Thursday, July 20, 2006

Beach Bums


The kids certainly enjoyed the fine weather of the last two weeks. Going to the beach every day is not a treat that is too common here in Ireland. You can see them looking across Dingle bay towards the Dingle peninsula.

We’re nearing the end of this particular “heat wave” though. I felt a few raindrops on both of my last two runs, even though it was still warm and sunny on both days. Wednesday started with the usual far-too-early wake-up call at 4:50 am, this time from Cian. He had fallen out of bed, and his crying woke me up. By the time I had walked into his room, he had fallen asleep again, beside his bed. I still picked him up and brought him to our bed. 10 minutes later Lola cried for mummy (she should know by now that crying for mummy at 5 am in the morning isn’t much use). Her problem? The blanket had fallen off. I told her that at the age of 5-and-a-half she really is old enough to pull up the blanket herself, not that she cared. I was just about to fall back asleep when Shea stormed into our room and wanted breakfast. I think I managed about 3 minutes of sleep before the alarm went off and I had to get up for my 11-miler. The run went well enough, even with the lack of sleep I felt less tired than on Monday.

I finally got a full complement of sleep on Thursday. I slept for nearly 8 hours, and the kids were all still asleep by the time I left. The 5-mile recovery run shouldn’t have been too tiring either, so I don’t quite understand why I’m completely knackered today. It might be the accumulated lack of sleep from the last few days, or the humidity, or maybe I’m just having an off day. Whatever the cause, I sure could use some more sleep. Keep your fingers crossed that the kids will be cooperating tonight.

19 Jul: 11 miles, 1:30, 8:10 pace
20 Jul: 5 miles, 46:30, 9:18 pace

15 comments:

  1. what cuties!

    how'd the kids manage to sleep in on Thursday? must have worn them out at the beach :)

    i'll keep my fingers crossed that the kids will cooperate :)

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  2. That's the best picture! I love it.

    Thomas, what about your fueling? Maybe its the combo of lost sleep and not enough food. I realized the other day that when I increased my mileage, I increased carbs, but didn't increase protein. I simply added a powerbar (about 10 grams of protein) to what I already ate in a day, and I think it helped. I was thinking maybe since you often eat vegetarian too, maybe it would help you.

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  3. I think the higher mileage is going to tire you out even with enough sleep and even though you might feel like you should be able to handle it you are bound to be tires. I agree with paying attention to your fueling and all of that, but also be happy that you are tired since most likely it means your body is adapting to the higher mileage and you should see the desired gains that you are looking for if you continue on the path you are on.

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  4. Looks like an artistic picture, how nice!!

    Wish you can rest!!

    To compensate the lack of sleep fueling ideas sound good.
    You are doing a great work despite the lack of sleep awesome!

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  5. I can completely commiserate with the lack of sleep. It seems like only a hour or so shouldn't make a big difference, but it builds over several days until you've really gotten a deficit and you're dragging. Watch out for the weekend! You'll let yourself relax and then BAM! totally passed out on the couch.

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  6. Great butt shot Thomas. Kids are so carefree at that age - it's terrific.

    Sleep is so important. I can't seem to get enough.

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  7. The heat and humidity probably have something to do with the way you're feeling, considering its uncommon for your area. I know the 37C/99F and humidity that we have been having is starting to wear me down - together with the lack of sleep because it's too warm at night.

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  8. those are the cutest photos! Now we know you are making all that stuff up about your kids! :)

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  9. ....nearly 8 hours of sleep - define this for me please. I forgot what 8 hours of sleep really is!

    You'll have to let me know how the Nimbus are working out.

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  10. What a great photo!!!
    I am with Rob - I feel tired most of the time when go high miles. I know of one person who doesn't, but then this person has no job, enough sleep and great food choices:)

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  11. Thomas, I had to tell you that everytime I click over to your blog the Beach Bums makes me chuckle. That is a great picture! (And excellent for showing prospective dates in the teen years.)

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  12. i thought this was a family-friendly blog :-p

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  13. wow - you used 'beach and Ireland' in the same sentence ;)

    what adorable kids!

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  14. That picture is too cute! I've been told the Dingle peninsula is beautiful.

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  15. Great pic and perfect title too! Hope you're catching up on some sleep but they do say that trouble sleeping is one sign of overtraining. Myself, I get complaints from 'coach' all the time about how I sleep so soundly and more than her! Being tired is a good sign of the body adapting, think "yes, this is good, I'm supposed to be tired ;-)" Hang in there!

    Great pic (again)!

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