A spirit rekindled.

Just remembered I had once started a blog and upon opening it, I realised that I hadn't even covered my last two events of last season (2014)!... That may give an indication of how it all finished. Following on from London, I didn't really recover from the calf injury, which was eventually diagnosed as torn tendons (yes, both legs!), requiring a lot more rehab than planned. I hadn't known this, going in to Challenge Weymouth Half, but, that didn't matter in the end, as my race was over in the swim, before it had started. But, I'm sure you are all only too aware of the conditions at Weymouth, so I'll leave it there... I went to see Becky, the physio, after Weymouth and it was her that diagnosed the issue with torn tendons, giving me stretches and exercises to do, as well as a 12 week running rehab plan. The stretches are mainly aimed at avoiding ITB tightness. The exercise has been mainly heel drops, single legged and the return (up) part has to be done with both legs together, so as to not over exert the tendon! Talk about monotonous... Admittedly, I have never been one for stretching before, or after training, and it's still hard to remember to do it. So, I was happy to know that there was infact a way out of this injury spiral, and with renewed enthusiasm I got stuck in. There is no affect on my cycling, and swimming is unaffected, too, so it's not like I'm losing heaps of fitness. But, still I suffered a set back, though! The rehab was going very well, following the programme of varying lengths of intervals, with varied recoveries, all done in a tempo/ jog format. Last week, half way through the 9th week, my right calf pulled tight again! I stopped quickly, and managed to avoid doing further damage, but still, it doesn't do running confidence much good. Desperate to get this sorted out, and soon, I have an appointment with James Dunne (Kinetic Rev), arranged for when I get home, so I'm praying that somewhere between all the messing about I've done this season, he may be able to see what's going on... I really don't fancy a life of Aquathons! I have my season already planned, starting with a wee super sprint in April, (only because it is on my doorstep), I steadily increase the distances, until I get to August and the Rubicon tri. Really looking forward to that one, no idea why, but that's the one, my one and only 'A' race of 2015... If I'm running by then! Training (bike) over the past few weeks has been going really well, with good power increases on the Watt Bike, every repeat cycle. This is two fold, as it obviously bodes well for next season, but also further spurs me on to go face the wall, sitting on the Watt Bike, for yet another mind numbing session. I'm off the rig in a few days, and hopefully, between Becky and James, I'll be on track (sorry!) to running recovery again...

London Tri(ed)... 3rd August 2014.

Finally, I feel like revisiting the shambollick events of London and blogging them!... I’d been looking forward to this event, for quite some time. Quite excited by the thought of 13,500 competitors spread over the weekend, at regular intervals throughout the day. Also looked forward to being able to shop around the Excel’s Expo, too! Booked into local Travelodge for 4 days, I thought it would be great. Arriving on the Friday, I could spend Saturday recce’ing the main hub and transition, plenty of opportunities to casually spectate other triathletes, and see what I could learn from the habits and set ups of others... After checking in to the hotel, I wasn’t expecting to encounter the heat in our room!... No AC! We had a 9” table fan, and could open the 1st floor window just 3”, but there wasn’t even a breath of air outside... Sleeping wouldn’t be easy. Saturday, I woke with back ache! Nothing unusual there, but on the eve of a race, I could have done without it. I hoped that, with minimal exertion, it may just disappear... We spent all day, grazing (healthily [me]), browsing all the stalls and pacing around the main hub, swim start, transition and the local roads in general. The weather was beautiful, but as the days temperature rose, I was glad that I was in Wave 1, starting Sunday morning, at 06:40. We had dinner, walked some more, bought some goodies for breakfast, then headed back to the hotel. Checked the bike over, nothing untoward there. Placed all my race kit, meticulously in my race bag, ready for an early start. Only downside so far, was being unable to pre register, the day before. I laid there, on the hotel bed for ages, listening to that damn fan, but couldn’t switch it off. Eventually drifted off to sleep. Up with the Larks!... Breakfast eaten, it was time to go. Apparently, my back ache was gone. Oops, spoke to soon, my back ache was still there, or there abouts, but just felt more in my glute than back. A brisk walk to Excel. Registration disposed of quickly, and I was off to transition. Racked the bike, then set out my little towel. Hung my number belt across my bars, and placed my helmet on top. Pulled my bike shoes out of their bag, NO!... Damn, I had left the insoles (custom jobbies), in my road bike shoes. Spent a few minutes calling myself all the incompetent words under the Sun, before having to resort to pulling the custom insoles out of my running shoes and inserting them in the bike shoes. This would get me out of a bind, but add valuable time to T2... Mutter, mutter, mutter... Off to race briefing... Wet suit on (to the hips), and already the temperature was rising. I hear the call to the swim start and off I go. There was a guy there who just took great joy in getting everyone hyped up, shouting and cheering, he was full of it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t! I just wanted to get to the water and get in, before I melted... The claxon sounded and we were off. I did my usual and hung back a little, but set off without fuss. It sure felt a lot longer than it looked! But, then it always does. Soon enough, I was clambering up the slipway. A young volunteer grabbed my zip and pulled it, making life easier for me. Wetsuits had to be removed outside, and bagged, before entering transition. Tis done, I was off up the stairs. My back still felt ok, but I had guessed it would, for the swim. The bike would test it! Into T1. Lid on, followed by shoes, then belt. I was off, running through T1, to the mount line. The first turn (right) heads straight into a steep slope out of the carpark type area, with a tight left at the bottom, and marshals, all screaming for us to slow down as we approached the left hander... Soon out on the main roads, heading towards the turn at Westminster. Something quite surreal about riding through the city centre and having the entire road to myself. Unfortunately, my back/ glute was refusing to play ball, and getting down on the extensions was quite uncomfortable, especially when trying to put power down, so I had to keep changing around, which wasn’t doing my aerodynamics much good! The last part of the course was a bit draggy, between Billingsgate RAB and Spittlefields RAB and had to be done twice, to get the distance near 40K. Fortunately, the crowds were already awake and compensated well for the wind and speed humps! Back up the slope and I was at T2. Quickly removed the insoles from bike shoes and inserted them in my runners... I was off. Exiting the Excel building to cheers from the crowds which were being very vocal, especially as we ran through the charities area. Temperature was just right, not hot enough to burn, but enough to make you feel good. I rounded the far end of the lap at the regatta centre and headed back towards the Excel. No trace of a back ache I was feeling very good and running well. 3 laps to do and I was cruising along nicely. Back through the charity tents, passed the DJ and breezed up the hill to enter the Excel again, on the first floor level. As I ran through the coned area inside I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my right calf! First thoughts were cramp, so I tried to run through it. But, it quickly became apparent it wasn’t cramp. I did try stretching, but there was nothing to stretch out! Once stopped, there was no pain, but I couldn’t run, I could hardly walk! I was gutted. Back ache gone, glute ache gone, I was running well, but now this, I had pulled my calf. No idea how it happened, or why. The brief uphill run into Excel couldn’t have done it, nor (I think) the section of false road, over the rough area, before the charity tents. I saw no benefit in limping round, just to finish and felt I’d potentially do more harm than good. So, I limped over to find a marshal and handed my timing chip back. The marshal tried to head me over to the girls handing out medals, but I wasn’t having that. I didn’t finish, so I wouldn’t collect a medal, or goody bag... I just wanted my bike and a bit of space. I grabbed all my kit, and limped back to the hotel. There, I put my CompresSport Calf Guards on and lay on the bed, with leg elevated. A quiet evening in Docklands and headed home the next day. The back ache didn’t return, but the Gluteus pain was quite limiting, as was the calf. It would be 13 days, before I started training again. Next race Waveney 2, Bungay, followed by Challenge Weymouth half...

Challenge Weymouth recce trip.

I decided to take a few days away, and visit Weymouth for a recce of the Challenge Weymouth half course. Not been to Weymouth for a long, long time, since I was a child, and I was blown away by the beauty of the area! Arrived at The Riviera Hotel on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The hotel is designed so that all rooms have an external door, making it very convenient to keep the bikes in the room. Checked in, built the bike and went out for a walk, to explore the local area. Monday morning, following a good breakfast I was out on the bike. The Challenge course was downloaded in my Garmin 800 and off I went. Initial part of the ride, exiting Weymouth has a few little digs in it, but once out the back of the town, the course opens up and gently rolls through some fantastic countryside, with spectacular views around every corner. The Garmin recorded 90°F on the ride, and I was glad that I had applied plenty of sun block on my head, as there’s nothing worse than a suntan gained through a cycling helmet! Not a very flattering look. Passing Monkey World was quite a surprise for me, as I wasn’t expecting to see primates sitting at the top of poles, above the tree line, as I rode by! The course gently undulates as it works it’s way back to Weymouth. Unfortunately for me, we were staying at the Riviera, which has Jordan’s Hill separating it from Weymouth sea front, so this had to be ridden before and after each ride. Once back at the hotel, I took advantage of the outdoor pool, and cooled my legs off. Walked along the seafront in the afternoon, all the way to the Sea Life tower and back, followed by a steak in the hotel restaurant. The next morning was more of the same... A hearty breakfast before heading out to ride the course, yet again, this time alone and faster ;) Still very warm, I enjoyed the day. The good thing about the course is that the decents are all quite simple, no tight twisty roads, just very fast downhill sections... A joy to ride. Back at the hotel, I cleaned up, changed and headed out. Down to the beach for a sea swim. No wetsuit, the water was great, so I had a nice swim in the ‘bathing’ section. Again, this was followed by stroll along the front, working up an appetite for the fish supper on The Esplanade. Up early for breakfast, followed by 2 laps of the Challenge Weymouth run course, along the sea front, without doing the twisty bit in the town centre. Back at the hotel, showered and time to check out. Before going home, we took a drive over to Durdle Door. Had a walk down to the beach, then across, over the cliff’s, to Lulworth Cove. Quite a hike! Really looking forward to going back for the race in September, and spending a few more days getting to know the area.

Fritton Olympic Triathlon - 15th June.

At long last... I finally get round to updating my blog! Had three good, solid weeks training on the rig, and felt in good shape when I arrived back home. I was off the rig a day early, but had to spend 2 days in Aberdeen, on a course. Saturday was spent packing and checking all my equipment, ready for the Oly distance tri, the next day. I’m OCD and have a check sheet for the various length tri’s I do, but still have to check and recheck everything packed. Popped down the road to Fritton and registered with the officials. Collected my race pack and went home. Nice early start, up at 5am. It’s only a 3 mile drive, but still need to get up and be at destination early. Arrived at Fritton just as registration opened. Formalities complete, I now had my timing chip, the final piece in the puzzle. Racked bike, checked out transition, then off back to car, to get changed into trisuit and wetsuit. Noticed the area outside of transition exit was chippings, so decided to put shoes on, before jumping on bike. For now, all I could do was hope for a dry race. With a slight delay, we finally started the main race around 9am. It was a simple course of buoys to follow, though I still managed to take a wrong turn, costing me about 150m of extra swim. Nearly got my teeth kicked in, by one erratic breast stroker with quite a violent kick! Exiting the water, I was gutted to see that I had taken 40 minutes. No time to dwell, I run to transition, pull the wetsuit off and prepare for the bike leg. Good choice to put shoes on first, as I passed a few riders tippy toeing through the gravel. Out on the road and I felt quite comfortable. The course was 2 loops of a nice rolling route, with only one section of busy road to navigate. Into a rhythm, I tapped away on the bike course, gradually pulling in a few riders. Glad to see that the rain had held off, for most of the race, with only a light spitting, in a couple of places. Back in transition and off the bike. Bike shoes off, socks on, Oh! Wait a minute, left sock is on right foot! OCD kicks in, and because I can clearly see an ‘L’ (Left), I have to pull it off and put it on the right foot. Right, now to hot foot it through the next leg... Only 10k. Temperature certainly rising now, I take the offered water bottle at every stop. The run course is all trails, so I keep a good eye on the ground, trying to avoid injury. As I run, I begin dissecting the race already! Can’t understand why I took 40+ minutes, to swim 1500m. The unfortunate diversion wasn’t that bad, surely... Maybe the course was long... Maybe I am just a crap swimmer! Now to the bike... I should have pushed harder, maybe. I felt good, going into the run, so perhaps should have dug deeper, but where is the tipping point?... Two laps into the run and I start to increase tempo. Not far to go, just one more lap, just keep pushing on. There’s the finish... Already! I sprint to the line, but too late. Too late to make up time, and too late to empty the tank... I hadn’t paced that as well as I thought. A disappointed look at my Garmin confirms my fears... Outside my target for my first Olympic distance. Official time was 02:56:04. Swim: 40:36. Bike: 01:17:19. Run: 53:15:00. Oh well, I can chalk up a lot to experience, and now look forward to the London Active Olympic distance, on the 3rd August... Pictures to follow...

The next step.

Having fully recovered from my efforts in Majorca, I have now returned to the platform I work on. Training is never easy, especially when faced with long working hours, limited gym equipment (although here, I am lucky) and an endless supply of cake! The Watt Bike is an absolute Godsend, out here. Teamed with a quality treadmill, I do count myself lucky. Ironically, despite being surrounded by water, I am can't do any swim training! So, I have to do what I can with the gym equipment, to try to strengthen the muscles used for swimming. A couple of days ago, I noticed that I hadn't planned anything for my next leave... No racing!... Soon sorted that, by entering the Fritton Olympic distance tri, on the 15th June. It'll be good to experience an Oly distance, ahead of the Virgin London Tri, so I can better judge the efforts I can put in, over the different distances. Good also, to gain more experience swimming in close proximity of others... Something I am still not overly comfortable with. Training has gone well, so far, during my first week offshore. My coach has increased my training durations and I seem to be adapting well to them. The last three days were quite tough sessions, with running intervals, followed by intervals on the Watt Bike, followed by 90 minutes on the running machine. I hit all of the requirements in each session and still feel strong, so I guess the intensity will be raised, shortly. Breaking new trainers in, again, this month. This time, I've opted for a pair of Brooks Ghost 6. So far, so good, but I think I may go for a lighter, more reactive pair, prior to London. Must be strong, and stay away from the cake, though...

IM Majorca 70.3, 2014.

 A few days have now passed, and I am finally home at last.
Not sure exactly where to start the blog from, so for the benefit of ease, I'm just going to start at the beginning of the week.
I arrived in Alcudia, Tuesday 6th May, just before the IRONMAN corporate circus hit town!
I was quietly impressed, by the the speed and organisation which quickly constructed everything needed for the race.
A series of marquee's  were erected around an area at the beach, which formed the basis of the athlete's village.
A few hundred metres inland, the Transition began to take shape, all 500m of it!
Wednesday, I managed a quick spin on the bike. More so to check all the bolts were tight, but also the to wake my legs up!
It was then time for registration, where I was 'tagged' with the IM blue bracelet and issued with my 'bags' and AG swim cap (Black). Next day it was time for transition, and the placement of my 'red' and 'blue', run & bike bags. Issued with my timing chip, I walked back to the hotel.
A sea swim and an easy run were also squeezed in, prior to the race start.
As each day passed, the Ironman village grew and grew, until it pretty much dominated the whole town.
I was quite nervous about the swim... I knew I could do the distance in a pool, but OW swimming is very new to me, as is a mass start event!
Friday night didn't pose much in the way of nerves. I slept reasonably well, occasionally stirred by the odd external noise...
Saturday, 6am, the iPhone chirped into life and I leapt from my bed. Heading into the hotel restaurant, I was quite taken aback, by the amount of other entrants! I hadn't noticed so many staying, and they hadn't left much for me!
I ate what I could and then grabbed my wetsuit, heading off to transition, for a last minute check of my bike. 
The previous day, I had decided on a 'two bottle strategy' (because of the heat), and bought a bottle cage holder to be fitted to the saddle rails. I now fitted the assembly.
A quick glance over the bike and I was happy that all was as it should be.
Down at the beach, I donned my wet suit and timing chip. Nervously, I made my way to the waters edge for a warm up swim. Temperature was fine, so I dispatched a few hundred metres, then strolled out again. Finished the last of my drink, swilling the salty sea taste from my throat.
I casually watched, as the Pro's began their race, followed by the women, then the rest of the AG's were taking their turn...
Suddenly, a volunteer beckoned to me, to join the start area... This was it, my time had come.
I heard the count down to the horn, 4, 3, 2, ONE!...
Not being the strongest of swimmers, I had joined near the back. The idea of getting battered in the 'biff' was not very interesting to me. Entering the water, I felt remarkably calm. Conscious of my pre race plan, to not go off hard I concentrated on maintaining a steady stroke rate. As things settled, I took some comfort from passing an occasional breast stoker. I had to really concentrate on my sighting, as I zig zagged my way through the course, each 'zig zag' was extra metres I didn't need to swim!
I gazed at fish, swimming along the sea bed, spotted goggles and swim cap, dislodged by the earlier 'biff', then suddenly, the sea bed was replaced by sand and very quickly, I could touch it. 
I was up on my feet, and heading out of the water!
Feeling a little breathless, but pretty good. I think I was more genuinely surprised at having done it. None too happy with my time, though. My poor sighting seemed to have cost me more than I had allowed for. 
Never mind, time for the bike, so I undid my zip and pulled the suit to my waist, as I jogged the never ending blue ribbon of carpet, that lined the route...
Into T1, no problem spotting my 'bike' bag (I had taken great care in memorising the position of the bags and my bike). Quickly found a space on the bench in the changing tent and set about removing the wetsuit completely, grabbing a quick gulp on an energy gel, then getting my cycling shoes on.
All the kit you remove has to be put back into the 'bike' bag, before leaving.
Dropping the blue bag at the 'Drop Zone', I head out to my bike, about 3/4 of the way through transition...
Bike located, helmet on, number belt on. Unhook the bike from the rail and follow the rest, with that ungainly gallop that we do, when running in cleats!
Over the line, mount the bike, GO!
Now, in my comfort zone, I make myself comfortable and begin spinning a steady gear, whilst my legs wake up. Gradually clicking up the gears, until I'm happy with my pace.
Not long before I hit the first feed station. I eject my slightly used bottle and refill my bottle cages with two new bottles. My Garmin is set for 20 min alerts, so I don't forget to take on nutrition. Progress is steady. As things calm down and settle I become aware of the spectators, cheering everyone along.
Soon the route pitches upwards! It's feeling warmer now, too. No problem, just keep tapping out a steady rhythm on the pedals, there's a long way to go yet.
Someone puts a bit of a burst in, overtaking me as we meander up the climb. They're not as strong as they think, though, and wobble as they pass, knocking me off, into the gutter!
A few Brits around me shout to enquire if I'm ok? I am, and let them know it, before quickly remounting and continuing.
Soon I was at the Col de sa Batalla, a slight hiccup in the route and false sense of achievement, if you don't know that Col de Femenia lies just ahead!
Both despatched with, it's time to turn left and hit the decent!
A fabulous section of road, but the hairpins need respect, as a few found out! One rider was taken away by Air Ambulance.
Once down the decent, the road just undulates most of the way back. There is, however, one short sharp accent, not too far from home... A sharp left turn and just head straight up! There is a false flat, about half way up, and as I hit part two, I thought I'd jump on the pedals and battle my way through... My quads didn't think too much of this, and both cramped immediately, making me fall off the bike!
No option but to walk it off, I headed up the climb on foot. After about 30 metres, I was ok. jumped on the bike and continued to TT back to T2. Great last sections of road, allowing the use of the extensions and a good tucked ride.
Removed my feet from the pedals and shifted to a light gear, to spin my way on the last 200 metres of the bike. Decided not to do my usual dismount at full speed and came to a halt. As I stepped off the bike, I realised I had a problem!
The heat and effort had made my feet swell in the shoes. This has the same effect as wearing tight shoes for cycling, in that the outside edges of my feet were almost unbearable to touch! 
I hobbled to the rack and left my bike, trying to flex my feet as I walked to the 'run' bag and swapped for my running shoes.
I just hoped that if I walked a bit, this may ease off... It did start to ease, but never went completely, but I did manage to start run/ walking, and almost continual running by the end.
I was truly gutted at that. Feeling great as you dismount the bike, to find that you can hardly put one foot in front of the other.
The swollen feet also meant running without socks. This not new to me, as I do most running without socks, but I thought that with the excess sweat etc, socks may help. Not sure if it would have happened anyway, but the blister I got on my right foot was a cracker!
And so, I eventually arrived at the finish chute. Three colour bands on my arm (one per lap) and I turned left, off the course and under the IRONMAN Bridge.
What a sense of relief, and disappointment mixed... My feet were knackered, but I was fine.
I grabbed my 'Finishers' tee shirt and 'white' bag, and headed back to the hotel.
After a shower, I walked to Transition and collected the rest of my kit and my bike.

I know many people knock IRONMAN events, because of the corporate branding exercise and fees charged, but you can't fail to see the quality of event they deliver. Nothing is missed, nothing left to guess work. The experience you feel will last forever.
The support from the crowd is fantastic, picking out your name from your number and shouting you on, as if they knew you, and the volume got louder with each lap.
Even the other Brit riders shouting you on as they passed you, or you passed them.

Needless to say, if I can work it into my rota, I will be there next year...

Now to get back to my training programme... Next stop London!

Well, after much thought, over the passed few years, I have finally decided to blog!