Monday 27 June 2011
Humber Bridge Half Marathon - How hot!
I entered the Humber Bridge Half Marathon about 6 weeks ago as I thought I could use it as a good training brick by cycling to the race and after the race cycling back. This seemed like a good plan, I checked the map to plan my route avoiding the A15 and trying to use smaller quiete roads. Using map my ride I measured it to be about 39 - 40 miles each way. The plan was in place. On Friday and Saturday the weather forecasters were busy telling us that Sunday was setting up to be the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures maybe reaching 30 degrees. I got up on Sunday and it was warm already, I filled a 2 litre bottle of water with High 5 for the return journey and 2 750ml sports bottles for the ride up. I took a lot of gels with me but didn't use as many as I thought. I arrived at the start area and found somewhere safe for the bike and my bag with about 15 minutes to go before the start and just changed my shoes as I'd worn tri shorts and a sleeveless cycle top to ride up, a quick wee and I made my way to the start. As the klaxon sounded I set off at the front of the 1800 strong field in a small group but at 2 miles in just 11 minutes I decided I wasn't going to play at that pace because of the ride home. I normally would have been happy at that pace but made a sensible decision to remove myself from the group and do my own thing. At the 4 mile mark we had the first of the climbs on the course, and I didn't feel great to be honest but was still on sub six min mile pace so cruised the next mile, the heat was really kicking in by now. I was moving at a good pace but at 8 miles I started to feel better than ever and lifted the pace a little before getting to mile 9, this was the main climb on the course which is about a 10% gradient and goes on for nearly a full mile. I felt strong on the climb and overtook another athlete who was struggling and once up I passed another, I was pushing on but the bridge its self is a bit of a climb with 11 miles in the legs. I felt good all the way to the finish and crossed the line in 1:21:10 which was good enough for 11th place overall. This is a tough course, check out the reviews on runners world, most people say they have clocked their personal worst on this course! At the finish I had a bottle of water, changed my shoes and top, packed the bag then cycled the 40 mile home, lucky for me it was a head wind all the way back just to keep it interesting. All in good days training, I had a 750ml serving of protein shake then went for a shower, I weighed myself before showering and was 2kg lighter than I was in the morning, so realised I would have to get a lot of fluids in during the rest of the day.
Sunday 19 June 2011
Dambuster Triathlon - National Championships
Well Saturday was the Dambuster Triathlon incorporating the National Championships. I am now the very proud owner of a National Championship silver medal!!!
I got up at 04:15 knowing the forecast wasn't promising and when I got down stairs to let the dog out it was tipping it down, needless to say the dog refused to go out and got straight back in bed. I must admit I was tempted to do the same! I had a latte and some toasted fruit loaf for breakfast and set off down to Rutland Water. I probably should have got up slightly earlier really as it was a bit of a rush getting down in time to register and pick up my race numbers etc. I was in transition with just half an hour to go before the start and only saw Brad Goggin out of the 40 or so RAF athletes until I got to the waters edge where I saw a couple of the others. We were called forward into the water and I swam out to the start. I somehow ended up right on the front of the start line with nobody in front of me. I've never started right on the front before and as the whistle was blown I set off and it was great to have clear water, I swam quite hard for the first 200 meters and never got knocked, kicked or punched once. At the first turn buoy I still had clear water and maneuvered into a group of 5 who seemed to be going at a pace I was happy with. The swim was totally uneventful and I stood up and had my goggles and hat off in 22:14 (actual time over the mat was 22:34) and for those that know me will know that's the fastest I've ever swam at Olympic distance (maybe the extra swim work is paying off or it could be the Xterra wetsuit). Anyhow I thought this could be a good day until I got to my bike, I had the suit off except for one leg because my timing chip had rolled down into a big knot and I was struggling to get the suit over it.
Eventually (after 1:29) I got out of transition and set off on the bike. I didn't feel on fire on the bike like normal and the first couple of miles I had a bit of a battle with one athlete but I got the better of him and didn't see him again and started to pass lots of people. It was a strange feeling as it felt slow but I was passing lots of people all the way round as there had been a wave starting 10 minutes before us. This was still within the first week on the new wheels and I didn't enjoy them at all! I was cursing in fact and swore blind I was selling them after the race as I was just getting blown all over on them and was very worried on the fastest descents as I kept having to feather the brakes to keep it under control. I was glad to pick up the A606 for the last few miles as it was a head wind and felt happier with the handling. The bike was done in 1:07:58 which is far from my quickest time round this course. After the race I spoke to others with 80 - 90mm wheels and they all had the same issues so it wasn't just me and I don't feel so concerned anymore. Apparently a couple of riders with deep wheels were blown off the road and crashed into the hedge.
I arrived back at T2 and had a smooth transition at 38 seconds and was off running and it felt fast. I felt strong and was running well passing lots of people but couldn't be sure who was in my wave so just kept the pace as high as I could. I got over the finish line in 2:06:38 giving me a run time of 33:59. I had to wait for a couple of hours as they didn't have the computer up and running to see how I'd done but once the results were available I found out I was second in my age group and a national silver medalist. This is the first time I've had a national medal and as you've probably guessed I'm very happy.
Next race is the Humber Bridge half marathon on Sunday 26th June. I am using this as a training day for my longer races in July and August so I'm cycling the 40 miles up to Hull, running the half then cycling back. Should be a tough day but a quality brick session.
I got up at 04:15 knowing the forecast wasn't promising and when I got down stairs to let the dog out it was tipping it down, needless to say the dog refused to go out and got straight back in bed. I must admit I was tempted to do the same! I had a latte and some toasted fruit loaf for breakfast and set off down to Rutland Water. I probably should have got up slightly earlier really as it was a bit of a rush getting down in time to register and pick up my race numbers etc. I was in transition with just half an hour to go before the start and only saw Brad Goggin out of the 40 or so RAF athletes until I got to the waters edge where I saw a couple of the others. We were called forward into the water and I swam out to the start. I somehow ended up right on the front of the start line with nobody in front of me. I've never started right on the front before and as the whistle was blown I set off and it was great to have clear water, I swam quite hard for the first 200 meters and never got knocked, kicked or punched once. At the first turn buoy I still had clear water and maneuvered into a group of 5 who seemed to be going at a pace I was happy with. The swim was totally uneventful and I stood up and had my goggles and hat off in 22:14 (actual time over the mat was 22:34) and for those that know me will know that's the fastest I've ever swam at Olympic distance (maybe the extra swim work is paying off or it could be the Xterra wetsuit). Anyhow I thought this could be a good day until I got to my bike, I had the suit off except for one leg because my timing chip had rolled down into a big knot and I was struggling to get the suit over it.
Eventually (after 1:29) I got out of transition and set off on the bike. I didn't feel on fire on the bike like normal and the first couple of miles I had a bit of a battle with one athlete but I got the better of him and didn't see him again and started to pass lots of people. It was a strange feeling as it felt slow but I was passing lots of people all the way round as there had been a wave starting 10 minutes before us. This was still within the first week on the new wheels and I didn't enjoy them at all! I was cursing in fact and swore blind I was selling them after the race as I was just getting blown all over on them and was very worried on the fastest descents as I kept having to feather the brakes to keep it under control. I was glad to pick up the A606 for the last few miles as it was a head wind and felt happier with the handling. The bike was done in 1:07:58 which is far from my quickest time round this course. After the race I spoke to others with 80 - 90mm wheels and they all had the same issues so it wasn't just me and I don't feel so concerned anymore. Apparently a couple of riders with deep wheels were blown off the road and crashed into the hedge.
I arrived back at T2 and had a smooth transition at 38 seconds and was off running and it felt fast. I felt strong and was running well passing lots of people but couldn't be sure who was in my wave so just kept the pace as high as I could. I got over the finish line in 2:06:38 giving me a run time of 33:59. I had to wait for a couple of hours as they didn't have the computer up and running to see how I'd done but once the results were available I found out I was second in my age group and a national silver medalist. This is the first time I've had a national medal and as you've probably guessed I'm very happy.
Next race is the Humber Bridge half marathon on Sunday 26th June. I am using this as a training day for my longer races in July and August so I'm cycling the 40 miles up to Hull, running the half then cycling back. Should be a tough day but a quality brick session.
Thursday 16 June 2011
Dambuster looming, weather forecast pants!
Well this weekend is the Dambuster triathlon and the weather forecast is looking pants as usual. Not feeling fired up for this event at the moment, Sags suggested we register, get the T Shirt, have a bacon and egg sandwich and go home! It's sounding like a plan at the moment.
On Friday I’d been emailing Sags for advice as I wanted to get a long bike/run session in but I was tired so needed a couple of rest days so didn't know what the best plan was. I would have struggled to fit it in Saturday as I had things to do and as I said I was tired from the weeks training I’d done. Sunday was a non starter as I was down in London all day at Wembley for the Capital FM Summertime Ball. I was getting a bit stressed about it as I felt I needed to do the long session, but I was struggling for time and was tired. Sags gave me the idea about taking Monday off instead thus giving me 2 rest days and no worries about time.
Plan in place Monday I was on leave and did the long bike/run brick I wanted to do. I had a lie in (8:15 which is a long lie in for me) got up and had breakfast with a large latte and about 10:30 had another large latte and prepped for the session. I took 2 x 750ml bottles of high 5 4:1 and 5 gels (1 of them was caffeine plus) with the plan of 1 gel every half hour. I laid out the shoes in the kitchen and 2 more gels for the run and set off. This was also my first ride on the new wheels, it was suitably windy which was a good chance to see how much more of a handful 80's can be over the 50's I was used to. Yes they do keep you busy! But they do feel fast. Anyway the bike went well and I arrived home on 2 hours 45 mins but could probably say the ride was more like 2 hours 35 - 2 hours 40 as I’d been delayed a couple of times at level crossings. I did a race style transition grabbed the gps and gels and went for the run. I was planning to do a minimum of 10 mile but a half marathon if I felt ok. I didn't feel ok, I felt great at 9 miles so went for the half marathon. Now here's the bit that made me happy,
I ran 1:21:47!!!!! My fastest half off the bike ever. Let’s just hope I can stay in one piece and not burn myself out before the Euro long distance champs in August but its looking good.
On Friday I’d been emailing Sags for advice as I wanted to get a long bike/run session in but I was tired so needed a couple of rest days so didn't know what the best plan was. I would have struggled to fit it in Saturday as I had things to do and as I said I was tired from the weeks training I’d done. Sunday was a non starter as I was down in London all day at Wembley for the Capital FM Summertime Ball. I was getting a bit stressed about it as I felt I needed to do the long session, but I was struggling for time and was tired. Sags gave me the idea about taking Monday off instead thus giving me 2 rest days and no worries about time.
Plan in place Monday I was on leave and did the long bike/run brick I wanted to do. I had a lie in (8:15 which is a long lie in for me) got up and had breakfast with a large latte and about 10:30 had another large latte and prepped for the session. I took 2 x 750ml bottles of high 5 4:1 and 5 gels (1 of them was caffeine plus) with the plan of 1 gel every half hour. I laid out the shoes in the kitchen and 2 more gels for the run and set off. This was also my first ride on the new wheels, it was suitably windy which was a good chance to see how much more of a handful 80's can be over the 50's I was used to. Yes they do keep you busy! But they do feel fast. Anyway the bike went well and I arrived home on 2 hours 45 mins but could probably say the ride was more like 2 hours 35 - 2 hours 40 as I’d been delayed a couple of times at level crossings. I did a race style transition grabbed the gps and gels and went for the run. I was planning to do a minimum of 10 mile but a half marathon if I felt ok. I didn't feel ok, I felt great at 9 miles so went for the half marathon. Now here's the bit that made me happy,
I ran 1:21:47!!!!! My fastest half off the bike ever. Let’s just hope I can stay in one piece and not burn myself out before the Euro long distance champs in August but its looking good.
Saturday 11 June 2011
Odiham race and new carbon bling
Went down to Odiham on Wednesday for the sprint race. Not really planned this but a late decision (5 days before) realising I could have a full day off work to do it!! I didn't do any sort of taper (not that I would for a sprint anyway) and went down a little bit tired after a hard few weeks of training. It was good to meet up with the old crew and we (Sags, Turbo, Roy B, Jase and Mal) sat in a group after the race brief as the heavens had opened. We were talking about how many new faces were about and how few people we knew. There seems to be some new and upcoming talent in RAF Tri at the moment which is great as I'm sure the "old crew" can't be relied upon for ever to sure up the RAF Team. We also discussed (Sags please take note) that we would be better off putting our vets in the vets team for the inter-service race in July rather than using them in the men's team as we have more chance of winning the vets race against the army.
Anyway, on to the race. I had Brad, Sags, Paul Fullalove and myself in my wave (2nd from last) and as the swim started I felt my pace was nice and even throughout. Not as fast as I can do but consistent, and exited the water on 6:01 and at the same time as Paul. Brad was already out and suspect he swam about 5:35. I had a good transition and saw Sags as I was leaving so he wasn't very far behind. I set off at a fast pace on the bike and as we joined the main road I could see Brad at the bottom of the first decent. I wanted to catch him as quick as possible and pushed hard up the first climb. I caught Brad just about half way round the first lap and moved ahead. Unfortunately when we got to the main town I was delayed a little in traffic and Brad came past (on the kerb lol) I passed him on the climb up out of the town and never saw him again. I later found out he punctured but am confident I would have dropped him anyway. The second lap my heart rate settled and my pace got faster (plus I knew the corners this time). As I got back to T2 I had a quick glance back but saw no sign of the chasers. A good transition and I set off on the run, after leaving T2 I was about 50 meters up the road when Sags came in off the bike. I pushed hard on the first half of the run with only a slight delay for a cyclist and car at the road crossing. As I neared the turn around I saw Mal first then not far back was Jase who shouted that the turn was just ahead. On the way back I saw Sags who looked to be going well and then Nick Harris on his run and he looked fast. I pushed on and had a clear run over the road on the way back. I finished 2nd just 21 seconds behind Nick so I'm happy with that given I'm not a sprint athlete.
On to the new carbon,
I decided it was time for a change having been using the Cosmic Carbons for 3 seasons now and the disc for the last 18 months. I sold the disc to Breezy on Wednesday and Mat Stephenson is having the Cosmics for his girlfriend so was on the lookout for something around the 80mm mark. I had done a bit of research on weights etc and had a short list. I ended up with the Profile Design Altair Carbon 80's (which were on my short list anyway). I've just put them on the bike today and changed the brake pads out for the carbon specific pads so just need a test ride now. Hopefully they ride as well as they look because I think the look superb. They weigh in 14g lighter than Zipp 808's which were also on the list and for those interested that's 1906g. They came with spare spokes, spoke key, brake pads and valve extenders and I've set them up on a set of Schwalbe Ultremo R1's.
Saturday 4 June 2011
You Tube
I had to share this video with you, it makes me laugh every time! Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw
That is all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw
That is all
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