1 no worries, its drinkable 2 you'll be fine, you're a stronger cyclist than many, just take the bike easy 3 why are you thinking about the first half of the marathon? the run is just a series of short 1k or 2k (or whatever it is) jogs between aid stations.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Candy. Was just suffering a little panic attack I think. Only thing is, I cant stop start on the run because when I start again my knee ALWAYS hurts, whether I've done 2 or 10 miles.
just jog from station to station and then eat on the jog then. the point is that you aren't running a marathon, you're running to the next aid station, its a different mindset.
if on mile 70 of the bike you start thinking "i've got 42 miles to cycle then a marathon to run", you'll give yourself problems. you should be thinking "my cadence is 90, my heart rate is 140, i'm applying power evenly through the stroke, there's an aid station coming up so i'd better start slowing down and getting into position".
really you should focus the next few weeks on getting your head in the right place.
My game plan is: swim: use the whole of the swim to concentrate on my technique, not speed. cycle: Get to the end in a reasonable time, fully hydrated, not tired, and with no food sat in my stomach. run: just get my ar5e around it without overheating. Not fussed about time on the run.
This thing about rain etc...I don't really have a light rain jacket...or I might but I'd be worried about overheating...how cold does it get and can I just get away with the piratey suit and arm warmers?
The cold will only come if the speeds you are travelling on the bike and the effort you are putting in make you sweat too much to warm up on the descents. In this instance its a case of keeping your core body warm, this might mean if you have a sleeveless top to go over your tri suit it might be worth thinking about if there is a chance of temp drop.
Other than that unlikely risk I would say that having arm warmers ready rolled up at your bike will give you the confidence to either use them or decide not to depending on the temp when you exit the water.
Always remember, you can get rid of stuff to the supporters but you CANNOT pick it up off them, so if you start with a top or arm warmers and need to get rid then throw it at the nearest pirate supporter, if you don't start with it then that means you can't get it.
One way around this is to put a top in your special needs bag, PLEASE make sure tho that if you decide not to use it that you can get it back. If you can't get your special needs bags back then you will have to make that decision on what to wear on the day.
Lots of decisions that you shouldn't get too bogged down with but need to be aware of, and remember if you have trained with the clothing then last minute changes on the day aren't going to be too hard to make or affect your finishing.
And actually on the point I was trying to make, if you don't take it with you, you don't have either choice. But don't feel you have to take your whole wardrobe with you.
I think someone said that you can't get your special needs bag back after the race. I'm planning to put a spare top in mine for the run as I figure once the sun goes down and I am tired it might get cold - I have enough old race T-shirts that it won't matter if I decide not to wear it and it gets thrown.
Comments
1 no worries, its drinkable
2 you'll be fine, you're a stronger cyclist than many, just take the bike easy
3 why are you thinking about the first half of the marathon? the run is just a series of short 1k or 2k (or whatever it is) jogs between aid stations.
hopefully the jocks and scousers can all make it....
and we'll be wanting to see those ankles for beautiful new Mdots
Anyway, I'll be there for the not London social.
if on mile 70 of the bike you start thinking "i've got 42 miles to cycle then a marathon to run", you'll give yourself problems. you should be thinking "my cadence is 90, my heart rate is 140, i'm applying power evenly through the stroke, there's an aid station coming up so i'd better start slowing down and getting into position".
really you should focus the next few weeks on getting your head in the right place.
swim: use the whole of the swim to concentrate on my technique, not speed.
cycle: Get to the end in a reasonable time, fully hydrated, not tired, and with no food sat in my stomach.
run: just get my ar5e around it without overheating. Not fussed about time on the run.
Even fb is taking loads of different kit....
Other than that unlikely risk I would say that having arm warmers ready rolled up at your bike will give you the confidence to either use them or decide not to depending on the temp when you exit the water.
Always remember, you can get rid of stuff to the supporters but you CANNOT pick it up off them, so if you start with a top or arm warmers and need to get rid then throw it at the nearest pirate supporter, if you don't start with it then that means you can't get it.
One way around this is to put a top in your special needs bag, PLEASE make sure tho that if you decide not to use it that you can get it back. If you can't get your special needs bags back then you will have to make that decision on what to wear on the day.
Lots of decisions that you shouldn't get too bogged down with but need to be aware of, and remember if you have trained with the clothing then last minute changes on the day aren't going to be too hard to make or affect your finishing.
Real names?
That stinks of reality!
FEGAN Gary GBR GB-Edinburgh EH66DD Edinburgh Triathletes --- M30