Its been a while since my last post, almost 9 months in fact. You may think that I may be looking forward to another season of triathlon for 2012 but unfortunatley I seem to have lost a little motivation. This began after Ironman Austria last year, as I felt I needed a break and a little more 'normality' in my life. So I returned to keep wicket for my old cricket club in the Dorset Premier league. A few catches, runs and stumpings later and the season was over and the plan was to get back into shape and have a good winter of riding/running. How wrong could I be. Despite a regular Team Primera TBUK ride on a sunday, I felt my fitness disappear and found I was forever playing catch up in all disciplines. I tried numerous times to re ignite my passion for training but never seemed to be able to rekindle the same consistency I showed over the previous year.
So, after a fantastic mild winter down here on the south coast I have come into the season in the worst shape I have been in for a while. I did however have a fantastic week skiing in Val D'Isere - my love of the mountains covers both summer and winter especially in France. The Time Trial season started with the customary Good Friday 10 which I posted a 23:57 on a cold morning where frost needed to be scraped off the cars. Winning time was 21:08 by Julian Jenkinson. I can normally use that race as a springboard to finding a bit of form with a month of club 10's in the legs, however the recent wet and windy conditions have meant I havent made an appearance on the rumble strip yet!
So to 2012, the plan was: Swashbuckler, Cowman and MK111 but with the first of those events only 2 weeks away I have had to rethink my race plans. I am still doing both of the MK races as I feel there is plenty of time to build and get in to decent form for those but have decided not to punish myself through the swashbuckler, opting instead for some consistent training between now and July. Once 111 is done and dusted, I am turning my attention to running my first standalone marathon since 2006. This will be taking place in October in Amsterdam, and I have named this challenge 'Project 190'. The 190 stands for the number of minutes I wish to complete it in or sub 3:10 in old money :-)
Looks like there will be a few people joining me for the trip as the following people have expressed and interest: Corrine Ellison, Corrine Clark, Mel Varvel, Anja Heijen, Chris Weeks, Paolo De Luca (Mr Sky new marathon man), Ivan Whitehead, Wendy Barton and Lee Piercy embarks on Project 69 for the half. Plenty of blood sweat and tears to be shed along the way i'm sure and definatley a few laughs and beers post race in 'The Dam' - couldnt think of a better way to end the season. Anyone else fancy it????
Regular training updates to follow as I embark on this new challenge!
Friday 27 April 2012
Tuesday 5 July 2011
Ironman Austria 2011
Where to start???? The journey to Klagenfurt started a year ago sat on the sofa of Lee Piercy at 11pm the Monday after the race. Lee and I have been friends for over 20 years, originally meeting while playing junior table tennis for Dorset. Despite his superior athletic ability(3:59 in his first 70.3), this was to be my third Ironman and Lee's first, so I considered myself the slightly more experienced as I had some idea of what to expect. I have been fortunate to have Lee as a training partner, sounding board and friend throughout the year leading up to IMA. There have been many early morning swim sessions, bad weather cycles etc when without having the support of each other, it would have been easier to bin sessions, as we are both quite lazy really. Well I certainly am. (A good tip for any aspiring Ironman/woman - training with a club/friends keeps you motivated). I would like to add that Lee's very supportive wife, Tonje, would force us out of the door while we would happily of carried on putting the world to rights drinking coffee instead of training. So for that, thank you Tonje!
I was lucky in my preparation, no illness or injury to speak off meant I was heading to Austria in as good a shape as I could of hoped, with aspirations of a sub 10 hour time. Previous races had led me to believe that my form and fitness would get me somewhere close if I executed a 'perfect' race. Lee's preparation however, did not have the same seamless build up. Countless bad luck with injury and mechanical issues meant with a week to go his decision to race was still not made! With our flights booked for Friday 1st of July, a decision was reached on Monday 27th June and we were off.
Excellent - the journey we had been training and planning for a year was now a reality. Two club mates, Stuart Glennister and Paolo De Luca would also be there along with several other people I had got to know over the last few years. We checked in at Stanstead airport along with many other Ironman Austria competitors and supporters for our flight to Ljubljana with easyjet. Upon landing we were relieved to get our bike boxes after hearing many stories of missing bikes in the past (thanks to Chris Booth for the loan of his bike box Alan - undoubtedly the best box on the market). This however was not the end of the missing luggage saga! we, along with 26 other passengers found our check in cases had been left on the tarmac in London to make way for a number of bikes unable to be flown the day before. After a couple of hours of frantic phone calls between London and Slovenia, we were assured, our bags would be put on a flight to Munich that evening and transported to our hotels by the morning.
When the morning arrived, Lee and I had a pre race swim in the most amazing lake any triathlon could ever take place in. Following the swim, a quick call to Ljubljana to check on the bags gave the worst outcome for Lee. Our bag, which luckily for me only contained a few non essential race items, the same could not be said for Lee, was the only one of the 27 not to be taken from Munich to Ljubljana. The case included his entire race kit, bike shoes, run shoes and customised bolts for his tri bar risers along with half of the 2 part stem. Disaster!! After numerous phone calls between 3 airports - Lee was assured that the case was being couriered from Munich to our hotel immediately, a drive of approx 4 hours. There was a massive outbreak of jubilation amongst Lee, Tonje and myself and a celebratory ice cream was in order. It was now 3pm and I had already gone to prepare for my race and leave Lee and Tonje to decide on their own course of action.
I had a quick 20 minute spin on the bike followed by a 15 minute run along the canal as I wanted to keep my race preparation as normal as possible. As racking closed at 7pm and the likely hood was that the bag would arrive after that, we had the all clear to rack in the morning buying us some extra time to relax and sort ourselves out. We grabbed a bite to eat at around 6pm and waited patiently for the case. As time ticked away and there was still no sign of the case, I decided to prepare for the worst and get everything ready for the morning based on what I had with me. At the end of the day I was missing: tub tape, a sonic nut for my gas canisters and bodyglide/Vaseline. Nothing that i couldn't beg borrow and steal or a bit of gaffer tape couldn't sort out. Lee wasn't as lucky. After a few hours of waiting and reading (Macca's I'm here to Win - highly recommended) I decided to call it a night, while Lee kept a vigil on the reception for the courier to arrive.
A 4am alarm sounded and the worst news possible for Lee - still no case. The term 'gutted' is often over used but in this instance I don't think any words could describe the devastation he felt. I continued to have a pre race breakfast and get ready - Tonje assisted me with some last minute bits and I decided to get down to transition early and leave them for some much needed time alone. Despite their devastation, there was some heartfelt good luck wishes which showed their class and what true friends they are.
A short walk down the road to transition and I finally had a bike, bike bag and run bag where I needed them. I met up with Paolo and Stu, allow with Stu's wife Sharon and we headed together for the swim start. I tried my hardest to put the situation out of my mind as I got ready, as I know Lee would still want me to have a great race and show a reward for the effort and time I had spent training for the day, but I couldn't help but spare a thought for one of my closest friends not being on that start line through no fault of his own! Back to the swim, I got ready near the front of the right hand pontoon after a few good wishes amongst my fellow Zoomers. from what i remembered in 2007, the start sort of just happened as we swam to the start flags. Told not to swim past them, like most triathletes, the front pack didn't listen and we were off. They could hardly have brought 2600 people back to restart now could they. The swim started pretty uneventful, the usual bit of kicking and climbing but I was confident in my improved swim ability that I would soon have some clear water as it thinned out. I got even better than that and tagged on to a few pairs of feet, the odd hip and expended very little energy. I took the two turn buoys very wide so not to get involved in a punch up, its a long day, a few extra seconds in the swim wouldn't hurt, but a broken nose would!
The final 900 metres is well know for being very fast as you swim down a narrow canal with amazing support on each side only feet away from where you are swimming. A different transition area and swim exit this year saw us finish on the private beach of a hotel (cant remember the name) run through a service tunnel and over the main road into the University car park. A glance at my watch and the clock on exiting the water showed a long 58 minute swim, pretty pleasing start considering the lack of effort it took. Official time 59:19 and 214th place. T1 was a long run up past the crowds who were as supportive as ever. i grabbed my bag, wetsuit off, helmet and sunglasses on, dropped the bag off and grabbed my bike - all took 4:03.
Out on to the bike, I knew there was always a danger of feeling fresh and going too hard, so I made the conscious effort to stick below my race watts of 200 for the first 30 minutes. This was also a nice fast section were you could settle into an easy rhythm. I was also aware that there are lots of very strong cyclists in Europe and I would be passed regularly, I just had to let them go. The first lap was pretty uneventful, I swapped places with the same riders a few times, stuck to my power (sort of), fuelled regularly with gels every 30 mins and a bottle of energy drink every aid station. The course was a little more lumpy than I had remembered from 2007, but despite that I cruised to a comfortable 2:30 first lap (of two) - I did have to stop to replace my dropped chain twice, costing me all of 30 seconds lol. Another one of them I thought and its a 5 hour bike split, happy days. Stayed in the same comfortable rhythm and tried to ride my own race, despite the massive peletons passing. I would pace off the back from time to time trying where possible to maintain that 10 metre gap, but as anyone who has raced these big events before, it is not always possible. I hit a bad period between the climb at Egg and Rupert the bear, which coincided with missing a drinks bottle at an aid station (another tip - slow down and make sure you get that bottle). I resorted to a couple of bananas and powerbars to get some more fuel back in, slowed down a little to ensure I could eat then made the final fast push back to town.
Back in to klaggers and T2. Final bike split - 5:13:08 - 620th quickest bike split - top 25% and in the ball park of what I was expecting - losing 13 minutes on the second lapped showed that I had pushed a little too hard early on possibly or was it the missing bottle? No helpers to take our bikes, bugger, I had to run back to my spot and do it myself. I bet that never happened to Marinio?? Into the change tent via a quick comfort break, I swapped HR straps switched my garmin on, shoes on and dumped my bag. What a waste of time it was swapping HR straps as the thing never worked anyway. T2 time 4:57.
Running out of T2 I saw Lee and Tonje for the first time, I high fived Lee and it gave me a great boost to see them out there. I looked down at my garmin and noticed my pace was around 7:20min/miles - just a tad quick for this early on, or any point in fact. I soon slowed down to 8:20-30, ticking off each KM in just over 5mins. My nutrition strategy was to take in water and energy drink in each aid station and a gel as and when I fancied it. I didn't want to hit the coke until the second half as I thought this would help more when it got really tough. I passed through halfway in 1:51 having felt pretty good. Although by now I knew in my head that sub 10 was not going to happen, I still wanted to record as good a time as possible and have no regrets. Back out on the leg to Krumpendorf I started to feel the pace slow and despite the effort I couldn't maintain the previous pace. I walked a couple of aid stations, got some coke on bored and a few orange segments. These certainly helped, but that gradual climb back to the lake - and it really is very gradual, felt like a race new forest event. I got a lift as I went back through the Europa Park and the support from Sharon again amongst many others I reached the 32km mark and though 'come on' it now only 10k. Back out along the canal again with fantastic support, the locals really love their triathlon. The only issue now was a couple of small subways to negotiate, I hate hills at the best of times but at 36 and 38km into an Ironman marathon I struggled to get up the kerb! I was now left with 3 km to go after negotiating the town square - 2 miles I thought - its nothing. I ran through the last few aid stations, back through the Europa Park seeing Lee and Tonje again and turned to the finish. Someone sprinted past me before we hit the finish chute, I let him go I was under 10:30 which was my new target having done the maths, I had plenty of time to work it out. I enjoyed those last few yards and savoured the moment crossing the line with a 4:07:12 marathon (a pb on its own) and a 10:28:43 finish. 1 hour 46 improvement from 2007. I was very pleased.
I was helped to a seat by a very pretty Austrian girl, who handed me a cup of water and a fantastic Strawberry Mivi.....yum. Lee came over to congratulate me, again showing true friendship of putting his disappointment to oneside and helping me enjoy my moment. We headed to the finish tent and enjoyed a couple of beers, lots of pizza and ice cream. I even managed an enjoyable beer at my post race massage.
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Just under an hour later Stu crossed the line for a 11:18 finish in his first IM and Paolo came home in 11:48. A good day for the Zoom boys. A big well done to John Gilbert whom I have been coaching this year, who recorded a fantastic 11:05 in his first Ironman, plenty more to come there I reckon. A short slow walk back to get the bikes and gear from transition later and I was heading back to the hotel. An early start to pack and fly back in the afternoon meant the celebrations were short lived, but I was pleased with how the day went. It was a reflection of my current level of fitness and again highlighted my short comings the longer the race lasts. Something I vow to work on in the future.
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The trip wouldn't be complete without a bit more drama and the missing case had finally arrived at 7pm on race day. Typical. We were then delayed for 2.5 hours on our flight home and on landing in Stanstead, news filtered through that a few bikes had to be left behind. Guess what?? When we didn't need them, all our luggage arrived but Stu and Paolo's bike got left behind!
I'm sure once I start analysing data I will think what if!!! but on the day I left it all out there and have NO REGRETS. But I still have unfinished business with a 9:xx IM - one day!
I have a few thank yous to make as there have been many people that have helped me along the way, apologies if I have forgotten anyone. Nick Spencer at Bike Fit UK for his Retul fittings, Alex and Bill at Primera, Dave Doust at All bike TLC, all the guys and girls at David Lloyd Ringwood for their support, especially the masters swim group for helping improve my swimming. Everyone at Zoom tri club - the best tri club in Bournemouth, all the boys from FP camp for a fantastic weekend in the lakes, especially Adam for also helping with my long run pacing. A big thanks to Eamon Deane for fitting me in a short notice for massages and his pearls of wisdom as well (he is a sub 9 IM and Kona Qualifier). James Wright at Winchester Uni for all the physiology testing, Chris Booth for the loan of various bits for the trip. My family for their fantastic support through this journey and finally to Lee for his help support, motivation, straight talking and friendship. I will be there next year to support you all the way!
I was lucky in my preparation, no illness or injury to speak off meant I was heading to Austria in as good a shape as I could of hoped, with aspirations of a sub 10 hour time. Previous races had led me to believe that my form and fitness would get me somewhere close if I executed a 'perfect' race. Lee's preparation however, did not have the same seamless build up. Countless bad luck with injury and mechanical issues meant with a week to go his decision to race was still not made! With our flights booked for Friday 1st of July, a decision was reached on Monday 27th June and we were off.
Excellent - the journey we had been training and planning for a year was now a reality. Two club mates, Stuart Glennister and Paolo De Luca would also be there along with several other people I had got to know over the last few years. We checked in at Stanstead airport along with many other Ironman Austria competitors and supporters for our flight to Ljubljana with easyjet. Upon landing we were relieved to get our bike boxes after hearing many stories of missing bikes in the past (thanks to Chris Booth for the loan of his bike box Alan - undoubtedly the best box on the market). This however was not the end of the missing luggage saga! we, along with 26 other passengers found our check in cases had been left on the tarmac in London to make way for a number of bikes unable to be flown the day before. After a couple of hours of frantic phone calls between London and Slovenia, we were assured, our bags would be put on a flight to Munich that evening and transported to our hotels by the morning.
When the morning arrived, Lee and I had a pre race swim in the most amazing lake any triathlon could ever take place in. Following the swim, a quick call to Ljubljana to check on the bags gave the worst outcome for Lee. Our bag, which luckily for me only contained a few non essential race items, the same could not be said for Lee, was the only one of the 27 not to be taken from Munich to Ljubljana. The case included his entire race kit, bike shoes, run shoes and customised bolts for his tri bar risers along with half of the 2 part stem. Disaster!! After numerous phone calls between 3 airports - Lee was assured that the case was being couriered from Munich to our hotel immediately, a drive of approx 4 hours. There was a massive outbreak of jubilation amongst Lee, Tonje and myself and a celebratory ice cream was in order. It was now 3pm and I had already gone to prepare for my race and leave Lee and Tonje to decide on their own course of action.
I had a quick 20 minute spin on the bike followed by a 15 minute run along the canal as I wanted to keep my race preparation as normal as possible. As racking closed at 7pm and the likely hood was that the bag would arrive after that, we had the all clear to rack in the morning buying us some extra time to relax and sort ourselves out. We grabbed a bite to eat at around 6pm and waited patiently for the case. As time ticked away and there was still no sign of the case, I decided to prepare for the worst and get everything ready for the morning based on what I had with me. At the end of the day I was missing: tub tape, a sonic nut for my gas canisters and bodyglide/Vaseline. Nothing that i couldn't beg borrow and steal or a bit of gaffer tape couldn't sort out. Lee wasn't as lucky. After a few hours of waiting and reading (Macca's I'm here to Win - highly recommended) I decided to call it a night, while Lee kept a vigil on the reception for the courier to arrive.
A 4am alarm sounded and the worst news possible for Lee - still no case. The term 'gutted' is often over used but in this instance I don't think any words could describe the devastation he felt. I continued to have a pre race breakfast and get ready - Tonje assisted me with some last minute bits and I decided to get down to transition early and leave them for some much needed time alone. Despite their devastation, there was some heartfelt good luck wishes which showed their class and what true friends they are.
A short walk down the road to transition and I finally had a bike, bike bag and run bag where I needed them. I met up with Paolo and Stu, allow with Stu's wife Sharon and we headed together for the swim start. I tried my hardest to put the situation out of my mind as I got ready, as I know Lee would still want me to have a great race and show a reward for the effort and time I had spent training for the day, but I couldn't help but spare a thought for one of my closest friends not being on that start line through no fault of his own! Back to the swim, I got ready near the front of the right hand pontoon after a few good wishes amongst my fellow Zoomers. from what i remembered in 2007, the start sort of just happened as we swam to the start flags. Told not to swim past them, like most triathletes, the front pack didn't listen and we were off. They could hardly have brought 2600 people back to restart now could they. The swim started pretty uneventful, the usual bit of kicking and climbing but I was confident in my improved swim ability that I would soon have some clear water as it thinned out. I got even better than that and tagged on to a few pairs of feet, the odd hip and expended very little energy. I took the two turn buoys very wide so not to get involved in a punch up, its a long day, a few extra seconds in the swim wouldn't hurt, but a broken nose would!
The final 900 metres is well know for being very fast as you swim down a narrow canal with amazing support on each side only feet away from where you are swimming. A different transition area and swim exit this year saw us finish on the private beach of a hotel (cant remember the name) run through a service tunnel and over the main road into the University car park. A glance at my watch and the clock on exiting the water showed a long 58 minute swim, pretty pleasing start considering the lack of effort it took. Official time 59:19 and 214th place. T1 was a long run up past the crowds who were as supportive as ever. i grabbed my bag, wetsuit off, helmet and sunglasses on, dropped the bag off and grabbed my bike - all took 4:03.
Out on to the bike, I knew there was always a danger of feeling fresh and going too hard, so I made the conscious effort to stick below my race watts of 200 for the first 30 minutes. This was also a nice fast section were you could settle into an easy rhythm. I was also aware that there are lots of very strong cyclists in Europe and I would be passed regularly, I just had to let them go. The first lap was pretty uneventful, I swapped places with the same riders a few times, stuck to my power (sort of), fuelled regularly with gels every 30 mins and a bottle of energy drink every aid station. The course was a little more lumpy than I had remembered from 2007, but despite that I cruised to a comfortable 2:30 first lap (of two) - I did have to stop to replace my dropped chain twice, costing me all of 30 seconds lol. Another one of them I thought and its a 5 hour bike split, happy days. Stayed in the same comfortable rhythm and tried to ride my own race, despite the massive peletons passing. I would pace off the back from time to time trying where possible to maintain that 10 metre gap, but as anyone who has raced these big events before, it is not always possible. I hit a bad period between the climb at Egg and Rupert the bear, which coincided with missing a drinks bottle at an aid station (another tip - slow down and make sure you get that bottle). I resorted to a couple of bananas and powerbars to get some more fuel back in, slowed down a little to ensure I could eat then made the final fast push back to town.
Back in to klaggers and T2. Final bike split - 5:13:08 - 620th quickest bike split - top 25% and in the ball park of what I was expecting - losing 13 minutes on the second lapped showed that I had pushed a little too hard early on possibly or was it the missing bottle? No helpers to take our bikes, bugger, I had to run back to my spot and do it myself. I bet that never happened to Marinio?? Into the change tent via a quick comfort break, I swapped HR straps switched my garmin on, shoes on and dumped my bag. What a waste of time it was swapping HR straps as the thing never worked anyway. T2 time 4:57.
Running out of T2 I saw Lee and Tonje for the first time, I high fived Lee and it gave me a great boost to see them out there. I looked down at my garmin and noticed my pace was around 7:20min/miles - just a tad quick for this early on, or any point in fact. I soon slowed down to 8:20-30, ticking off each KM in just over 5mins. My nutrition strategy was to take in water and energy drink in each aid station and a gel as and when I fancied it. I didn't want to hit the coke until the second half as I thought this would help more when it got really tough. I passed through halfway in 1:51 having felt pretty good. Although by now I knew in my head that sub 10 was not going to happen, I still wanted to record as good a time as possible and have no regrets. Back out on the leg to Krumpendorf I started to feel the pace slow and despite the effort I couldn't maintain the previous pace. I walked a couple of aid stations, got some coke on bored and a few orange segments. These certainly helped, but that gradual climb back to the lake - and it really is very gradual, felt like a race new forest event. I got a lift as I went back through the Europa Park and the support from Sharon again amongst many others I reached the 32km mark and though 'come on' it now only 10k. Back out along the canal again with fantastic support, the locals really love their triathlon. The only issue now was a couple of small subways to negotiate, I hate hills at the best of times but at 36 and 38km into an Ironman marathon I struggled to get up the kerb! I was now left with 3 km to go after negotiating the town square - 2 miles I thought - its nothing. I ran through the last few aid stations, back through the Europa Park seeing Lee and Tonje again and turned to the finish. Someone sprinted past me before we hit the finish chute, I let him go I was under 10:30 which was my new target having done the maths, I had plenty of time to work it out. I enjoyed those last few yards and savoured the moment crossing the line with a 4:07:12 marathon (a pb on its own) and a 10:28:43 finish. 1 hour 46 improvement from 2007. I was very pleased.
I was helped to a seat by a very pretty Austrian girl, who handed me a cup of water and a fantastic Strawberry Mivi.....yum. Lee came over to congratulate me, again showing true friendship of putting his disappointment to oneside and helping me enjoy my moment. We headed to the finish tent and enjoyed a couple of beers, lots of pizza and ice cream. I even managed an enjoyable beer at my post race massage.
I'm sure once I start analysing data I will think what if!!! but on the day I left it all out there and have NO REGRETS. But I still have unfinished business with a 9:xx IM - one day!
I have a few thank yous to make as there have been many people that have helped me along the way, apologies if I have forgotten anyone. Nick Spencer at Bike Fit UK for his Retul fittings, Alex and Bill at Primera, Dave Doust at All bike TLC, all the guys and girls at David Lloyd Ringwood for their support, especially the masters swim group for helping improve my swimming. Everyone at Zoom tri club - the best tri club in Bournemouth, all the boys from FP camp for a fantastic weekend in the lakes, especially Adam for also helping with my long run pacing. A big thanks to Eamon Deane for fitting me in a short notice for massages and his pearls of wisdom as well (he is a sub 9 IM and Kona Qualifier). James Wright at Winchester Uni for all the physiology testing, Chris Booth for the loan of various bits for the trip. My family for their fantastic support through this journey and finally to Lee for his help support, motivation, straight talking and friendship. I will be there next year to support you all the way!
Monday 27 June 2011
First Post - A few days to go!
It was a busy weekend down in the New Forest, with Race New Forest's Long course triathlon - 'The Forestman' taking pace again. I arranged to help race organisors, Richard and Joanne Iles on the saturday before as well as organise a drinks station, along with Zoom Tri, at the Abbottswell end of the run course where runners would come by at 8, 14.5 and 21 miles. This was the third year that Zoom Tri club had volunteered to help at this location. Similarly, Farnham Tri Club, Salisbury and Southampton Tri Club had all done the same at other locations along the course.
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I was fortunate enough to be allowed to get some open water practice ahead of Ironman Austria this week, by taking part in the swim only of the Forestman. There was thick fog for the 5:30am start which meant a slight delay, but after only 10 minutes we were off on our 3 laps of Ellingham Lake. Sighting was made difficult due to the fog but I managed to have a canoe to follow for the second and third laps, making it slighly easier. With such a small field (140) it was easy to find clear water but not easy to find a good draft, meaning I swam it all on my own and I couldn't hold on to team mate Will Newbury's feet for more than the first 50 metres. I manged to exit in 53:15, much to my suprise and a welcome confidence boost ahead of this weekends Iromman. I have to admit that the swim may have been 200-250 metres short which would still give me an 56-57 min IM swim. For now though I have a new 3.8k swim pb :-)
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Also this weekend saw clubmate Chris Booth record a fantastic time of 11:04 at Ironman Nice. Having trained a bit with Chris over the winter and seen him constantly improve, it was not unexpected as I predicted he would be around 11 hours. It is still very pleasing to perform on the day.
With just a few days of preparation and tapering left I am starting to feel a little bit of nervous excitement ahead of this weekend. A few last small training sessions to do, need to get the bike serviced by Dave Doust on his return from a succesfull RAAM adventure with Team Feat. I fly out on friday with Lee Piercy from Stanstead in what I hope to be a great weekend!
Also this weekend saw clubmate Chris Booth record a fantastic time of 11:04 at Ironman Nice. Having trained a bit with Chris over the winter and seen him constantly improve, it was not unexpected as I predicted he would be around 11 hours. It is still very pleasing to perform on the day.
With just a few days of preparation and tapering left I am starting to feel a little bit of nervous excitement ahead of this weekend. A few last small training sessions to do, need to get the bike serviced by Dave Doust on his return from a succesfull RAAM adventure with Team Feat. I fly out on friday with Lee Piercy from Stanstead in what I hope to be a great weekend!
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