London Tri - First Olympic!

Summary:

Finish 03: 02: 03

Swim 00: 43: 02

T1 00: 04 : 37

Bike 01: 10: 03

T2 00: 02: 34

Run 01: 01: 45

To say I was nervous looking at the swim the day before was probably an understatement and it didn’t change until I actually started the swim on Sunday. My anxiety was only fuelled finding out that there were 550 people in my wave – great!

The wave was split due to there being so many people, the first group obviously the confident lot and then the rest.

Once the swim started it was better than I thought, of course it was the longest I’d swam surrounded by lots of other people and I do mean lots of other people!

Some of the important things I was trying to remember was just to break the swim down into small sections, not to kick too much and don’t worry about other people. It was a long swim but much better than my shorter swim at Dorney a few weeks previously.

Thinking I was nearing the last turn buoy coming up I actually sped up slightly, only to realise that wasn’t the right one and I still had quite a bit to do before the final stretch – schoolboy error!

Eventually got out of the water, great to see my little boy and my long suffering girlfriend cheering me on and looking pleased I’d made it.

I was so pleased to have done the swim that I almost forgot I had 2 more events to do, so I got myself together and onto the bike.

The bike was quite uneventful just tried to keep at a half sensible pace, recover from the swim and not completely wear myself out for the run. The course was alright, quite flat-ish even though I did manage to get up to nearly 60km a few times, that’s seems quite quick on a bike especially when you can hardly see because your sunglasses are full of salt from sweating. (I soon realised I should clean them off).

Once again great to see Lynn & Sid cheering me on!

Out of transition 2 slightly quicker and looking forward to the run, the easy bit, yeh right. I felt tired, which I don’t normally when running, it was hot but my run should have been at least 10-15 minutes faster. I was laughing to myself that I just couldn’t get my running together as I thought this would be the easiest part for me – welcome to tri…….

It was great finishing around the 3 hour mark but knew it could have been better, that said the biggest achievement was being able to complete the swim. I’d say that was a bigger personal goal than completing a marathon even though the marathon was more physically draining.

The event itself was very big, obviously. A little bit like going to Westfields just for a pint of milk, next time a smaller maybe more picturesque event please.

Thanks for everyone’s advice and kind words, I look forward to many more events!

Sprint Tri at Dorney Lake - Eton School.

Summary

Sprint: 750 Swim 21:46 (seemed like 2 hours)

T1 1:38

20k Bike 41:11

T2 0:49

5K Run 22ish

Overall 1:27:34

Well the first race, I thought I’d be a little more nervous than I was but the kind words and advice really helped.

The lovely June weather was a real treat looking out of the window and seeing the rain come down sideways could only help my anxiety!

Bags and car packed, picked Lynn, my long-suffering girlfriend up from work and off to Dorney. Of course we were early, but the surroundings were fabulous and that stretch of water seemed to go on for miles…..

Registered, met lots of people and tried to soak up the atmosphere, just pleased to know that I wasn’t the only person doing this for the first time.

However, it was slightly daunting to see the odd ex Olympic athlete getting ready as well.

I thought I had loads of time, in fact I did, but messing around talking to people meant that I found myself in a rush to get my bike racked. I looked around to see what I should be doing, took Olivia’s advice and got my bearings and then got ready.

I was in the second wave at 6:30, listened to the race brief next to the water with about 50 – 60 other people and got ready to enter the water; still not overly nervous. The water was warm at 18 degrees and the horn went, we were off. I made sure I stayed at the back for my first race out of trouble.

My swim was terrible, really really terrible!!

I just couldn’t get it together, I even had thoughts about stopping but then had a strong word with myself to get on with it. I eventually dragged myself round with no rhythm at all and a combination of some freestyle and ashamed to say some breaststroke; I know I’m not a great swimmer but I’m certainly better than that – lots of work needed before July 29^th.

I wasn’t the last out but very close.

21:46 (seemed like 2 hours!)

Jelly legs into T1, I’m sure someone played a trick and moved my bike or maybe that was me. Changed and onto the bike needing to make up a bit of time, really enjoyed this section it’s the first time I’d been in that environment but the 6.00am sessions in Regents Park have definitely helped.

With the words “Spin don’t mash!” going through my mind to save my legs on the run – thanks once again Olivia!

It was 6 laps and taking me about 7 mins a lap, I knew I needed to be off the bike by 7:40. The time I was aiming for was around the 1:40 mark.

Bike 41:00

So into T2, bike racked eventually, off on the run.

Grabbed a banana, not a good idea, threw that away and had some water instead. Took the run easy for the first bit to get my legs use to the change and then enjoyed the final push knowing that I was about to complete my first event in preparation for the longer one shortly!

Run 22:00.

It was a brilliant experience and I’m so glad swimming is first, I need to work hard on this to make it to bike and run in one piece.

Coming across the line made me proud, of course, nearly being sick but smiling at the same time in 1:27 yippee!!

A new chapter, time for a new challenge - Triathlons.....

Since the marathon I've been just ticking by with the training but the biggest thing bar none is trying to swim, properly!

It's not that I can't swim and I've always been able to plod, but sometimes look like the washing machine has caught me in the spin cycle, but to be able to swim a couple of miles, slightly different gravy.

So I've been having swimming lessons for a couple of months, 'on and off' now and I'm getting better, well, not quite as much splashing.

I use to tease my dear girlfriend that swimming wasn't a real sport and you couldn't really get out of breath; how wrong could I be especially now my 10 year old boy is in a swimming club and a brilliant swimmer!!!

I've been running a couple of times a week, not far maybe 6 -8 miles at a time and an interval session, also a circuits class or 2 when I have the time; it's great to train in a group.

Now it's time to start to piece it all together. My friend Andy, the man who helped me through the marathon training has decided it's time to move back to Australia, I'm gutted!! (I know that's really selfish but I can't express what a huge influence and help he was getting me over the start and finish line of that last challenge, I will miss him) I of course wish him and Catherine all the success and happiness returning home and on the next part of their journey. Maybe one day a little run with Andy might not be out of the question in warmer climates.

Last week I planned with Andy my schedule of training for the next few months, there doesn't seem to be too many free days?!

There's going to be a tremendous amount of time juggling to balance a work, home, relationship and Sid life, the nights are getting shorter now that means there's more hours in the day, right?

Well let the games begin.......

Made it over the line, the start and finish - just!

Well I made it past the start line and then along time later, eventually past the finish line!

This was undoubtedly one of the most emotional, rewarding and exciting days of my 38 years. The ridiculous thing is that I want to do it all again! (not right now though).....

The day started with a train ride across to the start, surprisingly lots of other people on the tube - well not really over 30,000 other nutcase's doing thing same thing on a Sunday morning. Having watched the marathon on the tele for quite a few years I thought I would be overwhelmed by the size, it actually seemed smaller than I was expecting. This may be down to the fact that everyone was so friendly, the atmosphere was amazing, you could sense the nerves and excitement in equal measures, especially near the toilet blocks!

The weather wasn't too bad for the day, not quite as hot as forecast.

So, got on with the race and I had a plan. This was how it went:

From the very start people in the crowd are calling your name to encourage you, I was pleased that I had my name on my top.

It was a little daunting running in such large crowds, as I normally run on my own.

The first 5 miles just went on by as a warm up, I made sure that I was keeping to my plan nothing faster than 9:30 minute miles and making sure I was taking on good water when the stations were available; every mile.

I broke the race down into sections with certain milestones, got to 10 all good, then on to the half way stage in the time I wanted to conserve energy - 2:08, perfect timing. The next point for me to get to was mile 18, I knew at this point I would see Lynn and Sid in the City. The miles in between 13 - 18 were a little boring in some respect, I could see Canada Tower for miles then seemed to keep running around it, but I was really excited about seeing the 2 of them and I knew they would be as well. So, past the 17 mile marker really looking forward to seeing them, then through the 18 mile mark, I couldn't see anything from the Notting Hill group, no balloons, no banners or anything like that, loads and loads of supporters in this area, all shouting your name; but I was only interested in 2 voices - no good, I'd missed them!!

(I knew how disappointed and concerned they would be, at least I had something to occupy me!)

I was a little deflated for the next mile but was on good time so cracked-on. Still keeping to the time to reach my finish of under 4:25hr. Past the 19 mark and now onto 20, I knew that if I was feeling ok here I'd make it easy, well as easy as 26.2 miles is to run for the first time! I was feeling still quite strong, breathing, knees, nipples and not sunburnt - all good.

20 miles, for some reason in both calfs started to get just a slight twinge of cramp, this has never been a problem for me whilst running in all the training I've done. Had a little stretch and tried to run it off, it's bound to go soon, right?

It only got worse and worse and even worse.......what a nightmare.......I've planned for gels, water, chafing, even if I fall over......but bloody cramp!

Those last 6 miles were horrible, but there was no way that I wasn't going to finish. At mile 25 to my complete joy I saw Lynn and Sid - BRILLIANT! For them, relief and for me.....well....

Over those last miles, it was a huge mix of frustration and having to dig deep, physically I still felt alright, it was just that someone kept shooting me in both calfs. I could only run for about 5 minutes at a time.....but I made it!

My time was closer to 5 than 4:25.

Very proud, yet a little disappointed!

Ready for the next part of my journey, just haven't decided what it will be.......

That's it....nothing more I can do!

Well, the eve before all that I've trained for over the last months. There has definitely been blood, sweat, tears, emotional and physical pain, so now it should be easy, right?

On Wednesday I made my way across to the Excel centre to register, got my name printed on my vest (a little concerned that the letters might effect my performance, additional weight you see!), collected my number and chip, that's it no backing out now.

I don't know if the event was meant to suppress my anxiety or feed it, it seemed to do both in equal measures......at least there's nearly 40, 000 other people feeling the same. My only real concern is just how hot it's going to be, but there's nothing I can do about that just take on lots of fluid the day before and during.

Of course I phoned Andy on the way back, who of course, settled my nerves with some sensible advice.

I managed to get a hat, it does look like a swimming cap but that's fine it should do a job. I also bought another undervest t-shirt. Got home and went for the final run before the race, just a short half an hour across to the Heath - HOT!

The new t-shirt I'd bought seems to rub me on the stitching so I won't be wearing that one!

So on the training front, all done, nothing more I can do just keep the stretching going and get my head right for the day.

Picked Sid up from school on Friday and drove back to London, Lynn had prepared our own pasta party at home - brilliant. The most important members of my support team are back together at the crucial time, without their help I could not have got anywhere near the stage I'm at now. When I think of the times when Sid was on his bike next to me, Sherborne Hill, Regents Park (being chased by dogs!), Camden canal runs and so many more, with him helping me - "Come on Daddy!" (and quite a few times of me pushing him up the hills).

Getting home and Lynn waiting with the drinks, toast and a hot bath.....trying to get me normal again.

The messages of support from my pals and everyone who has sponsored me have been amazing, it gives me a real boost.

Today is a relaxed day at home, kit checked, just sewed a pocket into my shorts for additional gels and try and keep my feet up.....it's really boring now, I just want to get it done!

Promised not to moan about the heat.....but!!

This whole clothing thing is driving me bloody mad!

So, I have a vest delivered with the Notting Hill Housing Trust bits on the front no problems, but now it's so hot and the forecasts are indicating it's going to be hot, if I just wear a vest I'll burn....yes really that hot!!

Now I have to find something to go underneath, to keep me cool; to keep warm, I'm your man!, I have so much stuff to keep me warm it's frightening, now I need stuff to keep me cold - nightmare!!!

And another hat, yes to keep me from getting sun burnt...brilliant.

Armed with my technical undervest (breathable you know, to help with performance, I just don't want to get burnt and avoid chaffing, yes chaffing and bleeding - football seemed so much more straight forward!), I took off for my run - an hour and a half in the heat.

Route: Home, Primrose Hill, 2 laps of Regents Pk, alternate ways, Camden and home.

9 miles, 1:25, no gels and no water - Hot!

The undervest and the hat seemed to do a job and will be essential if it's anywhere near the 18 degrees it was today, and of course lots of liquid!!

Words of wisdom from Andy.....

Back to London with all of the New Forest events behind us, for a while!

To normality some would say, another way to look at it, the longer you stay in the country the more relaxed and accepting of the slowness you become.

Went for a run across the Heath on Tuesday, it does seem to be getting warmer....it was a lunchtime run for about 5 - 6 miles, good fun.

My legs felt a little heavy and was a bit tired, need to make sure I rest properly.

I needed to see Andy as the days are getting closer. I saw him on Wednesday, we just sat and talked, for the best part of an hour and a half. He has been undoubtedly the most helpful, inspirational and honest influence on me throughout this journey; again his knowledge and direction is a real help to me.

I do actually have a decent level of common sense but this sometimes disappears with running so its just trying to get the simple things right.

Fluids, fuel, pacing, what time to arrive, toilet visits we covered them all.....and then I still had questions, but he's patient!

That was that; last session with him!