Just heard that after the Monster Middle, I am now in 3rd place for Vet Males, in the TE Eastern Region Triathlon League!
I'm on the waiting list for the last eligible Sprint race of the season, so maybe able to jump another place... But, then again, plenty of others could do more!..
Triathlon England East Veteran Men
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
Monster Middle Triathlon - 16th August 2015.
Well, what a day that was!... Great race, sponsored by Revitaflex, in Ely City centre.
This was another late addition to my calendar, as I thought it would give me enough time to recover for the Rubicon, but give me a good indication as to how my fitness was, and also test my nutrition strategy.
Being not too far from Sharon's, I took advantage of the close proximity and opted to register on the Saturday afternoon. As the weather was good, we had a walk to the swim start and also checked out transition and finish areas.
I must say that being at transition for 5am really didn't impress me, at all.
I'm a massive sufferer of OCD, and I just can't leave it all to the last minute, as others do... So, an early start was had.
Somehow I had been seeded with the faster swimmers in Wave 1. Completely wasted on me, as my swim is awful! So I spent quite a while, being escorted by my own personal kayaker.
Determined not to suffer similar issues to that of the previous years IM Majorca 70.3, I chose to use my regular road cycling shoes, instead of the quicker to fit Tri shoes. Coupled with socks, this proved a bit of a faff, but, in my opinion, worth it. Helmet on, number belt on, and off I went.
Once out on the road, I quickly got into my stride and settled in for the duration. First section (A10) was quite a drag, and I found myself watching the k's tick off on my Garmin!
Turning off the main drag, we soon came to the B1411... What an awful road section that was! The road surface was dire, and I spent most of the time riding the crown of the road. Pretty sure it loosened a few fillings!
Fortunately, I had decided to ride completely self sufficient, with all my nutrition stored on my bike, so I had no need for the feed station and unfamiliar products. Just as well, as they had placed the feed station midway down a fast decent and I really wouldn't have wanted to sacrifice some free speed to slow down enough to be handed up a bottle!
Soon enough I was back to the A10, and the start of lap 2... Whoopee!!! Very difficult to enthuse about the second lap, as I was immediately dreading the tooth jarring back roads...
Benefit with two laps was regularly encountering slower riders, which made mini targets and helped ease the monotony.
Some 02:35:03 I was back in T2.
The run was good. So much better than I had encountered in Majorca, I was happy in my mind, that nutrition on the bike was bang on.
The run was lumpy and 4 laps! First lap, I just took water at the 2 aid stations, but after that I opted to take both water and electrolytes, most of the water going over the back of my head.
I took a gamble in T2, and decided not to grab my cap and shades, and I just about got away with that, as the Sun got out very strong on my last lap! Coming home in 01:41:25.
Finishing in 05:03:56, that is a PB by 2:30:14!
Although both bike and run are a touch short, that is still a significant PB for me.
Overall, that was a great race, and I'd definitely enter again.
More importantly, I feel that I have nailed my nutrition and transition requirements and I'm confident of a sub 5hr at The Rubicon.
Roll on the 30th August ;)
East of England Regional Team Sprint Relay Championship.
A very late entry to my calendar, I decided to participate solely for the craic!
Instead of all the pre race planning, and self imposed pressures, I thought it would be a great event to enjoy.
Held on the 9th August, my club had entered 7 teams of three athletes. The format was to be that, each team member had to complete the swim, one after the other, passing the timing chip to the next swimmer, on leaving the water. After the last swimmer came out, they then passed the tag to the first cyclist, etc, then repeated for the run leg.
The majority of our club entrants camped overnight at the venue (Box End, Bedford), we had arranged a nearby hotel, and the rest appeared on the morning.
The weather was superb, quite a hot day and I was glad that we had the use of our club Gazebo.
The race went quite well, for me. Pretty much as I forecast for my self, as I don't do Sprint events.
The 750m swim was started from the dry bank, a 'Le Mans' start, as it was announced as. A brief dash into the water, encountering quite a rocky lake bed! Out of the water in 15:42, I placed the timing chip on my mates wrist.
The good thing about the break between each leg of the race, meant that each person could wear clothing specific to the leg, rather than just the usual tri suit.
So, I chose to just wear jammers under my wet suit, then went off to our Gazebo, to change into a dry skin suit, ready for the bike leg.
Pretty soon, I was positioned by my bike, helmet and shoes already on.
Our third swimmer exited the water, putting the chip on my wrist.
ut of T1, I crossed the 'Mount Line', jumped on my bike and was off.
It was quite fast 10km loop. Just a couple of short, sharp digs, nearing the end of the loop.
Approaching the turning point, to start the second lap, I was flying. The 'T' junction was announced as a closed road and had a Police Officer manning it, along with a handful of marshals. Instruction had been given that, although it was effectively a closed road, caution was still to be taken.
Coming to the junction, I could clearly see the traffic stopped to my left, the Police car, with blue flashing lights and the Police officer. All appeared to be good to me, so I was ready for a quick turn.
Just as I neared the giveaway lines, the TE Official stepped out (clipboard in hand), screaming "FOOT DOWN, FOOT DOWN!" I sat up, grabbed the brakes and slammed on. Grinding to a halt, about 2 feet over the lines, I put my foot down, then set off again.
But I was very surprised as the official shouted out 'Number 4 disqualified for dangerous riding'!
As I embarked on the 2nd lap, I was gutted. I couldn't recall anything in the race brief about a 'Foot Down' junction, nor had I heard anything at the pre race brief that morning. Nothing for it, but to continue as best I could, pass the info to our teams, then discuss it with the organiser/ referee.
Back in T2 I had clocked 38:47.
A little disappointing, but I had briefly lost my mojo, as I mulled over the DQ threat. I handed over there chip, warned my mates about the junction, then headed off to see the organiser. I was obviously not the first to complain, as he was already prepared with an answer. It was a closed road, and the official was wrong. The assistant referee had already been deployed to speak with TE official.
I then went off to the Gazebo and changed into shorts and vest, ready for the run.
In between each leg, the rest of my club gathered at transition to shout encouragement to anyone in our colours as they arrived/ departed.
Finally, I was handed the chip and set off on the run. 2 laps offroad, within the grounds of the facility. Sun getting higher, it was quite a sweat fest! Running through the timing gate for the last time, I had finished in 22:35. A bit slower than expected, but still faster than my 5km stand alone time of 23:40.
A bit of a chill, as we waited for everyone else to finish and that was it.
A great day, which gave me the opportunity to meet more members of our large club. Plenty of laughs had by all.
Now for a week focusing on my next race, the Ely Monster Middle tri, on the 16th August.
Instead of all the pre race planning, and self imposed pressures, I thought it would be a great event to enjoy.
Held on the 9th August, my club had entered 7 teams of three athletes. The format was to be that, each team member had to complete the swim, one after the other, passing the timing chip to the next swimmer, on leaving the water. After the last swimmer came out, they then passed the tag to the first cyclist, etc, then repeated for the run leg.
The majority of our club entrants camped overnight at the venue (Box End, Bedford), we had arranged a nearby hotel, and the rest appeared on the morning.
The weather was superb, quite a hot day and I was glad that we had the use of our club Gazebo.
The race went quite well, for me. Pretty much as I forecast for my self, as I don't do Sprint events.
The 750m swim was started from the dry bank, a 'Le Mans' start, as it was announced as. A brief dash into the water, encountering quite a rocky lake bed! Out of the water in 15:42, I placed the timing chip on my mates wrist.
The good thing about the break between each leg of the race, meant that each person could wear clothing specific to the leg, rather than just the usual tri suit.
So, I chose to just wear jammers under my wet suit, then went off to our Gazebo, to change into a dry skin suit, ready for the bike leg.
Pretty soon, I was positioned by my bike, helmet and shoes already on.
Our third swimmer exited the water, putting the chip on my wrist.
ut of T1, I crossed the 'Mount Line', jumped on my bike and was off.
It was quite fast 10km loop. Just a couple of short, sharp digs, nearing the end of the loop.
Approaching the turning point, to start the second lap, I was flying. The 'T' junction was announced as a closed road and had a Police Officer manning it, along with a handful of marshals. Instruction had been given that, although it was effectively a closed road, caution was still to be taken.
Coming to the junction, I could clearly see the traffic stopped to my left, the Police car, with blue flashing lights and the Police officer. All appeared to be good to me, so I was ready for a quick turn.
Just as I neared the giveaway lines, the TE Official stepped out (clipboard in hand), screaming "FOOT DOWN, FOOT DOWN!" I sat up, grabbed the brakes and slammed on. Grinding to a halt, about 2 feet over the lines, I put my foot down, then set off again.
But I was very surprised as the official shouted out 'Number 4 disqualified for dangerous riding'!
As I embarked on the 2nd lap, I was gutted. I couldn't recall anything in the race brief about a 'Foot Down' junction, nor had I heard anything at the pre race brief that morning. Nothing for it, but to continue as best I could, pass the info to our teams, then discuss it with the organiser/ referee.
Back in T2 I had clocked 38:47.
I then went off to the Gazebo and changed into shorts and vest, ready for the run.
In between each leg, the rest of my club gathered at transition to shout encouragement to anyone in our colours as they arrived/ departed.
Finally, I was handed the chip and set off on the run. 2 laps offroad, within the grounds of the facility. Sun getting higher, it was quite a sweat fest! Running through the timing gate for the last time, I had finished in 22:35. A bit slower than expected, but still faster than my 5km stand alone time of 23:40.
A bit of a chill, as we waited for everyone else to finish and that was it.
A great day, which gave me the opportunity to meet more members of our large club. Plenty of laughs had by all.
Now for a week focusing on my next race, the Ely Monster Middle tri, on the 16th August.
Thursday, 16 July 2015
Norwich Olympic Triathlon.
This event was a first for me, and what a superb event it was, too. Great to be able to support a race that is organised by my own club, and see first hand, how well it all went.
As the days rolled on, approaching race day, I was feeling very good. My training had been going well since my last race (Fritton), and the weather during the week had been getting better and better...
But, in a typically expected British sort of way, Sunday's forecast was looking wet!
Surprisingly, wet weather doesn't seem so bad, when you think that you're going to start of in a lake anyway.
My swimming has been going very well, recently, both pool and OW, so I was feeling well up for the first discipline...
IO started off well, not too hard and felt well within my limits, but pretty soon I began to feel like cramping in my quads! I backed off a touch and carried on. I didn't suffer anymore 'cramps', but was very disappointed, to see that I had in fact lost a further 2 minutes over my last race swim and that race had been almost 300m overly long!
Again, I had decided to persist with putting my shoes on the bike in transition, in a bid to speed T1 up. This appeared to work well this time, taking just 1:23 to get through transition and out on the bike.
It rained pretty much all through the bike leg, but had no real impact on the race, after all, it was raining for everyone else, too. There was a strong head wind on the outward leg of the course, too, which, coupled with a few wee climbs, was a bit of a draw on resources. The return leg was a flyer, though...
As I had been placed in Wave 3, I came out of the water behind quite a few other triathletes, and so I had quite a few slower cyclists out ahead of me, which gave some great 'micro' targets to take my mind off the ride.
Into T2, and I was feeling good. Racked the bike and I was soon out on the run.
Again (like Fritton), I found breathing was very 'tight' for the first 3 km, then eased off nicely.
The run was muggy, with heaps of bloody flies about, which proved to hamper breathing quite a bit.
Again, a little disappointing to record a slightly slower run, than previous event, but, on the whole, it was a great event and I did my level best.
Back home, numbers crunched, it wasn't as bad as I had thought.
Back in training, again, and I'm feeling stronger than previous... Roll on the next race ;)
As the days rolled on, approaching race day, I was feeling very good. My training had been going well since my last race (Fritton), and the weather during the week had been getting better and better...
But, in a typically expected British sort of way, Sunday's forecast was looking wet!
Surprisingly, wet weather doesn't seem so bad, when you think that you're going to start of in a lake anyway.
My swimming has been going very well, recently, both pool and OW, so I was feeling well up for the first discipline...
IO started off well, not too hard and felt well within my limits, but pretty soon I began to feel like cramping in my quads! I backed off a touch and carried on. I didn't suffer anymore 'cramps', but was very disappointed, to see that I had in fact lost a further 2 minutes over my last race swim and that race had been almost 300m overly long!
Again, I had decided to persist with putting my shoes on the bike in transition, in a bid to speed T1 up. This appeared to work well this time, taking just 1:23 to get through transition and out on the bike.
It rained pretty much all through the bike leg, but had no real impact on the race, after all, it was raining for everyone else, too. There was a strong head wind on the outward leg of the course, too, which, coupled with a few wee climbs, was a bit of a draw on resources. The return leg was a flyer, though...
As I had been placed in Wave 3, I came out of the water behind quite a few other triathletes, and so I had quite a few slower cyclists out ahead of me, which gave some great 'micro' targets to take my mind off the ride.
Into T2, and I was feeling good. Racked the bike and I was soon out on the run.
Again (like Fritton), I found breathing was very 'tight' for the first 3 km, then eased off nicely.
The run was muggy, with heaps of bloody flies about, which proved to hamper breathing quite a bit.
Again, a little disappointing to record a slightly slower run, than previous event, but, on the whole, it was a great event and I did my level best.
Back home, numbers crunched, it wasn't as bad as I had thought.
Back in training, again, and I'm feeling stronger than previous... Roll on the next race ;)
Monday, 22 June 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
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...
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Found my running legs...
Flowing on from last weeks race, I found myself entered in my first midweek 5 mile race for 20 years!
The GYRR 5m series is a great event. 3 races in all, they comprise of two laps of circuit, based along the flat sea front.
The one thing that had faded over the years, is my memory of how much a 5 mile race hurts! Very intense.
I was pleased to have gone out and done 7k all at around 4:30 pace, (within a few seconds), then, with a little left in the tank, a final km at 4:13, giving me a final time of 36:24.
That was followed with a strong training schedule, through the rest of the week, including a 10k training run, done at almost my 5m race speed!
On a less than happy note, the falling oil price has finally caught me up, and my employer, CNR Int, has let me go.
It's not a great market at the moment, so there's not much hope over the next few months.
So, with nothing to get in my way, I now have no excuses for not swimming regularly. Hopefully, I will make the most of this unusual training opportunity. It'll give me a new focus ;)
The GYRR 5m series is a great event. 3 races in all, they comprise of two laps of circuit, based along the flat sea front.
The one thing that had faded over the years, is my memory of how much a 5 mile race hurts! Very intense.
I was pleased to have gone out and done 7k all at around 4:30 pace, (within a few seconds), then, with a little left in the tank, a final km at 4:13, giving me a final time of 36:24.
That was followed with a strong training schedule, through the rest of the week, including a 10k training run, done at almost my 5m race speed!
On a less than happy note, the falling oil price has finally caught me up, and my employer, CNR Int, has let me go.
It's not a great market at the moment, so there's not much hope over the next few months.
So, with nothing to get in my way, I now have no excuses for not swimming regularly. Hopefully, I will make the most of this unusual training opportunity. It'll give me a new focus ;)
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