This would be the second time of running this race and as previously, the pre-race evening was spent with my good mate Rocco and his wife Francesca - who makes the best pizza, ideal for pre-race carb loading !
Joe, my neighbour and running mate and general all-round top bloke was also running and was staying with us at Rocco's the night before. This was shaping up to be a great weekend.
Prior to this race, training had been going ok for me. As usual, I hadn't really done any specific half marathon training, as I was focusing on my first half iron distance triathlon in May. So this would be my first time out at 13.1 miles this year. When I say training had been going ok, I had seemed to have picked up a 'niggle' in my back/hamstring. This was making running uncomfy but not impossible - but it had made me cut my mileage back in order to try and see if that stopped the issue. So, unusually for me I would be going into a race for the first time I can remember, carrying some sort of niggle.
As with most mass start races I'm not a fan of the start. It was a cold day, there were thousands of people, no where to easily get to the loo without a massive queue and the bag lorries wanted your kit and warm coat hours before you were due to start. For the first time in any race I can recall, I'd decided to take an old long sleeve top to wear over my race tshirt to avoid the cold. Usually I hate throwing anything away, but I was glad of that top as the wind at times was very strong and cold.....I was just willing the start time to come round and trying my best to stay warm in the process. I guess at least it wasn't raining.
Eventually the start time came and we were up and running and getting warm. The plan was for Joe and I to run together. Rocco is a lot quicker and Francesca was aiming at a PB. For me it was really training miles in my triathlon training schedule so I wasn't so fussed on times.
We started off a bit quick and rightly so Joe reigned us back a bit. I'm glad he did as I'd start to struggle later and would welcome his foresight. Joe and I ran steadily and together for about 9 miles or so and round about then, or mile 10 I really started to labour under the niggle in my back. It seemed to zap my energy and I didn't seem to be getting any re-bound from the road, like I was having to really struggle to pull my legs up each stride. I told Joe to leave me and aim for a decent time as he was still running comfortably. Although he was reluctant I persuaded him to go. He did and I did manage to keep him in my sights but those last few miles weren't really that enjoyable. As it was I think I came in maybe less than a minute behind Joe and struggled over the line about 1hr 48 I think.
Into the finishing chute we collected medals and walked to the baggage reclaim. What a disaster that was. I must have taken what seemed like an hour to get our bags back...when you are cold at the end of a race and just want warm kit back it can be frustrating but you have to accept these things are all manned by volunteers to get angry at them would not be acceptable. We just waited in line and eventually got our bags, got changed and warm. Met Rocco in the Costa and had a warming drink. Francesca and Rocco had great run and Francesca bagged her PB !
We took a slow walk to the train and then before too long was back at Rocco's where I packed up the car and was soon on my way home - laden with pizza and other left overs from the night before !
I think for me, the race now has become almost an excuse to meet up with Rocco and Francesca and Joe and all be together sharing the pre-race dinner and also as best you can sharing a few miles together on the day. Really it could be any run, anywhere at any time, what I've really grown to enjoy is the social aspect of it. I think I've said in another race report for this run, the course is 'ok', the finish at Cutty Sark is decent, but its not the best course I've run, but that does't matter when you are sharing the experience with close friends.
Writing this now, as I am in April and with Covid-19 all but decimating the race season, be that road running or triathlon, I'm glad I got this early race in as it looks like it could be one of the only ones I do this year. I still have Beachy Head marathon booked in October and assume that will still be going ahead - but who knows. As for Triathlon, my Half Iron distance race in May was cancelled and that was the only Triathlon I'd entered so far. In a way I'm glad I hadn't entered many more.
So as I sit here looking back at what I've written here, you realise that you should be grateful for every training session and race you are able to do. You just never know when that all might be taken away from you !
A Dad's guide to the world of Triathlon.
Thursday, 30 April 2020
Wednesday, 4 March 2020
Strength and Conditioning - Is it worth it?
Strength and Conditioning, or S&C as its often shortened to. Is it worth it? A year or more into my Triathlon 'career' I found myself still asking myself this question. I saw and read lots about it, quite a few people I followed on Strava did it, yet still I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to do it, or see the real benefits of allocating time to it.
In a somewhat roundabout way, I'd like to take you through the process of how I got on-board with S&C sessions since I took up Triathlon.
In a somewhat roundabout way, I'd like to take you through the process of how I got on-board with S&C sessions since I took up Triathlon.
I've personally never been a huge fan of gyms - and associate S&C work to be the same as gym type workouts (I'm not sure I even like the word 'workout'). Gyms seem over-priced for starters, so for that and a few other reasons (that I wont share here), I've never really ventured into them (unless it was for a free 'trial', then why not....and then I only used the pool during that period anyway!).
The other challenge I felt was around how I best allocated my time between the swim, bike and run training I wanted to do. If I was to add an S&C routine, then the likelihood was, I'd have to replace a swim, bike or run session - which to me felt counterproductive. I'm not sure I'd be the first new comer to triathlon to have that view.
I pretty much followed the same approach to my early days of running marathons. My view being, what have I got to do come race day....I've got to run 26.2 miles, so what should I do for training....well, running and plenty of it. Never did it occur to me to do much else.
So with my mind made up and my previous 'experience', I avoided the S&C and continued to split my time between swim, bike and run.
From the reading I did, I got the idea one of the benefits to a S&C routine was the contribution it could make to injury prevention. Now I've either been very fortunate, or smart in my approach to training (I know which is likely to be true...) as I've never suffered from any sort of injury that has stopped me completely from racing or training. Granted, I've had a couple of episodes of plantar fasciitis where I've had to lay off the running for a while, but that meant just more focus was put on swimming and biking. So again, where is my motivation to introduce those S&C sessions - for me, it still wasn't there.
And then the light-bulb moment. I had recently read Chrissie Wellington's book 'A life without limits'. Being fairly new to Triathlon, I was still catching up with its hero's past and present. So, when one day I saw Chrissie had a new book out and to coincide with that, was doing 'an audience with' at a book shop in London, I signed up and got my ticket. I was riddled with excitement. I'd actually be listening to and hearing from a legend of the sport. I couldn't wait. So the day arrives, in my over excitement I arrive way too early, buy the new book and settle down right at the very front.
I won't go into every detail, fascinating as it was. However, the conversation or question come up about S&C, was it important, what did Chrissie think? This was going to be interesting I thought....and it was. Her answer was simple - ignore it at your own peril !!
Well, that was pretty conclusive really. When you are being told that by a four times Iron Man world Champion it suddenly becomes something you HAVE to do. From that moment on, I was determined I would take on at least one S&C session per week. Luckily, Chrissie had included a tri specific S&C routine in her new book, from when she was coached by Dave Scott. That just added to the sense of urgency to start...if it is a routine created by 'The Man' himself, who was I to ignore it.
And that's where it all began for me. I photocopied the pages from the book, dragged out my wife's knackered old yoga mat, dusted off some old dumbbells and proceeded to set myself up in my conservatory (still couldn't face or justify the gym) and got to grips with the routine. I had to adjust some sets/reps to fit in with the time I had but other than that, I followed the session plan laid out in that book.
Have I done it once per week like I thought I would.... no I haven't. I'll admit, it's the first session to be cut if I'm facing time constraints or feel I've fallen behind on swim, bike or run sessions that week. That said, the majority of the exercises are done without weights, so its a good session that can in the main be done anywhere, on holiday etc.
Have I benefited from it? I've said before in other articles that a lot of my views are not evidenced or scientifically backed up. The same applies here with S&C. I have no scientific or race based feedback or evidence to prove if I have, or haven't benefited. I've picked up a slight niggle in my back recently, so it hasn't kept me 100% injury free, but then, I don't do it regularly enough to claim against that insurance policy I'm sure. On top of which, my training is rarely at the extreme end of the intensity scale, so that probably has more to do with a lack of injury - maybe?
Having said that, last season, after getting in some more regular and consistent S&C, I did feel a long stronger on my brick sessions, running off the bike did feel 'easier'. Can I attribute that to S&C directly, no I can't. But it was a difference I noticed and the only significant change to my training was the introduction of an S&C session once per week(ish).
What I have done is continue to read and research S&C in triathlon and find it unusual to come across any material, or any elite athlete that doesn't impart the importance of S&C sessions. So there you have it, another article that I've written and you've read (hopefully)....got to the end of and thought, well, that was pretty much useless. What has he told me here? What have I learnt? The title of the article was, Strength and Conditioning, is it worth it? In my view, it is. I am sure I have felt a benefit, albeit maybe marginal. I am going to continue and try to get one session in per week. I plan to mix it up with some sessions or exercises that are not triathlon specific, but are rather just S&C based/focused. I haven't read anywhere in my continued research that there is any detrimental benefit....and with the words of a four times Iron Man world champion still ringing in my ears...'ignore it at your own peril'....I will continue to try and fit it into my training schedule.
Whether or not you do, is a matter of personal choice I guess - but, I would at least take on board those wise words from Chrissie.
I pretty much followed the same approach to my early days of running marathons. My view being, what have I got to do come race day....I've got to run 26.2 miles, so what should I do for training....well, running and plenty of it. Never did it occur to me to do much else.
So with my mind made up and my previous 'experience', I avoided the S&C and continued to split my time between swim, bike and run.
From the reading I did, I got the idea one of the benefits to a S&C routine was the contribution it could make to injury prevention. Now I've either been very fortunate, or smart in my approach to training (I know which is likely to be true...) as I've never suffered from any sort of injury that has stopped me completely from racing or training. Granted, I've had a couple of episodes of plantar fasciitis where I've had to lay off the running for a while, but that meant just more focus was put on swimming and biking. So again, where is my motivation to introduce those S&C sessions - for me, it still wasn't there.
And then the light-bulb moment. I had recently read Chrissie Wellington's book 'A life without limits'. Being fairly new to Triathlon, I was still catching up with its hero's past and present. So, when one day I saw Chrissie had a new book out and to coincide with that, was doing 'an audience with' at a book shop in London, I signed up and got my ticket. I was riddled with excitement. I'd actually be listening to and hearing from a legend of the sport. I couldn't wait. So the day arrives, in my over excitement I arrive way too early, buy the new book and settle down right at the very front.
I won't go into every detail, fascinating as it was. However, the conversation or question come up about S&C, was it important, what did Chrissie think? This was going to be interesting I thought....and it was. Her answer was simple - ignore it at your own peril !!
Well, that was pretty conclusive really. When you are being told that by a four times Iron Man world Champion it suddenly becomes something you HAVE to do. From that moment on, I was determined I would take on at least one S&C session per week. Luckily, Chrissie had included a tri specific S&C routine in her new book, from when she was coached by Dave Scott. That just added to the sense of urgency to start...if it is a routine created by 'The Man' himself, who was I to ignore it.
And that's where it all began for me. I photocopied the pages from the book, dragged out my wife's knackered old yoga mat, dusted off some old dumbbells and proceeded to set myself up in my conservatory (still couldn't face or justify the gym) and got to grips with the routine. I had to adjust some sets/reps to fit in with the time I had but other than that, I followed the session plan laid out in that book.
Have I done it once per week like I thought I would.... no I haven't. I'll admit, it's the first session to be cut if I'm facing time constraints or feel I've fallen behind on swim, bike or run sessions that week. That said, the majority of the exercises are done without weights, so its a good session that can in the main be done anywhere, on holiday etc.
Have I benefited from it? I've said before in other articles that a lot of my views are not evidenced or scientifically backed up. The same applies here with S&C. I have no scientific or race based feedback or evidence to prove if I have, or haven't benefited. I've picked up a slight niggle in my back recently, so it hasn't kept me 100% injury free, but then, I don't do it regularly enough to claim against that insurance policy I'm sure. On top of which, my training is rarely at the extreme end of the intensity scale, so that probably has more to do with a lack of injury - maybe?
Having said that, last season, after getting in some more regular and consistent S&C, I did feel a long stronger on my brick sessions, running off the bike did feel 'easier'. Can I attribute that to S&C directly, no I can't. But it was a difference I noticed and the only significant change to my training was the introduction of an S&C session once per week(ish).
What I have done is continue to read and research S&C in triathlon and find it unusual to come across any material, or any elite athlete that doesn't impart the importance of S&C sessions. So there you have it, another article that I've written and you've read (hopefully)....got to the end of and thought, well, that was pretty much useless. What has he told me here? What have I learnt? The title of the article was, Strength and Conditioning, is it worth it? In my view, it is. I am sure I have felt a benefit, albeit maybe marginal. I am going to continue and try to get one session in per week. I plan to mix it up with some sessions or exercises that are not triathlon specific, but are rather just S&C based/focused. I haven't read anywhere in my continued research that there is any detrimental benefit....and with the words of a four times Iron Man world champion still ringing in my ears...'ignore it at your own peril'....I will continue to try and fit it into my training schedule.
Whether or not you do, is a matter of personal choice I guess - but, I would at least take on board those wise words from Chrissie.
Wednesday, 6 November 2019
Garmin 920XT reviewed
I've posted a 'review' of the Garmin 920XT I use for training and racing.
Like all of my product reviews, it isn't scientific and doesn't compare the Garmin I use to any other Garmin or for that matter any other similar products from different manufacturers.
It's just my experience of using the Garmin, with a few poorly positioned photos along the way to supplement what is probably far too many words.
I touch on the fact that since I've had the 920XT over 2 years now, it has become an 'old' watch and compared to the newer versions from Garmin and their competitors, is probably lacking in some of the new 'fancy' functionality. That said, you still see a fair few 920's on any triathlon race start line and you can still buy them so although I'm behind the curve with my review, it might still be useful.
Head over to the 'Tri'd and tested' section to see what I have to say.
Like all of my product reviews, it isn't scientific and doesn't compare the Garmin I use to any other Garmin or for that matter any other similar products from different manufacturers.
It's just my experience of using the Garmin, with a few poorly positioned photos along the way to supplement what is probably far too many words.
I touch on the fact that since I've had the 920XT over 2 years now, it has become an 'old' watch and compared to the newer versions from Garmin and their competitors, is probably lacking in some of the new 'fancy' functionality. That said, you still see a fair few 920's on any triathlon race start line and you can still buy them so although I'm behind the curve with my review, it might still be useful.
Head over to the 'Tri'd and tested' section to see what I have to say.
Friday, 11 October 2019
Race Review - Havering Half Marathon Sunday 6th October 2019
The Havering half marathon was something I didn't know existed until friends started to contact me to say it was being run again....for the first time in something like 25 years.
Friends had started to enter as soon as it was announced. Given this would be an opportunity to race in familiar surroundings whilst also helping to raise cash for a local mental health charity, I decided to enter.
Since I took up triathlon I don't really train specifically just for running now, as I have three sports to cover. I usually use half marathons as training for the half iron man events. However, since my triathlon season was done, this would be less of a training specific effort and more of a run for the sake of a run and to enjoy doing my bit for the local charity. I planned to run with a good friend and just enjoy supporting a local race.
So, after I finished my last Triathlon (Clacton Tri - see separate post on how that went) I had grand plans to focus a few weeks of training to make sure I arrived on the start line with some good running legs. But for reasons unknown to me, I lost a bit of motivation for training. I'd do a session and then not recover that well, so would take a rest day, or even two, then another session....not feel great and so the cycle repeated for a couple of weeks. Maybe I had a virus/cold...who knows.....but I just couldn't be bothered with training. Eventually I managed to string together a few 5 mile runs and the longest I ran was just over 9 miles, although that was mostly off road with some hills. I had no idea of the course for the half marathon but hoped that going off road and with hills would serve me well on race day.
I carried on using the Turbo trainer in between runs as some active recovery but mostly because I just prefer cycling to running lately !
So a few days out, I was feeling ok. I'd done some training, maybe not enough, but I knew I'd get round and seeing as it was a social run, there was no pressure. And then my mate went and got injured and knew he wouldn't make it on the day....I was gutted as was he. We were both looking forward to it. So, what do I do now, try and 'race' the distance or just finish?
Race day dawns....and its so refreshing when the alarm goes off at 7am, rather than the usual 4am for triathlon race days. What isn't so refreshing though is the gloomy sky and heavy rain. I don't mind getting wet when I'm into an event....but starting an event in the rain isn't my preferred option if I'm honest especially the hanging about at the start when you've dropped your bag and all your nice warm/dry kit.. Anyhow, I pre-booked an uber via Mrs Mighty Tri and was dropped near the start with about 45 mins to spare. Perfect. The rain had stopped...maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.
After catching up with some mates around the start area and then joining the queue to try out the portaloos, I dropped my bag and was ready for the start....or was I....nope, I needed the loo again. I'm not sure why I can't seem to get my toilet strategy right these days?
Soon enough I was in the start pen, ready to get underway. There were some nice speeches by the race organizers saying how grateful they were to the runners for entering and turning up and raising money for their cause, thanking marshalls, volunteers etc. Then moments later, we were off, well sort of....the classic 'surge' where we all trotted forward then quickly had to start back-pedaling as everyone upfront applied the brakes rather unexpectedly. Haven't experienced that in a while, its not something that happens in Triathlon where you are typically running on your own (well, you are if you are me).
Anyhow, the official start came with a somewhat lame hooter and we were off this time. No rain and even the sun started to make an appearance. As is typical, after a mile I realized arm warmers were over-kill as I started to warm up nicely, but at least they can be easily rolled down. What a great bit of kit they are.
So, what was my plan - how was I going to run? I didn't have a plan really. I was meant to have a steady run with my mate who wasn't able to start. Should I try and go quicker, should I take it easy....in the end the decision was run to feel, so I settled into a pace that was under 8 minutes per mile and felt fairly comfy with that. I was sure I could hold around 7.30 pace, but not sure I'd last the whole distance at that speed. I had no idea where the course was taking me, so was pleasantly surprised when we turned off road and into a country park. It was exactly like Pages Wood where I do a fair bit of my running. And the course covered a fair bit of the parks and country parks around Havering. It was very pleasant if not muddy and wet in places and rolling up and down.
After a few miles I caught a pacer but couldn't see the time they were targeting. As I got closer, I saw it was 2hrs...wow, maybe I'd started slower than I thought...I needed to speed up, so I tried to move the pace on a bit.
Around the 10k mark I started to feel laboured and my legs felt heavier than they should for 6 miles in. I hoped they would clear soon as I didn't fancy running the rest of the race like that. Luckily for me, I started to feel better and was still managing to hold a decent enough pace. I hadn't seen any more pacers but thought I was on for at least 1hr 50 if I continued as I was.
Back onto some tarmac I noticed another pacer, so I was keen to see what time they were targeting. I was really surprised to see them with a 1hr 45 attached to their shirt. Wow, I was doing better than I thought. I wondered if I might just follow the pacer in, 1:45 isn't such a bad time. But I was running to feel and I felt ok so I continued at the pace I was and thought, if the pacer doesn't go past me, I should finish in around 1:40 or maybe just dip under if I could find some extra speed.
Over the last couple of miles, I really started to tie up a bit and had to really push hard to keep my pace somewhere near 8 minute miles. I wondered if I should have taken a gel with me, but hadn't done so, so no point dwelling on that. I must say, those last couple of miles I started to flounder but managed to keep my pace constant. Seeing marshalls who were friends was a nice boost....that's the beauty of a local race I guess.
And before I knew it, I was in the finishing straight and despite my best efforts knew I wasn't going to dip under 1:40 this time but still I'd be near 1:40. With the customary 'sprint' to finish, I crossed the line in 1:40 and some seconds. I was actually surprised and really pleased. I think the course was actually a tad short according to my Garmin.
I chatted to a few mates who'd finished before me and then went back to the hall to collect my bag and get into some fresh clothes. I knew I had to run home as there was no one around to collect me. A quick stretch in the bag collection hall, pack of Haribos and some water and I set off home....adding a further 3.5 miles to the total.
I thoroughly enjoyed this run. Being local, seeing so many faces I knew in the crowd or acting as marshalls. Despite it being a fairly grotty day, the support in places was great - It never fails to surprise me how many people come out to watch a bunch of people running.
Being this was the first time this event has taken place in around 25 years, lets hope it isn't the last time. I would certainly enter again.
Now the focus turns to winter training and preparing for whatever races I might enter in 2020.
Friends had started to enter as soon as it was announced. Given this would be an opportunity to race in familiar surroundings whilst also helping to raise cash for a local mental health charity, I decided to enter.
Since I took up triathlon I don't really train specifically just for running now, as I have three sports to cover. I usually use half marathons as training for the half iron man events. However, since my triathlon season was done, this would be less of a training specific effort and more of a run for the sake of a run and to enjoy doing my bit for the local charity. I planned to run with a good friend and just enjoy supporting a local race.
So, after I finished my last Triathlon (Clacton Tri - see separate post on how that went) I had grand plans to focus a few weeks of training to make sure I arrived on the start line with some good running legs. But for reasons unknown to me, I lost a bit of motivation for training. I'd do a session and then not recover that well, so would take a rest day, or even two, then another session....not feel great and so the cycle repeated for a couple of weeks. Maybe I had a virus/cold...who knows.....but I just couldn't be bothered with training. Eventually I managed to string together a few 5 mile runs and the longest I ran was just over 9 miles, although that was mostly off road with some hills. I had no idea of the course for the half marathon but hoped that going off road and with hills would serve me well on race day.
I carried on using the Turbo trainer in between runs as some active recovery but mostly because I just prefer cycling to running lately !
So a few days out, I was feeling ok. I'd done some training, maybe not enough, but I knew I'd get round and seeing as it was a social run, there was no pressure. And then my mate went and got injured and knew he wouldn't make it on the day....I was gutted as was he. We were both looking forward to it. So, what do I do now, try and 'race' the distance or just finish?
Race day dawns....and its so refreshing when the alarm goes off at 7am, rather than the usual 4am for triathlon race days. What isn't so refreshing though is the gloomy sky and heavy rain. I don't mind getting wet when I'm into an event....but starting an event in the rain isn't my preferred option if I'm honest especially the hanging about at the start when you've dropped your bag and all your nice warm/dry kit.. Anyhow, I pre-booked an uber via Mrs Mighty Tri and was dropped near the start with about 45 mins to spare. Perfect. The rain had stopped...maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.
After catching up with some mates around the start area and then joining the queue to try out the portaloos, I dropped my bag and was ready for the start....or was I....nope, I needed the loo again. I'm not sure why I can't seem to get my toilet strategy right these days?
Soon enough I was in the start pen, ready to get underway. There were some nice speeches by the race organizers saying how grateful they were to the runners for entering and turning up and raising money for their cause, thanking marshalls, volunteers etc. Then moments later, we were off, well sort of....the classic 'surge' where we all trotted forward then quickly had to start back-pedaling as everyone upfront applied the brakes rather unexpectedly. Haven't experienced that in a while, its not something that happens in Triathlon where you are typically running on your own (well, you are if you are me).
Anyhow, the official start came with a somewhat lame hooter and we were off this time. No rain and even the sun started to make an appearance. As is typical, after a mile I realized arm warmers were over-kill as I started to warm up nicely, but at least they can be easily rolled down. What a great bit of kit they are.
So, what was my plan - how was I going to run? I didn't have a plan really. I was meant to have a steady run with my mate who wasn't able to start. Should I try and go quicker, should I take it easy....in the end the decision was run to feel, so I settled into a pace that was under 8 minutes per mile and felt fairly comfy with that. I was sure I could hold around 7.30 pace, but not sure I'd last the whole distance at that speed. I had no idea where the course was taking me, so was pleasantly surprised when we turned off road and into a country park. It was exactly like Pages Wood where I do a fair bit of my running. And the course covered a fair bit of the parks and country parks around Havering. It was very pleasant if not muddy and wet in places and rolling up and down.
After a few miles I caught a pacer but couldn't see the time they were targeting. As I got closer, I saw it was 2hrs...wow, maybe I'd started slower than I thought...I needed to speed up, so I tried to move the pace on a bit.
Around the 10k mark I started to feel laboured and my legs felt heavier than they should for 6 miles in. I hoped they would clear soon as I didn't fancy running the rest of the race like that. Luckily for me, I started to feel better and was still managing to hold a decent enough pace. I hadn't seen any more pacers but thought I was on for at least 1hr 50 if I continued as I was.
Back onto some tarmac I noticed another pacer, so I was keen to see what time they were targeting. I was really surprised to see them with a 1hr 45 attached to their shirt. Wow, I was doing better than I thought. I wondered if I might just follow the pacer in, 1:45 isn't such a bad time. But I was running to feel and I felt ok so I continued at the pace I was and thought, if the pacer doesn't go past me, I should finish in around 1:40 or maybe just dip under if I could find some extra speed.
Over the last couple of miles, I really started to tie up a bit and had to really push hard to keep my pace somewhere near 8 minute miles. I wondered if I should have taken a gel with me, but hadn't done so, so no point dwelling on that. I must say, those last couple of miles I started to flounder but managed to keep my pace constant. Seeing marshalls who were friends was a nice boost....that's the beauty of a local race I guess.
And before I knew it, I was in the finishing straight and despite my best efforts knew I wasn't going to dip under 1:40 this time but still I'd be near 1:40. With the customary 'sprint' to finish, I crossed the line in 1:40 and some seconds. I was actually surprised and really pleased. I think the course was actually a tad short according to my Garmin.
I chatted to a few mates who'd finished before me and then went back to the hall to collect my bag and get into some fresh clothes. I knew I had to run home as there was no one around to collect me. A quick stretch in the bag collection hall, pack of Haribos and some water and I set off home....adding a further 3.5 miles to the total.
I thoroughly enjoyed this run. Being local, seeing so many faces I knew in the crowd or acting as marshalls. Despite it being a fairly grotty day, the support in places was great - It never fails to surprise me how many people come out to watch a bunch of people running.
Being this was the first time this event has taken place in around 25 years, lets hope it isn't the last time. I would certainly enter again.
Now the focus turns to winter training and preparing for whatever races I might enter in 2020.
Monday, 16 September 2019
Race Review - Clacton Triathlon Sunday 8th September 2019
I've surprised myself in writing a race review about Clacton Triathlon, given that after racing the same event last year, I swore to myself once was enough.
Why? Simple, two-word answer.....The Swim. As I've documented well through my posts before, I am not the best of swimmers although I have grown to really enjoy the swim aspect of the swim, bike, run challenge. Last year I vowed to use Clacton as a 'prover' for this years race in Mallorca as both feature sea swims. Ok, granted, there are a fair few differences to swimming in the North sea in early September and the bay of Alcudia in early May. But essentially, the challenge of a sea swim, in my view, is mostly the same wherever you do it. Firstly the unpredictable nature of what you might get on race day....it could be flat(ish), there could be a mild swell, there could be full on waves. If it's that bad, you could even end up racing a duathlon, not a triathlon, should the swim have to be cancelled. Then for one-sided breathers like me, you can face the prospect of breathing into the swell and consuming unwanted mouthfuls of salt water.
By contrast, a lake swim brings an element of predictability. And so it was that last year, I arrived at Clacton and had to endure the hardest swim I've ever done in any Triathlon I've started. The unpredictability aspect had dealt this poor swimmer a tricky hand. It's funny, when you are confronted with this scenario, you just seem to get on with it and that's what I did that time - but it wasn't pleasant.
Anyhow, this is a review of this years race, not a trip down memory lane from last year. So after saying I'd not race here again...why did I end up on the start line? A couple of drivers really. I'd been forced to pull out of Outlaw 70.3 earlier in the year (see post on that) and so I wanted to do another race this year....and a couple of mates had entered and I always enjoy going to a race with friends, it just makes it more enjoyable.
And so he we were...the alarm calling me at 4.30 am on a Sunday. I was going to race Clacton again. Training hadn't been as good as I'd hoped. I'd had some illness beforehand so missed the best part of a week and I'd just come back from an activity holiday the week before and was feeling the effects of that. Still, I was trusting my 'bank' of fitness would see me through the day.
My mate Martin arrived at 5.20 to collect me and after loading up, off we went to Clacton. It was a chilly morning and very dark. As we drew closer it started to brighten up but it didn't feel much warmer as we parked up and headed for registration. It was still early, so there was hope of a little warmth arriving before start time.
Race number located, I was into the tent to collect my race pack and have my race number marked on my arm with the worlds biggest sharpie ! It still hasn't washed off yet. My race start time was around 8 am, in the second wave.
Next was bike racking and transition set up. As a fairly small race, this is never a busy affair. My trusty race check list ensured I was not missing anything I needed. Bike racked and transition laid out, I was ready for the race briefing.
The race briefing kicked off with some bad news....this was to be the last running of the race after what would be 21 editions. What a shame. I was pleased I'd entered after all. With the sun starting to rise I donned my wet-suit, wished Martin a safe race and made my way to the swim start. It's about a 20 min slow walk to the start point. This year we were swimming in the opposite direction to last year (still tide assisted) and as I made my way along the sea front, I was pleased to see the sea conditions were about perfect. It was looking like the weather and conditions were perfect for racing. We watched the first wave set off and I still marvel at how strong a tide can be as you watch swimmers being pushed toward the first bouy. Then it was our turn. Swim instructions relayed, we are allowed to get into the sea for a few warm up strokes, before coming back out to line up for our start. And before you know it, I'm racing again at Clacton. The swim was just glorious, really. There was a slight swell but given the shore was to our left, the swell was coming from the right, so perfect for a left-side breather. Everything was in my favour and it made such a difference. I would have quite happily swam twice the distance in those conditions. Before I knew it, I was at the last turn bouy and turned toward shore and the swim exit.
A quick glance at the watch showed the effect of the tide....28 mins for me for 1500m where I usually swim 37 mins for the same distance ! (my mates would swim sub 20 mins....but that shows where my swim is by comparison). My jog to transition was a joy....I was thinking how much I had enjoyed the swim and how pleased I was with the swim time....this is how racing should feel.
Into transition and ready to hit the bike. I'd decided to lay out a cycling top to put over my tri suit as I was worried about it being chilly. I was glad I did as the zip on my tri suit busted before the swim start so I would have had to race with an open zipper - I know from reading the British Tri rules that you have to have forward facing zips done up as you cross the finish line. Off on the bike, there is a short un-timed section so this allows for a quick drink to get rid of the taste of salt and to set yourself for the ride. It was evident as soon as I hit the bike course that I was going to have to battle a headwind but I wasn't expecting it to be with me for such a long time. There were sections without the wind and I was able to comfortably ride over 20mph but as soon as the wind came, I was down to 14mph averages. It was exactly the same for the second lap. This isn't a closed road race so there can be traffic issues in places, but in the main it isn't a big deal. The marshals are great and will shout 'clear' on junctions so you know you can safely turn whilst still maintaining any speed you might have gathered. A fairly uneventful bike was soon done and it was back into transition to prepare for the run.
This is where a tri suit and elastic laces come into play. Bike racked and helmet off, then bike shoes off and run shoes straight on, peak on, gel in my pocket, swig of drink and you are good to go. The legs felt heavy but I assumed that would ease into the run. It sort of did but I wasn't as comfortable as I'd like to be, or as quick as I feel I should be, over 10k. I seem to struggle with what feels like the onset of cramps in my quads. It never turns to full cramp, but feels like it is at least lingering there. Not sure what this is, or what I do to prevent it....nutrition? More bike miles in training? More brick sessions? Anyone that's one to ponder over during the winter work perhaps. For now, the sun was shining, the run along the cliffs and then down onto the sea front was just lovely. There was great support from people out for walks or those actually there to watch/support. Who cares if your legs are aching, or you aren't running as quick as you'd like when its a lovely day like this.
I ticked off the miles and prepared for the sharp hill to get back from seafront to cliff top where the finish is. There was a British Tri official at the top of the incline asking for zips to be done up as we approached the finish line. I was glad I'd put that cycling top in transition now and had it available to wear.
I mustered that last bit from my legs to push it across the finish line and ducked my head to accept my medal. Timing chip removed, job done.
Another race completed and I was really happy with the time (ok, so the swim effort was assisted somewhat, but if I add that time back on to my overall time, I was still happy to be under 3 hours). And my transitions were a lot better than usual so all in, a pretty decent (for me at least) way to sign off the last Tri race of my season.
I tracked down my mates and we did the standard post-race compare of times and shared our thoughts of the race and our own performance and maybe slipped in the odd reason for why we didn't do as well was we wanted to.
Its a real shame that this is the last time this race will take place. Its a great setting and location to race in and when the weather was like it was today, it is a really enjoyable mornings racing. Maybe someone else will pick up the race and take it over? It would be a shame to see it drop off the calendar forever. But if it does, I'm glad to say I completed the last ever edition of it and helped to raise some money for local charities in the process.
So, season done now, I can start planning for next year soon...and looking for a new tri suit to race in !
Why? Simple, two-word answer.....The Swim. As I've documented well through my posts before, I am not the best of swimmers although I have grown to really enjoy the swim aspect of the swim, bike, run challenge. Last year I vowed to use Clacton as a 'prover' for this years race in Mallorca as both feature sea swims. Ok, granted, there are a fair few differences to swimming in the North sea in early September and the bay of Alcudia in early May. But essentially, the challenge of a sea swim, in my view, is mostly the same wherever you do it. Firstly the unpredictable nature of what you might get on race day....it could be flat(ish), there could be a mild swell, there could be full on waves. If it's that bad, you could even end up racing a duathlon, not a triathlon, should the swim have to be cancelled. Then for one-sided breathers like me, you can face the prospect of breathing into the swell and consuming unwanted mouthfuls of salt water.
By contrast, a lake swim brings an element of predictability. And so it was that last year, I arrived at Clacton and had to endure the hardest swim I've ever done in any Triathlon I've started. The unpredictability aspect had dealt this poor swimmer a tricky hand. It's funny, when you are confronted with this scenario, you just seem to get on with it and that's what I did that time - but it wasn't pleasant.
Anyhow, this is a review of this years race, not a trip down memory lane from last year. So after saying I'd not race here again...why did I end up on the start line? A couple of drivers really. I'd been forced to pull out of Outlaw 70.3 earlier in the year (see post on that) and so I wanted to do another race this year....and a couple of mates had entered and I always enjoy going to a race with friends, it just makes it more enjoyable.
And so he we were...the alarm calling me at 4.30 am on a Sunday. I was going to race Clacton again. Training hadn't been as good as I'd hoped. I'd had some illness beforehand so missed the best part of a week and I'd just come back from an activity holiday the week before and was feeling the effects of that. Still, I was trusting my 'bank' of fitness would see me through the day.
My mate Martin arrived at 5.20 to collect me and after loading up, off we went to Clacton. It was a chilly morning and very dark. As we drew closer it started to brighten up but it didn't feel much warmer as we parked up and headed for registration. It was still early, so there was hope of a little warmth arriving before start time.
Race number located, I was into the tent to collect my race pack and have my race number marked on my arm with the worlds biggest sharpie ! It still hasn't washed off yet. My race start time was around 8 am, in the second wave.
Next was bike racking and transition set up. As a fairly small race, this is never a busy affair. My trusty race check list ensured I was not missing anything I needed. Bike racked and transition laid out, I was ready for the race briefing.
The race briefing kicked off with some bad news....this was to be the last running of the race after what would be 21 editions. What a shame. I was pleased I'd entered after all. With the sun starting to rise I donned my wet-suit, wished Martin a safe race and made my way to the swim start. It's about a 20 min slow walk to the start point. This year we were swimming in the opposite direction to last year (still tide assisted) and as I made my way along the sea front, I was pleased to see the sea conditions were about perfect. It was looking like the weather and conditions were perfect for racing. We watched the first wave set off and I still marvel at how strong a tide can be as you watch swimmers being pushed toward the first bouy. Then it was our turn. Swim instructions relayed, we are allowed to get into the sea for a few warm up strokes, before coming back out to line up for our start. And before you know it, I'm racing again at Clacton. The swim was just glorious, really. There was a slight swell but given the shore was to our left, the swell was coming from the right, so perfect for a left-side breather. Everything was in my favour and it made such a difference. I would have quite happily swam twice the distance in those conditions. Before I knew it, I was at the last turn bouy and turned toward shore and the swim exit.
A quick glance at the watch showed the effect of the tide....28 mins for me for 1500m where I usually swim 37 mins for the same distance ! (my mates would swim sub 20 mins....but that shows where my swim is by comparison). My jog to transition was a joy....I was thinking how much I had enjoyed the swim and how pleased I was with the swim time....this is how racing should feel.
Into transition and ready to hit the bike. I'd decided to lay out a cycling top to put over my tri suit as I was worried about it being chilly. I was glad I did as the zip on my tri suit busted before the swim start so I would have had to race with an open zipper - I know from reading the British Tri rules that you have to have forward facing zips done up as you cross the finish line. Off on the bike, there is a short un-timed section so this allows for a quick drink to get rid of the taste of salt and to set yourself for the ride. It was evident as soon as I hit the bike course that I was going to have to battle a headwind but I wasn't expecting it to be with me for such a long time. There were sections without the wind and I was able to comfortably ride over 20mph but as soon as the wind came, I was down to 14mph averages. It was exactly the same for the second lap. This isn't a closed road race so there can be traffic issues in places, but in the main it isn't a big deal. The marshals are great and will shout 'clear' on junctions so you know you can safely turn whilst still maintaining any speed you might have gathered. A fairly uneventful bike was soon done and it was back into transition to prepare for the run.
This is where a tri suit and elastic laces come into play. Bike racked and helmet off, then bike shoes off and run shoes straight on, peak on, gel in my pocket, swig of drink and you are good to go. The legs felt heavy but I assumed that would ease into the run. It sort of did but I wasn't as comfortable as I'd like to be, or as quick as I feel I should be, over 10k. I seem to struggle with what feels like the onset of cramps in my quads. It never turns to full cramp, but feels like it is at least lingering there. Not sure what this is, or what I do to prevent it....nutrition? More bike miles in training? More brick sessions? Anyone that's one to ponder over during the winter work perhaps. For now, the sun was shining, the run along the cliffs and then down onto the sea front was just lovely. There was great support from people out for walks or those actually there to watch/support. Who cares if your legs are aching, or you aren't running as quick as you'd like when its a lovely day like this.
I ticked off the miles and prepared for the sharp hill to get back from seafront to cliff top where the finish is. There was a British Tri official at the top of the incline asking for zips to be done up as we approached the finish line. I was glad I'd put that cycling top in transition now and had it available to wear.
I mustered that last bit from my legs to push it across the finish line and ducked my head to accept my medal. Timing chip removed, job done.
Another race completed and I was really happy with the time (ok, so the swim effort was assisted somewhat, but if I add that time back on to my overall time, I was still happy to be under 3 hours). And my transitions were a lot better than usual so all in, a pretty decent (for me at least) way to sign off the last Tri race of my season.
I tracked down my mates and we did the standard post-race compare of times and shared our thoughts of the race and our own performance and maybe slipped in the odd reason for why we didn't do as well was we wanted to.
Its a real shame that this is the last time this race will take place. Its a great setting and location to race in and when the weather was like it was today, it is a really enjoyable mornings racing. Maybe someone else will pick up the race and take it over? It would be a shame to see it drop off the calendar forever. But if it does, I'm glad to say I completed the last ever edition of it and helped to raise some money for local charities in the process.
So, season done now, I can start planning for next year soon...and looking for a new tri suit to race in !
Monday, 15 July 2019
Race Review - Outlaw Half Holkham Sunday 7th July 2019....DNS !!!
DNS...or "Did not start" as it would be officially recorded....I guess it had to happen one day. So far as I recall, I have never not arrived on the start line of a race that I have entered and trained for. So, what happened to change that and why was I a 'DNS' at Outlaw half Holkham?
Coming off the back of an average performance in Mallorca 70.3, I was looking forward to my next half iron challenge, this time with the Outlaw brand, to see if I could put in some better times. I had continued some consistent training since Mallorca and whilst I resolved to add more longer bike rides before Holkham, I had managed just one long ride since Mallorca, albeit that was my longest ride to-date at 90 odd miles (over 5 hours).
Accommodation was booked and I was due to share with Ian, my trusted race and travel mate ! All looked good for another great weekend of racing. There were 4 or so other friends racing the same weekend also.
I just had to get my dental appointment behind me and it would soon be race day. I'd waited over 4 weeks to have a really painful tooth removed. I knew it would be cutting it fine to have a tooth out on the Thursday before a race, but didn't imagine how it would pan out and how much of an impact it would have to my race plans !
This tooth had, I think, started to cause me some issues in my training, as I seemed to be really struggling to recover from some sessions. I was often waking up in the night with tooth ache and painkillers weren't working always. I had some gel that would numb the area temporarily, but invariably I'd end up going downstairs so as not to wake others, sometimes put ice packs on my face and just generally wait until the pain went...then go back to bed. I think the disruption to sleep was impacting me.
So it was with great relief that I went to the dental surgery on that Thursday, hoping that the 4 plus weeks of nagging tooth ache would be gone. I settled into the chair and we started to discuss the plan of attack....at the point we got to, we might have to cut into the gum, or even cut the tooth into sections.....did I think this might not be the straightforward 'extraction' I was imagining and had experienced as a kid, when a pair of dentists pliers seemed to do the job admirably !! Signing consent forms...made it all seem that more likely I was in for a tough time.
The extraction couldn't be done by traditional means in the end, so it was that I ended up with a minor operation to cut the tooth into three sections before it could be removed. That all seemed to go very well all things considered. It was virtually pain free. But it was after that reality began to sink in, as I was handed a sheet of things 'you cannot do....' in the coming 2 weeks. One of which was no swimming !! There was a risk of infection, as the tooth that was removed left a passage way straight to the sinus, and despite my mouth being heavily stitched, could still pose a risk of infection.
I knew at that point my race wouldn't be the full swim, bike and run. But I was confident that I could perhaps do the bike and run, or even as some mates suggested, to change my entry to a mixed relay, finding someone to do the swim. As it was, I couldn't get in touch with the organizers before the event and as such, I decided not to travel just on the off-chance something could be arranged.
As it was, over the following few days, I wasn't feeling 100%, the effects of the extraction really laid me low and I'm not sure how I would have fared if I'd tried to do the bike and run. It was the classic case of the mind running off with ideas of its own before it had listened to what the body had to say.
Come race day, my mates all performed really well, with one even taking a podium place in his age group. It was great to see how well they all did.
On reflection, of course I was really gutted to have not been able to race. It is the first time I can recall never starting or completing any race I'd entered (Triathlon or otherwise). I've mentioned before that triathlon can be expensive to enter. This isn't one of the most expensive I've entered, but I was still over £200 out of pocket, including B&B....although I would have saved on race weekend expenses (food, petrol etc.). And of course, there's the training effort to get ready. Given that I had already raced in Mallorca I wasn't specially preparing for the race, rather I was hoping to take some fitness into it from Mallorca and try to post a better time as a result.
I always try to find a positive from any scenario like this, even if at first there don't appear to be any. I rested over the weekend which was probably something I needed. And all things considered, it's just a tooth I've lost, so I live to race another race, it's really not the end of the world really. And what it does show me is how marginal it can be as to whether you get to the start line or not. It was only a tooth I had removed, but it was enough to tip the balance against me. So when I say it's the first race I've missed, when I think my first ever 'race' of any note, was the London Marathon in 1997 and I've lost track of the number of events I've entered and completed since....I should be looking at the positive of how fortunate I am to have that as a track-record, rather than dwelling on one race missed.
It just served to remind me also, when you choose to partake in these sort of endurance events that require entry, payment and a big training commitment many months if not even a year or so in advance, just getting to the start line, is of itself, a decent achievement and in my case requires the endless support and encouragement of my 'main sponsor'....my family.
I've got no more tri races booked for the rest of this year so far. I have a half marathon later in the year, but am tempted to see if I can perhaps enter one more tri race this year.
The recovery from the tooth removal is almost complete. I'm back on the turbo, I've done a run....only a few more days before the swim 'ban' expires and then it'll be as if I never missed that race. It'll soon be forgotten.
I'm pleased I took the advice of the dental surgeon and did't swim. Who knows what might have happened if I'd picked up an infection or tried to race when I wasn't 100%. A short rest and a race missed now will hopefully mean plenty more training and racing ahead in the future.
Coming off the back of an average performance in Mallorca 70.3, I was looking forward to my next half iron challenge, this time with the Outlaw brand, to see if I could put in some better times. I had continued some consistent training since Mallorca and whilst I resolved to add more longer bike rides before Holkham, I had managed just one long ride since Mallorca, albeit that was my longest ride to-date at 90 odd miles (over 5 hours).
Accommodation was booked and I was due to share with Ian, my trusted race and travel mate ! All looked good for another great weekend of racing. There were 4 or so other friends racing the same weekend also.
I just had to get my dental appointment behind me and it would soon be race day. I'd waited over 4 weeks to have a really painful tooth removed. I knew it would be cutting it fine to have a tooth out on the Thursday before a race, but didn't imagine how it would pan out and how much of an impact it would have to my race plans !
This tooth had, I think, started to cause me some issues in my training, as I seemed to be really struggling to recover from some sessions. I was often waking up in the night with tooth ache and painkillers weren't working always. I had some gel that would numb the area temporarily, but invariably I'd end up going downstairs so as not to wake others, sometimes put ice packs on my face and just generally wait until the pain went...then go back to bed. I think the disruption to sleep was impacting me.
So it was with great relief that I went to the dental surgery on that Thursday, hoping that the 4 plus weeks of nagging tooth ache would be gone. I settled into the chair and we started to discuss the plan of attack....at the point we got to, we might have to cut into the gum, or even cut the tooth into sections.....did I think this might not be the straightforward 'extraction' I was imagining and had experienced as a kid, when a pair of dentists pliers seemed to do the job admirably !! Signing consent forms...made it all seem that more likely I was in for a tough time.
The extraction couldn't be done by traditional means in the end, so it was that I ended up with a minor operation to cut the tooth into three sections before it could be removed. That all seemed to go very well all things considered. It was virtually pain free. But it was after that reality began to sink in, as I was handed a sheet of things 'you cannot do....' in the coming 2 weeks. One of which was no swimming !! There was a risk of infection, as the tooth that was removed left a passage way straight to the sinus, and despite my mouth being heavily stitched, could still pose a risk of infection.
I knew at that point my race wouldn't be the full swim, bike and run. But I was confident that I could perhaps do the bike and run, or even as some mates suggested, to change my entry to a mixed relay, finding someone to do the swim. As it was, I couldn't get in touch with the organizers before the event and as such, I decided not to travel just on the off-chance something could be arranged.
As it was, over the following few days, I wasn't feeling 100%, the effects of the extraction really laid me low and I'm not sure how I would have fared if I'd tried to do the bike and run. It was the classic case of the mind running off with ideas of its own before it had listened to what the body had to say.
Come race day, my mates all performed really well, with one even taking a podium place in his age group. It was great to see how well they all did.
On reflection, of course I was really gutted to have not been able to race. It is the first time I can recall never starting or completing any race I'd entered (Triathlon or otherwise). I've mentioned before that triathlon can be expensive to enter. This isn't one of the most expensive I've entered, but I was still over £200 out of pocket, including B&B....although I would have saved on race weekend expenses (food, petrol etc.). And of course, there's the training effort to get ready. Given that I had already raced in Mallorca I wasn't specially preparing for the race, rather I was hoping to take some fitness into it from Mallorca and try to post a better time as a result.
I always try to find a positive from any scenario like this, even if at first there don't appear to be any. I rested over the weekend which was probably something I needed. And all things considered, it's just a tooth I've lost, so I live to race another race, it's really not the end of the world really. And what it does show me is how marginal it can be as to whether you get to the start line or not. It was only a tooth I had removed, but it was enough to tip the balance against me. So when I say it's the first race I've missed, when I think my first ever 'race' of any note, was the London Marathon in 1997 and I've lost track of the number of events I've entered and completed since....I should be looking at the positive of how fortunate I am to have that as a track-record, rather than dwelling on one race missed.
It just served to remind me also, when you choose to partake in these sort of endurance events that require entry, payment and a big training commitment many months if not even a year or so in advance, just getting to the start line, is of itself, a decent achievement and in my case requires the endless support and encouragement of my 'main sponsor'....my family.
I've got no more tri races booked for the rest of this year so far. I have a half marathon later in the year, but am tempted to see if I can perhaps enter one more tri race this year.
The recovery from the tooth removal is almost complete. I'm back on the turbo, I've done a run....only a few more days before the swim 'ban' expires and then it'll be as if I never missed that race. It'll soon be forgotten.
I'm pleased I took the advice of the dental surgeon and did't swim. Who knows what might have happened if I'd picked up an infection or tried to race when I wasn't 100%. A short rest and a race missed now will hopefully mean plenty more training and racing ahead in the future.
Tuesday, 11 June 2019
Race Review - Iron Man Mallorca 70.3 11th May 2019
I've written a few smaller articles before about my first race abroad and all the extra steps I had to consider.....flights, hotel, bike transfer and of course packing with a weight restriction.
And then the emails started to arrive from Iron Man telling me there were only a few weeks to go...and then the athlete pack arrived and before long, that final email telling me it was race week ! Well, that had come round soon enough.
Race day was Saturday 11th May and me and my mate Ian were due to travel out to Mallorca on the Wednesday before. The bikes were due to be collected on 2nd May.
The saturday before travelling on the Wednesday, I spent time getting my bike sorted. I had toyed with the idea of a service but instead just decided to prepare it myself. The bike got a thorough wash and de-grease. Training wheels off, I fitted new carbon rim specific brake blocks (freshly supplied from parcours) front and back, then put the 'race' wheels on. Next it was the Tri bars - at which point it dawned on me that I hadn't yet ridden the bike in 'race trim' this year. Finally the chain was cleaned again with wend 'wax off' and then 'wax on' (see Wend Wax Kit ) was applied by hand. Bike done and ready to be collected.
Then over the next couple of days, I just started collecting kit and creating a pile of gear that I knew I needed...before I got serious and got my list out and started to get into the detail. I packed and re-packed three times...convinced I had forgotten things ! It started to drive my wife mad....you've got a list she said....but what If I haven't got something on this list I said....but eventually, I was sure I had it all there, including my track pump ! I came in at 20kg, leaving 3kg spare for Iron Man goodies !!
Our flight outbound was via Southend. What a dream. Hardly anyone there, literally minutes between checking in and clearing security. Granted, there aren't the shopping and eating facilities of larger airports, but for convenience and ease of use, Southend would take some beating. It was an awful day weather wise, 10 degrees and torrential rain. I was hoping Mallorca would offer something better.
On arrival it didn't disappoint. It wasn't baking hot, but nicely warm and it wasn't raining. Out of reclaim we headed for our pre-booked 'Hoppa' coach, still somewhat dubious about what may await given it cost £27 both ways for two of us !! The signage was dreadful but eventually we tracked the place down, only to have just missed a bus, meaning a wait which lasted probably 45 mins for the next one to leave. Still, there was no rush really. For our 27 quid spend, we got a tour of most of Mallorca as we dropped others off, eventually arriving at our place with near on an empty bus. Checked in and to our room, we called for our bikes...which would be delivered the next morning.
So the days we had 'spare' before race day on Saturday were filled by mix of lazing about, taking care of race registration and related briefings and 'tapering' for the race itself. It was nice to arrive a few days early, crowds at registration were small, so that was a real breeze getting that done. I had my first disappointment at registration...no race number tattoos ! I was gutted, the only chance I get to look like an elite athlete. Oh well. Ian had dropped his bike to the mechanics to check a creaky headset, so registration complete we wandered back to them to see his bike somewhat more in bits than when we left it ! I heard the mechanic say 'big problem...' at which point he showed us what looked like a crack in the steerer tube. He said he could repair it. So off we went again and sat in a cafe drinking smoothies (we are athletes after all !!). When we returned, the guy had managed to make a repair with a part from a Cervelo. So at least Ian could start the race now.
The weather was do different to what we'd left behind in the UK, so it was good to be able to get used to that. When you've done the majority of your training in the cold and miserable winter weather, suddenly arriving in 20 plus degrees does take a bit of getting used to - especially if you are going to be racing for 6 odd hours.
Tapering wise, we did an hour on the bikes, a short 5k run and a couple of swims - which was handy as it was also a good test of the wet-suit, which I hadn't worn since my last race. Also it was good to select the best goggles for race day. Again, all my swimming up to the point I arrived in Mallorca, was done in the pool. Now swimming open water in the bright sun required some suitable goggles, so I'm glad I'd packed a selection and was able to test them and select what I thought would be the best pair for race day.
By the time Friday arrived and it was time to rack the bikes and sort out transition, I was feeling ready to race. I'd felt tired during previous days, but Ian's guidance on the taper sessions had seemed to have worked great and I felt energized. So off we went to rack the bikes - it all starts to feel a bit more real now and for me, the nerves start to make themselves known - but again, racing with a mate helps as you are always chatting and re-assuring each other rather than being left on your own with your own thoughts for too long.
Packing our transition bags before heading down, Ian realised he'd packed 'odd' shoes. He had one with an orthotic and one without !! After the bike saga, he was starting to think this wouldn't be his best race (did I mention the leg injury he was struggling with...?!!)
The transition was massive !! I'd not realised that IM 70.3 Mallorca was the worlds largest half iron man. It was the usual 'clean' transition for Iron Man events, so bikes racked, we headed to the pegs where we'd stash our bike and run bags. Job done, we then did the necessary recce of the swim start and exit, bike exit/bike in and run exit/finish...and most importantly for me, portaloo positions !! With all that crystal clear, it just left race morning final prep (bottles on bikes, nutrition etc.) to be done.
Pre-race meal (pizza of course) and a fairly early night ensued and the hope that a decent nights sleep would come....and a calm sea in the morning !
Race day dawned with the alarm ringing...but unlike other races I've done, this wasn't a silly-o'clock start - 05:40 am was quite sociable. Porridge made and eaten, the customary mug of tea downed and we were set to go. Race morning is always exciting. There were loads of other athletes at the hotel, buzzing around, getting breakfast and sorting last minute details. We headed to transition to check tyres, load up bottles to the bikes and put nutrition on the bikes or in the transition bags. With that done, we wandered onto the beach ready for the swim start. It was a perfect morning, warm, clear and the sea looked really calm (a massive relief for me !). Last toilet stops taken care of it was time to zip up the wet-suits and get in line, ready to start. I was fairly certain that I wouldn't be seeing Ian until the finish, so we wished each other a good and safe race.
Ian is a far better swimmer, so was off into a different pen. I was due off about 8:30 am. The start was buzzing....music was cranked up, a countdown for the first swimmers to go, then it was just the waiting. The swim start was a bit confusing for me...I had chosen a green hat (it was a self-seeding system based on your expected swim time) so this ranged from 45m to 1hr for the swim. When we got queued up, there was supposed to be a slow, medium and fast 'lane' within the 45m to 1hr pen...but it didn't seem to be working that way, there were different coloured hats everywhere ! I just moved forward with the group I was standing with and before I knew it, there I was at the front of the line, with just a few metres of sand between me and the water....an arm went up and that was my signal to start...my race was underway.
I'd never experienced a swim start like it, with supporters lining the water creating a sort of corridor for us to run into. It was quite shallow at the shore, so I had to wade out a fair bit, at my age and with my swim skills I tend to forgo the Baywatch style dives in favour of just walking and then falling into the water ! Soon enough I was swimming and soon realising why this is the biggest half iron man in the world ! It was quite hectic and I found myself stopping and starting as I tried to find some space and settle into a rhythm. I ended up taking a fairly wide line but found clear water and settled down to my swim......and what a glorious place to swim. After rounding the first marker I tried to keep a tighter line to course markers to try and make up for the extra distance I knew I'd taken with my wide start. The finish was a bit like the start in that it was getting shallow quite a way before the exit, so I found myself stopping further out than usual and wading up to the exit. All in all, I was pleased with the swim.
Our flight outbound was via Southend. What a dream. Hardly anyone there, literally minutes between checking in and clearing security. Granted, there aren't the shopping and eating facilities of larger airports, but for convenience and ease of use, Southend would take some beating. It was an awful day weather wise, 10 degrees and torrential rain. I was hoping Mallorca would offer something better.
On arrival it didn't disappoint. It wasn't baking hot, but nicely warm and it wasn't raining. Out of reclaim we headed for our pre-booked 'Hoppa' coach, still somewhat dubious about what may await given it cost £27 both ways for two of us !! The signage was dreadful but eventually we tracked the place down, only to have just missed a bus, meaning a wait which lasted probably 45 mins for the next one to leave. Still, there was no rush really. For our 27 quid spend, we got a tour of most of Mallorca as we dropped others off, eventually arriving at our place with near on an empty bus. Checked in and to our room, we called for our bikes...which would be delivered the next morning.
So the days we had 'spare' before race day on Saturday were filled by mix of lazing about, taking care of race registration and related briefings and 'tapering' for the race itself. It was nice to arrive a few days early, crowds at registration were small, so that was a real breeze getting that done. I had my first disappointment at registration...no race number tattoos ! I was gutted, the only chance I get to look like an elite athlete. Oh well. Ian had dropped his bike to the mechanics to check a creaky headset, so registration complete we wandered back to them to see his bike somewhat more in bits than when we left it ! I heard the mechanic say 'big problem...' at which point he showed us what looked like a crack in the steerer tube. He said he could repair it. So off we went again and sat in a cafe drinking smoothies (we are athletes after all !!). When we returned, the guy had managed to make a repair with a part from a Cervelo. So at least Ian could start the race now.
The weather was do different to what we'd left behind in the UK, so it was good to be able to get used to that. When you've done the majority of your training in the cold and miserable winter weather, suddenly arriving in 20 plus degrees does take a bit of getting used to - especially if you are going to be racing for 6 odd hours.
Tapering wise, we did an hour on the bikes, a short 5k run and a couple of swims - which was handy as it was also a good test of the wet-suit, which I hadn't worn since my last race. Also it was good to select the best goggles for race day. Again, all my swimming up to the point I arrived in Mallorca, was done in the pool. Now swimming open water in the bright sun required some suitable goggles, so I'm glad I'd packed a selection and was able to test them and select what I thought would be the best pair for race day.
By the time Friday arrived and it was time to rack the bikes and sort out transition, I was feeling ready to race. I'd felt tired during previous days, but Ian's guidance on the taper sessions had seemed to have worked great and I felt energized. So off we went to rack the bikes - it all starts to feel a bit more real now and for me, the nerves start to make themselves known - but again, racing with a mate helps as you are always chatting and re-assuring each other rather than being left on your own with your own thoughts for too long.
Packing our transition bags before heading down, Ian realised he'd packed 'odd' shoes. He had one with an orthotic and one without !! After the bike saga, he was starting to think this wouldn't be his best race (did I mention the leg injury he was struggling with...?!!)
The transition was massive !! I'd not realised that IM 70.3 Mallorca was the worlds largest half iron man. It was the usual 'clean' transition for Iron Man events, so bikes racked, we headed to the pegs where we'd stash our bike and run bags. Job done, we then did the necessary recce of the swim start and exit, bike exit/bike in and run exit/finish...and most importantly for me, portaloo positions !! With all that crystal clear, it just left race morning final prep (bottles on bikes, nutrition etc.) to be done.
Pre-race meal (pizza of course) and a fairly early night ensued and the hope that a decent nights sleep would come....and a calm sea in the morning !
Race day dawned with the alarm ringing...but unlike other races I've done, this wasn't a silly-o'clock start - 05:40 am was quite sociable. Porridge made and eaten, the customary mug of tea downed and we were set to go. Race morning is always exciting. There were loads of other athletes at the hotel, buzzing around, getting breakfast and sorting last minute details. We headed to transition to check tyres, load up bottles to the bikes and put nutrition on the bikes or in the transition bags. With that done, we wandered onto the beach ready for the swim start. It was a perfect morning, warm, clear and the sea looked really calm (a massive relief for me !). Last toilet stops taken care of it was time to zip up the wet-suits and get in line, ready to start. I was fairly certain that I wouldn't be seeing Ian until the finish, so we wished each other a good and safe race.
Ian is a far better swimmer, so was off into a different pen. I was due off about 8:30 am. The start was buzzing....music was cranked up, a countdown for the first swimmers to go, then it was just the waiting. The swim start was a bit confusing for me...I had chosen a green hat (it was a self-seeding system based on your expected swim time) so this ranged from 45m to 1hr for the swim. When we got queued up, there was supposed to be a slow, medium and fast 'lane' within the 45m to 1hr pen...but it didn't seem to be working that way, there were different coloured hats everywhere ! I just moved forward with the group I was standing with and before I knew it, there I was at the front of the line, with just a few metres of sand between me and the water....an arm went up and that was my signal to start...my race was underway.
I'd never experienced a swim start like it, with supporters lining the water creating a sort of corridor for us to run into. It was quite shallow at the shore, so I had to wade out a fair bit, at my age and with my swim skills I tend to forgo the Baywatch style dives in favour of just walking and then falling into the water ! Soon enough I was swimming and soon realising why this is the biggest half iron man in the world ! It was quite hectic and I found myself stopping and starting as I tried to find some space and settle into a rhythm. I ended up taking a fairly wide line but found clear water and settled down to my swim......and what a glorious place to swim. After rounding the first marker I tried to keep a tighter line to course markers to try and make up for the extra distance I knew I'd taken with my wide start. The finish was a bit like the start in that it was getting shallow quite a way before the exit, so I found myself stopping further out than usual and wading up to the exit. All in all, I was pleased with the swim.
Running into transition I couldn't resist the pull of a portaloo and took a comfort break...with a wetsuit and tri suit to negotiate they are never quick stops. Into transition and my pegs were close to the entry. I couldn't tell you how, but I spent 11 minutes in T1...mostly trying to get sand off my feet, putting sun cream on, getting my gels in my tri suit...and then taking on the long run to my bike. Bike spotted and un-racked and across the mount line I was off and looking forward to the bike leg.
Road surfaces were lovely and it was fairly easy to pick up speed and settle into position for the ride ahead. I did find myself struggling to get a nice position on the saddle and kept shuffling around trying to get comfy. Maybe this was my fault for not riding my race set up beforehand.
First thing to notice was that there were a lot of bikes on the road, so trying to keep the regulation 12m drafting gap was quite tricky at times. So I did what I usually do and just try to ride outside of people so if I'm inside that 12m then I'm not sitting directly on someone's wheel. I'm sure it makes no difference...but it makes me feel better !
First big challenge of the bike course would be the climb. I don't mind climbing at all, so it wasn't bothering me, but the heat was starting to build and that was the bit that worried me. But I needn't have worried. The climb was nicely shaded in parts and the profile was just a steady climb over I think 5 or 6 miles in total. I took the chance to eat some solid food on the climb and top up on drinks before the descent. I love a descent even more than I love a climb !!! I couldn't wait, but was being reserved and heeding the advice we were given at the race brief. There are a wide mix of abilities so you really have to allow for this...and so it was that there were at least three crashes that I saw on the way down. I really do hope those people are ok. Having safely navigated what I found to be a great descent, it was a matter of sitting in for the rest of the ride. There was one section of really awful road surface (again we had been briefed) and some points where as we rode through villages we all bunched up again and got some warnings from the course bike for 'drafting'.
At 80km I felt there were a couple of riders behind me and when I heard someone free-wheeling I knew I was being drafted. But I didn't want to slow down or sit up as I was riding my own race....struggling by now with some headwind I was down to 18 mph and I didn't want to give that up.....but in the end, I got frustrated at the free-riders and sat up, took a drink and made them ride past. To my surprise, not a few moments later there was the course bike, dishing out a blue card to at least one of the two that had been behind me. That was a lesson....the threat of drafting penalties isn't just a threat. Its the first time I've seen a penalty issued in all the races I've taken part in. So, that was at 80km and I kept the best pace I could in the last 10k as I approached T2....and the half marathon.
Bike racked and making my way to my bags, my legs didn't feel that bad. My T2 wasn't so long as T1 and after a few minutes I was out onto the run. The heat was a lot more noticeable now, once off the bike. The start of the run, as always, was hard work...I was relying on my now trusty cups of coke to give me those much needed boosts. I started to feel a lot better after a few miles and thought, if I can sustain this pace, I'll be happy...but that burst of pace was short lived. I soon began to slow...and slow....and slow...and struggle. But I kept moving forward, closer to the finish....I didn't come all this way and pay all that money to not get a finish ! For reasons unknown, my shoes were really feeling uncomfortable and my feet felt like they were on fire. The crowds of support were much better on the run, especially along the beach with the hotels alongside. Someone even shouted out my name...surely I don't know anyone here I thought. It shows how much you are struggling to think straight...it took a while to dawn on me that my name was on my race number !! But regardless, the support and encouragement were well received.
I really wanted the run to end....and soon it was approaching. I was on my last lap of the three. There's no better feeling than peeling off into that finish chute and onto that carpet...hearing your name and realising you are a few steps from the finish !! Of course, you always summon a bit of speed that wasn't available to you out on the course as you try to make a fast and fancy finish.
And that was it, I was done, I'd finished. Medal round my neck, I zig-zagged around the finishing chute trying to find the correct size finisher t-shirt. That done, I duly passed by all the free food (it's the only time I pass on free food) and headed for the coke dispenser. I grabbed two cups and tried to find a quiet corner where I could stretch and feel like total crap for 20 minutes or so. It seems to be a theme when I race half iron distance. After 10 mins or so I started to feel better and spotted Ian - he'd clearly had a great race and finished before me, even with his patched up bike, odd trainers and bad leg !! After a few more cokes I started to feel human again, as we swapped tales of the race. We'd met a few of Ian's mates from Havering Tri so we all had a good chat before we all made a move back to our hotels.
We all met again for some drinks later and them some lovely tapas, before retiring for a well earned sleep ! Sunday would consist of doing nothing other than lazing around on a sunbed and taking a beach stroll to keep the legs moving. Monday was time to head home.
And there you have it. Race done. After all the training, arranging, travelling and nerves I had completed in and finished my first overseas triathlon. Did I enjoy it, would I come back?....a massive YES !! I loved every minute of if and would certainly not hesitate to do the same race again. Ok, it cost a lot more than an equivalent race in the UK and there was a lot more to consider, in terms of getting bikes out there and packing kit to an airplane luggage limit. But having done it now, it wouldn't be so much of a chore to do it again. Mallorca itself and Alcudia where the race took place is a stunning location, surrounded by mountains there was always a stunning backdrop wherever you looked.
It was so much the better for travelling and racing with a mate...I couldn't imagine travelling on my own and racing on my own...but I guess many do. But for me the trip was all the better for having company.
There's a few pictures below, see what you think. Who wouldn't want to race in a location like this with such great weather, in May.
First thing to notice was that there were a lot of bikes on the road, so trying to keep the regulation 12m drafting gap was quite tricky at times. So I did what I usually do and just try to ride outside of people so if I'm inside that 12m then I'm not sitting directly on someone's wheel. I'm sure it makes no difference...but it makes me feel better !
First big challenge of the bike course would be the climb. I don't mind climbing at all, so it wasn't bothering me, but the heat was starting to build and that was the bit that worried me. But I needn't have worried. The climb was nicely shaded in parts and the profile was just a steady climb over I think 5 or 6 miles in total. I took the chance to eat some solid food on the climb and top up on drinks before the descent. I love a descent even more than I love a climb !!! I couldn't wait, but was being reserved and heeding the advice we were given at the race brief. There are a wide mix of abilities so you really have to allow for this...and so it was that there were at least three crashes that I saw on the way down. I really do hope those people are ok. Having safely navigated what I found to be a great descent, it was a matter of sitting in for the rest of the ride. There was one section of really awful road surface (again we had been briefed) and some points where as we rode through villages we all bunched up again and got some warnings from the course bike for 'drafting'.
At 80km I felt there were a couple of riders behind me and when I heard someone free-wheeling I knew I was being drafted. But I didn't want to slow down or sit up as I was riding my own race....struggling by now with some headwind I was down to 18 mph and I didn't want to give that up.....but in the end, I got frustrated at the free-riders and sat up, took a drink and made them ride past. To my surprise, not a few moments later there was the course bike, dishing out a blue card to at least one of the two that had been behind me. That was a lesson....the threat of drafting penalties isn't just a threat. Its the first time I've seen a penalty issued in all the races I've taken part in. So, that was at 80km and I kept the best pace I could in the last 10k as I approached T2....and the half marathon.
Bike racked and making my way to my bags, my legs didn't feel that bad. My T2 wasn't so long as T1 and after a few minutes I was out onto the run. The heat was a lot more noticeable now, once off the bike. The start of the run, as always, was hard work...I was relying on my now trusty cups of coke to give me those much needed boosts. I started to feel a lot better after a few miles and thought, if I can sustain this pace, I'll be happy...but that burst of pace was short lived. I soon began to slow...and slow....and slow...and struggle. But I kept moving forward, closer to the finish....I didn't come all this way and pay all that money to not get a finish ! For reasons unknown, my shoes were really feeling uncomfortable and my feet felt like they were on fire. The crowds of support were much better on the run, especially along the beach with the hotels alongside. Someone even shouted out my name...surely I don't know anyone here I thought. It shows how much you are struggling to think straight...it took a while to dawn on me that my name was on my race number !! But regardless, the support and encouragement were well received.
I really wanted the run to end....and soon it was approaching. I was on my last lap of the three. There's no better feeling than peeling off into that finish chute and onto that carpet...hearing your name and realising you are a few steps from the finish !! Of course, you always summon a bit of speed that wasn't available to you out on the course as you try to make a fast and fancy finish.
And that was it, I was done, I'd finished. Medal round my neck, I zig-zagged around the finishing chute trying to find the correct size finisher t-shirt. That done, I duly passed by all the free food (it's the only time I pass on free food) and headed for the coke dispenser. I grabbed two cups and tried to find a quiet corner where I could stretch and feel like total crap for 20 minutes or so. It seems to be a theme when I race half iron distance. After 10 mins or so I started to feel better and spotted Ian - he'd clearly had a great race and finished before me, even with his patched up bike, odd trainers and bad leg !! After a few more cokes I started to feel human again, as we swapped tales of the race. We'd met a few of Ian's mates from Havering Tri so we all had a good chat before we all made a move back to our hotels.
We all met again for some drinks later and them some lovely tapas, before retiring for a well earned sleep ! Sunday would consist of doing nothing other than lazing around on a sunbed and taking a beach stroll to keep the legs moving. Monday was time to head home.
And there you have it. Race done. After all the training, arranging, travelling and nerves I had completed in and finished my first overseas triathlon. Did I enjoy it, would I come back?....a massive YES !! I loved every minute of if and would certainly not hesitate to do the same race again. Ok, it cost a lot more than an equivalent race in the UK and there was a lot more to consider, in terms of getting bikes out there and packing kit to an airplane luggage limit. But having done it now, it wouldn't be so much of a chore to do it again. Mallorca itself and Alcudia where the race took place is a stunning location, surrounded by mountains there was always a stunning backdrop wherever you looked.
It was so much the better for travelling and racing with a mate...I couldn't imagine travelling on my own and racing on my own...but I guess many do. But for me the trip was all the better for having company.
There's a few pictures below, see what you think. Who wouldn't want to race in a location like this with such great weather, in May.
 |
| Alcudia Beach |
 |
| Harbour at sunset |
 |
| Transition - how big !! |
 |
| What a place to swim ! |
 |
| Great lunch spot |
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