Spires & Steeples Marathon

Spires & Steeples Marathon was a last minute entry for me. It was a race I wanted to do but I wanted to see how I felt after Equinox before I signed up. After signing up I was quite looking forward to this event as it finished in my home town and it was a route I have wanted to run for a while. This was an event that I didn't want to race but to just enjoy and take in the Lincolnshire scenery.


As this was starting at Lincoln you could get a seat on the bus which would transfer you from Sleaford to Lincoln, which was perfect for me as I didn't have to worry about the car.

This was a marathon that had no chip timing, so you had to time it yourself if you wanted to know how well you got on. For an end of season I was not bothered with what time I got but I just wanted to enjoy the run, the distance and of course the amount of food that I would be able to eat afterwards.

The race gets going and it wasn't long till we were heading down what is known as Steep Hill in Lincoln and the cobbles were slippery so had to be carful. It wasn't long till I was out of the city and running along the river Witham heading towards Washingbrough.

We had 5 checkpoints to pass through and we had 5 wristbands that we had  to hand in at each checkpoint. At the checkpoints there was water to stay hydrated and it was also a place for family, friends or locals to gather a support and cheer us on.

The route was quite challenging and luckily we hadn't had much rain or running through the fields would have been tough. I think I chose the wrong trainers to run in. I don't like my trail running trainers that I have as I end up getting blisters all the time, so I decided to use my running trainers which probably had done over 600 miles and it didn't take long for my knee to start hurting. I thought it was just the terrain that was causing me pain, but after a few runs after the event and trying different trainers it was actually my trainers causing me problems. Now I have got myself a decent
pair of trail trainers and knee problem has gone away.

Last few miles became quite tough and I was happy to complete the race in 4 hours 11 mins. Not my fastest marathon but considering it was a trail marathon and that I had to walk some of it due to my knee I was quite happy with my time.



This was the first time I was able to use my Camelbak Ultra 10 hydration pack. I wanted to run this marathon with me carrying all my gear as next year I hope to a few more trail running events. The pack is very comfortable to wear and it has loads of storage for pretty much everything that you could possibly need for a day on the trails.
http://www.camelbak.com/en/International/Sports-Recreation/Packs/Ultra-10.aspx

 

It was also a good starting point for my training for London Marathon next year. Now I have no more events planned for 2015 and its time for me to have a rest and enjoy my training. Come January my training will intensify again trying to get myself in the best possible shape ready for London Marathon.

Equinox 24

 

So it's Friday afternoon and I have finished work and now it's time to get home get showered and changed and kit in the car and then head over to Belvoir Castle where I will be taking on my first ever ultra marathon and first ever endurance race at Equinox24.

Driving on the way to Equinox24 I'm feeling great and loving the weather forecast for the weekend. I arrive at Equinox and straight away you could feel the atmosphere brewing to what be a great weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend wasn't so much about the running but to celebrate a great session racing and hitting some great milestones along the way. I also wanted to see how far I could actually run in 24 hours.

Everything was pretty straight forward when arrived at Equinox, solo campers on one side and teams to be on the other side. I was quite fortunate that I had a few friends running in teams so I had a great support team and was able to camp with them to make it easier.

Friday night was very relaxed, bbq and a few beers probably not the best pre run strategy but it's not camping unless you have beer and bbq.

 

 

Saturday morning was just as relaxed I spent a bit of my time getting myself organised for example next 24 hours. Laying out clothing, food, medication, hydration and food so I knew exactly where it would be when I needed it. Bacon rolls were being cooked and coffee was being brewed again perfect running food for a 24 hour endurance race. It wasn't long till the start time and I was at the race brief and looking forward to get going.

 

 

And we're off.
I said to myself to take each lap steady and if I felt like walking then just walk I had 24 hours to get through and I didn't need to race. First lap and I find myself in to a steady groove and I find myself chatting to some random quite early on going up the first hill and after talking I soon discovered that I was running and keeping up with the overall solo winner from last year by this time we were at the steep hill called 'THAT HILL'. Once we hit the top of the hill I had to slow down as I knew I wouldn't keep that pace for long. Was good running with him as I was able to get some good tips from him before he ran off and was just a blur.

First lap went a bit too well completing in just over 50 mins. This was not the pace I wanted to run at. I was planning on running slower. I never even stopped off at camp to grab any water or food. Straight away I wish I had and had to wait till the 5km mark for some water. After the second lap I made sure I stopped and had some food and water.

 

 

My plan was to now stop at the halfway mark and have some water and again at the end of every lap to grab something to drink and food and to have a quick stretch.

On the third lap I said to myself that this pace would be too difficult to keep at and I had to get some sort of plan to make sure that my legs didn't blow up. The first 4km were relatively flat before the first hill. My plan was to jog the first 4km and then walk to the 5km mark which gets to the top of the first hill. Then to jog to the water point and have a drink and then run down hill to the foot of the next hill (THAT HILL) and walk up it then to the 8km mark to jog or walk. From the 8km mark to jog to the finish of the lap. The last km of each lap I always wanted to run as it was great having everyone cheering you on shouting 'COME ON SOLO' with cow bells ringing. The only thing I hated about the last km was the amount of bbq's that were going on in could of stopped off at every one and had a burger. I found this was a great way to split the race up and to keep focused also talking to people on the way round was another one of my tactics. This would help pass the time and before you knew it you had covered 2km.

As the laps went on my legs were getting tired but I still felt good. As it got close to 7pm I just finished another lap and was time to grab my head torch and start the night session. I wasn't looking forward to this part as I knew that I would start getting tired and no amount of coffee or cake would change that. As the sunset the atmosphere changed. People were were concentrating on staying awake and just to keep going. It was good seeing people who were in teams still running hard and putting in some quick times throughout the night.
I reduced my running and started walking more. The only reason for this was there was a lot of off road running on uneven ground and I didn't want to get injured. I had to stop at around 2 am as I didn't feel good at all. I couldn't decided if I was hungry or thirsty or if I wanted t carry on. I ended up sitting on a chair for a while not knowing what to do. I eventually listened to my body and had a quick 90 minute power nap.

 

                        

When I woke up I had a quick bite to eat and a drink and I was on my way the next lap went quite well and I was happy with how it went but I was still tired. Decided to walk the next lap with a friend who was also doing it solo. He was one lap in front of me and he was struggling to run at all so we decided that we would both walk together. For both of us it was our first Ultra Marathon and first 24 hour endurance race so as we walked round we were both commenting that this is the furthest we have ever ran  he was completing his 11th lap and I was on my 10th lap. As we finished he lap we both decided that we would relax and have a good rest and see how we feel.

During the rest I decided to have a shower and get changed in to clean running gear and went back to sleep. I was so pleased and proud to have completed 100km and I knew I had enough left in my to do one more lap. So after a nap and breakfast we set off on out last lap. There was three of us walking together and we decided that we would walk most of it and just run when we could. We stuck together on the whole lap talking about the highs and lows of the past 24 hours and how much we have enjoyed the event. I said I would never do this solo again but would be open to the idea of doing it as a team.

As we get to the 9km mark of the last lap it was great seeing everyone cheering us on to the end. The end is near and the last 200 metres .  We all said we wouldn't do an extra lap and as we crossed the finish line I was really tempted to go again for 1 more lap. For once common sense took over and I stopped.

So that was it 24 hours and I managed 110km. Was really pleased with what I had achieved with no specific training put towards this event. This is definitely an event I would love to do again and saying that I have already signed up to do this again as a solo runner even though I said I wouldn't. 2016 I will better prepare myself for this and see if can do it without sleeping and just walk when I feel bad.

The organisers of this event do need a mention, from the moment I had signed up to the event till the end they have been amazing. I look forward to see you guys again at the end of 2016 event with yet another solo medal.

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Equinox 24 Update

Monday evening and I am really starting to look forward to the challenge running solo and seeing how far I can push myself. This evening I have now finished my kit list, hopefully I have everything that I need or that I might need. Looking at the list I do have a lot of camping kit but I am staying over on the Friday night to take in the whole atmosphere and enjoy the weekend.

Tuesday I will get everything together and see what else I need to purchase.

At some point I need to sort out my wife's Ipod as its currently filled with boybands, girl groups basically all the music that would drive me insane. hopefully do this Tuesday evening.

Looking at this list over and over again and I do think I still have way too much stuff but with items such as socks and trainers I would rather have more than required than struggle on with a wet pair of socks. I am hoping that this will make me self sufficient and I won't need to rely on too much help. I do have friends competing in a relay teams and they have offered to help and support me when require. Help and support is something that I will need and even making a coffee when I am so tired might be too much for me to do.

I have done an Ironman before which took 11:35 hours and I have done a 24 hour hike across the Pennine Way which I managed to cover 60 miles, which I did a good few years ago. I haven't done as much running as I probably should but my body feels fresh and I have no real injuries that I need to worry about.

Just hoping that the weather forecast improves and its dry for the weekend.

Equinox 24

So its Sunday evening and I find myself thinking what I need ready for my next adventure 'Equinox 24'. This is a 24 hour endurance race at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. You run round a 10km loop as many times as you can either in a team or as a soloist. I will be taking this on, on September 19th and 20th

I had started off in a team but as time got nearer to the event I thought that I would hate waiting around for my next time to get up and run. So I decided to go have a crack at this as a solo runner.

NOW the panic sets in. Will I be able to keep going through the night? How will I cope with the blisters? Will my legs hold out? What do I eat? What kit do I need? So many questions and not much time to go before I take on this challenge

First thing first was talking to my very understanding wife and letting her know that I have decided to do Equinox as a solo runner. This didn't go down too well as its only 3 days before we go on our holiday to Lanzarote. I have already taken on one mammoth challenge this which was the Outlaw Triathlon. This took me 11:35hrs to complete and I was very tired after that. The thought of going for another 12 1/2 hours was hard to get my head round especially running.

I have done a 24 hour endurance walk before across the Pennine Way and that nearly killed me. I have never been so tired and this was just walking. So the thought of attempting to run for 24 hours is crazy.

I have been asked "have you ever done an ultra marathon before" My answer was no.
Also been asked "what's the furthest you have run before" My answer 26.2 miles

I have an idea of how many miles I would like to cover but that is between me and my trainers. Not even my wife knows.

So what do I actually need:
Running gear plus spare running gear to change in to, compression socks, compression tights, hat, torch spare batteries, trainers (several pairs in case they get wet), Vaseline for feet to help stop blisters and for other chaffing needs. Socks, socks and more socks. jacket, hiking poles (to help my tired legs at night), sun lotion (probably won't need this now I have mentioned it). Also will require a tent to store everything in.

What to drink is not really a problem, but what to eat? so far I have been thinking about cold pasta dishes for main meals, snickers bars, energy gels and bars, sausage rolls and pork pies, crisps, Jaffa Cakes (I will not be sharing these) and what ever else thrown at me from all the people that I will be with. Hopefully more cake, burgers, bacon rolls. I kind of like this idea of Ultra's as it seems to be a good excuse to just east.

How will I get round the course? I have an Ipod which will be loaded with music and some light hearted podcasts, anything to keep me entertained. My plan is to not stop for a great deal of time. I want to try and keep moving and eat on the go apart from when I have planned meals and coffee breaks.

Next week I will start planning on getting all my kit in one place in the house and make sure that I am ready for this.

Vitruvian Triathlon Half Iron distance Triathlon

 

So the Vitruvian was a not a race I had not planned to do this year as all I wanted to focus was the Outlaw Triathlon. The Vit was full and in early May I decided to e-mail them to see if they had any spare spaces that I could take. Not even an hour after I sent my email I had a reply saying that they have opened up the website again and if I wanted a place to be quick. Straight I was signed up and I was happy that I had an event to look forward to.

 

Throughout August I never really trained much this was due to me completing the Outlaw triathlon and that I had taken everything out of me. I had done a couple of open water swims and about a handful of runs. I hadn't even looked at my bike at all. My TT bike was still needing cleaning and it was the Thursday night before the Vit that I finally got time to clean my bike.

 

I went down on the Friday to collect my race pack and take in the atmosphere. I knew we could rack the bikes the night before but I decided that I would rack it on the day. There was loads of people racking up their bikes and I did have a little doubt that maybe I should of brought my bike down.

 

Race kit all ready and I managed to get 5 hours sleep before I had to leave my house at 0330hrs to get  to Rutland waters.

 

Bike racked and I'm all ready to go. I had decided that I wasn't going to race this event but I was going to go out and enjoy my last triathlon of the season.

 

 



Picture above is whilst everyone is at the race brief, I was just taking my time and enjoying the quiet time before it all kicks off in the swim.

 

 

I was looking forward to the swim even though last time I swam in this lake at the Dambuster Triathlon I had a nightmare with people swimming in to me or pulling me back. This time I positioned myself further to the side and I knew that this would be better for me as I would be able to swim past the slower swimmers quicker and hopefully I won't get caught up in what seems like a mass brawl in the middle. The swim was two laps which involved getting out of the water and running back in. I had never done this before so was looking forward to getting out and running back in and try and look professional when I dive back in.

Swim went with out any issues and I was happy with time of 35:30 mins

In to T1 and I could tell I felt really relaxed as I even stopped to have a energy gel. T1 time 2:16 mins

The bike course is really enjoyable as you get a good mixture of hills and fast straights. You do two laps of the course and when you finish the first lap you head back down towards the lake to go through the feed station. I never picked up an extra water bottle and I wished I had as towards the end of the bike I could feel a bit of cramp coming on.

I managed to push it a bit harder on the series of hills on the second lap and I was looking forward to see what I could do on the run as on my last half Iron distance race my legs was in bits from pushing it too hard and my running suffered.

Bike time was 2:49:46 hours

 

T2 went well as my bike was on the end of the rack so had no issues finding my spot and I was soon out on the run T2 time 1:49 mins

 

On to the final discipline the run. The run course is flat and fast and the weather was perfect, no wind and the sun was out.

On the first lap of the run  running towards the church I could feel a light breeze which was great in keeping me cool. the problem was when we had to turn round at the church and we were running with the wind. This became hard work as there was nothing to cool me down apart from the water at the feed stations. I felt nice and comfortable on the first lap and was still feeling quite relaxed and never really focussed on my overall time or what pace I was running at. I was secretly racing some one the course as they started the run about the same time as me and we were running the same pace. The second lap I wanted to try and push away from the person I had stayed with on the first lap but I think he had the same idea and he was soon pulling away from me. I didn't react as I didn't want to over cook it and ruin my race. Coming back towards the finish with approx. 200 metres to a go and there was loads of people cheering everyone in and was a great atmosphere.

Pleased with run time of 1:45:02

 

Overall time was 5:14:03 hours.

 

 

On to my last event for the season for now which is another crazy idea Equinox 24. A 24 hour endurance race.

Sleaford 10km

So we all love taking part in our local events no matter how big or small they are. It's the idea of winning your home race, which for me will never happen but I still like to go out and give it my all. There is bragging rights up for grabs and the possibility of getting a PB on your local course.

This year was a little different for me as I had competed and completed my first Outlaw Triathlon of 140.6 miles. So I knew my legs were still recovering and I was looking forward to this event for different reasons. It would be my first race after my main event of the year so it would be a good gauge of my fitness and it was also the first time I would be running for the running club I have just joined. Sleaford Striders is the running club I joined and they are also the organisers of the Sleaford 10km race. So this was a good opportunity to meet more of the Sleaford Striders team and enjoy the race.

The course is easy to navigate and is fairly flat, but there is a couple of small climbs that can take it out of you and can mess around with your pacing. The course is all on roads which are quiet. Unfortunately there had been a car accident on a near by road so the traffic was diverted on to the course. Which was no issue as the roads were well signposted saying there was a running event on.

 

So with every race I take part in I always seem to start off too fast and this race was no different, but I didn't take long to get in to my stride. I tried to keep up with someone I knew and I was doing alight he wasn't getting away but by Km3 I was feeling it. I had not done any speed work for a while as I was training for the Outlaw Triathlon. I had to slow down and get in to my own pace that I was comfortable with. This race for me wasn't about getting and PB or a really good time but it was about just getting out and running and enjoying it.

 

What the hell happened at the 4km mark?

No idea what was going on with my ankle it did not feel good at all. I didn't roll on it or do anything with it but just had a really bad pain. Thought I would see how it went for another km. If it got worse I said to myself I would pull out and rest up.

 

I get to the 5km mark and I just kept on running. I am really stubborn when running, which is probably not a good thing. If I feel pain I tend to just keep going and worry about it at the end, which is exactly what I did again.



 

 

At the end of the race I could feel my ankle hurting quite a bit and was limping a little bit. I was really pleased with my time of 41:00mins. Not a PB, but considering that my body was still recovering from Outlaw I was pleased with my result finishing 24 out of 184 runners.

As soon as I got my medal I went to the massage table to get my ankle quickly looked at. Ended up getting my ankle taped up and was told to rest up and see how it goes. The next day no pain in my ankle and walking fine and managed to go running again two days later.

Love the race as it's my local race and the fact that I know many of the marshal's so also nice hearing your name being cheered as you run past them. I look forward to representing the Sleaford Striders in other running events.

 

 



The Outlaw Triathlon

The Outlaw Triathlon. I have always wanted to do a iron distance triathlon ever since I watched one years and years ago on TV. I never thought I would do one or be fit enough to do one as I was never really in to swimming, biking or running back then. I was more in to football but I did enjoy watching different types of sports and it was one event that was on my bucket list.

I took up cycling to see if I could ever tick another challenge on my bucket list, which was to cycle London to Paris, but I took it one step further and cycled from my home town in Sleaford, which was approx 150 miles north of London. Then on my return to London from Paris chose to cycle all the way back again. After that event I fell out of love with cycling and didn't really get back on my bike for 4 to 5 months. During that time I was able to put on quite a bit of weight and was at my heaviest I had ever been.
 

Wanting to change the way I looked after Christmas 2014 I took up running and was running approx 3km at a time. After a good 2 months training I did my first half marathon and there was no turning back. I entered a few road running races and obstacle courses (Including TOUGH MUDDER) and also got back out on my bike and took up swimming. In 2014 I managed to part in a few sprint triathlons and I was hooked.

Without going through my life story. I had signed up for the Outlaw triathlon and I had 9 months to get myself ready for this. The real training started In January where the 30 week count down started. It didn't take long for race day to come round and I couldn't wait t to get going.

The last 9 months included lots of different training from speed work, strength work, long endurance sessions. I was told that it would be more beneficial to not over do the endurance sessions as it would be junk miles, but to concentrate on speed work and technique.

Day before the race, I arrive at the campsite which is right near to the start of the race and it was long till the tent was up and all kit was sorted out. All I had to do was collect my race pack and go to the race brief. At this point I felt really relaxed and was looking forward to the following day and getting in to the race. After the race brief it was back to the tent for a coffee and a bite to eat and then time to get all the transition bags in order and to put my race stickers on to my bike. All kit sorted and strangely I'm still feeling quite relaxed about it all. It was then time to get all my transition bags and my bike in to the transition area.

Back at the tent it was time to just relax and eat my evening meal which was chicken and pasta, I have this before every race and I have never had a problem.

RACE DAY




Alarm goes off at 4am and straight away I hear other people up and about. Camping stove on and water boiling for coffee and porridge. Time does rush by and before you know it I am lakeside with my wetsuit on and raring to go. One last check of the bike to make sure that tyres are pumped up and bike is in the right gear.






And we're off one mass start with over a 1,000 people competing for the best line in the lake. All my open water triathlon's this year have been a nightmare, with me swimming in to people, people swimming in to me and not having any space and I expected the same in the Outlaw. I was shocked to find that from the start I had to swim round two people straight away and then I managed to find some clear water. I didn't think it would last long and I was overtaking people and still having to worry about fighting for space. The swim in triathlon can be absolutely brutal, I have had people grab my ankle and pull me back before, which is not a nice feeling.
I find myself swimming strong an hard and I forget all about sighting. Not sighting was the best decision I have made as I found myself swimming nearly right down the middle of the lake and I wasn't the only one. When I finally decided to look where I was going I thought I would just take my time and get back with the main pack. I didn't fancy doing the whole swim with out drafting of someone.
I get back with the main pack and it was nicely spread out and I was able to get on to their feet and relax before making my move and finding the next set of fast feet. Half way point and I was loving the swim, I felt so good as everything was going right and I was in a very good rhythm. I was able to keep this up all the way round on the swim and when I got close to the end of the swim I started to kick my legs quite hard and fast to get the blood pumping to try and get me ready for the 112 mile bike.

Swim Time 1:06:32

Transition was straight forward and no real issues apart from for some reason I could not find my socks. decided straight away not to bother and jut whacked my shoes on. when I had my shoes on I had a quick look in my bag and there were my socks.

Onto the bike. This was the discipline that really worried me as I didn't want to go off to fast and end up burning up towards the end and ruining my run. Also I didn't want to go to slow on the bike and end up regretting not pushing it harder on the bike. Weather was perfect on the bike, not a cloud in the sky and the wind was minimal so I decided to crack on and push it a little bit as I knew the wind and rain was on its way but I wanted to get as much of the bike out of the way. Bike was running very smooth and I was so happy with how everything was going. I have a bike mechanic that is the only person that will look after my bike. He lives close by and is very experienced and I wouldn't trust any body else with my bike. So a big thanks to Jack Harmer for keeping my bike in tip top shape.

Knowing the route also helped as no surprises were expected. Food and Hydration was going to plan and I had thought that if I needed to go to the toilet I would just stand up on my bike and go. I tried this and could not even do it. So I sat back down and worked out when the next feed station would be so I could stop and use the facilities. Next stop was Oxton Bank. At the top of the hill I get to the feed station and I was able to get done what was required. The volunteer that looked after my bike had asked me what drink I wanted which was great as it meant it was one less thing to worry about when I got back on to my bike. It didn't take me long to get going again and get back up to speed. I was really enjoying the bike and I was above the pace I was aiming at, so I knew I was on for a good time as long as my legs could handle the run.
I get about 80 miles in on the bike and it starts to rain and the wind has picked up. To be honest I don't mind riding in the rain but today I really wanted the rain to stay away. I had packed the sun screen which was not required. 32 miles to go and it was time to just think about pacing and to keep on eating and drinking to make sure that I was ready for the marathon that was getting ever closer.
Doing the Outlaw half and a bike of the course really helped as I knew what was coming up and it really helped to know where I was going on the course. Getting close to the end of the bike and still feeling good, was quite worried about this as all I had on my mind was my legs cramping up as soon as I get off the bike.

Whilst out on the bike it was great seeing my wife out on the course cheering me on and giving me the much needed support to get me through. Jess had been up from the start and was watching all the way through the swim and then was tracking me online so she could see me on the bike. Just as I was getting back to transition, I see Jess on a junction and all I could do was smile. It was so nice seeing Jess as I finished the bike section. Over the last couple of speed bumps and I was off my bike and it was amazing seeing the crowd that I come out to support us all competing.

Bike handed to the marshal and I was jogging back to the transition tent, just before I get to the tent I see a large group of Sleaford Tri3 Club cheering me on and I couldn't wait to get out on the run and to start to tick off the miles.

Bike time was 6:04:09

On to the run. I was really worried about this as on the half outlaw I pushed too hard on the bike and my legs were cramping up within the first mile of running and I didn't want that to happen again as I don't think my legs would of managed 26.2 miles of running with cramp.
No hanging about in transition and it wasn't long till I was on to the run. first 3 miles in to the run and I realise that I was running too fast and if I was to continue at this speed I would be in too much trouble by mile 10. I slowed my pace down and just enjoyed the run. All the people that had overtaken me on the bike it wasn't long till I was chasing them down on the run and getting passed them. Running has been one of my strongest disciplines in triathlon and one that I am able to push myself at. As I was out on my first big loop of the course it was great seeing some friendly and familiar faces that were marshalling and helping on the feed stations. It gave me something to look forward to as I knew I would get some great and much needed encouragement whilst out on the run. In fact all the marshals and helpers were all fantastic on the whole course, spending the whole day helping and supporting everyone competing and doing so with lots of energy. A massive thanks goes to all the volunteers that made sure the Outlaw event was a success.

Running past the Nottingham forest ground became new territory for me and now I had no idea where I was going and was relying on the person in front of me to show me the way. I had no idea how long the loop was round there so just kept to my pace and ran to the next food station. As the run goes on my legs are getting tired and I then change tactic. To walk through each food station and grab something to eat and drink. This would ensure that I keep fed and watered to make sure that I can get to the end of this race. I have never eaten so many Jaffa cakes in one day.

So I have just completed the first big loop of the course and I am back on the lake and running past the finish line and it was great seeing people finishing and also see the crowd. Hearing friends cheering my name as I ran past was brilliant and made me want to keep pushing on. As I start the second big loop I knew that it was getting difficult but my pace was still good and I had worked out that I would hit the Sub 12 hour target if I could keep this up. On my way back and nearly finishing the second loop I could feel the life drain out of my body. I could feel that my face was losing colour and I was approx. 1 km from the next feed station. I knew I just wanted to get to the feed station to walk and get plenty of food and drink on board. As I get closer a good friend Emma was running towards me and was also competing and was trying to get me to stop but I just knew that if I had stopped I probably wouldn't of been able to get going again. I just wanted to get to the food station and get something to eat an drink. The feed station couldn't come soon enough and I finally got some water and coke and crisps. I had to stop and just keep eating and drinking. This was just what I wanted I felt better again and was back running and was able to continue my race again. I hit the loop round the lake and at that moment I knew I only had two laps of the lake to do. Emma, is someone who I have met since joining the Tri3 club and Emma and her husband Sandy have been great to get advice and support from. With there knowledge and experience from the sport it really helped me with my training and race preparation.


Two laps of the lake to go approx. 10km and I was buzzing. On the first lap I just kept to my pace and I knew that I had less than an hour to go and the end was sight. As I passed the finish line all I could was smile as I knew that would be me very soon that would be running down the red carpet. As soon as I pass the finish line and collect my final wristband there was no stopping me. All the pain, the blisters that I collected on the way, the tired body had all gone. It was like I was a new man. I picked up the pace and got my arms swinging and I was smiling from ear to ear. Nothing was going to stop me now. I even started to catch people up that had over taken me and flying past them. I get to the top end of the lake and I knew that I had no more corners to turn, it was the finally straight. I again found another gear and was picking up speed. As I got closer to the finish line the crowds were getting bigger and the cheers felt louder. As soon as I made the turn on to the red carpet that was it, I knew I had done it. It was time to enjoy it. What was amazing that there was loads of the Tri 3 Triathlon club that I am a member of were there cheering me in to the finish. As I get further down the red carpet I could see the Lincolnshire flag that Jess had made to cheer me on right on the finish line. At that point it got a bit emotional. Jess had been up at the start of the day with me and had supported me all the way through out the day in the good weather and the bad. It was great crossing the finish line and stop. That was it I had completed my first Outlaw triathlon. YOU ARE AN OUTLAW.






















End of the race and I didn't feel like eating so got my photo taken with a massive glass of Erdinger and then went to go and find my wife. My legs felt like they had worked hard all day but overall I felt really good. All the training that I have put in has paid off and my body felt fine after a few days

The Outlaw Triathlon is a great event. It is one that I would love to do again in the future but not next year. Next year I have different objectives I want to achieve.

I have already been asked to do the marathon as part of a relay team next year. Which is something that really interests me as the marathon course is very flat and could possibly be a PB target for next year. So watch this space I might be back.

Now that I have completed my first Outlaw Triathlon, I have all the fun and games of decorating the house that I have managed to put off for the last 9 months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tallington Lakes Olympic Triathlon

So races have been coming thick and fast recently, all in preparation for my main event of the year the Outlaw Triathlon. One event I wanted to do was the Tallington lakes triathlon as it was again just down the road for where I live and it was a new event that I wanted to try out.

I was on twitter one evening and I saw a picture of Tallington lakes so I retweeted the picture and like it. Not realising at the time I had just entered a competition for a place at the race. I week had passed and I receive a tweet saying congratulations you have won a place in the Olympic distance race. Was really chuffed with this as I never usually enter competitions on line.

This race was to be used to have a good race but not to break any records as I wanted to stay fresh and fit for the OUtlaw Triathlon. So I was using this race for some conditioning and to make sure that my transitions are quick with minimal disruption.

Arrive nice and early and bike was racked and kit all set up, Swim was a deep water swim and the swim course was straight forward. the horn goes and the race is off. I took it easy at the start as I didn't want to have too many people round me and barging in to me. I soon got up to pace and I soon realised I was quite near the front of the overall pack. From what I could see there was 7 or 8 people in front of me. I thought to myself that I was going too fast and I needed to slow but I thought I would continue at this pace and carry on. On the back straight on the swim I managed to sneak past two people and on the final two turns I could see a small group of swimmers in front of me but I knew I wasn't going to catch them. I managed to finish the swim in 5th position and I knew this would be short lived when I got out on the bike. Swim Time 25:40

T1 went as expected and I was looking forward to the bike course which had a last minute change to the course, but since I didn't know the course I wasn't too bothered about any changes as it was the same for everyone else. The bike course was well marshalled and it was good to see people of there houses on the side of the road cheering us on as we passed. You don't really get many people on the side of the road cheering us on local events so it was nice to see and added to the whole experience.

The bike course good and the roads were in good condition. as usual it wasn't long till the faster bikers were passing me and all the hard work on the swim was going to waste. My bike strength and power is something I need to work on over the colder months. Bike time 1:24:48.

I was in to T2 and just over 30 seconds later I'm out on the run. I have managed to master T2 with speed. the time and effort has paid off in doing brick sessions with transition set up in the garden at home. On to the run and the is very little wind and the course is pancake flat. I knew early on that I would be on for a good 10km time as I took it slightly easier on the bike. The course takes you 2.5km out round one of the lakes and back to a turn point and then repeat. I was really pleased with my time and of 40:20 seconds. Under a year ago this would have been a personal best time for on just a 10km road race. So over the months I have been really please how my running and swimming has improved and my cycling has got stronger but it is still my weakest discipline.

Overall time was 2:32:33
finishing 12th overall and 2nd in my age group. The first time I get a podium for my age group they are not giving out prizes.

Dambuster Olympic Triathlon

Dambuster Triathlon based at Rutland water was one of the races I wanted to as a training session so I know what the course is like in preparation for the Vitruvian triathlon that I have planned for the end of August.

So I drove down the day before to get registered just so I knew how long it would take to get to location on the day and so I could have a quick look at transition and see how it was all set up and to have a look at the swim course so I knew where I would be going.

Day of the event was pretty straight forward. I had my usual breakfast and coffee and I am feeling pretty good in doing my first Olympic distance race. Even though I have done a 70.3 triathlon I was unsure how hard to push myself for an Olympic distance. I have been told to race it like a sprint tri so with that in mind I was going to attack it from the start and see how I hold up.

Bike is racked and everything set up and I'm waiting around to get going. At the race brief everyone just wanted to know what sort of start we would be having. It turned out it was a beach start. I had never started a race from the beach all my races I have been deep water starts, so I was unsure how this would go. I positioned myself quite near the start line and I soon realise that I just about on the front line and before I could do anything the race has started. I hated the start of the race as I have people everywhere around me and I got in to a little panic attack as I was unable to move out of the way from anyone. Approx 500 metres in to the swim I finally find some sort of rhythm and I soon find myself overtaking people and it wasn't long till I was at the front of the pack I was in. I was determined to catch up with the next group of swimmers and with the last 100 metres to go I finally got on to them and was able to draft and relax a little till we got out of the water. Swim done in 24:57

In to T1 and it was straight forward and I was soon on my bike. I decided that this time I would put my bike shoes on first and just in run in them till I get on to the bike. I just didn't want the same problem that I had in my previous race in trying to get my feet in my shoes. Straight away its a slight up hill until we get to the main road and the start of the bike course. started off on the bike at a decent pace and I was pleased of my average speed. and I knew that I would have the ribbles to tackle. The ribbles are a series of small hills that just take all the speed out of the bike and you need to put the work in on the bike to successfully get over them without dropping my average speed. The bike course is quite a fast course with no real major issues.
so in to T2 and it couldn't have gone better in transition. Before I knew it I was out on the run and looking forward to the last 10km. Bike done in 1:18:09

I find my pace quickly and I start overtaking the cyclists that always seem to fly past me on the bike and my body is feeling quick. The run course is a very basic as you run towards the dam, run across the dam get to the church and run back to the finish line. the run course is completely flat and I was hoping to get very close to the 40 minute mark, but I knew I would to pull out something special to achieve that. I always have a plan when I run now, start of steady and increase the pace and then push on hard for the last 1km. I finished the run in 41:39 and I was happy with how I felt. I do wish that I push it harder for longer on the run, but that is something I need to work on. In training I need to start to push harder for longer towards the end of my run and this should give me a stronger finish on race day.

Total time 2:27:46
Pleased with my time for my first Olympic distance tri and I really enjoyed racing at this distance.

Dambuster Triathlon is organised by Pacesetter events and is very well organised and every one who helped organised this event were very helpful and I look forward to take part in this race in the future.

Woodhall Sprint Triathlon

14th June I took part in a local sprint triathlon at Woodhall Hall Spa. I was really looking forward to this course as I knew the course was flat and fast and I was hoping to get a good result at this race. The morning of the race for once I didn't have to get up too early as to thanks to my swimming going really well I put in a fast swim time which gave me a late start.

After waiting for a while to be aloud in to transition It doesn't take me long to get set up in transition and one thing I have learnt is not to over think it when setting your bike and gear up. Get in set up bike in transition and running kit then walk away and leave it and not worry about it.

My race gets going and I'm straight away on to a friends feet tapping away, second length in I pushed as hard as I could and got by him. He is a quicker swimmer than me when we train together but I felt good and nothing was going to stop me today. A few more lengths in to the 400m swim I start to feel my timing chip working itself loose. I get to the end of the swim in just over 7 mins, not my quickest 400m but I know I pushed it too hard at the start.

In to T1 and in less than a minute I'm already on my bike and got going really well. My plan was to get round the first corner and put my feet in my shoes and crack on with the bike section. For some reason I could not get my feet in my shoes. I started flapping around and losing all the speed I had picked up. Finally I get my feet in my shoes and I quickly get in to a good rhythm. I catch up with the people that over took me whilst whilst I was messing around with my shoes and one of them tells me my race number is about to come, so quickly I tuck it in to my race belt. Approx 1 mile later I can feel my race chip getting loose on my ankle, I reach down and try and reattach the strap. Another mile in timing chip works itself loose and this time as I reach down the strap comes off and I grab it just in time. With out thinking I put the timing chip down my tri suit and try and concentrate back on the task at hand. I get the bike done in 45:32 and I knew I was behind my plan thanks to my feet not working and my timing chip causing me a few issues.

In to T2 and my bike is racked I quickly grab my timing chip and sling it back round my ankle to make sure my time is registered. The run is my favourite discipline, if I was to gain some time back it would be on the run. I soon get in to a strong running pace and straight away I'm feeling happy again. my plan was too push as hard as I can for the last 1km and see what happens. When I picked up the pace in the last Km I feel my timing chip coming loose and not wanting to have to stop and grab the chip, I ease of the pace and  I managed to do the run in 18:54.

I for some reason finished the race feeling a little disappointed with how the race went, but overall I was pleased that I was able to handle the small issues that I had and was still able to enjoy the race. The one thing I took from the race was to put a safety pin on my timing chip to make sure that it is secured so wont have a chance of losing it in the future.

Woodhall Spa Triathlon is a great local race and is a very popular event that is organised by One Step Beyond. It is very well organised and the bike course is clearly marked and well marshalled.

Outlaw Half Triathlon 70.3

So I have competed my first 70.3 triathlon and I chose to do the Outlaw half which is organised by one step beyond. One of the main reasons why I chose this event was that it's not far from home and I heard that the bike course is fairly flat and the run is flat, so would be a good one to start off with.

A friend and I decided that it would be best to stay over the night before so we didn't have to worry about getting to the venue on the day and something going wrong. We hired a campervan and stayed in the campsite right near to the start line. Was glad we stayed over as it meant I could just concentrate on getting ready for the race and not worry about a journey and forgetting something. 

Woke up nice and early and straight away the kettle was on for coffee and to add hot water to my porridge. Also had a banana & peanut butter wrap which has become one of my favourites recently. It was then time to get changed and a quick set up of the bikes and then head down to transition.

Got in to transition and I find myself overthinking everything like I always do. I have I got enough gels and how to set up my transition space. This is something that I shouldn't do as it makes me nervous about the race and I start to forget to do stuff. I had planned to open all my flap jack and malt loaf bars wrappers so when on the bike it would be easier for me to access and I wouldn't have to worry about opening anything. Well since the fact that I forgot to do this meant I didn't eat what I should of done on the bike. 

Start of the swim, my wave started at 0640hrs and I felt really good, I felt ready and I knew that my swimming has become one of my strong points. So the race begins and straight away its a mad panic to get going and straight away I feel someone actually grasping at my ankles, physically holding on and trying to pull me back. I soon put a stop to this and started kicking in anger, there's no need to grab hold of people. As the swim continued I was struggling for lace and decided it would be easier to swim out to the left and get some clear water. 200m later it all calmed down and I found myself swimming alongside someone. I soon realised that I was swimming the exactly the same speed as him so decided to get behind him and draft off him to make it a bit easier for. By the time the swim was coming to the end I felt really good and finished the swim in 32:13 mins. Straight in to transition and on to the bike the weather at this point was wet and cold, but I decided to stick with just my trisuit on and hope the weather got better throughout the bike.

I soon get in to a very good rhythm on the bike and was enjoying it was hitting a good average speed and was able to ride at a good speed considering the weather. Had a reality check about 15 miles in where we were approaching a tight left hand bend. The guy in front of me over cooked it and the bike went a way from him causing him and his bike to slide across the road. This then made be be a bit more careful on any corners. The whole bike course was really good and I really enjoyed it. The only thing I wish I did differently was to take my feet out of my shoes earlier as trying to take your feet out whilst going down hill over speed humps is not fun. Bike time was 2:51:27 hours. This was the fastest that I have bike that distance and my legs knew it. 

In to T2 and I could feel my legs. I put my bike back in to the rack and bend down to put my socks and trainers on and that's when I realised I had pushed it too hard in the bike. Cramp in the front of my thighs. Great, I have ran before with cramp but usually with only a km to go and I can push through it. So I set off on the run and felt ok and then 5 miles in that when it became hard work, pushing hard on the bike was now causing me problems on the run (my favourite discipline). I tried to grin and bare it but it was hard work, every food station I got to I had to have a quick walk and drink some coke to try and help. This was a steep learning curve that I probably needed. Managed to get the run done and it was a great finish. The atmosphere was great and the crowd cheering us all in with incredible. Finished the run in 1:49 hour. 

Total time took me 5:16:36.

For my first 70.3 event I was really pleased with my time and with some changes to my training plan I think I could shave a bit of time off. This was a training event in getting me ready for the full outlaw in July