COWSHED

Monday 22 October 2012

Triathlon: Completed

Just in case any of you were waiting with baited breath to hear how the triathlon went, well, yesterday was the day and I finished it.

I was last. 2 hours 16 minutes. Our whole family took part and we bookended the results with my brother-in-law winning in a time of just about an hour faster than me. But I finished.

And in case anyone is interested, here are some more thoughts...


{wearing/equipment}

adidas trainers nike running socks | running shorts | old nike 'run London' dri-fit tshirt | panache sports bra reebok running jacket | woolly gloves | Sweaty Betty swim suit & hat | speedo goggles 

I borrowed a 'specialized' brand mountain bike from a friend, with fat knobbly tyres. It was excellent and I felt really safe on it, aside from my woeful lack of cycling ability combined with inability to remember which gear lever did what, meaning I lost the chain on one steep ascent. I would also prefer a comfier saddle, but that wasn't any criticism of the bike. Thank you so much to my friend for stepping in to lend it me (and for my Dad for cleaning it this morning before it is returned).

If I were to do another triathlon, or actually, any cycling again, I think some padded bottom shorts (what I would call baboon pants) would really assist. Also, I think cycling shoes, not running shoes on the bike would be better. It was quite muddy and several times my trainers slipped on the pedals.

The sports bra was excellent and really helped. It was also perhaps a size larger than I needed, meaning that as my boobs expanded due to proximity to usual feeding time for the baby, there was room for them in the bra. It felt secure - a bit like a plate of armour. If I'd been shot, I think it would have been bullet proof.

The running jacket was also excellent. Light, windproof, breathable, with pockets for my map and jelly babies. I highly recommend.

{training}

as you might have expected, I didn't really manage to do any proper training. The one thing I did manage was a trial run of the swimming earlier in the week, which I found very helpful. Knowing that I could manage it, and what to expect, really boosted the start. I just wish I'd managed to do the same with the cycling. 

if you'd done a run and a cycle a week, then I think this event would have been pretty ok. the cycling part was quite track and mud heavy though, but just a little practice would have helped.

{improvement}

aside from training, I could have cut down the time on not getting dry/dressed after the swimming (although I am pretty sure that the few minutes I spent there, I saved by not being so uncomfortable on the cycle) and I could have for sure gone faster on the cycling by being less wimpy. aside from that, some training, no peeing by a tree half way round, not stopping to put the chain back on the bike and so on, and I think next time I can safely aim for sub two hours.

and that, I think, concludes the triathlon posts, unless there are any questions. until the next race, that is!

---

I was sent the sports bra by Panache but if I didn't like it I would say so. In the interests of full disclosure, I was also sent the Reebok running jacket by Reebok back in 2009 but I wasn't overly impressed by the kit at the time, especially the PR organisation, who wouldn't swap the shoes that they sent which didn't fit, which is why I didn't write about it at the time. Having worn the jacket more now, it's the only part of the Reebok kit I would recommend. The Nike run london shirt was provided to me by Nike when I entered the Nike run London event in 2005 (? date). It is good quality, if a little small, post pregnancy.

You can find further details regarding my sponsorship policy here

Monday 15 October 2012

Sponsored post: Woolacombe

Remember when we used to live in Somerset, back before we had a baby and moved back to London? Well, one of our favourite places to go for a day out at the beach was Woolacombe. It's actually in North Devon, just over the border, and a beautiful peaceful beach. We used to take our surf boards and spend the day messing around in the water before dining on fish and chips as the sun set.

If you are looking for somewhere to have a North Devon holiday, I would highly recommend Woolacombe. It's also just around the corner from Croyde, which is another lovely destination and surfing beach.

I was always really jealous that one of my fellow scout leader had a caravan at Woolacombe. In fact, down the other end of the same beach, there is a village called Putsborough where there is a campsite and carpark and place to park campervans. I used to dream of having a baby, buying a campervan and staying there for the weekend, surfing. If self catering is more your thing though, I understand that you can look for self catering in North Devon by following the link.

This is a sponsored post. You can find further details regarding my sponsorship policy here.


Monday 8 October 2012

pinteresting

i read on ESB's blog the other day that it is possible to see which images from your blog are pinned to pinterest. makes fascinating viewing. who'd have thought (aside from a study of my blog stats) that my most pinned photographs are still related to planning my wedding, and, in particular, the search for a peacock themed or coloured bridesmaid dress. i must have spent hours, nay days, searching for peacock bridesmaids dresses... (and don't tell my sisters, but their b.oobs have made it onto pinterest too!)






Friday 5 October 2012

Pink Fridays (in support of breast cancer charities)

Today's post is a bit of a mix. I don't usually post so much pink, but this is important. It's about supporting awareness of various breast cancer charities as well as A Safe Mooring and Pink Fridays. It may look just like things to buy, but these are easy ways to support such important charities. 

It's also a chance for an update from me; I've been a little busy of late. I know I'm always saying that, but, I've added more than parenting to the mix. I've started ballet classes again and am continuing with my triathlon training. I've been trying to find time to write. With little success. 

Anyway, the nice people at Panache who sent me a sports bra for my triathlon have launched a pink version to raise awareness and funds for their breast cancer charity, Coppafeel!.  It is being promoted by  Kristina Rihanoff, one of the professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing - speaking of which, I am very much looking forward to this series of Strictly, far more than any other. Mainly because I love dancing, but also because Victoria Pendleton is one of the contestants and I admire her hugely. An almost girl crush if you will. Similar aged to me, an amazing athlete, an amazing woman. (The inclusion of Louis Smith doesn't hurt either...)



I also discovered the most amazing popcorn - Propercorn. I was given a bag of this at London Fashion Week and thought it was delicious. My favourite was the Sweet and Salty flavour - just brown sugar and sea salt. I happened to notice when bulk buying in Planet Organic earlier this week that Propercorn are donating 10% of their sales of the special packs with a pink ribbon to Breakthrough Breast Cancer this month.  (Propercorn can be bought at Waitrose, Planet Organic & various cafes including Benugo as well as work place canteens, art galleries, Harvey Nichols and all eurostar routes!) So not just extremely tasty, but a way to support the amazing work that the charity carries out as well.

So, to conclude. Support breast cancer charities. Buy products which donate. Hold your own fundraising events (see below). Turn your own blog pink. (and if you do, let me know).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------



On Friday 5th October, bloggers are turning their blogs pink in support of Breast Cancer Care. Join them by turning a Friday pink this October!

Dress pink, eat pink, party pink or work pink. How you turn your Friday pink is up to you. It doesn’t matter how pink you go, we just need you to join the thousands who’ll be raising money during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And if a Friday doesn’t work, just pick a day that does! It doesn’t matter if you raise £20 or £200 at your Pink Friday as every penny will be help us support more people affected by breast cancer today.

SIGN UP NOW to receive your free Pink Fridays fundraising kit and help make 2012 the best year yet!

To see which blogs are turning pink for Pink Fridays, visit A Safe Mooring or follow #pinkfridays.

If you would like to support Breast Cancer Care but can't throw a Pink Friday of your own, you can donate here.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

PF&DR did not receive any payment or otherwise from Panache, save for the initial sports bra written about here. PF & DR received a free sample of Propercorn. All words and opinions my own (i.e. if I didn't like it, I'd say so)