Christmas Bling

Just a quick post with a photo of the Christmas presents. Lovely blingy silver Specialized shoes and a Silver Met Pac aero helmet which Anthea bought as a surprise. I chose the shoes myself. They will match the bikes perfectly.

On another note the plans for IM Brazil have gone out of the window after they filled the last 430 slots over Christmas. I'm a bit pi$$ed off about it to be honest. I will need to have a re-think about next season now and come up with a new plan.

The highs and lows of 2008

Well as 2008 draws to an end it seems appropriate to reflect on the highs and lows of the year. The year started with a flier having ran a P.B at the Fleet Half Marathon of 1hr 16min 44secs. I thought this was the start of great things to come and was looking forward to the London Marathon. Unfortunately the end of March was to bring the of a rather serious bout of illness. By the time I got to London for the marathon (despite the doctors advice not to run) I had already been seriously ill with internal bleeding and severe diarrhea. I decided I would run anyway and just planned for toilet stops. The race did not go to plan and went from bad to worse and I ended up walking most of the last 6 miles. I was very ill afterwards and just a few days later was in hospital for some rather unpleasant internal examinations. By the end of April I had been diagnosed with Colitis and was on a huge amount of medication (22 tablets per day). I was fortunate in some respects that they managed to correctly diagnose the illness and also that I seemed to respond quite quickly to the medication. I would say this was the lowest time of the year but in a weird way the highest as this problem had been rearing its ugly head for many years and now seemed to be under control. By the second week in May I was firing on most of the cylinders and raced my first triathlon of the year at Driffield. It was a sprint and I seemed to fly. I finished in 4th but the top 4 were only separated by 13 seconds so all in a very close race. Next stop was the Dambuster and again I was in quite good form but struggled with the cold on the bike. The day after I did a sprint in Yorkshire and finished 2nd to a GB Elite under 23 team bloke. Things seemed to be getting better every time I raced. Next on the calendar was the Cleveland Steelman middle distance race. I had a great race here in horrendous conditions finishing 7th and a new P.B over the distance. This was followed a couple of days later by the Cranwell sprint champs. It was a good and a bad day. I had a good result finishing 3rd but a bad result as I threw the chance of 2nd away by forgetting where I was racked in transition and wasted about 2 mins looking for my stuff. The next event was the Inter-Service race at Tallington. Again I had a good race although I didn't enjoy it due to the road works having to stop at the traffic lights whilst watching the cheating Army team go straight through the red lights. I had an ok result though so can't complain too much. I followed this with another middle distance event, the Wensleydale Big Cheese. This was the hardest race of the year and I challenge anyone to take on this monster next year if they think they are up to a challenge. Yet again it was a top 10 finish for me. The final triathlon for me this year was the World Championships in Almere, Holland. This was over the 03 distance. The week before I had had some stomach problems which worried me, however things settled down with some medication but then I caught a bad cold. By race day and after boxes of paracetamol I was in good shape for the race. I had a great race and despite the extremely over long swim managed to P.B at this distance as well. I finished 10th in my age group but was more pleased with the 37th place overall. I have done a couple of running events since but have not really managed to get any decent training done since. I seem to have been so busy that training is very much here and there. I have had a couple of ok weeks the last 2 or so weeks and am starting to feel good again. Apart from the racing this year has also produced some great results in other areas. I have managed to pick up a great sponsor in the bike department with a fantastic bike from Paul at www.hilderthorpecycles.co.uk and some fantastic back up support and discounts with him also. I have also been fortunate enough to have been selected to be one of the recipients of the For Goodness Shakes sponsorship deal which was negotiated through the RAF Triathlon Team. So to sum up the year, I would say a very good one in most respects and not so good in others. I am on medication for the rest of my life as the Colitis will never go away, but it seems to now be under control (touch wood) and I am looking forward to next year. I hope everyone who has followed my blog this year has a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Daz

Bikes for sale

Both bikes are top of the range Giant TCR Advanced ISP (Integrated Seat Post). Both are full Dura-Ace 20 speed group sets, the T Mobile one has Dura-Ace wheels and the other comes with Mavic K-Syrium SL's not the carbons in the picture. The T Mobile is a size large and the other is a Medium/Large. Both are in excellent condition, the T Mobile has only covered about 500 miles and the other was new in July and has been used by me for the second half of the triathlon season including the World Champs. Contact me on 07771900778 for more info.

Working on a six pack!

Due to various circumstances I have not really trained properly for the last 3 weeks. I noticed on Sags's blog the photo of the Henlow 10 finish area, which I hate as it makes me look like I have a belly! As a result I have decided that I need help from the "Ab Master" or in this case the "Ab Mistress". I have recruited Anthea to help me sort out my core stability and hopefully help me get a six pack for the spring. I have been doing some core stability this week with her down the gym before my swimming training and it hurts. I didn't know what abs were! I do now. Next week should see me return to a normal training week and re-discover that thing with wheels called a bike. I am currently working on the big plan for next year. At the moment its provisionally looking like Ironman Brazil. There are a lot of "ifs and buts" at the moment though so it may not come off yet. I guess I will know in the next few weeks as entries need to be in by 5th Jan 09. The main stopper will be money as I am not sure of travel and accommodation costs yet. The other concern is getting Ironman fit in time for the event as it is very early in the year (31st May). It will be hard to get the bike miles in if the winter is a bad one, but I do have a turbo trainer now, I just don't fancy spending 5 hours on it! Running should be ok as I am doing London again (hopefully without the illness) in April and its about 5 weeks before IM so that could work out very well. We will have to wait and see.

How many bikes?

I've been sorting out some pictures off my old computer before getting rid of it and found some photos of some of my bikes. I thought I would stick them on here to show how many bikes i've had in the last 2 years, quite scary really as its 10! I only have 4 at the moment though the sponsored bike, the time trial bike, the single speed and the training bike. OK seems a bit excessive or perhaps i've not had enough, but a few of them have been second hand so I haven't spent thousands and thousands. One of my favourites was the TCR Carbon in ONCE colours, it was a great bike and I sold it just because I fancied a change after 2 years of use. I bought the white Bianchi with the money but that went in the bin after a collision with a motorbike, that was a nice one as well. Without doubt the nicest one i've ridden is the TCR Advanced that my sponsor www.hilderthorpecycles.co.uk provided, however Paul from Hilderthorpe Cycles prefers the look of the time trial machine. Not much going on at the moment hence the random blogging.

Sorry its been so long

First of all I will apologise for such a long gap in the blog world. I've been trying to regain some fitness but it just doesn't seem to be happening on the running side. I can't get up to speed at the moment and am quite worried about the Henlow 10 next month, I won't be happy if its not a sub hour run! I've got a couple of races I might do before it so I will be able to see how good or bad its really going.

I did my longest ride since the World Champs today, clocking up 47 very hilly and windy miles. It did take me 2 hours 50 to complete but given the route and the wind I am quite happy. Its only the second long one I've done since Holland the other being 41 miles, also on a very hilly route. I've been getting out with the cycle club on Tuesday nights and I've really enjoyed it. We ride out 10 miles as a group and do some big gear hill reps to work on strength, followed by another 2.5 miles spinning a small gear at high cadence before doing a u turn at the 12.5 mile point. Then we work as a group through and off for 9 miles and at the last village before home its a free for all for 2 miles. I have become frustrated at being pipped at the post over the last few weeks so this week I tested them by putting the hammer down 2 miles from the finish and destroyed the field leaving just 1 rider hanging on my wheel. I felt very strong all the way to the finish. The last 1.5 mile is a warm down after we re-grouped. I am really enjoying these rides and its great to have some company after 2 years of solo riding, I hope to start going out on some of the Sunday long rides with them when the shift pattern allows.

That's about all for now, not much going on really hence the lack of blogging.

Another New Toy for next season

Well I finally sold the Kuota and got the cash this week. I have spent it already. This is the latest toy in my plans for next season. I will have the full on time trial machine pictured for the fast flat courses and the sponsored TCR Advanced for the hilly courses. Paul at http://www.hilderthorpecylcles.co.uk/ has looked after me yet again with a fantastic deal. All I need to do now is keep fit this winter so I have the legs to do such a fine machine justice!!! The bike is pictured with the standard wheels which are Mavic Cosmic Elite and also pictured with my Cosmic carbons.

A new training partner - but at what cost?

Well I've got a new training partner, but its costing me money! I needed to motivate Beth into using her new bike more that she got for her birthday in August. The motivational tool was cold hard cash. She cycles along side me when I go for my runs when possible allowing for other clubs and activities that she takes part in. She has created a chart and marks up her mileage as she goes earning 10p per mile. As you can see Beth is pictured with her fantastic Kona cyclocross bike and wearing the size 6 cycle top that Kelda ordered which didn't fit. I really want her to get some miles under her belt but can I afford to encourage her too much?

I sold the Kuota this week to a mate up here so that cash has already been spent, I will upload some pictures on the latest toy purchased to try and make more gains next season!

New Toy Arrives

Just a quick post to show some pictures of the new toy. A Giant Bowery Single Speed, you can choose between a fixed wheel and a freewheel by turning the wheel round. Going to have a play with fixed for a while and see how I get on.

6 Minutes

Well its been over a week since the last post. What have I been upto?

I had a week off after Almere and seem to have been very tired since. This week has been my first proper week back in training. Its not going well. Everything seems like a struggle, but slowly I am coming round and hope to find some running form in time for the Henlow 10. I've been thinking a lot about what I can do this winter to improve and have identified some key areas to work on. I have also been thinking a lot about next season, and have decided to chase the sponsorship boat for cash in order to fund my trip to Australia as I am determined to go to the World Long Distance Championships again. 6 MINUTES, that's what I need to find this winter. I move up to the 35-39 age group next season and my time at the long course this year in the next age group up (the one i move to) meant I would only of missed a bronze by 6 minutes. I think that is definitely achievable!!!

I will put more details of my plans to improve on future posts. One way to improve is to buy new toys, as a result I collect by brand new Giant single speed on Friday, supplied by the fantastic Paul at www.hilderthorpecycles.co.uk which I am really looking forward to having a ride on. I also hope in the next couple of weeks to have sold the KUOTA (buyer in the pipeline) in which case I will be getting my new Giant TT bike ready for next season, again provided by Paul. Having a sponsor really helps to motivate you, as you tend to feel the urge to perform at every event. I will have the TT bike for the fast flat courses, and the sponsored Giant TCR Advanced with clip on tri bars for the hard mans courses up here in Yorkshire. With the winter bike as well that's a full fleet of 4 Giant bikes. I love bikes!!!! you can never have enough.

That's all for now, pictures soon of the new single speed.

Some more pics from the worlds

A few pics I've "borrowed" from another site. I have been thinking lots about the World Champs next year and really want to go to Australia. I am going to try and get some financial backing from some local businesses to see if I can generate some cash to cover travel and accommodation. We will see what I can do but I really want to go the more I think about it. Fingers crossed!!!

The World Championships

How to describe the World Championships.................HOT HOT HOT.
The event started with registration on the Friday, this was the first of the challenges that lay ahead. Trying to find registration was interesting as it was apparently clearly sign posted. What signs?????. Later that day we then had to find the Theatre in town for the race brief, again not sign posted? We managed to overcome this issue and made it to both locations on the Friday. Saturday we had to rack the bike and helmet. This was a bit easier as transition by car signs were on the roadside. By Saturday the heating had been turned up some and it was in the region of 27 degrees. Sunday was an early start with an 0530hrs alarm and Sags and I left for Almere at 0630. Arriving at 0700 we went across to transition to start our own personal race prep. For me I just tend to check and re-check everything and once I'm happy I wander round talking to people so's not to think too much about the race ahead. At about 0810 we talk a walk across to the start (about 1km down part of the run course) and watched the Elite men start, followed by the Elite women's start. Then it was our turn, our chance to shine and represent our country at the World Championships.

The Swim,
Long, oh so very long. Absolutely no way it was 4 kilometers. My estimate would be 4.5 kilometers at least. The horn went and we ran into the water, I was very surprised to find myself with plenty of room in the water despite the amount of athletes starting. I swam the first short loop with no problems and exited the water for the land lap across the timing mat. Lap 2 was the longer lap which took you away from the beach and along the coast down to the harbour. This was a difficult stretch as the sun was in your eyes and you couldn't see any of the buoys. By this time also the wind was picking up and it was quite choppy with a current making for some seriously hard work. It was apparent as you made the turn into the harbour just how hard it was as you could immediately feel your pace increase just from the change in direction. At the end of the swim you had to climb up some wood steps and then it was about 500m run into transition.

The Bike,
After transition I was ready to start the bike course feeling that I had lost a lot of time in the water. You ran out of transition and started the bike on a quite technical stretch through all the barriers and it was quite narrow with some tight corners. Then it was on to the first of many long, flat, straight roads. The first 10k or so was an out and back loop and then you followed a big circuit and the straight roads varied by which way the wind was blowing. It was quite dull for probably 58 of the 60k per lap with the only decent bit being the winding and twisting sections at the end of each lap. Its very hard to race on a circuit so flat and I recall seeing most competitors around me having to get out of the saddle just to stretch off now and then. It made you ache in all sorts of places having to hold that position for so long. Normally you get to move about on the bike a bit due to climbs, descents and tight corners but most of this circuit was in the tri bars. To be honest I was glad to get to the end of the bike course which is unusual for me.

The Run,
This was the best part of the race for me, two 15km laps to go. I set off on the run and felt comfortable all the way. The first lap went very well and I was looking out for the other RAF lads as the first lap ended. I had passed loads of people on the run and as the heat was taking its toll more athletes were starting to fade. I was feeling strong and looking forward to the next lap. I ran well and as I was on the 16k marker I saw Jase and Sags running together past the 14k marker. They looked in good form and seemed to be enjoying it. I continued at a strong pace and counted down the k's to go as I passed each marker. As I passed the 27k mark I was loving it, I new I was going to be able to continue with the pace all the way to the line and kept passing more people. I estimate passing over a 100 people during the 30k but was only overtaken by 2 people. With about 150 meters to go Dawn (GB Team manager) passed me my Union Jack flag to carry down the finish line straight and I had the finish line to my self so I could walk the last 5 meters and savour the moment stopping on the line to celebrate. It was over.

This was one of the hardest races I think I have done. I have always said I would give up the sport when I stopped enjoying it. Had I not have had such an enjoyable time on the run then this could have been my last triathlon, however by the end I was buzzing so much that I am truly gutted it was my last one of the year. Roll on next season!!!

I would like to say well done to the other RAF Athletes, and congratulate them on there performances. Some great results from the other guys, and of course Kelda as well.

I will upload some pictures when I get them sorted out.

Nearly Race Day

Well its getting close!!! Registered today with Sags and we got the compulsary race brief done as well. Bike racking is tomorrow and then its time to chill until Sunday morning. Forecast is hot and not much wind so should be good. We have a mass start with all age groups off at once so it will be a bun fight for the first k or so. Looking forward to it but worried about health issues. Stomach is playing up a bit and the medication has knocked out my immune system so I am full of cold. A bit fed up about it but its just a case of getting on with it now.

That's about all for now, next blog will be how the race went.

Daz

Off to the Doc again

The reality of living with colitis has hit home. I'm starting a "flare up" just 10 days before the World Championships. So pi$$ed off. I hope to catch it early with the medication I got this morning and pray it will not affect me anything like as bad as in London earlier this year. To be honest its easy to forget about it having had such a successful season in triathlon this summer, and apart from taking tablets everyday you don't think about it so much. However the reminder that you are ill is always just around the corner I guess, i'm going to try not to get too upset about it and be positive. Holland here I come!!!!

Very fast bike for sale

Yes its for sale at a bargain price of just £1050

Kuota K Factor

Full Carbon Aero Frame

Full Carbon Aero Fork

Ultegra throughout except black 105 brakes.

Ksyrium Elite (not carbons pictured)

Ritchey Stem

Race Face Bars

Flight SLR saddle

Excellent Condition.

Bottle cages included

Tri bars not included.

Very light, Very fast, you will not be disappointed.

The toughest triathlon ever????

This picture is the top of the second long climb. The climb starts in the bottom of the valley that you can see in the distance and includes several section at 25% gradient. Anyway how hard was the race?

After the bad weather the day before the first problem was that the transition from swim to bike was gone. It was under 3-4 foot of water as was the car park it had been set up on. The lake was lapping over the edge of the road so the transition was bikes leaning against the grass verge on the road. After a 20 minute delay it was decided the swim was too dangerous and that it would be cut from 1800m to 400m. The only reason that we swam at all was that a lot of teams had entered and the wanted to let the swimmers from the teams get wet as they had paid their part of the team entries. We were counted into the water for safety and as soon as I entered I noticed it was the coldest open water swim I had done this year. It was so rough that you could not see the canoeist and buoy that was only 200m in front. The swim started and the usual bun fight for places you expect from a mass start was was on. Added to the mix was the waves which as you went over the top of them you some times landed on top of people but that was beyond your control. As you turned at the top you could feel the difference as the waves carried you back to shore. Its not natural swimming to the edge of the road, but once you stood up you had about 1 meter to the road. After the run down the road that tore your feet to bits I dumped the wetsuit in the bag provided and stuck on my long sleeve RAF triathlon cycle top as the rain was already hammering down. Once on the bike its only 15-20 meters before the first of the 25% climbs. People were struggling already. I whizzed passed several people and settled in for the toughest 42 miles of a triathlon ever. The course is a real challenge and the long 1-2 mile climbs go on for ever with the gradients varying between 16 and 25% all the way round. The descents were as hard as the climbs as you were descending in severe gale force cross winds on single track roads of 25% with hairpin corners, potholes, gravel and cattle grids. I was climbing well but loosing a little bit on the descents battling with the cross wind on the cosmic carbons. I was not going to risk a spill on the decent just 3 weeks before the worlds. At the end of the bike after all the climbs the legs were quite tired as I only had a 39-25 combination. I would of benefitted from a 27 but I was not going to buy a cassette for just one race! Into T2 at a different location and it was time for the hardcore run. For safety reasons you had to carry a waterproof jacket, whistle, map of the course, food and drink. I put on my back pack but was worried as I put on my mega light fastwitch 3 shoes as others put on their fell running shoes (oops!). After running about 1/4 of a mile you turned off the road into the fields and got to the first style. After the floods of the day before and race day you had to wade through knee deep water to get to the steps and on the other side the water was almost waist deep. Across a couple more fields and then the fun really starts. Up the side of the mountain the track disappeared into the distance. As you ran you were really just tip toeing up the hill it was that steep. As it leveled out after about 3 miles you could run a bit better but not at proper pace. The swamps, bogs and at times rivers that were the trail were hard going and the cross winds were pushing you about and off the tracks. After what seemed like a lifetime I reached the top thinking I could make up some time on the decent. How wrong I was, the head wind on the decent made it just as slow going back down. At the halfway point of the decent you started to get some shelter from the wind and could pick the pace up again. Back across the fields, through the lake to the style and around the short stretch of road and the toughest triathlon I think i've ever done was finally over. The only race I've ever been more tired after was Ironman!

To give you some idea of the difficulty of the course look at the times for the race and compare with the last middle distance race I did!!!

Cleveland Steelman

2000m swim / 58 Mile bike / 12 Mile run - 4 hrs 22 mins

Wensleydale Big Cheese

400m Swim / 42 Mile bike / 12 Mile run - 4 hrs 30 mins

Finally found out the results late Monday night. I was 10th overall but once you take out the teams I was the 5th individual competitor.

If you want to really challenge yourself next season this is hardcore, come and have a go if you think your hard enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big G – Grimpeurs des Wolds Cyclosportive

Today was the Big G - Grimpeurs des Wolds Cyclosportive with a choice of either the 100km or the 100 mile route. I had entered the 100 mile route as the 100km is for girls!!!! I was planning to sit in a bunch and enjoy the day speeding round with a chance to sit in the bunch every now and then. It went wrong from the start as the first 10 of us set off and within 10 mile the group was down to 4 and 2 of them were on the 100km route. At the first feed station (about 23 mile) the route splits and there was just 2 of us and the first of the bigger climbs. At this point I dropped the other guy and I was on my own for the next 40 miles. The only problem was that about 3 of the turns on route were not sign posted or the signs had fallen down. I lost the course 3 times and had to double back. On the third time I doubled back as I thought I had lost the course but I was going the right way as I saw 3 other riders coming so did a u turn and got in with them. We stayed together to the 2nd feed station at 73 miles and after that we did some through and off but as the climbs started to take there toll and we dropped 2 of the guys and just me and another lad worked over the hills together and finished feeling strong. I quickly put the bike away and stuck on the trainers and did a quick (2 mile) run to finish off. I really enjoyed the event being on lots of roads I have never cycled and the hills made it a challenge. I think I did it in 5hrs 55. Happy with that given the hills. Click on the link to see the course profile. The weather held out most of the time with just a couple of heavy showers but it was fairly windy all day. http://www.eastyorkshireclassic.co.uk/nationals/docs/HTRC%20Centenary%20100%20Mile%20Sportive%20Profile.pdf

It was also a chance to test out the new bike which had now been cut to size by Paul at www.hilderthorpecycles.co.uk and it was great. Very comfortable and it climbs and accelerates like a dream, its definitely far superior to the Kuota.

Quality Training Morning

A good week so far includes Saturday 3600m open water swim, Sunday 14 mile run, Monday about 10 mile of mountain biking on technical tracks in the afternoon followed by a 4 mile run in the evening before a 2700 open water swim. On Tuesday I did a 35 mile hilly bike taking on the mighty Staxton climb followed by a 3 mile run and in the evening a 1200m swim at the pool. This morning was the monster session, 0700 hrs was the start of the 3600m open water swim, followed by a 50 mile bike on a fairly flat course but quite windy, and at the end of the bike it was trainers on for an 8 mile run. Thursday and Friday will be quite short and steady stuff in preparation for the 100 mile sportive ride on Saturday morning and I plan to take the trainers and do a quick (probably not that quick) 10 k run at the end of it. I hope the weather is favourable for it. That's all for now I will post how the Saturday ride goes at the weekend.

Awsome new bike provided by my sponsor - Hilderthorpe Cycles

The new bike is here!!!! Its been very kindly provided by Paul and Lisa at Hilderthorpe Cycles www.hilderthorpecycles.co.uk my local bike shop and sponsor. I will now be riding the top of the range Giant TCR Carbon Advanced. Its super light weight carbon with the seat post built into the frame for strength and weight saving. Kitted out with a full Dura Ace 10 speed groupset and a light weight set of ksyrium sl's but as you can see in the pics its currently running on my Cosmic Carbons with the new sponsors web address graphics which were created earlier this week. I just need to get the tri bars off the Kuota and fit them and get a couple of bottle cages as I don't think the red ones off my other bike will suit it. I just hope I can do it the justice such a fine machine deserves.

A change is as good as a rest!

Well they say a change is as good as a rest. Its true. After the IS race and the ride home the day after the race I tried a run on the Friday. I felt tired from the off. For the first time in a long time I decided that I needed some rest. I took the Saturday and Sunday off and did no training for the 2 days. On the Monday I did a 30 mile bike ride and felt great, its the first time my legs felt fresh for weeks. I pushed hard and later in the day I did a 4 mile run before doing a 3600m open water swim. On Tuesday I did a 6 mile run with the dog and then another 30 mile bike taking in Staxton hill which is 3/4 mile long at 17%. I also got a quick 1k swim at the pool but was tired from the previous nights swim. Late on Tuesday Anthea and I got an overnight ferry to Belgium for a days cycling. Anthea said I had to use the mountain bike so I wouldn't leave her behind. We took a steady ride around and in glorious sunshine over the day we clocked up 60 mile at social pace. This morning was another 6 mile run and then off to the hospital for a routine check up. I have to have blood tests every 3 months as there could be side effects from the medication that could affect the liver. I was also informed that my condition was slightly more advanced than they thought and that I am at higher risk of bowel cancer due to my illness and will have to have check ups periodically. They were however pleased with my recovery from the flare up earlier in the year. This evening I got out with the local cycling club for the first time and 7 of us did some good paced "through and off" over about 25 mile. I really enjoyed this as I never get to train with anyone else. I hope to do a bit more of it as it reminded me of my days as a road racer before I moved to Cyprus in 2001. Tomorrow I might be taking Anthea up to Dalby Forest for a days mountain biking and I hope to swim and run as well at some point.

IS Race - Tallington 2008

It amazes me that the British Forces has so many people with the ability to balance work, family, OOA commitments and training/racing, yet still be able to produce such a high level of competition. I would say that the IS race at Tallington must be as high if not very close to National Champs level. Its fantastic to see so many people at a race that are all from the services both military and civilian. So how did the race go? For me personally I had a fairly good race, I exited the water on about 24 1/2 mins with Debs and Jase (I think) and then started the 3km run to transition or at least it felt that long. I had opted to put my shoes on before getting on the bike due to the gravel after the timing mat, I didn't want stones in my shoes on the bike. I passed Jase struggling with his shoes after about 10 meters or so and started the bmx course doing my best not to destroy my carbon wheels. Finally we got onto the main road and I could get down on the tri bars and start racing. Jase came past after about 3 miles and I kept the gap of around 10-12 meters before having a go back at him. I passed him but he passed me later on and we were starting to close in on Andy Reardon just as I got to the road works. I had to stop at the red light. This is where I got angry and frustrated at the Army cheats who all went through the red forcing cars to swerve out of the way. Jase also went through (bad man) I expressed my disgust to Andy whilst we sat there for about 20 seconds. The lights changed and I was off again, eager to close the gap on those that had wronged me. I passed some of them on the small climb and then eased up on the decent for the dangerous corner. I watched and cringed as a Navy guy flew past still in his tri bars and then he realised and grasped for his brakes locked the back wheel and went straight across the wrong side of the road and scrubbed his wheels along the kerb narrowly missing the Army bloke who was picking his bike up off the floor (idiots!). I closed in on Jase again and passed him on the fast part of the course that had the tail wind with some 53-11 action. On lap 2 Andy passed me again and I was sitting about 15 meters back when lucky Daz was stopped again at the lights. This time it was for longer and yet again the cheating Army riders went through the red light. Jase came up behind and was slowing down as the light went amber so got through without a stop. I had to pass him again, this time more effort up the hill got me a bigger gap over Jase and Andy and I made up some more places on the fast bit back. I closed right in on Pete Norris as we entered transition and passed him over the timing mat. The run was the worst part of my race that day Greg Macdonald was about 20 seconds up the road and I was hoping for a re-run of the last time we raced. It wasn't to be as I could not do anything to close the gap and on lap 2 he extended the gap. I made a bit of an effort to stay ahead of Pete and crossed the line about 40 seconds down on Greg and about 4 or 5 seconds ahead of Pete. All in all I was happy with my race, it was great to see everyone and great to see Dale back on the circuit despite his injury. I am happy that I had both the integrity and more importantly the sense not to be tempted to cheat my way further up the field by jumping the red light. No race is worth risking you life over! The day after I had to take the MT car back to work and then complete a 12 hour day shift, this meant all I had to do was gentle 40 mile ride home off the North Yorkshire Moors back to Bridlington finally arriving home at 9:40 p.m. I might have a rest day today (Friday) maybe?

Cranwell - what went wrong?

Well Cranwell wasn't great for me. I might as well have been riding the bike in the picture that's made of bread. It was always going to be an unknown as to how well I could recover from the Half IM at the weekend. I felt fine and was ready to go but as soon as the swim started it was obvious how I felt that it was not going well. I was slow in the swim, in to T1 I got the helmet and number belt on and I was away. This was yet another failing on my part and I just had nothing in the legs. I could barely push a 53 x 16 round let alone get down to the 12's and 11t sprockets. I struggled round and into T2 and that was the biggest disaster of my triathlon career to date. I ran to the wrong rack and stood there getting more and more furious trying to work out where my shoes were. After about 30 seconds I seen my shoes under the other rack and ran round. By this time I knew that I was on a bad day and threw my Teddy's out of the cot along with my helmet and glasses. I was so annoyed with my self. I set of on the run and closed the gap on Sags quite quickly but once it got to about 20 seconds Sags knew I was there and increased his tempo and held onto his narrow gap and beat me over the line by about 18 seconds. Andy Fisher took the win but I would have liked a pop at him on fresh legs, though I think he still would have beat me. I have punished myself for my weakness by going on a 57 mile bike with transition to a 3 mile run the day after Cranwell and then I took the MT car back to work Thursday night and cycled the 40 mile home on Friday morning in the pouring rain. Raining again, wow that makes a change!

Cleveland Steelman (wetman) Race Report

Definitely the wettest race I've ever done!

I went to this event without being sure of my form over the longer distance having only done 2 sprints and 1 Olympic distance this year. The weather was in form and it was raining on arrival, much to my dissatisfaction. I set up transition with my run shoes, cap and cycle top in a plastic bag to keep them dry. The lake was the cleanest I've ever swam in, you could see the bottom even in the deepest areas. The race started and I was off on the 2k swim. I swam well for me and was satisfied with a 29:44. I don't know if I could have kept that pace up for 4k though (thinking ahead to the worlds) although there's still time yet. I had a quite slow transition trying to get my cycle top on over my wet tri top but I'm glad I did. On to the bike and it was 2 laps covering 58 miles. The first 9 miles or so was fairly rolling and with a head wind. I felt I was struggling on the bike and didn't seem to get going very well despite passing other riders it just didn't feel good. The rain hadn't really got going on the first lap but as we went past transition to start the second lap the heavens opened. I can't recall ever racing in rain as heavy as that. It was torrential, there was about 1/2 an inch of water across the roads it was like riding through one giant puddle. I started to feel stronger as the ride went on and the last 8 miles I was flying passing 6 more riders. I came into transition and had another slow one struggling to get dry socks on wet feet. I ditched the cycle top that now weighed about 4 lb and set off on the 12 mile run. I made up 2 places I had lost in transition but after 1.5 mile I decided to empty the bladder. After that I felt a lot better and got back up to speed. It was then that I picked out another RAF tri suit about 30 seconds up the road. The run course had an out and back section and then a loop at the other end to take you back round to start the next lap. It was 85% off road and the tracks were in a terrible state. I started to close in on Greg Macdonald towards the end of the first lap catching him dead on the end of the lap. I passed him and continued to pick up places running from 15th (half way round the first lap) to 8th by the end of the race putting just short of 3 mins into Greg. I'm happy with the result and my times. The Half IM is 70.3 and this was 71.4 so well pleased with a 4hr 22min. Splits are as follows

Swim 29:44

Bike 2:34:57

Run 1:14:50

I feel fine today (Sunday) but will find out how tired I am on Wednesday at Cranwell. See you there.

Cleveland Steelman on Saturday (Half Ironman distance)

I've been feeling tired since the Dambuster and Allerthorpe races. After the second race on the Sunday I had to work Monday dayshift instead of nights which meant I had to take the MT car back Monday morning and then cycle the 40 miles home after a 12 hour dayshift and did not get back until 10p.m. Tuesday I had to rest. Since then I have not done lots just a few bits here and there. I did a 3hr MTB ride in Dalby forest on Friday last week, a 2700m open water swim on Saturday and a Half Marathon (training pace - 1hr 24) on Sunday. This week I've only done an hour MTB on Monday, rest Tuesday, Wednesday was 28 mile bike with transition to 4.5 mile run, then swam in the afternoon. Today was a 25 mile bike and a swim. Tomorrow I plan to run about 5 mile but really steady pace and then sort out all the kit for Saturday. I am planning to do the race at a steady pace unless i'm in contention for a good overall place then I might go for it. Its really just a fitness test and build up for the worlds at the end of the day and I don't want to peak to soon this season. Then I have a few days (3) before Cranwell??? not sure why as I hate sprints with a passion. Just seen the forecast for Saturday and its not good - windy and heavy rain :-(

That's all for now, race report should be on line on Sunday.

Dambuster and Allerthorpe Race Reports

Lets start with me picking the bones out of my Dambuster race. When I arrived on Saturday morning to set up my kit the rain had already started. I don't get fazed by bad weather and quite often thrive on the challenge of it. After the race brief I made my way to the waters edge and was surprised that the water was at a reasonably warm temperature. I swam about for a minute or so before it was time to line up for the start. I set off on the swim trying to focus on a good swim and not do my usual thing which is keep thinking that the sooner this bits over the better. I felt the swim had gone well and I stood up at the end of the swim with 23:47 showing on the watch (24:12 over the timing mat). I was pleased with that and looked forward to the bike. I feel I struggled on the bike and my quads felt tight and heavy from the off. I normally thrive on the bike and its always been my strong point in the race. I definitely eased up on a lot of corners due to the wet roads as I did not know the course and would have benefitted from doing a drive round the day before. By the end of the course my fingers and toes were so cold I could not feel them. I thought I had done well on the bike as I had passed at least 80 riders and not been overtaken myself. On return to transition I had a quick turnaround despite the faff of getting my hat off and shoes on with numb fingers, and set off for the run. I ran a good race and picked off a lot of people and on arrival at the dam soon realised that there were only about 50 people at the most on it so thought I was well up the overall field. It was great to see all the other RAF folk in the very distinctive kit on the dam and boosted my moral even more. I ran hard on the return leg and crossed the line in 2:09:50.

My rankings were as follows - Swim 58th (24:12) - Bike 15th (1:07:56) - Run 10th (35:45)

On the day looking at the times I was disappointed with the bike time. I have put it down to the cold as I nailed the bike the following day at Allerthorpe.

Allerthorpe Sprint (the day after)

I woke on Sunday with no expectations for the Allerthorpe Sprint. I felt despite the previous days race I could still go top 10 and packed the car ready to go. I had managed to wash my kit and dry the wetsuit ready for the event. The weather was in complete contrast to the previous day and was a lot warmer, sunnier, and ohh so windy. The forecast was 30mph winds with gusts of 50 - 60 mph. I took the Ksyriums just in case I didn't want to use the Cosmic Carbon 50's. The transition was packed and I ended up parking the bike leaning against the end of the racking. 9:05 arrived and the women were 5 mins in to their swim it was time for the men to get started. I swam the first 350m fast and then the reality of a 24hr recovery set in and the arms and shoulders were very tired. I focused on finishing and getting on the bike and ended up exiting the 750m with an 11 min something. A good transition and I picked up the bike as it had blown over (luckily it was a grass transition so no damage) ran to the mount line and I was off into the head wind. I quickly started passing people and worked my way through the field. I was furious as most of the first 15k there was 3 guys doing a great job of team time trialling and not a draft buster to be seen. I hovered about 30 - 40 meters behind then found the strength to close the gap and pass them (offering some friendly explicit advice on drafting as I went by). I pulled away but at the left hand turn I made a mistake and took my left foot out of the shoe thinking we were turning into the last bit of the course. I realised my mistake and got my foot back in but one of them passed me again. I got him back and put time in and a mile later I was back at the transition and taking both feet out of the shoes ready for the run back to T2. The bike section had been extremely challenging on deep section wheels in the wind and with recorded gusts of 50mph it had been twitchy to say the least. I was informed by some of the spectators I was in 4th and I did a quick T2 and straight onto the run. I ran hard but by now the legs were feeling the efforts on the bike and yesterdays race. I caught 3rd after about 1.5k and could see 2nd but never thought it was a gap I could close. On the out and back course I saw the leader heading back and new I was never going to get close to him. At the turn I realised I had made good time on 2nd and pushed harder as it was now looking achievable. I caught him with about 1k to go and sped up thinking if I go past him fast he won't try to go with me. It worked and I quickly put a good gap between us. The last 800m was cruised as I had took my first look behind and realised I was well clear of any challenge for my place. I crossed the line 2nd and felt awesome. I spoke to the winner (Tom Room) who turns out to be GB Elite under 23 athlete sponsored by Planet X. Imagine my surprise to find I had done the fastest bike of the day (faster than an elite athlete!!! :-) I am now convinced I was affected by the cold at dambuster. Lets hope for a hot hot hot summer as I definitely race better when I am warm. Next stop Cleveland Steelman (half IM distance) on 5th July.

Steady week ahead, 2 races in 2 days coming up!

Ran a 10k very hilly race on Thursday and the Achilles seemed to be ok. A bit tender afterward but ok. Friday was a steady 3 mile run, 25 mile bike and a swim. I had a rest day on Saturday and Sunday morning I ran a half marathon distance at training pace. Sunday night I cycled to work, did the night shift and cycled home Monday morning. The rest of the week will be really steady in preparation for the weekend. I am racing Dambuster olympic distance on Saturday which is incorporating the RAF Championships. Should be a good race and there are over 20 RAF athletes entered. We should look good in our new jackets and hopefully stand out quite nicely. Then after I've driven home after the event I have to get my wetsuit dry and wash my kit and dry it as for some stupid reason I have entered a sprint race on the Sunday at Allerthorpe. I entered it as it is a local race and also to show support for a friend doing his second ever tri and his first with an open water swim. Not sure how I will be feeling and performing after racing the day before but I will have a go anyway.

Cycling tops arrive!!

Well after the long process of approval, funding, design, approval of design and finally production, the tops are finally here. They are now ready for despatch and for the 16 that have paid so far yours will be on the way on Monday. Just thought I would post a couple of pics of the jacket for you to see.

The week is nearly over rest days Friday and Saturday

The week is nearly up for me and rest is on its way. I plan to take Friday and Saturday as complete rest days :-) Wednesday I felt tired from Tuesdays efforts so I tackled that tired feeling with a 60 mile bike ride followed by a transition and onto a 3 mile run. I ran really short of time in the afternoon and only managed a 500m swim :-( Thursday morning I did a 44 mile undulating route on the race bike and tried to go quite hard around it. This afternoon I will do a 2k set in the pool and this evening will be an 8 mile run with the local club. That's another 200 mile week under my belt on the bike and 27 mile of running. Next week I think will be a big running week. My reward for the hard work is a meal at the Chinese tonight followed by a few beers to celebrate Anthea's birthday.