PROUD DEVON LAD!!!!
Thursday 18 August 2011
7 lessons from 7 triathlons:- a Tim Harris perspective.
I am a big fan of challenges that rely on the ability to just keep going no matter what, and when Richard suggested completing a triathlon every day for a week it sounded right up my street even though I was just a recreational swimmer and cyclist my immediate thoughts were that it will just be a case of keep going.
But I found out it would take more than that...it would take lessons in economy, efficiency, technique, timing, confidence, fuelling and approach.
My training before the event was limited and fortunately not knowing how much the week would demand from my body was a blessing in disguise as it did not put me off the challenge. As I set about sorting and organising my kit for the week I had no idea how much I would learn in a week.
The fact that I had three extremely experienced and efficent Triathletes completing the challenge too gave me an opportunity to sponge of their approach, experience and knowledge, thrown in with that was a whole lot of inspiration. To see Richard, Steve and Kev set about on their swim, bike and run was both inspiring and motivating.
In addition to this I had members of Team Feat Triathlon club swimming, cycling and running with me all week too. I quickly learnt to settle in to my swim: my biking with Ivan, Jacks, Phil and (the star of my week)Nicky was an education every time I got on the saddle.
As I ticked off each triathlon off during the week, I was picking up tips and lessons in both preparation and performance. My pace remained steady throughout the week and conserving my energy was getting easier with every triathlon.
And so for Sunday...an Iron distance triathlon! Nervous is an understatement as I donned my wetsuit for the 3.8km swim, but the fact that Nicky was alongside me the whole way and that Richard, Steve and Kev were all in the same boat (not literally...that would be cheating) was a comfort and I was able to settle into my pace and having learnt some lessons in sighting earlier in the week I kept nicely on course!
The bike was still incredibly daunting but with Nicky and being joined by Phil and Jacks the ride was under way without me thinking about the massive distance that is 180km. With these guys around me I was constantly reminded to drink, eat and relax and the miles flew by, even a niggle in my knee form tendonitis was pushed to the back of my mind!! As I cycled I was confident about completing the marathon at the end of the day as running is something that I have always been able to just keep going.
The miles eventually dissappeared and then I was so elated to have finished the bike leg that I was on a high as I set about the run with another group that again included the ever supportive Nicky.
Feeding off what was a victory by completing the cycle I was a happy runner and confident with my pace and was hoping to catch a glimpse of Richard, Steve and Kev...I missed Richard who had done so well that he was already well into the last few miles by the time I got onto the ridge but saw both Steve and Kev who were both running well at this stage. I saw them both twice and each time I was reminded of the fact that I was completing this challenge with these guys and this spurred me on to the last lap.
With the suuport stations that Jamie (from the Trussell Trust) had set up with Carol, Jacks, and Nicky's family, the Marathon run was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. This coupled with the fact that all four of us had raised a massive amount of money and publicity for the Trust, led me up the last hill and on to the Fordingbridge road for the last time.
The sense of achievement and pride that flowed through as I crossed the line with Nicky, hand in hand, which I felt was symbollic of the support that she had provided all week, was incredible and a feeling that I won't forget.
It was an honour to do a challenge of that scale with these guys and will lead me into a winter's triathlon training with many smiles and memories!
Tim
How Did "THAT" Happen? by "The Accidental Iron(Wo)Man"
Well the story has been told, along with all the emotional stuff, so eloquently and entertainingly by Richard therefore I will keep this short and sweet. Also, I do not want to detract from this amazing 7 in 7 challenge – it was never meant to include me doing the Forestman! I was just lucky enough to have my offers of support accepted... a bit of running, managing split transitions, first aid, bike spares, flasks of tea (!) ... you know, the usual stuff.
Then half way through the week, after having done a bit of running and cycling, someone (Richard!) put a little seed in my brain! “You could do the whole lot on Sunday, you know!”
Tim actually has a whole army of people in Downton that were willing and did support him during the week – testimony to his positive and delightful personality. Tim has been manager at our local leisure centre, here in Downton, for a few years now and has continued the fabulous work started there by Richard, Jo and Paul Etheridge; they hauled the centre out of closure some 10 plus years ago. The place has a buzz about it; a positive happy vibe. It provides our community with, what I consider to be, a vital service to both young and old: serious and recreational users. For this I will always be extremely grateful... so how could I not support?
It was an absolute joy to see these guys “bond” over the 7 in 7 week; their respect for each other shone through and grew with their continuing endeavours. And it was such a genuinely hard challenge, as anyone who has participated in Race New Forest events will know.
I did astound myself (and a few others!) by pulling that iron distance bike ride out of the bag – not my forte – knew the swim would be ok and knew that the run would feel like being at home. After all, I know the Forest so well and never get lost... almost never!!!
My longest ride before Sunday was 56 miles, and longest tri completed was Olympic distance. I have to add, at this point, that Jacks Howe (Team Feat) and Phil Meredith who also accompanied us, were far more support on the bike for Tim than I could have ever been – wow, they are good!
Once running, I did indeed feel at home and yes, enjoyed the ride too.
So get on the Just Giving site and give to these men for the Trussell Trust (any takers for the South African trunks??!), the achievements were all astonishing and worth every pound of sponsorship.
As a footnote, I said to Joanne that if she receives an entry for Forestman 2012 from me, she is to assume that I have had one too many glasses of wine!! I have admiration by the shed loads for you folks that take part and when I am marshalling next year I will cheer you on with such heartfelt empathy.
Thanks for having me along guys, it was a wonderful week that I’ll never forget and my respect for you all is immense. But especially thanks to Tim for your unbending kindness and encouragement.
Amazing what can be done with the right motivational talking to from the right person! Tim... you must be one hell of a good personal trainer!
Nicky
Then half way through the week, after having done a bit of running and cycling, someone (Richard!) put a little seed in my brain! “You could do the whole lot on Sunday, you know!”
Tim actually has a whole army of people in Downton that were willing and did support him during the week – testimony to his positive and delightful personality. Tim has been manager at our local leisure centre, here in Downton, for a few years now and has continued the fabulous work started there by Richard, Jo and Paul Etheridge; they hauled the centre out of closure some 10 plus years ago. The place has a buzz about it; a positive happy vibe. It provides our community with, what I consider to be, a vital service to both young and old: serious and recreational users. For this I will always be extremely grateful... so how could I not support?
It was an absolute joy to see these guys “bond” over the 7 in 7 week; their respect for each other shone through and grew with their continuing endeavours. And it was such a genuinely hard challenge, as anyone who has participated in Race New Forest events will know.
I did astound myself (and a few others!) by pulling that iron distance bike ride out of the bag – not my forte – knew the swim would be ok and knew that the run would feel like being at home. After all, I know the Forest so well and never get lost... almost never!!!
My longest ride before Sunday was 56 miles, and longest tri completed was Olympic distance. I have to add, at this point, that Jacks Howe (Team Feat) and Phil Meredith who also accompanied us, were far more support on the bike for Tim than I could have ever been – wow, they are good!
Once running, I did indeed feel at home and yes, enjoyed the ride too.
So get on the Just Giving site and give to these men for the Trussell Trust (any takers for the South African trunks??!), the achievements were all astonishing and worth every pound of sponsorship.
As a footnote, I said to Joanne that if she receives an entry for Forestman 2012 from me, she is to assume that I have had one too many glasses of wine!! I have admiration by the shed loads for you folks that take part and when I am marshalling next year I will cheer you on with such heartfelt empathy.
Thanks for having me along guys, it was a wonderful week that I’ll never forget and my respect for you all is immense. But especially thanks to Tim for your unbending kindness and encouragement.
Amazing what can be done with the right motivational talking to from the right person! Tim... you must be one hell of a good personal trainer!
Nicky
Steve's bit!!
Thoughts and reflections of my 7 in 7 week (or more accurately 9 in 9!!)
I’ll explain the 9 in 9 bit first.
In a nutshell, I found out about a week before we were due to kick off that I couldn’t get the Monday or Tuesday off work to do the Boskman and the New Forest Middle and on top of that I had to go back to work on Thursday and Friday after doing the OLT and the New Forest Standard Tri. In fact Wednesday was the only mid-week day I could get off. That was not a nice experience for me after an awful amount of preparation for this challenge. So a quick rethink was in order. After speaking with Richard we agreed that I would do the first 2 Tri’s on Sat and Sunday, and then pick up the rest of the week with the rest of the team from Wednesday onwards.
That was OK, but I didn’t feel comfortable ‘having 2 days off’ when the challenge was supposed to be 7 Triathlons in 7 days. So Monday evening after work I did the Salisbury Tri course, and Tuesday I did a 3-mile/10-mile/3-mile duathlon.
That made me feel a whole lot better!!!!!!!!!!!
It wasn’t until Wednesday that I really felt like I was a member of the group when all 4 of us met up together to start the Swashbuckler, and after a good solid bike I ran the whole distance since it was flat.
Thursday and Friday were again good solid days spoilt only by having to shoot off to work as soon as I had finished each one.
On Saturday I decided to push the pace more on the course, having had enough of the measured approach and just wanting to stretch my legs a bit. That did feel good. Then after meeting up with everyone to talk though the Forestman day it was home to get everything ready and rest.
After a long week I felt unnervingly good on the morning of the Forestman, champing at the bit to get going as it's such a long day, and with no expectations for any ‘time’ but just wanting to finish.
‘That’ swim with Richard was good, despite having a major coughing fit for almost the entire second lap with what felt like a bit of weed stuck across and in my mouth (causing me to nearly puke up all over Richard!!!!) 57 mins was not bad. I did muck about with the pace a bit, but no sooner had I gained half a meter, Richard was back up next to me (and his hand is mashed up from a bad fall a few weeks ago, amazing)
Then it was on to the bike after a fairly slick transition. Nothing much to report on the bike really, felt strong all the way round. I had two ‘minders’ to keep my pace steady (averaged 19.7 mph for the 112 mile).
And finally, on to the run. Normally my nemesis in any Triathlon, but after this week, and the weeks leading up to the 7 in 7, something had changed, having felt on every day like I was using someone else’s legs for the run.
The first 10 miles or so I felt pretty good but things did decline from there onwards. I still managed a 4:35 ish run. My overall time for the Forestman was 11:19. A time I will always feel incredibly proud of, especially after a week of Triathlons leading up to it.
A few statistics by my calculations and timings
Swim total 8.25 miles @ average pace of 25 mins/mile
Bike total 362 miles @ average pace of 18.8 mph
Run total 86.4 miles @ average pace of 10 min/mile
All include the transitions, quite a few of which were a tad leisurely
Total time 37 hours 39 mins
Finally a few thankyou’s.
I’ll explain the 9 in 9 bit first.
In a nutshell, I found out about a week before we were due to kick off that I couldn’t get the Monday or Tuesday off work to do the Boskman and the New Forest Middle and on top of that I had to go back to work on Thursday and Friday after doing the OLT and the New Forest Standard Tri. In fact Wednesday was the only mid-week day I could get off. That was not a nice experience for me after an awful amount of preparation for this challenge. So a quick rethink was in order. After speaking with Richard we agreed that I would do the first 2 Tri’s on Sat and Sunday, and then pick up the rest of the week with the rest of the team from Wednesday onwards.
That was OK, but I didn’t feel comfortable ‘having 2 days off’ when the challenge was supposed to be 7 Triathlons in 7 days. So Monday evening after work I did the Salisbury Tri course, and Tuesday I did a 3-mile/10-mile/3-mile duathlon.
That made me feel a whole lot better!!!!!!!!!!!
It wasn’t until Wednesday that I really felt like I was a member of the group when all 4 of us met up together to start the Swashbuckler, and after a good solid bike I ran the whole distance since it was flat.
Thursday and Friday were again good solid days spoilt only by having to shoot off to work as soon as I had finished each one.
On Saturday I decided to push the pace more on the course, having had enough of the measured approach and just wanting to stretch my legs a bit. That did feel good. Then after meeting up with everyone to talk though the Forestman day it was home to get everything ready and rest.
After a long week I felt unnervingly good on the morning of the Forestman, champing at the bit to get going as it's such a long day, and with no expectations for any ‘time’ but just wanting to finish.
‘That’ swim with Richard was good, despite having a major coughing fit for almost the entire second lap with what felt like a bit of weed stuck across and in my mouth (causing me to nearly puke up all over Richard!!!!) 57 mins was not bad. I did muck about with the pace a bit, but no sooner had I gained half a meter, Richard was back up next to me (and his hand is mashed up from a bad fall a few weeks ago, amazing)
Then it was on to the bike after a fairly slick transition. Nothing much to report on the bike really, felt strong all the way round. I had two ‘minders’ to keep my pace steady (averaged 19.7 mph for the 112 mile).
And finally, on to the run. Normally my nemesis in any Triathlon, but after this week, and the weeks leading up to the 7 in 7, something had changed, having felt on every day like I was using someone else’s legs for the run.
The first 10 miles or so I felt pretty good but things did decline from there onwards. I still managed a 4:35 ish run. My overall time for the Forestman was 11:19. A time I will always feel incredibly proud of, especially after a week of Triathlons leading up to it.
A few statistics by my calculations and timings
Swim total 8.25 miles @ average pace of 25 mins/mile
Bike total 362 miles @ average pace of 18.8 mph
Run total 86.4 miles @ average pace of 10 min/mile
All include the transitions, quite a few of which were a tad leisurely
Total time 37 hours 39 mins
Finally a few thankyou’s.
- Tony Derbyshire – Top Nutritionist expert
- Paul Earley – Boskman bike domestique
- Sam Pociecha – New Forest Half swim buddy and bike domestique
- Chris Newton and Anthony Edwards - My two training buddies on bike rides, who have bullied me round countless rides to bring my bike riding up to where it is now.
- Chris and Anthony also for accompanying me on the Forestman ride.
Richard Iles for letting me take part. Thanks mate!!!
And last but by no means least – my wife Jo, without whom I couldn’t have even started this challenge.
She has shown unwavering confidence in me “and my stupidity”!!!!!!! What? Not only throughout the week but leading up to it as well. Has supported me every day of the challenge, whilst still doing her own job (on the OLT run whilst riding next to me as I ran, she was on her mobile phone fending off her boss’s enquiries as to her whereabouts, and also conducting meetings)
Fed me all the right food, massaged my legs every evening.
Shouted at all four of us whilst "goose stepping" around the lake car park as we were preparing to start the swims, telling us she had a job to get to so we had to get a move on and stop faffing about.
Sacrificed her own training in the process (she’s a top triathlete in her own right, regularly qualifies for the GB squad as an age grouper and nearly always wins her age group in any race she enters, so those of you who compete at that level will appreciate how difficult that was for her)
And looked after our three kids.
And finally thanks to every one who has sponsored and /or supported us through this epic week
So the first two Tri’s were pretty slow and steady with some extreeeeeeeemly long transitions, and I had made the decision to walk up any hills instead of running up since it was going to be a long week. (Amazingly for me I felt so good on those first two runs I had to ‘make’ myself walk up and hills, resisting the urge to keep running)!!!!!!!!!!
Kev's "take" on the week!!
First of all I'd like to say that the 7 Tri's in 7 days was like diving into a swimming pool with the aim of touching the bottom but not knowing the depth. However, taking part with three other slightly mad inquisitive and determined characters made it all the more interesting as to how far I could push my body.
Alongside this, was the fact I was raising money in my eyes ,for a very worthwhile charity."The Trussell Trust"which assisted with amongst other things local issues.
As Richard had indicated throughout the week it was a steep learning curve, with highs and lows, mine being the Swashbuckler half Ironman on Tuesday when without my "elastic band" running in front of me (Andy Brockway) I probably would have struggled to finish. Alongside Andy, help from Austin, Ivan, Wayne, Nicky , Scott, Shirley and Matt was invaluable.
To my times:
Day 1:- 7hrs 12mins
Day 2:- 5hrs 59mins
Day 3:- 5hrs 21mins
Day 4:- 3hrs 21mins
Day 5:- 2hrs 27mins
Day 6:- 1hr 27mins
"FORESTMAN ":- 11hrs 50mins (a PB.)
Total weeks time 38hours 37mins.
Who said tapering was essential for peak performance!!
Anyway its the day after and my routine has gone,back to housework,walking jazz the labrador and playing basketball with Jordan.Without my family and friends none of this would be possible .
Finally thanks to everyone who sponsored me
Kev
Alongside this, was the fact I was raising money in my eyes ,for a very worthwhile charity."The Trussell Trust"which assisted with amongst other things local issues.
As Richard had indicated throughout the week it was a steep learning curve, with highs and lows, mine being the Swashbuckler half Ironman on Tuesday when without my "elastic band" running in front of me (Andy Brockway) I probably would have struggled to finish. Alongside Andy, help from Austin, Ivan, Wayne, Nicky , Scott, Shirley and Matt was invaluable.
To my times:
Day 1:- 7hrs 12mins
Day 2:- 5hrs 59mins
Day 3:- 5hrs 21mins
Day 4:- 3hrs 21mins
Day 5:- 2hrs 27mins
Day 6:- 1hr 27mins
"FORESTMAN ":- 11hrs 50mins (a PB.)
Total weeks time 38hours 37mins.
Who said tapering was essential for peak performance!!
Anyway its the day after and my routine has gone,back to housework,walking jazz the labrador and playing basketball with Jordan.Without my family and friends none of this would be possible .
Finally thanks to everyone who sponsored me
Kev
Richard's "thank-you's"
If you've followed this BLOG it will be no surprise when I say that I've had the best "Tri Week" of my life.
Been lucky enough to race Ironman in Kona, stand on the podium in Clearwater and win a few big races here and there: (hell, I even raced "pro" at Wimbleball at the age of 49!) but I've never, ever enjoyed a day like our ForestMan day.
A cracking way to bow out with great memories:
Marjorie and John
Jax and Wayne
James and Emma
Doug and Nicole
Neil
Andy
Thanks to everyone who came to the finish at Sandy Balls on F'Man day
And finally to Joanne:-
Been lucky enough to race Ironman in Kona, stand on the podium in Clearwater and win a few big races here and there: (hell, I even raced "pro" at Wimbleball at the age of 49!) but I've never, ever enjoyed a day like our ForestMan day.
A cracking way to bow out with great memories:
- First day "BoskMan" and running better than I ever have.......Joanne saying "it's too fast", "I know", "butwhat the heck, you just don't get days like this too often!"
- Blissford Hill!!!!!!!!
- Swimming up the Beaulieu River and later that cracking run up through Bucklers.
- Up the sandy bank on the old Standard run route
- ForestMan swim (and doing three continuous laps without stopping to do breaststroke!!!)
- Not caring about the time but knowing it's respectable
- Watching four great athletes achieving amazing things which made me proud to have shared the week with them; thanks, Tim, Steve Kev and Nicky!!!! Stars every one.
Marjorie and John
Jax and Wayne
James and Emma
Doug and Nicole
Neil
Andy
Thanks to everyone who came to the finish at Sandy Balls on F'Man day
- To Nicky, Greg (and Alice) for understanding my "personalised" rehydration protocol!!! of an evening. No wonder I can't find a beer sponsor, eh??
- To Sharon for sorting out my back on Monday.
- To Del and Jen at Sandy Balls for your tremendous hospitality. Reckon that's what got me round.
- To Bill and Alex at Primera for all your support since what seems like forever.........and actually is almost that long!
- To Mike at 2 X U, who kept me afloat with a couple of great wetties.
- Mike and Emmie at InfiniT............rocket fuel!!! Just the best.
- To my Mum and Dad :- for their absolute belief in my abilities.........always!!
And finally to Joanne:-
- for lending me her Kestrel (which is her pride and joy)
- for putting up with my obsessive compulsive behaviour:- I will admit that lining up the drinks bottles (in order) in the fridge was, indeed, a "bit strange" even by my standards.
- for making sure everything was where it should be, when it needed to be!! (Calfgurds excepted, of course!!)
- for all those bike drink stations and riding round on the run courses
- for not giving me any time checks
- for being there
Trust Your Cape!!
Since we finished I've been asked many times how we managed to churn out performances day after day which came close to (and in instances improved on) our PB's.
The real answer is that neither I, nor the other guys (nor Joanne or anyone else who was part of the week) can really account for it but herewith (good word!) some thoughts.
Some musings.
"Soundness"
Avoiding injury during the week was crucial but I wouldn't have put much money on my ability to run 86 miles in a week at 7 min pace average(ish) without my achilles (plural) telling me to stop having a laugh!! Steve has dodgy knees and Kev's calf/hamstring regularly causes him problems. Tim's too young to have developed these chronic conditions ....yet!!
Ironic, therefore, that Tim's knee was the biggest worry of the week.
Clues? Steve, for one, was considerably lighter than at previous Iron races: do to a lack of swimming/gym even I was a couple of kilos down on normal race weight.........less stress and strain??
Preparation
I did all my cycling in the big chainring during training,often at low cadence having figured that strength would considerably outweigh speed over the week. This followed on from a reasonable winter of weight training based on compound exercises and core stability. By the end of Jan, after which training became less consistent, I had been leg pressing up to 400kg for 6-8 rep sets. This prep will certainly have helped me stay "sound". In my experience veterans need to spend a far greater proportion of their training working against heavy resistance of one sort or another to sustain power. Time and issues meant that I spent less time on the turbo this year...........I'd long suspected that my tough turbo sessions were a factor in my achiles problems: may have been right.
Pacing?
Well I reckon we were at about 80% - 90% of potential all week and feeling stronger by ForestMan day. So not pushing that final extra bit must have had something to do with it.
Lack of fear?
Freed from the competitive environment of a "race" you are able to manage your day "absolutely". No "pre-race" to speak of: no hurly burly in the swim: no-one whizzing past on the bike so no temptation to chase. Your own pace throughout. Big savings here both physically and, I believe, mentally.
Fun
Big smiles every day, well almost. But on the day one or other of us may have been "flat" there were three mates alongside to lighten things up.
Momentum!!
A small group wanting success for each other every day. A couple of days go well with no noticeable physical deterioration and "pow!", suddenly everyone begins to believe that they "can" !!
Belief!!!
Once we got started it actually never occurred to us that we "couldn't" do it!! .........so we did!!
THE CAPE by Guy Clarke
Eight years old with flour sack cape
Tied all around his neck.
He climbed up on the garage
He's figurin’ what the heck .
Screwed his courage up so tight
That the whole thing come unwound.
He got a runnin’ start and bless his heart
He headed for the ground
Chorus
He’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape
All grown up with a flour sack cape
Tied all around his dreams.
He’s full of piss and vinegar
He’s bustin’ at the seams.
He licked his finger, checked the wind
It’s gonna be do or die.
See, he wasn’t scared of nothin’, boy
'Cos was pretty sure he could fly
Chorus
He’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith.
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape.
Now he's old and grey with a flour sack cape
Tied all around his head.
He’s still jumpin’ off the garage
And will be till he’s dead.
All these years the people said
He’s actin’ like a kid
He did not know he could not fly
..............So he did !!!
Chorus
He’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith:
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape
The real answer is that neither I, nor the other guys (nor Joanne or anyone else who was part of the week) can really account for it but herewith (good word!) some thoughts.
Some musings.
"Soundness"
Avoiding injury during the week was crucial but I wouldn't have put much money on my ability to run 86 miles in a week at 7 min pace average(ish) without my achilles (plural) telling me to stop having a laugh!! Steve has dodgy knees and Kev's calf/hamstring regularly causes him problems. Tim's too young to have developed these chronic conditions ....yet!!
Ironic, therefore, that Tim's knee was the biggest worry of the week.
Clues? Steve, for one, was considerably lighter than at previous Iron races: do to a lack of swimming/gym even I was a couple of kilos down on normal race weight.........less stress and strain??
Preparation
I did all my cycling in the big chainring during training,often at low cadence having figured that strength would considerably outweigh speed over the week. This followed on from a reasonable winter of weight training based on compound exercises and core stability. By the end of Jan, after which training became less consistent, I had been leg pressing up to 400kg for 6-8 rep sets. This prep will certainly have helped me stay "sound". In my experience veterans need to spend a far greater proportion of their training working against heavy resistance of one sort or another to sustain power. Time and issues meant that I spent less time on the turbo this year...........I'd long suspected that my tough turbo sessions were a factor in my achiles problems: may have been right.
Pacing?
Well I reckon we were at about 80% - 90% of potential all week and feeling stronger by ForestMan day. So not pushing that final extra bit must have had something to do with it.
Lack of fear?
Freed from the competitive environment of a "race" you are able to manage your day "absolutely". No "pre-race" to speak of: no hurly burly in the swim: no-one whizzing past on the bike so no temptation to chase. Your own pace throughout. Big savings here both physically and, I believe, mentally.
Fun
Big smiles every day, well almost. But on the day one or other of us may have been "flat" there were three mates alongside to lighten things up.
Momentum!!
A small group wanting success for each other every day. A couple of days go well with no noticeable physical deterioration and "pow!", suddenly everyone begins to believe that they "can" !!
Belief!!!
Once we got started it actually never occurred to us that we "couldn't" do it!! .........so we did!!
THE CAPE by Guy Clarke
Eight years old with flour sack cape
Tied all around his neck.
He climbed up on the garage
He's figurin’ what the heck .
Screwed his courage up so tight
That the whole thing come unwound.
He got a runnin’ start and bless his heart
He headed for the ground
Chorus
He’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape
All grown up with a flour sack cape
Tied all around his dreams.
He’s full of piss and vinegar
He’s bustin’ at the seams.
He licked his finger, checked the wind
It’s gonna be do or die.
See, he wasn’t scared of nothin’, boy
'Cos was pretty sure he could fly
Chorus
He’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith.
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape.
Now he's old and grey with a flour sack cape
Tied all around his head.
He’s still jumpin’ off the garage
And will be till he’s dead.
All these years the people said
He’s actin’ like a kid
He did not know he could not fly
..............So he did !!!
Chorus
He’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith:
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Richard's times through the week
Richard's daily times:-
BoskMan 5:53:21
Sept Middle 4:58:30
SwashBuckler 4:20:33
OneLastTri 2:49:22
Standard 1:56:25
Sprint 1:18:04
ForestMan 10:04:42
TOTAL 31:21:16
Sweepstake winner: Mr Dave Woodgate:- estimate 32hrs 32mins
Avg pace: approx:-
Swim:- 25mins 20secs / mile
Bike:- 22.2mph
Run:- 7mins 15secs / mile
BoskMan 5:53:21
Sept Middle 4:58:30
SwashBuckler 4:20:33
OneLastTri 2:49:22
Standard 1:56:25
Sprint 1:18:04
ForestMan 10:04:42
TOTAL 31:21:16
Sweepstake winner: Mr Dave Woodgate:- estimate 32hrs 32mins
Avg pace: approx:-
Swim:- 25mins 20secs / mile
Bike:- 22.2mph
Run:- 7mins 15secs / mile
The day of "The Accidental Iron(wo)man"!!!!!!
ForestMan would not be ForestMan without a blessing and some words to give a sense of perspective to the day from our good friend Andy Baker, who dragged himself out of bed and down to the lake for a far smaller field than he usually speaks to on the proper race day.
The great compensation for his having made such a big effort on behalf of so few was that for the first time in three years he could actually see the lake!!! And a picture it was: flat calm and glassy with the first hint of blue skies and sunshine.
Big hugs (friends and family, mainly......not Andy specifically!) and into the lake which has become progressively cooler as the week has gone on; three, two, one!!....and we're off with Steve and myself side by side, Kev tucked in a little behind and Tim bringing up the rear.
Tim's swimming is not his forte but has improved hughly over recent months and more particularly, through swimming umpteen kilometres this week. His "umpteen" k's probably include a couple of extra due to his open water navigational skills???
So in the water with Tim was his "minder", who has also looked after him variously on bike and run routes during the week, bringing a level of "maturity" to curb his youthful exuberance: ie making sure he didn't go too fast, too soon!! Now Nicky, for such is her name, is not the most experienced Triathlete in the world herself: hell of a runner and fit as you like but pretty new to biking and swimming. Her mission at 5:30 that morning was to stop him swimming further than necessary by keeping him "on course". Thereafter she would get out for a lap of the bike "or so" to slow him down early on before offering some moral support on the run!!!........this thread of my rambling to be picked up again later!!!
Steve and I had arranged to swim together (he's a top swim coach so keeps me concentrating on correct technique). He obviously resisted the urge to keep stopping me for a bit of extra tuition as the laps flew by and we emerged to hear the words......."blimey 57 mins".
I'll settle for that.
Out of the water and up to the car for another speedy (10 minute or so) transition......well you need to make sure you've got everything don't you!!!
Off on Joanne's trusty Kestrel KM40 (most of you will be too young to remember this iconic bike) and as far as The Alice Lisle (about a mile) before the first numpty car incident of the day where a 4X4 decided to overtake us on a blind left hander over the cattle grid to come face to face with another idiot going eqully too fast in the opposite direction. Fortunately no-one swerved in our direction and they managed to stop, head to head about a metre apart.......
Another half mile down the road I lost my "minder" with a puncture but that was (fortunately) it for incidents until the roads got busy with traffic and inumerable other cycling events a bit later.
Fuelled by InfiniT and the occasional Shot Block all went well and I made my first "pit-stop" to re-stock at the top of the Ornamental Drive.........we are so lucky to live, work and cycle round here!
Under the A31 and up towards Ocknell (for the 11th and not yet final time this week!!) Joanne went past in the car and shouted that Wayne was not far behind and just coming over the top of the Ornamental Drive so I would soon have some company again. Given the "solid" pace I had been churning out I was not overly surprised when he finally caught up and checked his computer to be told he had covered almost 50 kilometres of the course at 40+ kmph to try and catch me. Given that he reckoned it had only taken him about 5mins or so to repair the puncture it didn't take me long to calculate that I had actually been going pretty well myself up to that point. Too hard?: we'd find out , know doubt! Time to settle down and "enjoy the ride"!!
Point of interest (or possibly not!) I never ride with a computer.....old boy triathlete!!...and the only time-check I got all day was the 57 min shout at swim out. Actually, I did get one more shout but much, much later.
With the traffic increasing I opted to do my "Nomansland" loop on the second circuit in order to clear Burley, Brock and the A35 before they got too bad. Couple more pit stops to collect nutrition and drop off long sleeve jersey and I'm enjoying the last few miles of competitive cycling clad in my "Devon Flag" cycling jersey.........proud of our home County!!!! Home of all things "great and good" (see new BLOG pic) and in the company of one of the real nice guys of Duathlon/Triathlon, Wayne Smith.
As a proud South African I'm sure he can't fail to have been impressed when I declared that I was wearing my "lucky South African trunks" under my Trisuit...... I had swopped my GB kit for SA kit at some ancient World Champs and (incredibly) have never failed to win whilst wearing them........and if that's not "lucky" I don't know what is!!
Incidentally as I won't be needing them any more, I'm open to (sensible) bids but they will need a bit of a rinse after Sunday's endeavours!!!! (See pic........will part with them if anyone makes a big enough donation to the Trussell Trust!!!) hahahahah!!!
Chatting with the guys afterwards I think we all enjoyed the bike, albeit that it was a bit "blowy" in places. Even Tim was round in just 7 and a bit hrs I believe and the others were both still on course to (incredibly) challenge their ForestMan pb's ,set on stand alone race days.
Back in my world it was soon "big thanks and goodbye to Wayne" and "hello, Joanne; fancy meeting you here!!" as I hit "T2".
Now doing transition at our Lodge at Sandy Balls seemed like the perfect idea: Joanne could get her MTB plus drinks together and shoes on ready to go, throw the Kestrel into the lodge and follow closely behind me on the run. The flip-side of all that luxury "on tap" is that there is a huge temptation to take your time and to avail oneself of the available "facilities" in a far more leisurely fashion than one might if, say just for arguments sake, a putrid portaloo!!.....................so I did.
Some time later, I emerged ,somehow resisted the temptation of the Hot Tub ( and the lure of the ice cool beers nestling in the fridge) and headed out (uphill!!!) on to the run course.
Our Lodge was very nice but those of you who have done any of our events involving a "loop" on site at Sandy Balls will know that the word "loop" is actually "Richardspeak" for "hilly detour"!! This made for a challenging start to the run.....one I may feel inclined to inflict upon future competitors!!!!!
Off up the road and by now it's traffic/ bke mayhem with the Sportive and charity riders being joined by two thirds of the families staying at SB!! Still, in no time we're off road, into a rhythm that I think/hope I can sustain for the duration and we're both laughing / joking our way round the course.....didn't I say I'd intended to enjoy every minute of the "last blast"!!!
First person to greet me was Nick Wright, out on a training run and, as usual, smiling, what a nice guy!! A few words of encouragement always welcome!!
Then at about mile 7 we bumped intoNeil Lewis who then ran with me and Joanne (who was carrying all the nutrition) until I collected my blue and final band at Abbots Well. Andy Moore also ran a lap with us and it was great to feel "supported" for a chunk of the run.
Was even more delighted to encounter young Mr Bailey well into his first lap just as we dived down the steep hill for the second time: still looking fresh enough, still smiling and heading towards a big PB if he could keep it going.
Ran all the hills and every step of the route (unless it counts when you stop for a comfort break!!)....this was my own personal challenge and didn't really have a bad patch all day.......and in particular no cramps which have clobbered me so badly in the past. !!!! Whilst I never quite felt as good as on "BoskMan" day (best running day of my life, mind you!!) I was always ultra comfy and sticking to my plan to "enjoy the ride"
Then, in what seemed like no time, I'd collected my Blue (and final) band along with a cheer from Graham and Nicky and Tamsin and Paul........thank you, all!!). We ran back past a family whom we had seen on numerous occasions over the "laps" only for the mother to shout out: " you could have done a marathon by now!" Funny that!!!
Back to the centre where Nicky's husband Greg along with children Alice and Sam was setting up an extra drink station for Tim and Co. Having also already seen Kev a couple of times looking in good shape plus Steve still happy and moving well it was a shame to have just missed out on seeing Tim and Nicky who had just begun their first loop as I legge it off the Forest.
It was at this stage that I got my second (unsolicited) time check of the day. Wayne and Jax were by now also positioned at the Central point and when I said to Wayne "last three miles , about 22 mins" he told me that I'd be just outside 10hrs. Hearing this I bolted off down the hill, through the stream and up the other side before "wising up" metaphorically shaking my head at my own behaviour and settling back down as I reminded myself that it wasn't a race, noone was chasing me down and that it really, really didn't matter....... "enjoy the ride!"
Back on to the road : firstly, Neil Lewis cruised by pumping out some loud music to see me home!! Then, for the second time that day, Wayne came hurtling up behind me; this time on MTB to watch me finish........fantastic. Told Joanne and me that Greg had also decided to jump on his bike and whizz back from the central aid station to do the same. Wayne seemed perplexed as to Greg's whereabouts.
Joanne and I had to laugh at a world class duathlete, who has just done the Race Across America with Team Feat (and very nearly won it!!!) wondering how he'd managed to drop a Recreational Cyclist over 3 hilly off-road New Forest miles. Strange that!! Anyway the explanation was not long coming as Greg did catch us and declared that he'd had to go back for his helmet!!!
End in sight and there's Neil again with some "Faithless" blasting out to welcome me home!!!!
Finish line : big hugs, especially for Joanne and a moment of reflection for a number of reasons,,,.been a difficult year in some ways. Then it was my turn to sweat over other people for a change!! with hugs for everyone!!!): immediate post-race beer, always important, so "thanks, Tom".
And then, suddenly, that's it.....all over: as in "completely": "the day", "the week", "the challenge" and my "racing" career.
For those of you who are interested, and to whom it means anything at all, I crossed the ForestMan line in 10:04:42 so sub 10 was really not on the agenda a great deal more suffering a good bit earlier on the run (or a filthier portaloo, perhaps?? LOL . But I'll happily settle for that ass my "finale".
(Before anyone asks,I honestly don't accurateley know my splits but I'm told my run was about 3:37ish)
Will deal with thoughts and the "deeper" side of my week seperately along with big thank-you's but for now, on with the day!
.
Big news, once I'd polished off that pint (I did share with Joanne!!) was that Nicky, rather than dipping in and out of "proceedings" after the swim, had actually undertaken the whole Bike and was now pacing Tim on the run: incredibly, well on her way to becoming an "accidental "IronMan" Good job I'd packed an extra medal "just in case"!!!!!
Now, I've witnessed some amazing achievements in my 20 odd (sometimes very odd!!) yrs of triathlon but it never occurred to me that someone might wind up doing an Iron Distance race "by accident"......and particularly over a course a tough as ForestMan. For Tim, with only 3 short course tri's behind him before 7in7 it virtually defied logic but this???...................emotional stuff, heh?????
Anyway, for me some proper post race rehydration and recovery stuff, quick shower and back to the finish line for the others.
When I'd passed Steve going in the opposite direction on the run for the first time his words to me were: "Bet you're surprised to see me!!!!" I replied "No, just delighted!!" But since Steve has freely admitted subsequently that he tried to drop me on the swim!!!!! (B**t#*d), and in the spirit of honesty,openness and trust that I live by, I can say now that I had been a bit surprised: absolutely chuffed but, yes, a little surprised.
I've known Steve for as long as I've been in the Forest and in this sport. His wife was my inspiration for first taking up Triathlon (so blame her ultimately for our events and all the hills on our Run courses!!) and in early events Steve would cruise past me on the bike and offer helpful coaching tips like"You need to pedal on the downhills as well, you know!!!" He's a great guy: a very fine triathlete but more often than not, and I hope he won't mind my saying so, his race results have not reflected either his potential or his level of fitness going into an event. Anyway, his performances all week had been just brilliant and here he was, possibly knocking out a ForestMan PB to boot: just fantastic to see!!! (even if he did try to drop me on the swim after saying he'd let me swim alongside him!!!!!!) Had I already mentioned that???
To be honest, I'm not sure of his finish time.......I was too busy being emotional with everyone else as he crossed the line still smiling but I know it was quick. Round about 11hrs 30 if I had to guess......but a big F'Man PB and at the end of a tough week!! Chapeau, Steve!!!!!
I'm certain Steve, Kev and Tim will want to add their own personal pages pages to this BLOG over the coming days so I'm sure They'll give times etc if want to. For my part, I'll do a couple of "follow ups" with specifc times and try and offer some kind of explanation for the level of performance across the group, throughout the week,which seems to contradict most training / race prep logic and standard practise.
Anyway, next Kev, who has done more IronMan events that any of us and who, again, had knocked out exceptional times each day only picking up minor niggles along the way. He was also now clocking up consistent run miles to back up very respectable bike and swim splits..........like all of us he had taken an age in each transition (particularly T2 where he had to wait for his kit having arrived before his helper and filled the time by scoffing a couple of cheese and ham sandwiches). Whatever, it had worked and he was soon over the line to register his own personal ForestMan PB (sub 12hrs for sure) and with loads of friends and family to greet him; just brilliant.His Dad did ask me to tell Kev he's getting too old for all this stuff but I didn't feel I was the most suitably qualified for the task!!
Kev and Steve both did their first events in 1989 and were founder members back then of one of the very early Tri Clubs "5 Go Mad", so it was great to share a day, where everything had gone so well for us all with two other like minded old gits who actually "get" what it (Triathlon) is, (or used to be) all about: flogging yourself senseless in beautiful places amongst a small community of friends. Where it's more about the experience and how you deliver what you set out to do as an individual, rather than purely about time, position or bragging rights at work on Monday!!!
More similar "cod - philosophical" stuff at a later date but now on to "The Main Event"
We three "experienced" athletes spent the week in awe of Tim, who, after one year in the sport and a few short course races took up this challenge and never looked likely to fail!! He's a very fine runner who is gradually improving on the bike but lacks miles (but makes up for that with smiles!!). He can't swim in a straight line in open water: in fact two years ago he was a "really bad" swimmer........now he's just "not very good", "bad".......but improving fast and particularly so over the course of such an intensive week...... to the extent that I might be wrong but doubt that he took much more than 1.5 hrs for the F'Man swim: a time which would please an awful lot of competitors doing it as a "stand alone" race.
7+ windy hours on the bike with Nicky and Jax for company....they probably talked "at him" non-stop to keep his mind off it!! Then he and Nicky were out there on the run.
Meanwhile Steve and Kev were recovering in the hot tub.....thanks so much Del and Jen @ Sandy Balls for that facility!!!......but we were all back together to see our hero Tim and "The Accidental Iron(Wo)Man", Nicky Yevko cross the line, also in fine shape, as the clock ticked up to 13:30. They had also knocked out a 4:20 ish run split, which as all you ForestMen out there will know, is very, very respectable.
Awesome. What an achievement.
I'm not sure that either of them actually has enough triathlon experience to fully comprehend the level of their achievement that day but there must be hundreds of RNF event "veterans" around, who can appreciate the severity of the courses out there and who will be sufficiently impressed by their achievement to,hopefully, stick their hand in a pocket and make a small donation to our charity, which can be done simply by clicking on the whopping great icon at the top of the RaceNewForest homepage.
I really hope that the donations flood in, if for no other reason than to recognise their feat on Sunday!!!! Remarkable!
PLEASE help us reach our target. www.justgiving.com/racenewforest7in7
My life is the richer for having enjoyed this week with these guys. Apologies for it being more about "me" than the team as a whole but I'll pop contributions from them all.....and Nicky up here as I get them
Hopefully something I've written about just what they've all achieved will inspire some contributions.
So that was ForestMan day..........except for the eating, drinking an continued hottubbing.
If Thomas (Peoples) should catch sight of this BLOG, you're right: they do a bloody good BBQ at Sandy Balls: just the ticket at the end of a long week!!
For my part I'll post all our "thank you's" along with some times/ comparisons etc once I have those, just to give some idea of the level at which the guys operated all week and then try and make some sense of how three old gits, a "nutter" and an "accidental Iron(Wo)Man" managed to perform as they did., without injury or post race stress/ DOMS and, still "look" and "feel" healthy" right to the end........bizarre!!
Bye for now
Rich
The great compensation for his having made such a big effort on behalf of so few was that for the first time in three years he could actually see the lake!!! And a picture it was: flat calm and glassy with the first hint of blue skies and sunshine.
Big hugs (friends and family, mainly......not Andy specifically!) and into the lake which has become progressively cooler as the week has gone on; three, two, one!!....and we're off with Steve and myself side by side, Kev tucked in a little behind and Tim bringing up the rear.
Tim's swimming is not his forte but has improved hughly over recent months and more particularly, through swimming umpteen kilometres this week. His "umpteen" k's probably include a couple of extra due to his open water navigational skills???
So in the water with Tim was his "minder", who has also looked after him variously on bike and run routes during the week, bringing a level of "maturity" to curb his youthful exuberance: ie making sure he didn't go too fast, too soon!! Now Nicky, for such is her name, is not the most experienced Triathlete in the world herself: hell of a runner and fit as you like but pretty new to biking and swimming. Her mission at 5:30 that morning was to stop him swimming further than necessary by keeping him "on course". Thereafter she would get out for a lap of the bike "or so" to slow him down early on before offering some moral support on the run!!!........this thread of my rambling to be picked up again later!!!
Steve and I had arranged to swim together (he's a top swim coach so keeps me concentrating on correct technique). He obviously resisted the urge to keep stopping me for a bit of extra tuition as the laps flew by and we emerged to hear the words......."blimey 57 mins".
I'll settle for that.
Out of the water and up to the car for another speedy (10 minute or so) transition......well you need to make sure you've got everything don't you!!!
Off on Joanne's trusty Kestrel KM40 (most of you will be too young to remember this iconic bike) and as far as The Alice Lisle (about a mile) before the first numpty car incident of the day where a 4X4 decided to overtake us on a blind left hander over the cattle grid to come face to face with another idiot going eqully too fast in the opposite direction. Fortunately no-one swerved in our direction and they managed to stop, head to head about a metre apart.......
Another half mile down the road I lost my "minder" with a puncture but that was (fortunately) it for incidents until the roads got busy with traffic and inumerable other cycling events a bit later.
Fuelled by InfiniT and the occasional Shot Block all went well and I made my first "pit-stop" to re-stock at the top of the Ornamental Drive.........we are so lucky to live, work and cycle round here!
Under the A31 and up towards Ocknell (for the 11th and not yet final time this week!!) Joanne went past in the car and shouted that Wayne was not far behind and just coming over the top of the Ornamental Drive so I would soon have some company again. Given the "solid" pace I had been churning out I was not overly surprised when he finally caught up and checked his computer to be told he had covered almost 50 kilometres of the course at 40+ kmph to try and catch me. Given that he reckoned it had only taken him about 5mins or so to repair the puncture it didn't take me long to calculate that I had actually been going pretty well myself up to that point. Too hard?: we'd find out , know doubt! Time to settle down and "enjoy the ride"!!
Point of interest (or possibly not!) I never ride with a computer.....old boy triathlete!!...and the only time-check I got all day was the 57 min shout at swim out. Actually, I did get one more shout but much, much later.
With the traffic increasing I opted to do my "Nomansland" loop on the second circuit in order to clear Burley, Brock and the A35 before they got too bad. Couple more pit stops to collect nutrition and drop off long sleeve jersey and I'm enjoying the last few miles of competitive cycling clad in my "Devon Flag" cycling jersey.........proud of our home County!!!! Home of all things "great and good" (see new BLOG pic) and in the company of one of the real nice guys of Duathlon/Triathlon, Wayne Smith.
As a proud South African I'm sure he can't fail to have been impressed when I declared that I was wearing my "lucky South African trunks" under my Trisuit...... I had swopped my GB kit for SA kit at some ancient World Champs and (incredibly) have never failed to win whilst wearing them........and if that's not "lucky" I don't know what is!!
Incidentally as I won't be needing them any more, I'm open to (sensible) bids but they will need a bit of a rinse after Sunday's endeavours!!!! (See pic........will part with them if anyone makes a big enough donation to the Trussell Trust!!!) hahahahah!!!
Chatting with the guys afterwards I think we all enjoyed the bike, albeit that it was a bit "blowy" in places. Even Tim was round in just 7 and a bit hrs I believe and the others were both still on course to (incredibly) challenge their ForestMan pb's ,set on stand alone race days.
Back in my world it was soon "big thanks and goodbye to Wayne" and "hello, Joanne; fancy meeting you here!!" as I hit "T2".
Now doing transition at our Lodge at Sandy Balls seemed like the perfect idea: Joanne could get her MTB plus drinks together and shoes on ready to go, throw the Kestrel into the lodge and follow closely behind me on the run. The flip-side of all that luxury "on tap" is that there is a huge temptation to take your time and to avail oneself of the available "facilities" in a far more leisurely fashion than one might if, say just for arguments sake, a putrid portaloo!!.....................so I did.
Some time later, I emerged ,somehow resisted the temptation of the Hot Tub ( and the lure of the ice cool beers nestling in the fridge) and headed out (uphill!!!) on to the run course.
Our Lodge was very nice but those of you who have done any of our events involving a "loop" on site at Sandy Balls will know that the word "loop" is actually "Richardspeak" for "hilly detour"!! This made for a challenging start to the run.....one I may feel inclined to inflict upon future competitors!!!!!
Off up the road and by now it's traffic/ bke mayhem with the Sportive and charity riders being joined by two thirds of the families staying at SB!! Still, in no time we're off road, into a rhythm that I think/hope I can sustain for the duration and we're both laughing / joking our way round the course.....didn't I say I'd intended to enjoy every minute of the "last blast"!!!
First person to greet me was Nick Wright, out on a training run and, as usual, smiling, what a nice guy!! A few words of encouragement always welcome!!
Then at about mile 7 we bumped intoNeil Lewis who then ran with me and Joanne (who was carrying all the nutrition) until I collected my blue and final band at Abbots Well. Andy Moore also ran a lap with us and it was great to feel "supported" for a chunk of the run.
Was even more delighted to encounter young Mr Bailey well into his first lap just as we dived down the steep hill for the second time: still looking fresh enough, still smiling and heading towards a big PB if he could keep it going.
Ran all the hills and every step of the route (unless it counts when you stop for a comfort break!!)....this was my own personal challenge and didn't really have a bad patch all day.......and in particular no cramps which have clobbered me so badly in the past. !!!! Whilst I never quite felt as good as on "BoskMan" day (best running day of my life, mind you!!) I was always ultra comfy and sticking to my plan to "enjoy the ride"
Then, in what seemed like no time, I'd collected my Blue (and final) band along with a cheer from Graham and Nicky and Tamsin and Paul........thank you, all!!). We ran back past a family whom we had seen on numerous occasions over the "laps" only for the mother to shout out: " you could have done a marathon by now!" Funny that!!!
Back to the centre where Nicky's husband Greg along with children Alice and Sam was setting up an extra drink station for Tim and Co. Having also already seen Kev a couple of times looking in good shape plus Steve still happy and moving well it was a shame to have just missed out on seeing Tim and Nicky who had just begun their first loop as I legge it off the Forest.
It was at this stage that I got my second (unsolicited) time check of the day. Wayne and Jax were by now also positioned at the Central point and when I said to Wayne "last three miles , about 22 mins" he told me that I'd be just outside 10hrs. Hearing this I bolted off down the hill, through the stream and up the other side before "wising up" metaphorically shaking my head at my own behaviour and settling back down as I reminded myself that it wasn't a race, noone was chasing me down and that it really, really didn't matter....... "enjoy the ride!"
Back on to the road : firstly, Neil Lewis cruised by pumping out some loud music to see me home!! Then, for the second time that day, Wayne came hurtling up behind me; this time on MTB to watch me finish........fantastic. Told Joanne and me that Greg had also decided to jump on his bike and whizz back from the central aid station to do the same. Wayne seemed perplexed as to Greg's whereabouts.
Joanne and I had to laugh at a world class duathlete, who has just done the Race Across America with Team Feat (and very nearly won it!!!) wondering how he'd managed to drop a Recreational Cyclist over 3 hilly off-road New Forest miles. Strange that!! Anyway the explanation was not long coming as Greg did catch us and declared that he'd had to go back for his helmet!!!
End in sight and there's Neil again with some "Faithless" blasting out to welcome me home!!!!
Finish line : big hugs, especially for Joanne and a moment of reflection for a number of reasons,,,.been a difficult year in some ways. Then it was my turn to sweat over other people for a change!! with hugs for everyone!!!): immediate post-race beer, always important, so "thanks, Tom".
And then, suddenly, that's it.....all over: as in "completely": "the day", "the week", "the challenge" and my "racing" career.
For those of you who are interested, and to whom it means anything at all, I crossed the ForestMan line in 10:04:42 so sub 10 was really not on the agenda a great deal more suffering a good bit earlier on the run (or a filthier portaloo, perhaps?? LOL . But I'll happily settle for that ass my "finale".
(Before anyone asks,I honestly don't accurateley know my splits but I'm told my run was about 3:37ish)
Will deal with thoughts and the "deeper" side of my week seperately along with big thank-you's but for now, on with the day!
.
Big news, once I'd polished off that pint (I did share with Joanne!!) was that Nicky, rather than dipping in and out of "proceedings" after the swim, had actually undertaken the whole Bike and was now pacing Tim on the run: incredibly, well on her way to becoming an "accidental "IronMan" Good job I'd packed an extra medal "just in case"!!!!!
Now, I've witnessed some amazing achievements in my 20 odd (sometimes very odd!!) yrs of triathlon but it never occurred to me that someone might wind up doing an Iron Distance race "by accident"......and particularly over a course a tough as ForestMan. For Tim, with only 3 short course tri's behind him before 7in7 it virtually defied logic but this???...................emotional stuff, heh?????
Anyway, for me some proper post race rehydration and recovery stuff, quick shower and back to the finish line for the others.
When I'd passed Steve going in the opposite direction on the run for the first time his words to me were: "Bet you're surprised to see me!!!!" I replied "No, just delighted!!" But since Steve has freely admitted subsequently that he tried to drop me on the swim!!!!! (B**t#*d), and in the spirit of honesty,openness and trust that I live by, I can say now that I had been a bit surprised: absolutely chuffed but, yes, a little surprised.
I've known Steve for as long as I've been in the Forest and in this sport. His wife was my inspiration for first taking up Triathlon (so blame her ultimately for our events and all the hills on our Run courses!!) and in early events Steve would cruise past me on the bike and offer helpful coaching tips like"You need to pedal on the downhills as well, you know!!!" He's a great guy: a very fine triathlete but more often than not, and I hope he won't mind my saying so, his race results have not reflected either his potential or his level of fitness going into an event. Anyway, his performances all week had been just brilliant and here he was, possibly knocking out a ForestMan PB to boot: just fantastic to see!!! (even if he did try to drop me on the swim after saying he'd let me swim alongside him!!!!!!) Had I already mentioned that???
To be honest, I'm not sure of his finish time.......I was too busy being emotional with everyone else as he crossed the line still smiling but I know it was quick. Round about 11hrs 30 if I had to guess......but a big F'Man PB and at the end of a tough week!! Chapeau, Steve!!!!!
I'm certain Steve, Kev and Tim will want to add their own personal pages pages to this BLOG over the coming days so I'm sure They'll give times etc if want to. For my part, I'll do a couple of "follow ups" with specifc times and try and offer some kind of explanation for the level of performance across the group, throughout the week,which seems to contradict most training / race prep logic and standard practise.
Anyway, next Kev, who has done more IronMan events that any of us and who, again, had knocked out exceptional times each day only picking up minor niggles along the way. He was also now clocking up consistent run miles to back up very respectable bike and swim splits..........like all of us he had taken an age in each transition (particularly T2 where he had to wait for his kit having arrived before his helper and filled the time by scoffing a couple of cheese and ham sandwiches). Whatever, it had worked and he was soon over the line to register his own personal ForestMan PB (sub 12hrs for sure) and with loads of friends and family to greet him; just brilliant.His Dad did ask me to tell Kev he's getting too old for all this stuff but I didn't feel I was the most suitably qualified for the task!!
Kev and Steve both did their first events in 1989 and were founder members back then of one of the very early Tri Clubs "5 Go Mad", so it was great to share a day, where everything had gone so well for us all with two other like minded old gits who actually "get" what it (Triathlon) is, (or used to be) all about: flogging yourself senseless in beautiful places amongst a small community of friends. Where it's more about the experience and how you deliver what you set out to do as an individual, rather than purely about time, position or bragging rights at work on Monday!!!
More similar "cod - philosophical" stuff at a later date but now on to "The Main Event"
We three "experienced" athletes spent the week in awe of Tim, who, after one year in the sport and a few short course races took up this challenge and never looked likely to fail!! He's a very fine runner who is gradually improving on the bike but lacks miles (but makes up for that with smiles!!). He can't swim in a straight line in open water: in fact two years ago he was a "really bad" swimmer........now he's just "not very good", "bad".......but improving fast and particularly so over the course of such an intensive week...... to the extent that I might be wrong but doubt that he took much more than 1.5 hrs for the F'Man swim: a time which would please an awful lot of competitors doing it as a "stand alone" race.
7+ windy hours on the bike with Nicky and Jax for company....they probably talked "at him" non-stop to keep his mind off it!! Then he and Nicky were out there on the run.
Meanwhile Steve and Kev were recovering in the hot tub.....thanks so much Del and Jen @ Sandy Balls for that facility!!!......but we were all back together to see our hero Tim and "The Accidental Iron(Wo)Man", Nicky Yevko cross the line, also in fine shape, as the clock ticked up to 13:30. They had also knocked out a 4:20 ish run split, which as all you ForestMen out there will know, is very, very respectable.
Awesome. What an achievement.
I'm not sure that either of them actually has enough triathlon experience to fully comprehend the level of their achievement that day but there must be hundreds of RNF event "veterans" around, who can appreciate the severity of the courses out there and who will be sufficiently impressed by their achievement to,hopefully, stick their hand in a pocket and make a small donation to our charity, which can be done simply by clicking on the whopping great icon at the top of the RaceNewForest homepage.
I really hope that the donations flood in, if for no other reason than to recognise their feat on Sunday!!!! Remarkable!
PLEASE help us reach our target. www.justgiving.com/racenewforest7in7
My life is the richer for having enjoyed this week with these guys. Apologies for it being more about "me" than the team as a whole but I'll pop contributions from them all.....and Nicky up here as I get them
Hopefully something I've written about just what they've all achieved will inspire some contributions.
So that was ForestMan day..........except for the eating, drinking an continued hottubbing.
If Thomas (Peoples) should catch sight of this BLOG, you're right: they do a bloody good BBQ at Sandy Balls: just the ticket at the end of a long week!!
For my part I'll post all our "thank you's" along with some times/ comparisons etc once I have those, just to give some idea of the level at which the guys operated all week and then try and make some sense of how three old gits, a "nutter" and an "accidental Iron(Wo)Man" managed to perform as they did., without injury or post race stress/ DOMS and, still "look" and "feel" healthy" right to the end........bizarre!!
Bye for now
Rich
Monday 15 August 2011
Saturday and waking up Sunday
Wow!! Only two days since I last posted an so much to say. Let's deal with "stuff" chronologically...............at least to start with!!
Saturday was plain weird. Firstly we got a "lie in" with a scheduled start time of 7:15 it was light when we got up. I felt a bit "down" and my mood wasn't helped by having to share the lake with other people, having had it to ourselves all week.
Once started, though, my energy levels picked up and I enjoyed being finished before 9:45.As on other days no major crises: my calf was ok if not ideal but definitely healing. Steve and Kev still bearing up well and Tim, after a bit of massage, a bit more comfortable.
Tim does a lot of Personal Training, so had arranged for a number of clients to try out "multisport" by either biking and running with him or doing all three disciplines. They all seemed to enjoy the lunacy of our fantastic sport; so more new "converts"
Quick breakfast togetherto run through the logistics of ForestMan day and then off to "prepare". With everything having gone so well for all of us right through the week my great fear was that the "wheels might come off" right at the last.
ForestMan is demanding enough as a "one-off" so we were completely blind as to what to expect this late in the week.
For my part I had Joanne to gee me up so when I would say something like " if I can swim and bike solidly, I guess we'll have plenty of time for the run??" She'd say "yes......but we don't want to be out there all day, do we!!!"
In all seriousness, I couldn't have done what I've done this week without her total confidence in me!!!
Day spent eating, drinking.......met Jax and Wayne up The Old Inn for a couple of beers (you should never, ever (not) drink before a race!! and then making up various energy drinks and lining them up in order in the fridge (all the same drinks on the same shelf......who says I'm "obsessive/compulsive"?? Seems perfectly normal to me. No stranger than putting 6 spare wheels in the car......just in case!!!!
Having been totally at ease all week I again managed almost 7 hrs sleep before waking up (in the dark again Sunday) putting on the kettle for tea and eating Weetabix with my eyes still closed: starting the long established "pre-race prep" for the very last time in an "organised" triathlon. 3 cups of coffee and a 10 minute shower; on with the tri suit and the bottom half of my (very nice and supplied by 2XU.....plug!!) wetsuit and we're in the car heading for the lake to the sound of some suitable Armin Van Buuren..........................
Will deal with "the day of ForestMan" and it's aftermath later today!
Saturday was plain weird. Firstly we got a "lie in" with a scheduled start time of 7:15 it was light when we got up. I felt a bit "down" and my mood wasn't helped by having to share the lake with other people, having had it to ourselves all week.
Once started, though, my energy levels picked up and I enjoyed being finished before 9:45.As on other days no major crises: my calf was ok if not ideal but definitely healing. Steve and Kev still bearing up well and Tim, after a bit of massage, a bit more comfortable.
Tim does a lot of Personal Training, so had arranged for a number of clients to try out "multisport" by either biking and running with him or doing all three disciplines. They all seemed to enjoy the lunacy of our fantastic sport; so more new "converts"
Quick breakfast togetherto run through the logistics of ForestMan day and then off to "prepare". With everything having gone so well for all of us right through the week my great fear was that the "wheels might come off" right at the last.
ForestMan is demanding enough as a "one-off" so we were completely blind as to what to expect this late in the week.
For my part I had Joanne to gee me up so when I would say something like " if I can swim and bike solidly, I guess we'll have plenty of time for the run??" She'd say "yes......but we don't want to be out there all day, do we!!!"
In all seriousness, I couldn't have done what I've done this week without her total confidence in me!!!
Day spent eating, drinking.......met Jax and Wayne up The Old Inn for a couple of beers (you should never, ever (not) drink before a race!! and then making up various energy drinks and lining them up in order in the fridge (all the same drinks on the same shelf......who says I'm "obsessive/compulsive"?? Seems perfectly normal to me. No stranger than putting 6 spare wheels in the car......just in case!!!!
Having been totally at ease all week I again managed almost 7 hrs sleep before waking up (in the dark again Sunday) putting on the kettle for tea and eating Weetabix with my eyes still closed: starting the long established "pre-race prep" for the very last time in an "organised" triathlon. 3 cups of coffee and a 10 minute shower; on with the tri suit and the bottom half of my (very nice and supplied by 2XU.....plug!!) wetsuit and we're in the car heading for the lake to the sound of some suitable Armin Van Buuren..........................
Will deal with "the day of ForestMan" and it's aftermath later today!
Friday 12 August 2011
More kit opts for "Early Retirement"!!!!!
First of our two much shorter events today and a few signs of fatigue creaping in. A bit less happy chit- chat and a bit more "let's just get through today!"
Understandable after 7.5 km swimming, 340+ km biking and (in particular) 80+ km running so far: and all done at a "competitive" pace. If anyone thinks we've just been touring round together, just ast Dave Doust!!
Dave came along yesterday for OneLastTri and had assumed that we would all be "re-grouping" after the swim, getting changed, having a coffee and then biking as a group. Big shock as guys ripped their way out of wetsuits and hurtled out into the Forest!!!
All came through today relatively unscathed: an early finish with everyone done in under 2:75 hrs and home to catch up on some sleep: lack of sleep is proving as difficult as physical deterioration!!!
Bit of a change for me today as I switched over to the road bike to give my back a bit of a rest. Pleasant change for the shorter courses but will be back on the Kestrel on Sunday.
We had forgotten my calf guards, so I decided to pull on my compression tights over my trisuit for the run. They went on ok and I set off still wearing my cycle shirt. Got a bit warm and took off the cycle jersey and the resulting "look" was not great. Fortunately Steve and Kev were the only others out on Rockford Common so I got away with it. Have posted Joanne's (fortunately distant) pic of me coming down towards the ford!!
For all you longstanding RNF supporters I can confirm that we opted for one of the early versions of the run route which included "that hill" up the side of the sand pit................don't know what all you lightweights were moaning about!!!!!
On a slightly more serious note the lack of the calf guards has resulted in a bit of a tweak but I hope it will settle over the next couple of days.
On the social scene I need to thank everyone at our local The Old Inn (Woodfalls) who made donations at Wednesday's music quiz and to John for putting on a quiz dedicated to Music on a "running" theme. Really enjoyable but made for a short night's sleep on Wednesday. Also to Nicky, Greg and Alice for coming over to Sandy Balls for a pizza last night: another good excuse to be out drinking again!!...............not that I need an excuse!
Special mention to those in support of their "athletes": Steve would want me to give a shout to Tamsin, Paul and of course Joanne......keep peddling, girl!! Austin and Andy B have helped look after Kev.In Tim's camp: Ivan, Emily, Susi, Jamie, Alice and of course Nicky, who is almost a 5th competitor by now having biked and run such a chunk of the week with him.
Joanne is keeping me under control and making sure I get my nutrition and kit sorted at all times:meeting me with top ups at strategic points. Sorry you had such an "energetic" ride to catch me on Tuesday's run!!!
In addition to my wetsuit deciding to give up the ghost.....thanks Mike at 2XU for the spares!!....today my zip on my trisuit became impossible to fasten. I'm assured by my wife that this is definitely not due to any sudden weight gain during the week so I can only assume that it's another sign that it's definitely time to call it a day.
Probably won't post tomorrow as will need to start thinking about Sunday. Next post Sunday/Monday depending.........Will be able to incorporate some of Nicky's shots of the other guys into a round up next week when I will be able to announce winners of the various sweepstakes that have been running on our cumulative times!!
Good to see anyone at Sandy Balls when we eventually get finished on Sunday but really difficult to predict times: depends how fatigue kicks in on that run. But will definitely be back..........eventually!!!
For a rough idea of a schedule we'll start at Ellingham at 5:30ish: swim just over an hour : bike somewhere between 5 and 5.5 hrs (I hope) and then just get round the run. If my calf settles down I hope to run just under 4hrs but, as anyone who does this crazy sport will know, that could extend substantially, especially on "that" course!!......depending.........................!!!! Definitely back before closing time, though.
Thanks for all the support and feedback.
Cheers
Rich
Understandable after 7.5 km swimming, 340+ km biking and (in particular) 80+ km running so far: and all done at a "competitive" pace. If anyone thinks we've just been touring round together, just ast Dave Doust!!
Dave came along yesterday for OneLastTri and had assumed that we would all be "re-grouping" after the swim, getting changed, having a coffee and then biking as a group. Big shock as guys ripped their way out of wetsuits and hurtled out into the Forest!!!
All came through today relatively unscathed: an early finish with everyone done in under 2:75 hrs and home to catch up on some sleep: lack of sleep is proving as difficult as physical deterioration!!!
Bit of a change for me today as I switched over to the road bike to give my back a bit of a rest. Pleasant change for the shorter courses but will be back on the Kestrel on Sunday.
We had forgotten my calf guards, so I decided to pull on my compression tights over my trisuit for the run. They went on ok and I set off still wearing my cycle shirt. Got a bit warm and took off the cycle jersey and the resulting "look" was not great. Fortunately Steve and Kev were the only others out on Rockford Common so I got away with it. Have posted Joanne's (fortunately distant) pic of me coming down towards the ford!!
For all you longstanding RNF supporters I can confirm that we opted for one of the early versions of the run route which included "that hill" up the side of the sand pit................don't know what all you lightweights were moaning about!!!!!
On a slightly more serious note the lack of the calf guards has resulted in a bit of a tweak but I hope it will settle over the next couple of days.
On the social scene I need to thank everyone at our local The Old Inn (Woodfalls) who made donations at Wednesday's music quiz and to John for putting on a quiz dedicated to Music on a "running" theme. Really enjoyable but made for a short night's sleep on Wednesday. Also to Nicky, Greg and Alice for coming over to Sandy Balls for a pizza last night: another good excuse to be out drinking again!!...............not that I need an excuse!
Special mention to those in support of their "athletes": Steve would want me to give a shout to Tamsin, Paul and of course Joanne......keep peddling, girl!! Austin and Andy B have helped look after Kev.In Tim's camp: Ivan, Emily, Susi, Jamie, Alice and of course Nicky, who is almost a 5th competitor by now having biked and run such a chunk of the week with him.
Joanne is keeping me under control and making sure I get my nutrition and kit sorted at all times:meeting me with top ups at strategic points. Sorry you had such an "energetic" ride to catch me on Tuesday's run!!!
In addition to my wetsuit deciding to give up the ghost.....thanks Mike at 2XU for the spares!!....today my zip on my trisuit became impossible to fasten. I'm assured by my wife that this is definitely not due to any sudden weight gain during the week so I can only assume that it's another sign that it's definitely time to call it a day.
Probably won't post tomorrow as will need to start thinking about Sunday. Next post Sunday/Monday depending.........Will be able to incorporate some of Nicky's shots of the other guys into a round up next week when I will be able to announce winners of the various sweepstakes that have been running on our cumulative times!!
Good to see anyone at Sandy Balls when we eventually get finished on Sunday but really difficult to predict times: depends how fatigue kicks in on that run. But will definitely be back..........eventually!!!
For a rough idea of a schedule we'll start at Ellingham at 5:30ish: swim just over an hour : bike somewhere between 5 and 5.5 hrs (I hope) and then just get round the run. If my calf settles down I hope to run just under 4hrs but, as anyone who does this crazy sport will know, that could extend substantially, especially on "that" course!!......depending.........................!!!! Definitely back before closing time, though.
Thanks for all the support and feedback.
Cheers
Rich
Thursday 11 August 2011
.........and I Thought the Previous Days Had Been Windy Enough!!!!! (and it rained)
"Proper" windy today...........but incredibly enjoyable.
Four down now and time for a little reflection on the week so far.
Firstly, it's good to be able to report that we're all coping pretty well with recovering from day to day. No "unexpected" twinges or problems although Tim's knee is playing up a bit and he'll need to keep an eye on that over the next couple of days ahead of ForestMan on Sunday.
From a personal point of view I have to say that I've had a fantastic time: whoever designs these courses is a bit of a star!!! No, seriously, I've always wanted to do the events and now I've had a chance to do so: ok so Transition is the back of the car/bus-stops etc (when I first started racing, that was the norm.....in fact a bus stop would have been luxury!!) but I'm able to be out there on the bike, completely on my own, not having to worry about other competitors.The Forest is stunning at the moment with real colour in the heather (especially when the sun has shone!) Wildlife highlights without a doubt the piglets at Bramshaw.
On the run, just Joanne for company and not "running scared" that I'm being chased down. Seem strange and a little scary, to have been so concerned about "not winning"
The joy of doing the events "stress free" is so therapeutic and has helped me keep to "do-able" pacing and consistently respectable times over four tough days.
Steve and Kevin are fnding the same: a level of performance over multiple days that they would be satisfied with as a "one off"
ForestMan on Sunday is to be my last "proper" triathlon and I'm now hoping (and I know Kev and Steve feel the same) that we can keep this level of calmness and really go out there and enjoy it!
And that's been the key:- if you've been following the BLOG postings you'll know that I've been trying to keep in mind a lyric from a Judie Tzuke (with Morcheeba) song:- "Enjoy the Ride"........."stop chasing shadows, just enjoy the ride!" Also contains the lyric "With the moonlight to guide you, feel the joy of being alive: the moment you stop running is the moment you'll arrive"
It was the sentiment that underpinned my training......I only did stuff if I was enjoying it! It's been the theme of each day so far and although I'd really like to achieve a decent F'Man fnish time I have to accept that it's been a long week and I have no idea how that will impact during such a difficult event.
Target, therefore, is to come back to Sandy Balls still smiling and having enjoyed the week as a whole!!!
Struggling? Back off!! It's a new approach for me but one I can heartily recommend!!!!!
Update tomorrow
Four down now and time for a little reflection on the week so far.
Firstly, it's good to be able to report that we're all coping pretty well with recovering from day to day. No "unexpected" twinges or problems although Tim's knee is playing up a bit and he'll need to keep an eye on that over the next couple of days ahead of ForestMan on Sunday.
From a personal point of view I have to say that I've had a fantastic time: whoever designs these courses is a bit of a star!!! No, seriously, I've always wanted to do the events and now I've had a chance to do so: ok so Transition is the back of the car/bus-stops etc (when I first started racing, that was the norm.....in fact a bus stop would have been luxury!!) but I'm able to be out there on the bike, completely on my own, not having to worry about other competitors.The Forest is stunning at the moment with real colour in the heather (especially when the sun has shone!) Wildlife highlights without a doubt the piglets at Bramshaw.
On the run, just Joanne for company and not "running scared" that I'm being chased down. Seem strange and a little scary, to have been so concerned about "not winning"
The joy of doing the events "stress free" is so therapeutic and has helped me keep to "do-able" pacing and consistently respectable times over four tough days.
Steve and Kevin are fnding the same: a level of performance over multiple days that they would be satisfied with as a "one off"
ForestMan on Sunday is to be my last "proper" triathlon and I'm now hoping (and I know Kev and Steve feel the same) that we can keep this level of calmness and really go out there and enjoy it!
And that's been the key:- if you've been following the BLOG postings you'll know that I've been trying to keep in mind a lyric from a Judie Tzuke (with Morcheeba) song:- "Enjoy the Ride"........."stop chasing shadows, just enjoy the ride!" Also contains the lyric "With the moonlight to guide you, feel the joy of being alive: the moment you stop running is the moment you'll arrive"
It was the sentiment that underpinned my training......I only did stuff if I was enjoying it! It's been the theme of each day so far and although I'd really like to achieve a decent F'Man fnish time I have to accept that it's been a long week and I have no idea how that will impact during such a difficult event.
Target, therefore, is to come back to Sandy Balls still smiling and having enjoyed the week as a whole!!!
Struggling? Back off!! It's a new approach for me but one I can heartily recommend!!!!!
Update tomorrow
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Peregrine, Helpful Wind and a Flat Run!!!!
Just a quick update today:- more time tomorrow as we should be done a bit earlier.
Old bones still bearing up ok and everyone still very positive.
What a priviledge to swim in the Beaulieu River this morning: even tracked by a peregrine falcon which flew from boat to boat, perching and keeping a close eye!!
Wind today was strong but not as unhelpful so I can't moan about that.
For my part I felt a good bit stronger on the bike: guess the back is settling and was surprised at how well my legs had recovered from a difficult day yesterday, when my quads felt a bit mashed on the down hill sections of the run.
Three shorter days now so a chance to recover a bit we hope!!
Catch you tomorrow
Old bones still bearing up ok and everyone still very positive.
What a priviledge to swim in the Beaulieu River this morning: even tracked by a peregrine falcon which flew from boat to boat, perching and keeping a close eye!!
Wind today was strong but not as unhelpful so I can't moan about that.
For my part I felt a good bit stronger on the bike: guess the back is settling and was surprised at how well my legs had recovered from a difficult day yesterday, when my quads felt a bit mashed on the down hill sections of the run.
Three shorter days now so a chance to recover a bit we hope!!
Catch you tomorrow
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Who put all those hills there?
Even windier today (and a northerly) which certainly made the cycling challenging to say the least:: just what you need before "that" run .........who designs these courses??
Anyway, none of us was in particular pain as we set off this morning....if you discount the soft tissue damage I suffered at the hands of my Chiropractor yesterday afternoon!! (Thanks Sharon!) Still, at least I've been straightened up now.
Beautiful clear skies first thing.....The Forest was glorious if a little chilly out on the bike, particularly under the trees on Bolderwood but needed to work harder in the wind than I wouls have ideally liked which, coupled with yesterday's effort made for a more painful run and sore quads post-event.
Will need to try and take it a good bit easier over the next couple of days to try and "recover" a bit. To be honest these first two races, along with the ForestMan are the ones I would most like to have taken part in so I was always likely to try and keep the "outcomes" respectable hitherto.
I think the others have been a bit more sensible in their pacing with a far more measured approach to the whole week:- me, I've always been a bit "Tin Cup" anyway!! Sunday could be very messy!!!!
Special mention for Tim who is by a long way the youngest and least experienced of us. Great efforts over the past two days to finish the BoskMan and Sept Half course in under 8 and 7 hrs respectively. Top effort.
SwashBuckler tomorrow.........where I'm reliably informed that the river is awash with JellyFish : will that help me get a bit higher in the water?
Thanks for all the donations. As the week goes on that's what is going to keep us going.
Thanks
PS Getting fed up with ignorant gits who completely "blank" me when I say hello out in the Forest. It's beautiful out there! Smile, get a life or stay at home!!!!!
Anyway, none of us was in particular pain as we set off this morning....if you discount the soft tissue damage I suffered at the hands of my Chiropractor yesterday afternoon!! (Thanks Sharon!) Still, at least I've been straightened up now.
Beautiful clear skies first thing.....The Forest was glorious if a little chilly out on the bike, particularly under the trees on Bolderwood but needed to work harder in the wind than I wouls have ideally liked which, coupled with yesterday's effort made for a more painful run and sore quads post-event.
Will need to try and take it a good bit easier over the next couple of days to try and "recover" a bit. To be honest these first two races, along with the ForestMan are the ones I would most like to have taken part in so I was always likely to try and keep the "outcomes" respectable hitherto.
I think the others have been a bit more sensible in their pacing with a far more measured approach to the whole week:- me, I've always been a bit "Tin Cup" anyway!! Sunday could be very messy!!!!
Special mention for Tim who is by a long way the youngest and least experienced of us. Great efforts over the past two days to finish the BoskMan and Sept Half course in under 8 and 7 hrs respectively. Top effort.
SwashBuckler tomorrow.........where I'm reliably informed that the river is awash with JellyFish : will that help me get a bit higher in the water?
Thanks for all the donations. As the week goes on that's what is going to keep us going.
Thanks
PS Getting fed up with ignorant gits who completely "blank" me when I say hello out in the Forest. It's beautiful out there! Smile, get a life or stay at home!!!!!
Monday 8 August 2011
DAY ONE........OUCH
How come, whenever I ride in the Forest it gets windy? Right.....rant over!!
So today we finally got underway and the sun shone on us down at Ellingham as we paddled our way round the lake. No swim problems (except for Kev who found his vision impaired by the bubbles in his goggles): says he'll rinse the washing up liquid out properly next time!!
The Wind blew up on the bike making it quite challenging as the ride progressed, especially at the back end of Tim's final lap.
Not too hot out on the run with a pleasant cooling breeze. Various run/walk strategies in place and all four of us reasonably happy with how it went.
Now we just need to see how we recover ahead of tomorrow's event: The September Middle Distance.
Off to the Chiropractor at 5:00 so hopefully straightened up and pain free (at least in my back!!) for the end of the week.
Big thanks to all our support crews today and to everyone who came down to the lake to see us off.
After finishing I was walking through the Plaza at Sandy Balls when a guy who said he had done last year's Middle Distance asked if I was the bloke who had won it!!!!
Chuffed to have been mistaken for a double world champion just a little younger than myself.......not sure James would be so impressed!!
Time for a beer and more to eat..........speak tomorrow!!
So today we finally got underway and the sun shone on us down at Ellingham as we paddled our way round the lake. No swim problems (except for Kev who found his vision impaired by the bubbles in his goggles): says he'll rinse the washing up liquid out properly next time!!
The Wind blew up on the bike making it quite challenging as the ride progressed, especially at the back end of Tim's final lap.
Not too hot out on the run with a pleasant cooling breeze. Various run/walk strategies in place and all four of us reasonably happy with how it went.
Now we just need to see how we recover ahead of tomorrow's event: The September Middle Distance.
Off to the Chiropractor at 5:00 so hopefully straightened up and pain free (at least in my back!!) for the end of the week.
Big thanks to all our support crews today and to everyone who came down to the lake to see us off.
After finishing I was walking through the Plaza at Sandy Balls when a guy who said he had done last year's Middle Distance asked if I was the bloke who had won it!!!!
Chuffed to have been mistaken for a double world champion just a little younger than myself.......not sure James would be so impressed!!
Time for a beer and more to eat..........speak tomorrow!!
Sunday 7 August 2011
Last minute nerves!!
I always managed to enjoy my racing, viewing race day as just another part of a sequence of "inputs":- whatever the outcome........(Clearwater excepted!!).........I could always find the positives.
Today, however, I am a little stressed, probably at the "unknowns" ahead. All not helped by a decidedly "iffy" back. Will doubtless be a bit more chilled by tomorrow evening once I've got started on the challenge and visited my Chiropractor (thank you for squeezing me in tomorrow: see you at 5:00pm, Sharon!!)
One decision will be whether to attempt the TT bike tomorrow or to play it safe and jump on the "Tarmac".
Tim, I know is apprehensive about the length of day 1 with 75 miles of biking but will have Nicky Yevko to help make sure he keeps it sensible on the run.
Kev's experience will keep him calm, although he'll be conscious of his "suspect" calf.
Steve seems pretty chilled at present.
The real challenge will be in managing the week at sensible pacing so as to be able to cope with ForestMan a week today.
The most important thing is the fantastic support we've been receiving. Fundraising is going well......but still not well enough. Tell your friends and family to give us a hand: every single donation is gratefully received!!!
Speak tomorrow
Richard
Today, however, I am a little stressed, probably at the "unknowns" ahead. All not helped by a decidedly "iffy" back. Will doubtless be a bit more chilled by tomorrow evening once I've got started on the challenge and visited my Chiropractor (thank you for squeezing me in tomorrow: see you at 5:00pm, Sharon!!)
One decision will be whether to attempt the TT bike tomorrow or to play it safe and jump on the "Tarmac".
Tim, I know is apprehensive about the length of day 1 with 75 miles of biking but will have Nicky Yevko to help make sure he keeps it sensible on the run.
Kev's experience will keep him calm, although he'll be conscious of his "suspect" calf.
Steve seems pretty chilled at present.
The real challenge will be in managing the week at sensible pacing so as to be able to cope with ForestMan a week today.
The most important thing is the fantastic support we've been receiving. Fundraising is going well......but still not well enough. Tell your friends and family to give us a hand: every single donation is gratefully received!!!
Speak tomorrow
Richard
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)