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4 July race reports
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I don't think anybody has any illusions about how hard it is, but we should show all sides of it (and I'm sure that Big Nick promised me a report too!)
[Nessie covers eyes with paws, but peeps out through a teensy gap for the answer]
I'm *good* at being last. I've *won* things for being last.
The race I did on Saturday had a 4k swim (200lengths) and the general consensus looking at the times was that the course was about 300 metres too long (an additional 15 lengths!!)
Whatever, it was a s*dding long way for a one lap swim!
its 190 lengths of 20 metres. except its much much much easier swimming in a tri-wetsuit, and drafting (assuming you dont get lost)
I would like to echo Chris's thanks for the kind words of encouragement and
praise, I definitely was different class throwing up into the toilet while
Chris was comatose!
Fortunately the event went very well for me although the onset of cramp in
my hamstring at 24 miles into the run had a sub 10 finish in doubt until I
was on the carpet for the final 20m!
I had a good swim (warm lake), seemed to find a good line without too much
bumping and barging although it got a bit tasty around the turn buoys. The
course comprised a 2k out and back, a short run across the 'beach' then back
in for a 1k loop which brought you into a canal (nice and clean) for the
last 800m with spectators lining the bank. 1:04 and very satisfied.
time round, felt almost Tour de France like with all the names painted on
the road and one particularly well supported section. Paced the bike by
heart rate, increasing the effort each lap from low to medium to high end
aerobic zone. Last lap was slower but I felt fairly strong and passed quite
a lot, including Mr Rose who had a fantastic swim, and popped up at the side
of the road after a pee stop early into the third lap. Off the bike in 5:15
and onto the run with 3:35 to beat to go sub 10. So I felt I was in with a
shout.
was pretty hot by now but I felt good, nutrition had gone well on the bike
(i.e. managed to get plenty of fuel down without major stomach trauma). The
gel I was using on the run (Squeezy) gave me stitch so I ditched that and
stuck to fluids. Markers every Km helped monitor pace (keeping under 5min
k's) and although slowing slightly I managed to keep running, even through
the aid stations. Switched to coke and water for the second half and carried
on until at 38K exactly, my left hamstring cramped suddenly. I have had this
before, so I stopped immediately, stretched it out and started jogging very
gingerly, I had some salted pretzel type sticks in my pocket so I got what
salt I could from them and drank some electrolyte drink at the next aid
station and fortunately I made it to the finish without further problems.
9:51:35 and never again.....except next year I move up an age group!! 17th
in age group, 140th overall, 1700 finishers.
190 lengths is a hell of a long way. I can do about 60 before I die, and that's 20 warm-up and 20 warm-down, with only 20 hard!
As for the bike - well, I've just spent 10 mins sitting on it in my hall, using the banisters for balance whilst I tried to get the shoes on and off - and I think I'll be doing 2x30 min shoe sessions for the next motnh before I even get the bike out of the house :-(
So that leaves the run. Well, 5 people did finish behind me at Bewl 15 on Sunday, so there's a possibility I might not actually be last.
Hohoho.
(however, there's always that niggling thought that 18 months ago I thought walking 6 miles was impossible, 16 months ago a 10k was impossible, a year ago a 1/2 was impossible... never say never!)
(but equally, never say yes to men you don't know!)
I am hoping to complete an Ironman distance event in 10 days time (if all goes to plan I should be home in around 14-15hours).
12 months ago I was a couch potato, weighed just under 16 stone, couldn’t swim front crawl, had not ridden a bike since my teens and was just about capable of running 2 miles in 20 minutes.
In my view given good advice, a little dedication and a bit of flexibility to meet the training commitments anyone can train for and complete an Ironman within 12 months from a base of nothing. This if course assumes you are reasonably healthy.
The first part of the swim was very bumpy. With 2000 swimmers heading for the same buoy 800 metres from shore, numerous clashes were inevitable. I was losing my patience with those around me but tried hard to focus on my own swim. There was a lot of pushing and shoving and then without warning clear water. I suddenly realised this was because I had gone too wide at the first turn. I hope the underwater photographers got me on film. At least I could swim ok now. I returned to shore for quick run, before heading out on the final 1900 metres. Next buoy and I found out that they were made of metal and not plastic as my hand crashed against it. That's gonna hurt in the morning I thought! The final 800 metres of the swim were along a canal. It was here that most supporters had gathered. I was actually enjoying the swim and felt strong with plenty of energy. I exited in 1 hour 20 mins, right on target.
Onto the bike; a chance to recover from the swim and start hydrating and eating. The course itself was excellent. It was a mixture of rolling roads along the lake then a series of climbs through the mountains before descending back to the town of Klagenfurt. This was to be done three times (112 miles). I was passed by quite a number of cyclists on the first lap, but my plan was to go steady and try and reserve something for the latter stages. The largest climb was up a 10% hill (Rupertiberg). It was here that the crowds were most vocal and intimate. Only a couple of feet away there were screams of hup hup hup, Super, hero etc etc. The support gave a real buzz and the first two laps the hills passed without too much effort. I was also able to descend ok, as the hills weren't technical at all. Thank goodness! Come the third lap I was beginning to slow a little and my 18 mph average became closer to 17mph, but I was overtaking many of those who had passed me earlier. I was also becoming a little saddle sore!
I crossed the finish line in 13 hours 29 mins. The last effort left me with nothing. I fell to the floor, unable to get my breath, coughing severley. I was wrapped in blankets and carried to the medical tent. I declined an HV drip, but had heart rate etc monitored. 20 mins later and it was still at 120. I was eventually allowed to leave. Euphoric at finishing I wasn't. All I wanted to do was return to my hotel and lie down. It has now taken a few days to recover. All considering, I feel very proud of completing this race when for some time I wasn't sure I would even start it. 140 miles of swimming biking and running in 30 degrees of heat is ludicrous and makes me appreciative of what fine athletes Nick and Malc are finishing in times near to 10 hours. Austria was a great trip and I was lucky enough to hang around with a great bunch of people. Never say never again, but I will give it some serious thought before committing again.
Thanks for your support!
Finished in 13:29:11. Place 1458 out of 2000ish.
p.s. Has anyone got an application for marathon de sables?
Have a good race.
If anyone else is around that area then come down to support, its a small race in comparison to an international IM but it still needs good vocal support. We will be on the bike loop at Tern Hill.
Totally correct about not trying anything new for race day- hence cutting my lip on my drinks straw, but it was only a fleshwound so got away with it.
I did not steal those flowers they appeared in my hands and I seemed to have two while dancing to the Weather Girls but then had lost them again by the time I was cavorting to Bryan Adams, there really should be a mumble facility on these forums, I am quite ashamed.