Angus Cameron's Blog

Prepping for the First Weekend

2010-07-13T02:40:00.000-07:00

Since picking up Caly back in May, Vanessa and I have spent a lot of time and money on getting here ready for our Glamping (Glamourous Camping)weekends.

Our first weekend away was booked for 4th - 6th June and we wanted to stay fairly local and opted for Sparkford, near Yeovil in Somerset. Setting of at about 1400hrs on the Friday it was an uneventful journey and site located with ease.

The site only had to other plots taken and we were given the option of pitches. All of which were nice and level with plenty of space between them. After choosing our spot we went about setting up, me doing the blue jobs whilst Vanessa cracked on with the pink ones. Within 30 mins we were sorted and enjoying a nice cold wine in the beautiful sunshine.

That evening we opted to eat at the Sparkford Inn, approx 2 min walk from the site, food was good and it was a very pleasent evening. On our arrival the warden informed us about the Royal Bath and West Show was taking place on the Sunday so we opted to get up early and get the local bus to the show for the day. Although a touch expensive to get in £20 per person, it was a fabulous day. Lots of Scrumpy and plenty to see and do. On our return we decided to head straight to the pub and eat there again.....not wanting to mess the beautifully clean oven in the Motorhome.

Both being shattered after the long day it was back to the site for a wee night cap and an early night with a DVD.

Sunday was another beautiful day and we decide to work out how to erect the Safari room but after 40 mins it was clear that parts where missing so we packed it up as it clearly needed further investigating as to what we were missing.

All in all a very enjoyable weekend and a very successful first outing in Caly. Great little site for adults only and will definately be back in the future.

The Story so Far

2010-06-19T02:54:00.001-07:00

Well where to start, since returning from the Falklands in March 2010, My wife, Vanessa, and I had be looking for a Motorhome so that we could make a little more of our weekends and with a view to touring Europe in the years ahead.

We visited just about every Showroom on the south coast and whilst we saw lots of beautiful Motorhomes they were either out of our budget or not of the design and layout that we thought would best suit us. We did get a clear idea of the layout we wanted, and settled on an ACE Frienze.

We now concentrated on these and after the first two we looked out where quickly snapped up before we got a chance to view them. We then found one for sale in Brighton which was only advertised that night and arranged to view it the next night.

It was perfect and the deal was done.

Friday 22nd Jan 2010 @ 15:11 Local

2010-01-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

Another clear day in the Falklands although the wind is still very strong and set to get worse over the weekend. It is hard getting long runs in down here as its hilly enough without having to battle 50kph winds.

Work is really ramping up and starting playing havoc with the training although I did manage to sneak away today for and hour and had a relaxing hour on the treadmill and then some upper body weights.

Heading shortly for planned PT, this is going to be Boxercise with our very own hardcore instructor. Looking forward to that and then plan to chill for a bit in the pool and do some drills and continue with the tumbleturn lesson from wednesday. All finished off with a nice and relaxing Sauna.

I think I will of then earned my beer but not many as I plan on a big run tomorrow to ensure I definately have earned my beer on Burns Night.

Thursday PM

2010-01-21T07:28:00.000-08:00

Just had lunch and a bit annoyed that work is getting in the way of training, FF10 is really starting to ramp up and without a wagon to get back here finding it hard to get training in during the day.

I will have to make a big effort this afternoon if I am to succeed and get my 3 sessions today as the afternoon is filling up fast.

Tuna roll for lunch and a pocket full of fruit now of to see if I can find someone to bug with my tuna breath.......but now cleaning teeth before every phys quirky but keep me from smoking 3 days now and finding it easy, bring on the weekend and see how I cope on burns night.

Wind seems to be getting lighter so hoping late PM run is on the cards before I go spinning. Fingers crossed.

Thursday 21st Jan 2010

2010-01-21T01:39:00.001-08:00

Its 0640hrs on a pretty dull and windy Falklands morning and the wind sock is not being kind so no run this morning. Had a slight change to the plan last night, did my swimming lesson and now know what I have been doing wrong in my tumbleturns so think I need a few days practising. Well after that I signed up for one of the extra spinning sessions. It was run by the chubbier of the instructors so no very hard but well worth doing

I was very good on completion of training went down the bar for the end of the quiz and had one orange and lemonade, then back to bed.

Going to Breakfast early then walk to work, cos MT have taken our wagon....thanks. Got my application for the Stanley Half Marathon, which is on Sunday 14th Feb

Plan for today is to get three sessions in, Definately Swimming during the working hours, Spinning at 2015hrs and hopefully a 10km run at some point.

I will keep you posted.

Pounding Those Roads

2010-01-20T04:13:00.000-08:00

Well getting well back into my training. Friday was a fairly tough Swimming Group training session for HQ PT then went out and did the 17.5k run to Mare Harbour in very windy conditions.

I even took it easy for the Killicks in the mess and got myself an early night - in bed for 2230hrs.

It was rather novel getting up on a Saturday Morning and and not feeling like crap. I secured early and went back in the pool, did a lot of breast stroke today to get me ready for next week Swimming Gala as I have been stiffed to do the 100m Breast Stroke. After that I went to the extra Spinning session that had been laid on and whilst not the most arduious of sessions, it got the Heart Rate up and probably just what I needed.

Hard work done, it was time to chill and went up to Sharkies at about 1730hrs. After a good couple of hours headed down to Cats Cradle and met up with the NEFI crowd and pratised my Jack Two Step - looking good.

Up early on Sunday and into breakfast - a real weekend of firsts. No breakfast in bed this Sunday. Chilled till approx mid day then did the 10k route, followed swiftly by a pool session and sauna. Sun was no very strong and wind very low so sat on the grass by accom and enjoyed a very cold bottle of white wine. Gave tea a miss and had early night.

Monday 18th was busy day at work and only managed on work out which was the 10k and not enjoyable as the wind was horrible. Tuesday was a little better planned and managed to do an hour in the Gym then chilled watched the Man City/Man U game then went back down and did an hour in the pool and 20 mins in Sauna. Had a real restless night and at 0500hrs on the Wednesday gave up on trying to sleep and put my kit on and went and did the 10k again, absolutely beautiful morning and really enjoyed my run.

It is now 0940hrs and got swimming trials at 1100hrs, then plan another fat burning hour on the cross trainer before my swimming lesson at 1815hrs. No quiz tonight at the weight is finally starting to move. Post run weight yesterday was 80.6kg compared to my arrival weight of 89kg.

I will let you know tomorrow how todays training goes.

First post of 2010 - Falkland Islands

2010-01-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Well here I am in 2010, and still in the Falklands although only 8 weeks left to crack. Training has been pretty steady state over the last 4 months although December was a bit of slack time.

Now that the new year is here the next couple of months should be pretty much full on training.

I have prepped my monthly plan and thus far stuck to it apart from spinning tonight being fully booked and not able to do that but will maybe go to gym and then swim which will be enough, already done my 10 km this morning.

Next race will be The Fleet Half Marathon on the 21st of March. Not sure If I am going to bother with any triathlons this year as the changing of Jobs could prove a bit difficult to plan them.

Well back to blogging so no excuses

Happy New Year to all who read this.

Flight Details have arrived.

2009-07-27T07:50:00.001-07:00

My Flight details for the Falklands are now in and as expected I am flying out on 2nd Sept 2009.

I have been doing some searching on the Web and pleased to annouce that the Pucon Ironman 70.3 is happening in Pucon Chile whilst in the Falklands.......Now to see if my new boss will allow me the time off to take part in it????

Week 2 back in training and quite pleased with how things are progressing, leaving the running alone for the time being and going right back to basics so plan is to have 8 weeks of prep before moving on to base work.

I will let you know how things progress

After a very long lay off.

2009-07-23T07:11:00.001-07:00

It has been a very long time and a very long story but I am finally back in training and although having to start again from scratch this time I will be doing it smarter and hopefully avoid the major setbacks that blighted 2008 and 2009 thus far.

So please keep checking back.

Finally Back in Training

2007-10-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

At last my fairly minor but extremely painful injury has at last relented and I am slowly getting back to training.

Back in June I stubbed my big toe whilst playing football in Turkey, although the nail did go black it wasnt until 5 weeks ago that it actually decided it had served me well for 39 years and it was time for it to move on. But the process of it actually coming completely off took four weeks and even all the bathing in dettol was not encouraging it to go any faster. But all done now and I have started to clock up the miles again, which is good as the Great South is in 10 days.

The swimming and bike are being slightly neglect at the moment whilst I get the running back up to speed.

Hot News - I have today taken the plunge and moved up the distance, maybe getting a bit cocky with only two olympic distances done, but figured if my second race was a Sub 2hr30min why not................So today I applied for my IRONMAN UK 70.3 place. So roll on 15th June 2008...it may only make me a Half Ironman but its another step closer to the dream.

I will let you know how the training is going......I am currently working on my 2008 Race plan now that most dates are firming up as the 2007 season is all but over.

Current goal is getting to my fighting weight of 74kgs by Christmas then maintain that and work on my running so I can maintain a 7min 15sec per mile pace over a half marathon distance.

Lets See.

Watch this space

Been a while.

2007-08-28T12:24:00.001-07:00

Back to work today after three wonderful weeks. I did manage to get plenty of training done whilst on leave, Sea swims in Lee, Spinning in Fareham and some excellent runs.

Sunday 26th saw me taking part in my first race since LONDON, it was the Southampton Fast Twitch (the first ever Triathlon I did back in 2006). The spinning in Fareham over leave seems to have paid dividends as my cycling has improved tremendously, getting around a 30km undulating course in 56 mins would of been unthinkable a few months ago, it was a clear 20mins quicker than last years attempt.

My running is coming along slowly but my new Garmin 305 Forerunner is definately making a difference to the way I train, so thank you Vanessa for such a wonderful present.

My weekly training plans are at last settling down to decent routine with a number of regular sessions and managing to deconflict the more important sessions. More of that to follow as there is still room for improvement.

London Complete - Happy with that!

2007-08-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! Had a fantastic weekend Van and I set of early Saturday morning and arrived at Excel about 1130hrs. Spent the next couple of hours scouting out the setup and checking transition routes etc. Then went on to enjoy the glorious weather and watched the sprints. The swim start looked as duanting as I was expecting and the heat was a bit of a concern. After a good couple of hours milling about soaking up the atmosphere we decided to head into town for a bit of retail therapy. Got back to hotel about 2130hrs and completed all my race preps, checked all my gear to make sure nothing was missing, then prep the bike and mishap one, slipped on a manhole cover in car park and came off my bike landing awkwardly on my backside and its still giving me grief today.

Any race day and an early start for both, I was up and out by 0600hrs with Van up and left to pack room up for us both to be ready for my wave start at 0800hrs. Got setup and ready to start with no dramas. It was then muster for race brief and into the water. With nearly 400 people in my wave space on the start line was very limited and the first 500metres where as manic as I had expected. I knew I had to concentrate on swimming straight line and not my usual zig zag route I normally do in open water. Well that went out the window, if there was a sniper wishing to take someone out there was no way he was getting me, I started the swim on the further left bouy but by about the 600 metre mark I was right out by the canoeist keeping guard on the right. So my swim time was good for a person who swam about 200metres more than anyone else. Note to self - learn to swim in straight line.

Came out of the water in 30mins and got through T1 with no dramas. Out onto the bike and the new tri bars fitted for this relatively flat course seems to be paying off as my average speed was up around 32KPH. Reached the first turnaround feeling really strong and started to think I would have to adjust my timings as things were going really well. As I came passed Excel to start my long bike lap (all the way into Westminster) I knew my time was going to be better than I hoped (if all went well). I got down into my Tri bars and cranked it into a high gear and just put my head down and went for it. All those hours in the saddle and my previous two hilly bike courses at Winchester and Totton appeared to be paying of as actually started to overtake people on the bike leg - (not something I am used to). I arrived back at Excel feeling good and bike of about 1hr 10mins and again T2 went as planned. Vanessa had positioned herself on the run course and my projected timings meant I should of been passing her the first time at about 1010hrs but I got there about 0953hrs to both of our suprise. The heat was no becoming a concern as tempertures where no getting to around 30C. I had probably taken on too much water on the bike a felt a bit uncomfortable at the start of the run but the large crowds made a huge difference and it was just a case of head down and clock of miles bit at a time. I quickly go into my stride and a time of 2hrs 30 was looking possible - I tried doing the maths on the run but the grey matter was working to hard trying to keep my body in check so I gave up trying to be smart and just enjoy myself. A the start of the second lap the legs started to get a bit heavy and heat was really starting to take its toll, my thoughts of a sub 2.30 where out of the window but my goal of 2.45 was well within reach - even if I walked the last lap but that wasn't about to happen. The first run lap was 24.3 mins and a repeat of that for the second lap would give me a 2.35 finish. I didn't notice myself picking up the pace but some how I did and completed the second lap in 22mins giving my a total time of 2hrs 32min 20secs, I am was and am over the moon with.

Thanks Vanessa for giving up your entire weekend to come and support me and of course putting up with my endless training sessions. Next Race Southampton Tri on 26 Aug (this is the first race I ever did back in 2006)

Target Reached

2007-08-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all those wonderful people who have dug deep and sponsored me, today I reached my target of £500 as pledged for the London Tri, now looking forward to raising another £100 for my entry into the Great South Run. I am looking forward to my last training session tonight before the big race on Sunday but looking forward more to the 3 days of rest. I am hoping I can control myself not to go out for a little run or bike but the plan is do nothing now until the race.

Once again thank you all for your support and words of encouragement, things are going well in training and I am mulling over taking part in the Ironman next year instead of 2009, but I will make that call in December.

See you again on Monday.

Totton Triathlon

2007-07-30T01:03:00.000-07:00

Another good week of training and now totally settled into my new job and making the most of all the wonderful facilities available. I have had a number of good swims this week and really enjoyed the open water session on Saturday with about 12 of us from Portsmouth Triathletes taking to the water at Eastney. New bouys had been deployed and after a gentle once round (Approx 800M) we then pratised group starts and pack swimming. On completion some of the group went out for a slow jog along Southsea front, the sun was shining and turned into a very enjoyable run with the pace picking quite dramatically, not ideal for me when i have a race the next day.
Anyway the rest of saturday was spent chilling out and getting ready for Totton. Another early Sunday Morning up at 0530hrs and off to Totton, I was in the last wave at 0800hrs so plenty of time to get set up and relax. The swim went according to plan with no major drama's and a really good T1, only a 400m swim and came passed the timing desk in 8 min 6 secs. The first part of the Bike was a nightmare my legs felt so heavy and I struggled to get and decent speed up. At around the 7 mile mark the blood had obviously started pumping normally and I found my rhythm and came back to transition in 52mins 15secs. Another decent transition (or would have been really good if I didn't have to go back for my running vest) and quickly out for the 6.2KM run, started with a long gradual incline that made finding the pace hard but after about 2KM I had and then someone put a FBH in my way. I gritted my teeth and got over the hill and once the legs recovered I managed to pick up the pace. After the turn around I found I still felt pretty good and enjoying the run into the finish line with a run time of 31 mins 31 secs for 4.2 miles (pretty good for me). Giving me a total of 1hr 31 mins 54 secs and putting me 60th out of 137.

Now in taper week for London nothing doing after wednesday night run. 3 Days of Yipeeeeeee.

Winchester Fast Twitch

2007-07-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

Early start today for the Winchester Tri, 0630hrs in the car and off to Winchester for a 0815hrs start in the pool. Race was a 400m swim, 22 mile cycle and a 6 mile run. During the race I decided that the word undulating should be banished from the english dictionary, Winchester was hilly....very hilly, the swim was flat, but that was about it. Swim went well, 7 mins 24 secs then the long run to first transition and first cockup of the day, Its was a bit chilly so thought I would put a base layer on under my tri suit but dry top and wet body made it impossible so had to scrap that Idea and start pedalling. Bike was okay but I am rubbish on the hills and need to do some serious hill work to get that sorted, think the winter months will be spent on a turbo trainer on hill settings. Flew into T2 and was feeling really good but very hilly start to the run and it totally took it out of me, wasn't until at least the 3 mile point until I found my stride and started to make up some time and ended up completing the race in 2 hours 5 mins and 25 secs, not sure yet where that places me but middle of the field is my aim. Roll on next week and the Totton Tri.

Still Smiling.

back in the Swing of things

2007-07-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Had a really good training week this week with plenty of time in the pool at COLLINGWOOD and a half decent couple of runs. My numbers arrived for both the London Tri and this weekends Winchester, 3148 for London and 348 for Winchester. Rode the winchester cycle route on Wendesday, a touch hilly, probably discribed as undulating...my arse its bloody hilly. Had a big training day on Wednesday with early morning swim, just a timed 1.5km, with my new Aqua Sphere Seal XP Professional goggles (Thanks Brian and Josie for my birthday pressie, then drove to Winchester and once I found the Riverside Centre cycled the bike route (I think) well I did 33KM so as near as damn it. Got back home around 1600hrs and chilled until 1830hrs when I went up to Stubbington and joined the Stubbington Green Running and Athletics and joined them for a very nice 7.02km run. It was then home for tea and a warm bath and early to bed as I started my new Job at Collingwood on the Thursday Morning. Thursday was a rest day which was good as I was a bit stiff. Friday today and started with a cycle to work then a quick 20 mins in the pool 2 x 400 and 1 x 200 metres trying to get my time sorted for Sunday.

Well tomorrow is back to Eastney at 0900hrs for an open water session with Portsmouth Triathletes followed by a smally run, weather permitted I hope to cycle but the car is prepped just in case.

Will post again after the race on Sunday.

Fundraising going great with an extra £90 in the kitty this week. Thanks to all those who have supported me thus far.

Bad Run Day

2007-07-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

The sun was out and all my chores were done, so what better than taking my nice new trainers out for a quick run. The couple of days I have had a pretty sore throat and thight chest so raising the heart rate and a bit of stressful breathing should have done the trick. It was my usual time trial of 4 mile on the flat, which is my progess marker, so timings on this run are pretty important to ensure I am maintaing my race pace. Unfortunately today my throat and breathing were causing more concern that I had hope and at about the 3 mile mark i ran out of flem and started borking.....not ideal. It was like swallowing a fly when your mouth is like sandpaper, hopefully I didn't put too many people off their drinks in the beer garden of the Golden Bowler in Stubbington. Anyway it meant I had to walk for 10 mins (on a four miler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). There is always tomorrow and its 0900hrs at Southsea for a 1.5KM open water swim with Portsmouth Triathletes...can't wait.

Been a while

2007-07-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not placing an update in a while, the first week back at work was pretty hectic, handover week and a million things to get sorted. Too many socials and rounded of the Northwoods Summer ball on the Friday....Thanks to Andy, Russ, Gaz and thier partners (our table)for making the evening very enjoyable.

Today was my first real day back at training, I even had to invest in a new pair of trainers so a trip to Alexanders Sports in Portsmouth and my old battered Nikes are destined for trainer heaven.

Cycled up to Collingwood and then did forty minutes in the Pool and cycled home. Only 21 days until I go to london so think I best step it up a gear. Keep checking and I will keep you posted.

Back from Hols

2007-07-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Back to reality today, landed at Gatwick at 0610 and in work for 0930hrs. Had a fantastic 10 days in Turkey managed to get plenty of time in the pool and the odd run. Weather was far too hot to go out running too often, in the high forties most days and not really cooling down in the evening. Anyway back in the real world once again and in my last week at PJHQ.

Planning on an early night tonight and catch up on some sleep big day golfing tomorrow.

Justgiving upto £219 so thanks to all for your support

Ready for my warm weather training

2007-06-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

Today is the day, off to Turkey for 10 days of sunshine and some serious training, not feeling great, too many beers in the Mess last night, thanks Andy and Russ for making about turn when I was ready to leave. No struggling to get all my jobs done before I get picked up to go to the Airport. So thats all for today....which is a rest day (Thankfully) See you in 10 days. When I will be much browner and hopefully a lot fitter.

Day one of my Blog

2007-06-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, Just setting this up today, probably not the best time to do it as I am off to Turkey for so warm weather training. I will see how my daily diaries go and hopefully the content will be of interest to those wonderful people who have supported me through www.justgiving.com/anguscameron

Check back soon.

Oh note for the day, Thanks Mash for getting us lost on our lunchtime run, that easy 5 KM turned into a rather emotional 10km with some real buggers of hills, fun though.