As I write this I am very much enjoying a couple weeks off from training before working towards my next targets. After a 2nd place finish and 61st overall at Challenge Weymouth last Sunday this completes a very satisfying last year, even in the tough blocks of training I can truly say that I have really enjoyed the whole experience.
 |
| All smiles before |
 |
| Not so all smiles |
 |
| Relief! |
Prior to the race on Sunday I drove the bike course with dad which was a absolute blessing to know the course with a largely down hill run in to T2. I also had chance to pop in the positively tropical waters in Weymouth bay with only very small waves. Waking up on race day race numbers were applied and transition bags packed I had some breakfast and headed down to transition to drop off my transition bags. Due to the wind and waves the full iron distance races started late with two laps of a modified run course. This delayed the start time of the pink wave which I was starting in leaving me hopeful that we would be doing a shortened swim, although this was not the case and after 47 minutes 10 (368 position overall for the swim) seconds I returned to shore and head into what was a slow T1 (9 minutes 1 second/ 499 overall for T1). With the swim behind me and on my bike I thought this as my chance to get myself back up the field and did so being 4th quickest over the first 9km which was the climb out of Weymouth. On a mission to make my way through the field I hydrated well on the bike got some food down me despite the taste of sea water being ever present. I then arrived back into transition after 2:44.35 (64th position for the cycle) in the saddle, and produced a decent transition (T1, 1 min, 52 seconds, 102 position) to get out on the run course to produce a 1 hour 25 min 22 second run (13th Overall). This was a really testing run for such a flat course feeling strong on the first lap and half I pushed on but very quickly the wheels started coming of and I had to really knock down the speed just to get around. Walking through the last couple aid stations to get some flat coke on board was the arguable the best decision of the day getting my home in a total time of 5 hour 8 minutes 2 seconds, just 50 seconds ahead of 3rd in my age group.
 |
| I know this bit!!!! |
I was genuinely pleased just to get round the course and complete the distance but what I found most satisfying was my estimation of pace prior to the race which proved to be great guess work, as well as handling the troubles on the last lap to produce a damage limitation finish. Also consider that I could barely swim a length of front crawl this time last year and had to swim in decent size waves I was really impressed that my application and coaching from my Joe got me through the tough conditions.
I can now also pass judgement on triathlon as a sport which I realize means so much to so many but was very interesting compared to running (only my opinion). Firstly the time required for training and getting organised for training I found frustrating at times and must be hard for those with families, although was so nice to see a sport which allows you to finish with your family if you wished to do so, a really nice touch. Secondly the money... there was lots of this kicking round it appeared I am sure my bike was worth as much as one wheel on some of those being used. I can honestly say I wouldn't change this yes it is frustrating when it clear makes a difference on performance level but in terms of participation it is a minor detail. Although does make me appreciative the level playing field of running which is accessible to so many. Finally the really friendly crowds, a moment which will stick with me for a long time is a family who were once someone race took the time to say to me that I had handled the race well, really made me smile at the end of a long day.
What next? Well next few years I will only compete in running events (injury permitting), which decision has been based my results within the last year and some vary enjoyable trail runs giving me chance to explore. I look forward to this continuing with this particularly with the Quantock hills only two miles away from my new home in Taunton, I also look forward to some trips to Datmoor to get in some climbs. Firstly an obvious target for next year is the London Marathon in April which will provide me chance to really see my speed on the flat but also look forward to racing on trail initially this December on the SW Costal path around Lulworth. I am yet to decide on further race but hope to push on towards compete in the bigger races, heading out to the Alps at least once and potentially my do a ultra to build up points towards racing the CCC event at UTMB 2016. Really just ideas at the moment but these only normally head one way with me and that the bugger it I will just do it way and think of the consequences after.
 |
| And the smile is back (well maybe a grimace) |
