Fritton Olympic Triathlon.

Well, this was never on the cards for me... But, in a last minute rush of blood, I hit the enter button, with just a couple of hours remaining before close of entry!
The race is a part of the Tri-Anglia Club Championship. So, without having any hopes of winning my AG in the Club Champs, I entered it in order to help support my club.
I had also competed this race last year, so I would be able to make some comparisons and compare my fitness, too.
After the fiasco that was Beccles Tri, I was all over my pre race checks and equipment packing!
As it was so last minute, rather than bother Ruth (coach), I just used the Beccles Tri taper week, to cover me on the lead up to this. The week had gone well... My swim wa still improving and also my weight was still dropping, so I was quite buoyant, come the race.
With registration completed, I made my way to transition, to set up the bike, etc.
Now, for a slight change... In a bid to speed up my T1 time, this would be the first time I would try to mount the bike on the fly, with my shoes already secured on the pedals! I had drilled this a few times, over quite a while, so was confident of the technique. I had almost tried it last year at this event, but, as the T1 exit is strewn with pea shingle, with it's inherent dangers, I had opted to don my shoes in transition then step over the bike and commence the ride. I remember being amused by the riders leaving T1 ahead of me, tip toeing and 'pussy footing' through the gravel.
With transition set up, I went off to get my wet suit on, returning to the main area for the briefing.
Now, the butterflies normally begin to flutter a bit. But, I wasn't that nervous. I had done this swim before. I train in this lake, very week. So, now I found myself in the unusual position of feeling calm at the beginning of a race! 
I watched the first wave go (women and relay teams), and then it's a ten minute wait. A quick exchange of light banter, with other competitors and then the familiar blast of a horn.
As I was feeling stronger as a swimmer, I had decided not to hang back, but to aim to start about midfield, and mix it with the others in the 'washing machine'!
I had one guy swim straight across my back! 'No big deal', I thought, feeling much more confident in my swim, I just carried on, mindful of my own swim. There were a few times when I had to catch myself, as my mind drifted from the job in hand, and I had to re focus.
Out of the water, and hello T1. A bit of a struggle with my lanyard and neck velcro, on the way to the bike, but eventually I got free. 
Helmet on, number belt on, I grab my bike and we're off. 
Exiting T1 was no trouble, I didn't even notice the gravelly surface. 
As I passed the 'Bike Mount' I made my move to board the Canyon... Ooff, bang, clatter... I was on the deck!
WTF!... I immediately knew my error. I had opted to use a tool kit bottle in my seat mounted bottle, but hadn't allowed for it as I swung my leg over the bike, and struck the tool bottle, basically, kicking the bike clean out of my own hands. Putting my left foot out to steady myself, I slid in the gravel and went down, quite heavily. I got quite a few areas of gravel rash, worst was on my toes.
Quick as a flash, I was up and away, having made a second and successful attempt at mounting. I hadn't taken any time to check my injuries, too intent on getting going. 
Out on the road, I concentrated on getting my head back into the race. I had observed my hand had been cut and could see a few marks coming out on my legs. I just hoped that I hadn't manage to hole my new CS speed suit!
the bike went reasonably well. Just a few brief bouts of very light rain, but nothing to worry about. 
Completing the second lap on the road, I headed in, for T2. Out of my shoes on the lead up to the 'Dismount' line, I stepped off the bike and ran into transition.
Racking the bike, I removed my helmet and stooped to pull my running shoes on... Then I noted the cuts to my feet, mainly my big toe! 
What could I do... I just pulled the shoes on and started out on the run.
My toes were really quite uncomfortable in the shoe, like running on blisters. I also felt that I must have caught my ribs as I landed, as I was really uncomfortable, breathing on the slight climb during each lap. I just concentrated on maintaining a good cadence, and hoped the finish wasn't too far away, trying to take my mind of it by targeting everyone in front.
Race over, I was so glad to have beaten my target 2:30. Albeit only just, but, 2:29:40 will suffice, this time.
Even better, was comparing with last years timings. This years swim was almost 1800m, yet I was still 8 minutes faster during the swim. Bike leg couldn't be compared, as this year had a diversion, due to roadworks. And the run, even with so feet, was 5 minutes quicker.
So, all in all, a 'bloody' good day! Oh... No holes in my tri suit, either ;)

I'm looking forward to going faster again (without incident), in three weeks, at the Norwich Olympic Triathlon.

Revisiting the old 'TT' racing...

Been another lack of input during May, so here is my opportunity to catch up.

May 31st, had been my next planned triathlon. I had tried to race this on the previous two times it has been held, but always unsuccessful, due to work commitments. 

This time, I was home. So, I looked forward to the race.

My training was feeling a little stale, yet I was really looking forward to the rce, as I felt I could pull a good performance out of the bag. 

As the race day approached I was getting very excited. I had pre rode the course a few times, and was confident in my ride. My running had started to show signs of improvement, so that was looking good. 

I'd dropped 5 kgs recently, and was so happy with that. not wanting to ruin the weight loss, I  had meticulously planned my pre race nutrition, covering the previous days as well.

I had decided to drive over in 'Alfie', my '66 VW split screen camper, so as to not have to file with getting two bikes in the back of my Audi.

We took advantage of the local race and registered the evening before, which left us with just a need to turn up and rack bikes...

Race day arrived and was up like a scalded cat!

Downstairs, breakfast cooked and busily putting bikes and kit in Alfie.

My partner was also racing, and I loaded her kit, too, whilst hurrying her along.

The weather was awful! Raining, heavily at times, but no matter, we start the triathlon wet, so, how bad can it get?...

We rocked up at the local school car park, as per race directions, and started to unload the van.

As I was doing this, I noticed another competitor leaving the car park, pushing his bike, laden with kit...

Suddenly, it dawned on me, I could see, in my minds eye, my helmet (and spare) under the stairs, back at the house! I couldn't believe it... Mr. OCD, who carries two of everything, had left his sodding helmets at home.

I was gutted, and so quietly annoyed at myself.

A quick calculation showed that it was just too late to have a word with the organiser, then drive home quickly and get my lid. Besides which, I was in a '66 camper, which, although it has a big, powerful engine, is not meant to be slung around on wet roads.

I reasoned with the possibility that I could take all my kit down to the transition area (about 500m away) and someone kind soul would probably have a spare lid I could borrow.

But, to be perfectly honest, this failing had just kicked all of the previously felt energy and excitement right out of me. So, I elected to just stay on the sidelines and support my partner and the rest of the competitors.

Striking the previous week off, as a waste, because I had actually done a small taper, and had created more than trained, I had to quickly shake off the negativity of the race 'balls up' and move on...

The following weekend (6th June) I was down to race the inaugural Tour of Cambridge 28km Chrono (TT), a UCI WT event, on closed roads around Peterborough. 

It wasn't a planned part of my calendar, so we (coach and I) decided to just do it as part of a normal training week. 

I'd had quite a tough week, and could feel fatigue in my calf's, even as we drove to the race.

There had been so much speculation about the OTT micro management of the race registration, that I had almost aborted the race, in order to do a more applicable training ride, but made a last minute decision to go.

The weather was good, a beautiful, Sunny day, but quite a blustery wind. 

On arrival, it was a huge relief to find that the event organisers had got everything covered, and as opposed to being OTT, their control of the entire day was just about spot on.

Again, I had taken care of my nutrition, pre making everything at home, rather than rely on burgers and Bacon sarnies, or some such shite.

I got parked up, and went off and registered. In the Expo area, I found a good coffee stall and took advantage of that. Back at the van, I put the bike together and got changed into my kit. Yes, I had packed the helmet ;)

I ate one of my pre race snacks and then made my way to the designated timing chip area. Once there, we were all warned that we couldn't leave after the chip was fitted, so a final toilet stop was made. After the chip fitting, we were ushered through to an area full of turbo trainers. The technicians there fitted my bike into a turbo trainer and I commenced my warm up. 

It was all very slick. Once the 20 minute warm up was complete, the technician alerted you, then removed your bike from the turbo's grip. 

Next up, was the photo stop, standing with my bike. A bit cheesy, yes, but all part of the razzmatazz.

Finally, I moved to the 'Starting Ramp'. Filled with fear (like everyone else), that I didn't have an almighty crash as I came off the ramp, I slowly made my way forward, as those in front were started. 

Arriving at the top of the ramp, I was astounded to be informed that I had 5 seconds, as the guy said 'Five', 'Four'...Christ I thought, I'm not even clipped in! Hurriedly got my cleat in to the other pedal, hit the start on the Garmin and the pusher offerer let me go.

Off I went, exiting the Arena.

I suddenly found myself grinning, inside, at the prospect of a TT race. Not done one for a couple of years and I was surprised at how I was feeling about it! Not sure if it was the Sunshine, or the prospect of racing on closed roads...

Out on the road it was in to a tough wind, but I quickly decided to just grin and bear it, as I knew that the return would be a flyer, and it didn't disappoint.

That was the best TT experience I have had, and I will definitely aim to do it again, next year.

I was a bit unsure of pacing a TT, especially as it was an unusual distance, but it all panned out quite well. With hindsight, I could have gone out a little harder, as there was a bit left in tank which I desperately tried to empty on the approach to the PAS, but it was better than dying a sorry death, halfway round the course!

My time was 45:53:32.

I found it a novelty, that we had hot showers at our disposal after the race.

It was also a great opportunity to catch up with some of our teams newer members, that I hadn't seen before.

We relaxed for a while, and walked around the various stalls, had another coffee, then headed off, home.

The next day, I had a tough running session to complete, and although I thought it was a bit much, I did it, and also ran my fastest time so far, over that route!

A four hour ride the next day, saw a power PB for the session, so it would appear that the TT has sparked my mojo and given me a much needed renewed motivation.

I'm even thinking of a few more TT's, but not sure that the old tea and a cake in a Village Hall will keep my interest...