronger on the bike. No negative side effects and personally the weight gain due to water retention is minimal and the body adapts, so after a short while it will also adjust and probably go down in weight again. For cycling (or any other endurance sport) I can't say if it helped me. When I used it, I was at peak motivation levels at the time and was already improving a lot on the bike. I am tempted to give it another try now I see you use it as well. Interesting to see the update videos and if you will keep using it in the long run.
Thanks for this mate. Interesting to hear that you've used it before - and also interesting to hear that you have a background in Powerlifting. Nice work. I think that it will be interesting to see if there really are any endurance benefits - given that most reported benefits I've seen are focussed on explosive stuff (such as lifting and HIIT). I also agree about the weight gain - I'm sure it will be minimal and something my body can adapt around. We will see I guess. Thanks as always for watching and commenting - hopefully you're finding your cycling mojo again?
One (minor) thing on garmin connect; the segment top-so much has no possibility to ‘protest’ against impossible segment times set. When it’s obvious someone was in a car getting the ‘kom’ (hello strava) , there’s no way of getting rid of that. In strava you can. Just yesterday i could delete someone from the top-10 who rode 93km/h on his bike in my flat country. I was 9th, now i am 8th again lol. If only in garmin i could do the same, report obvious fraude.
Still waiting on the can of beans guide, any update?
It’s turned into a 14 hour epic. Masterpieces, such as this, can take literal years to create!! 😂
Great recap, mate! Question: don't you guys get the bike course as a gpx beforehand? Or is that not a thing in Triathlon?
Thanks mate. That's a good question. The GPX files are often available, however, it could be a bit of a faff in T1, starting the course etc. so I tend not to use them. Ironically, any time I'd have lost starting the course this time could have been made up for by not taking a wrong turn. One caveat in the case of the Belvoir GPX file though - the Race Director mentioned in the pre-start briefing that the GPX file was wrong - as it took you along a gated road....probably the exact same gated road I ended up on. Thanks as always for watching and commenting.
Well done mate, good to see that you enjoyed it, Half Ironman next year?
Thanks mate. Yes - I think the plan was always Olympic in the first year back, middle-distance the year after and maybe full in 2026....or that's the plan.
Well done matey!!!
Many thanks for this.
Mate, you must be so so proud! ❤🎉🙌 well done on what you achieved, that is super human that! Good you missed it and I’m keen to see what more you have in store in the future! 🥳💪
Thanks as always mate. There were really some amazing feats going on on Sunday (the Gauntlet Half-Iron finishers, Those running a marathon on that course and in that heat - plus all the others, who got round the Olympic). Really appreciate you watching and commenting. Wasn't sure whether to post this but I like to use YT as a bit of a personal video diary and, right after the race, I popped the camera on because I wanted to bottle how I was feeling. It was a tough race but everything's relative mate - you rode 300KM on gravel not too long ago. Now that's properly hard.
Well done 👏
Old Dragon...we are all extremely impressed with your achievements !!! but the noise of your Atom is suffocating,unbearable in a small pain cave,i have used the Atom V2 on rental for several years and lately decided to return it,because could not take the noise anymore,as well the road feeling has nothing to do with riding outdoors !!! bougth the best trainer on the market,Wahoo Kickr V6 with WiFi,absolutely total road feeling just like riding outdoors and 120% silent...u only hear your cassette rolling...and connection is perfect due the WiFi...almost £1000 but full worth of it..., strongly recommend,Old Dragon.
I know what you mean. The Wattbike has been getting a bit noisier lately but I think it probably just needs a service. I may go down the route of overhauling bearings etc. before I look at a new trainer. If I do need to replace it, I may actually consider the Zwift bike.
great video! Would zwift run at the highest settings on the MacBook pro M2 or M3??
Many thanks. Yes, I'm running an M2 Mac and have Zwift set to 1440 (I think that's the highest setting). It even copes with this and multi-tasking - running OBS / Skype and maybe even RUclips at the same time. So an M3 should be even more capable.
Good luck for the race! look forward to seeing how you gett on and the accompanying video.
Many thanks for this. I'll do my best to get the video out next week.
Young guys like us can get away with anything when tapering 😂
LOL - I know - I feel like such a fraud sometimes!!! 😂
I would opt for the American Classics and go for the finish....are they that much slower than the others?
I think I agree. I've literally just been in the Pain Cave, looking at the bike and weighing it all up. If I'm honest, I think running the SuperTeam 88s would be driven more by vanity than sanity so the American Classics are the ones I'm going to run. There's a lot to be said for having just one less thing to worry about. In my last race (where I had the valve issue and had to run an old, possibly cracked wheel on the rear) every minute on the bike was purgatory - just waiting for something to go wrong. Definitely don't want to experience that again. Many thanks for watching and commenting.
Just one more thing I have thought of and thats the weather conditions on the day. Deeper dish wheels are more prone to side winds and if it is windy on the day your drcision will be vindicated 😊....looking forward to seeing how you go.
Another very good point. In the first triathlon of the year, these super-deep wheels were a real handful when hit with a side-wind. I've noticed that in a 10 mile Time Trial too. I think it's fair to say that in windy conditions (especially if you mix in a bit of rain) anything I gain from the Aero aspects of the wheels is more than lost to the handling and braking.
Mate, great video again! Love a taper series, great idea. And this is exactly why I went back to tubes, my blood pressure is high enough as is....
Thanks mate. Yep - I think the American Classics are the thinking man's choice....but the Superteams look soooo cool...LOL. Thanks as always for watching mate - hope you're keeping well?
@@TheImprobableIronman all good here, mate. Still on family vacation 🥳 can’t you set up the cool looking wheels with inner tubes? I know I’m being a heathen by talking about tubes these days, but I personally can’t be bothered anymore with all that stuff 🙈😅
@@TheImprobableIronman oh btw, can you tell me a bit more about your mic setup? Is that a wireless Rode?
Trust me mate - tubes are not a heathen thing!!! LOL. Already running tubes in these wheels. The problem is the rim depth - it's so deep that you can't get inner tubes (or tubeless valves) this long. Because of this, you need to add an extender to the valve and it's this that becomes the problem. The 'fun' part is that even if you do get one nicely sealed, if you puncture and swap the tube out then you could be trying to fight the same issue, by the roadside...in the middle of a race. What the Hell was I thinking buying rims this deep!!!! DOH!!!
Yes mate - Rode wireless. It's the first gen version (not the later one) and it's an absolute goto mic for me. They are pricey but I guess you get what you are paying for. I have to say that I'm always impressed with the audio quality on your videos - is that a media mod on a Go Pro?
Have a great race 👌
Many thanks. Really looking forward to this one.
Go American Classics for peace of mind. Good luck
Many thanks for this. Yes - I think you're right. The Superteams might become my sprint distance wheels but I do think that running the ACs will give me just one less thing to worry about on race morning. Thanks as aways for watching and commenting.
Good vid, looking forward to the next one
Many thanks as always Mike.
Good honest review. Thank you!
Many thanks for this - I really appreciate you watching and commenting. These are without doubt the best trainers I personally have ever used - love them.
Old Dragon...great effort !!! do u still u use the Atom NG ???
Many thanks. I was quite happy with that (given it was my second time up it today). Yes, still on the Atom. But I’m riding a Gen 1 still. It just goes on and on - love it.
@@TheImprobableIronman time to update your Atom..Old Dragon,the NG has a much smoother pedal stroke and electromagnetic resistance.
Well done mate, that was a lonely ride! Great effort
Thanks mate. I did think of chasing after the other guy but I think it was more about getting a quality workout today. I won two of the sprints (and, I think fastest up The Grade) and Garmin increased my FTP - result. Hope you're keeping well mate?
This sounds like an absolute nightmare. 😬
It certainly was - one of those times you invoke full-panic-mode!!! 😱
Been looking at one of these for a while struggling to find a reasonable one especially in this colourway
They really are great bikes and it's such a shame that Planet X does not have an Exocet in its product line any more. I time-trialled this at the weekend and just love it more the more I ride and race it. Good luck finding one - they are out there, set an alert on eBay to notify you of new listings. There's also a Triathlon Buy / Sell / Swap group on Facebook that may be worth a look.
Ive same issue with Domane 4.0 so I assume it will work. Can you share the link where you purchased them?
I'll be honest, it's a while since I bought this so I'm not sure where this particular one came from. I'm sure that Google would turn up the one you need (think I recently got one for the TT bike from Merlin). Just be sure that you're ordering the right one for your application.
@@TheImprobableIronman Understanable, thanks a mil for the reply nevertheless but looks like the right solution for my bike as well. I took it for a service bcaouse of the symptoms and the comapany changed the bearings but never noticed the issue (suprise) ... do it yuorself to be sure its done right 🙂
How do you remove the other side? I wish to check the chain as a noise is coming from that side after it was transported. Great video by the way.
Many thanks for watching and commenting. I'll be completely honest - I've not tried to take the other side off yet. I suspect that you have to remove the pedal, separate the two halves, remove the left one and then slip the other one down and back along the crank arm.....but that's just what I'm guessing, There is no way to remove the other arm so I think it has to be that. Having said this, I'm probably going to have to do it soon as I'm just beginning to hear a bearing starting to complain somewhere so there may well be a video on that coming.
It does look that way. I can’t find anything online to suggest this. Thanks for quick reply
Loving the wild deer beanie
It's a new favourite. Even the wife said, "That's quite nice...". Trust me, as endorsements go, that's right up there. 😄
Get well soon you tri legend. See you soon family member 💪👏👍
Thanks Andy. I'm enjoying the enforced rest, if I'm honest!!! LOL
Well done fella! So pleased for you, what a journey you've been on. I recently did my first duathlon with Wild Deer events and it was fantastic, well organised and friendly atmosphere.
Many thanks for this. I have to agree about Wild Deer - a really nicely run event with a great atmosphere here as well.
Ive seen that superteam also do a full disc for about £500. Tempted to grab one to give a full set of race day options?
It's a fair question and I have looked at that wheel too. Although it's tempting, I don't think I can justify the price - that one wheel would cost more than both of these 88s. I know it would give me a time saving on a TT and even on triathlons, but guess I'll just have to work on making my legs faster, LOL. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Yeah good point, costs can quickly spiral and get out of control. Are you running 23s on the exocet?
@@cmdrrockswift2204 I'm running 25s on mine. That was a concern for me when I bought the frame though - I read somewhere it'll only take a 23....but a 25 fits comfortably in mine.
Mate, I know exactly how you feel. My bike handling and descending skills are non-existent....Good luck on this one, mate! With the risk of sounding like my mum: be sensible out there!
Many thanks mate. There's every chance I'm going to end up hiking the bike when it gets too scary. Thank God the race rules don't allow video recording - I can tell everyone I rode like a mountain biking god!!! LOL
Great stuff......💪
Thanks mate - very much appreciated.
Downhill riding is a skill that can be learned, best advice is when on a descent stay relaxed, look ahead and brake before you feel the need to. Don't grip your saddle with your thighs as that makes you tense. I love off road triathlon far more rewarding in my experience
I'll try and remember that advice as I hurtle off the side of a berm, Ian!!! LOL. All jokes aside, I'm sure it will be a great experience. Thanks again for watching and commenting.
Well never one to rest on your laurels!!! Good luck with it!!
...Mainly due to bad planning in this case!! LoL. Many thanks for watching and thanks again for commenting.
Fantastic, well done Ian on your return to competition. Glad it was a positive experience. Your performance is clearly an indicator of just how well your training has gone, the bike is only as quick as the engine. I'll look forward to seeing the next one.
Hello mate - good to hear from you and hope you're keeping well? Many thanks for this - very much appreciated. You probably won't have to wait too long for the next one - it's possibly on Sunday!!! LOL. Video out soon to explain all. Thanks again.