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!
PROUD DEVON LAD!!!!
Monday, 15 August 2011
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
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