Island report

stats of the week so far: run 25km, cycled 320km

Folks,

I'm glad to report of a successful week of training on the Canarian island of Fuerteventura. I've to admit it's a rather barren sort of landscape. However, passing its central mountains I imagined it could be Northern Scotland if it would just be greener and wetter.



Our southern hotel was'nt conveniently situated for cycling as the first 17km were the same every day out and back. Therefore it was also sort of training for psychological stamina.

Regarding my personal circumstances I'm happy that I had proper week of sports what makes kind of a start to a new year and a different life.

Sunny interval

stats of the week: run 34km, cycled 78km, gym 4hrs

With a little help of Diclofenac our Fuerteventura cycling week started promising. The first two days saw fellow F and me doing 180km with an ascent of more than 3,000 meters of height difference. The island offers really challenging routes, actually a bit too tough at the begin of season. So we take it easy and slow but it is still exhausting.

Anyone looking for cycling early season in the sun I still would recommend to go to Lanzarote which is more convenient to start the new year's training. However, my target is to see all seven Canarian islands and Fuerteventura was my second last to visit. The only one now missing is El Hierro, the smallest one, not a cycler's destination but good walking area.

Cautious schedule

stats of the week: run 47km, gym 3.5 hrs

The week's mileage looks fine. Speed is still rather low but is improving. The only nuisance is that my back doesn't recover. For running it's okay but I doubt that I'll be able to have a good cycling week on Fuerteventura next week.

I'm going to ask the doc for another deep injection behind my spine and go for a session of osteopathy.

So far I refrain from setting a time goal for London but this is a rough schedule for the final 12 weeks:

New year with Hilde

stats of the week: run 35km

The week's achievement looks better than I feel. However, it's a start at least and I'm going to set up a schedule to prepare for London. The 12-week-countdown will start next weekend.

This is Hilde. She's a lovely elderly lady and a designated new member of the family.

Sports year not yet started

Sorry folks,

still no sports to be reported. Seems the recent days were too much of a load and my back reacted by suffering from a lumbago. To add to that I caught a persevering viral infection.

Therefore it's now nearly 2 months that I havn't done any proper running. We'll see how the new year goes on. It's still 14 weeks to go to London Marathon.

Personal notice

Dear folks,

I've started running again. It doesn't make sense to stop it. Just like there's no sense to keep on running. Therefore the better choice is to run.

Did you ever think about the fact that every day many thousands of people and creatures pass away? Several religious theories try to help around reality. I admit faith might be helpful to cope with facts we find hard to accept. As an act of courtesy I visited a couple of religious services during recent days. I'm still convinced life is just a chemical process and soul is missionary's invention. However I can't explain feelings after suddenly having lost the person I spent half of my life with.

Those of you knowing me personally may have a look at Angelika's memorial page.

All the best for 2011. Have fun and run!

Age Group: MOM

stats of the week: 2hrs indoor cycling, 5hrs gym, no running!

Wednesday noon, I'm sitting in front of the computer. I'm nervous. What I intend to do is mad. Two minutes later it's done.

I'm in. We're in. Frank and me have entered the Transalp Tour 2011.
7 days of cycling, 935km, 20,000 altitude meters. Life is best when doing crazy things, isn't it?

Our class is called "Grand Masters", for two men counting at least 100 years. Thx for this, more accurate would be "Mad Old Men".

Photo: Stelvio Pass is part of the route. I did it twice, but this time I'll have to be fit the next day, too ...