March 11
Took the bike racks out to Kapiti early and was back home by 9am. Great way to start my last day off work and resting.
Finally got on the roof and painted the patchy paint and managed to bruise my already left foot/lower leg. Then we were hearing a constant meowing and found a kitten stuck up a tree. After 30 minutes and another big bruise to my left lower leg, we got it down and fed it. Our cat really was not pleased to see another cat in her house. Anti-social bugger.
Chilled out and rested my aching foot/leg.
Kept thinking that I'll have to focus on being positive over the next few weeks to not slip back into bad depressed moods, especially with daylight savings ending in a couple of months.
All in all, I am still proud of my race!
March 12
First day back at work for 2 weeks. I think I'm having an allergic reaction!
I did have a shortened day due to a rescheduled hospital appointment. Nothing too serious at this stage, just a preliminary visit before my procedure. You have got to just love the public system, 7 months to get the prelim, another 4 months before my procedure. Oh well, it is what it is.
My left lower leg and foot is a bruised mess. Maybe I should finish my season now and not prolong it for 2 more weeks.
Picked my girls up from school and went to the pool for Alex's squad and did about 30 minutes in the water and enjoyed the spa! Tough at the top.
As I sit at home I begin to think about where I am headed, how do I stay on top of my depression, how to move forward in my life, how to stay motivated. I now begin to feel the uncertainty of not qualifying for Worlds on Saturday. I just hope I can get a discretionary spot. I know I am good enough to compete, and I can go faster then I did over the weekend. What do I do next?
March 13
Nothing like a good night's sleep to sort one's head out. I rode to work as we have Youth training tonight and the girls need the car to get there.
Left foot is still bruised but it has gone down but does ache. I need to get that seen to.
Did my first full day back at work, went fairly quickly though so not too bad, then headed to Scorching Bay to coach the kids Bike mounting and dismounting. The ones who were there seemed to all get it by the end of the session. They are all really skilled so it does make things a little easier.
I really do enjoy the coaching sessions too, so I really need to look at the future of it for me, how to do it better and earn some money from doing it. That'll help things out a bit.
March 14 (Splash and Dash)
It's definitely not summer now, Autumn winds and the light still dark as we leave the house this morning for the pool, and only 5°C.
Warmed up at the pool by using the spa then got a good 45 minutes hard swimming in. A lot of traffic to navigate in the lane too this morning. Off to work on the bike and the chilling morning is just a preview as to what will be coming up in the next few months.
Off to Splash and Dash after work, feet still sore and not really feeling too enthusiastic about doing a 1300m Swim in choppy conditions + a 4km hard run on concrete with my feet.
Ended up convince Jane to join me in racing the novice race without wetsuits, for a laugh. Damn the swim was cold, and a couple of kids had their grumpy faces on that we stole their thunder, but it was a good for a laugh.
I am seriously thinking about skipping Club Champs next weekend due to my feet still bruising up when I run at the moment. I do wonder if that will have a negative effect on my moods coming up. I guess as long as I am aware of my moods, I can do something conscious about them. Time will tell.
Showing posts with label Races. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Races. Show all posts
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
National Triathlon Champs - March 10
RACE DAY - Olympic Distance (1500m Swim/40km Bike/10km Run)
With all 3 of us competing today, getting the house up and going was not too bad. Alex isn't at 100% but still wants to race hard. The course should suit her cycling as she is quite a strong power cyclist, just like me. Hills are only friendly on the downhills. She is doing the 3:9:3 with her team mates and they should go really well.
Jane, doing the swim and bike, and has Laney Brent running for her. I better run hard so they don't catch me!
PERFECT CONDITIONS - Typical Wellington!!!!!! Dead flat water, virtually no wind to mention, clear sky. Magic day!
After gear set up, briefing etc, I tried finding the girls to wish them luck before I set off for race start. Too busy and I had to head to the water. Watched the first wave go, then into the water. Nothing is ever as cold as Vancouver 2008, so 14° water temp here not too bad!
Went and watched the 3:9:3 and support others still racing. Our girls racing all did great. We had a 2nd in 3:9:3, 2nd in Future TriStars, 1st in Teams (Alex's team) and everyone else finished in the top 10 overall out of some 80 competitors. So we had a great day. Jane's team got 2nd in the Standard Distance race so very good result too!
Went to watch the Teams challenge which was great action and fun. We had to shoot our bikes and gear home so we could dismantle the racks and get them to the Tri Club Rooms, and off to Roll down/prize giving. Matt and myself waited for any kind of sniff at qualifying, but alas no go. 15th and 16th doesn't cut the mustard to qualify. Just too many non qualifiers raced today that went faster. What a bummer! Oh well still proud of my race, less than 10 minutes behind the winner of our AG and 2 minutes faster than last year, which got me a bronze.
So left a little deflated, but still feeling pretty good. All I can do now is wait for a discretionary spot.
Had pizza for dinner with my girls and will have to gauge my moods to keep an eye on my depression over the next little bit too. Still had a great day racing.
With all 3 of us competing today, getting the house up and going was not too bad. Alex isn't at 100% but still wants to race hard. The course should suit her cycling as she is quite a strong power cyclist, just like me. Hills are only friendly on the downhills. She is doing the 3:9:3 with her team mates and they should go really well.
Jane, doing the swim and bike, and has Laney Brent running for her. I better run hard so they don't catch me!
PERFECT CONDITIONS - Typical Wellington!!!!!! Dead flat water, virtually no wind to mention, clear sky. Magic day!
After gear set up, briefing etc, I tried finding the girls to wish them luck before I set off for race start. Too busy and I had to head to the water. Watched the first wave go, then into the water. Nothing is ever as cold as Vancouver 2008, so 14° water temp here not too bad!
- Swim - got away and got a few water polo tricks in to make some space! I had a good pace going, some decent drafting, not too much argy bargy and out of the water in and too the bike in about 23 minutes. On Pace
- T1 - not as slick as I would have liked but no disasters, but did struggle to get my feet on top of my shoes. Felt so unco as they kept lodging onto the ground, thank god they didn't come off.
- Bike - (hoping like hell it goes smoother than last week) instead of taking a couple of minutes to catch my breath as I have done in the past, I gunned it ASAP. Instead of aiming for 40km/h I tried to keep my speed at 42km/h +. I was cycling in a small group with some really good athletes, Kevin Nicholson, Rob Delimore and a few others. Tried to break up the group and tried oh so hard to not draft as I was feeling really good on the bike. Home in 62 min (41.6km) so where I hoped to be into T2. (8th fastest cycle of the day!!!)
- T2 - Fairly good, knew exactly where my bike needed to go, hardly any in transition. Shoes and hat, race belt and off.
- Run - Hit the timing mat ahead of much better runners than me so in a really good head space. Hopefully taking it easy last week works, plus a long run 6 days before today helps the body out. Keeping an eye on my pace with my watch, trying like anything to keep around 4 minute km's, watching all the legs of anyone coming past, dreading the M35's and not counting, no point. Heaps of cheering my the youth squad kids and parents which was great to have. Busting myself to keep ahead of good mate and rival Matty Berg and with about 400m to go, he creeps past me. Bugger, but good for him as he's going really well too. Home with a sub 43 minute run which is great for me off the bike. Fastest 10km for me with a finishing time of 2:09:27 PB and 2 minutes faster than last year, with a slightly longer bike so feeling great. Now wait and see what the results show, Fingers crossed.
Went and watched the 3:9:3 and support others still racing. Our girls racing all did great. We had a 2nd in 3:9:3, 2nd in Future TriStars, 1st in Teams (Alex's team) and everyone else finished in the top 10 overall out of some 80 competitors. So we had a great day. Jane's team got 2nd in the Standard Distance race so very good result too!
Went to watch the Teams challenge which was great action and fun. We had to shoot our bikes and gear home so we could dismantle the racks and get them to the Tri Club Rooms, and off to Roll down/prize giving. Matt and myself waited for any kind of sniff at qualifying, but alas no go. 15th and 16th doesn't cut the mustard to qualify. Just too many non qualifiers raced today that went faster. What a bummer! Oh well still proud of my race, less than 10 minutes behind the winner of our AG and 2 minutes faster than last year, which got me a bronze.
So left a little deflated, but still feeling pretty good. All I can do now is wait for a discretionary spot.
Had pizza for dinner with my girls and will have to gauge my moods to keep an eye on my depression over the next little bit too. Still had a great day racing.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Ironman 70.3 Day 141 March 4 - REAL RACE DAY
So Race Day, FINALLY!!!
Honestly, I am happy not to have to do a half, not a full Ironman, especially with National triathlon champs on Saturday 10th. My body should bounce back better, plus to me THAT is more important to me, representing NZ at the world champs, at home in October this year.
So after body numbering, re-racking and sorting my gear out, we made our way down to the swim start. I was early enough and caught the waka coming down the Waikato in full battle cry. An awesome sight. It's a pity there were all the modern day boats/jetty's etc there to spoil the full impact of the waka. What a sight they must have been back in their day, especially if in vast numbers travelling to battle.
The usual pre-race stuff taken care of, now we have a men's and women's start (7.55 and 8.00) to handle the 1500+ competitors on a smaller swim course. There will be more congestion + drama during the swim and at T1. Can't be helped.
So pro's went at 7.45, then us men made our way out to the start. Everyone anxious to get going, thankful we have much better conditions than 24 hours earlier. Everyone in a agreement the right decision was made.
We did expect a cannon to send us off, but only a horn, the one's furthermost from shore/closest to the direct route, missed it and started a few seconds late.
Finally underway!!!
SWIM
As expected, busy jostling swim but I found my pace ok. The water a little choppy, all previous swims I have done had been dead flat here, but swimming in Wellington, the chop is no problem, just cleaner water! First buoy turn....Got around without drama, 150m to the next turn, again no drama, homeward bound. I hope my time is ok. Got onto some feet and had good pace to the last buoy turn for the 200m back to the swim gantry. A little busier, but through safely. Out in 32 minutes. Not fantastic, but not bad for my swimming I've actually done.
SWIM-BIKE T1
I ran fairly hard to T1 as I really tried to race this one, my short course strategy really wanting me to push it to do a god time for a half, hopefully 4.45 or less, even with the long T1. Grabbed my gear bag, socks only and foam canister if I get a puncture. Onto the bike passing many in T1. Going good so far.
BIKE
Onto the bike and into my shoes getting up to speed, saw Matt Illingworth pass me after about 400m of cycling. Would have loved to kept pace but knew I had to let the former GB track rider + Olympian go do his thing, but took a bit of pride knowing I swam faster. Up the Taupo-Napier Hill, altering gears etc. Halfway to the corner, I tried to go back into my big chainring BUT!!!!! no go!!!! SHIT!!!!!!!!! Lots of thoughts....Will it ever change into the big chainring, should I stop? No allen keys today to fix it. Do I manually change it??? Shit, shit, shit. Small chain ring the whole way??? SHIIIIIITTTT!
Some how after 5 minutes of this battle with my gears, I hit a bump and BINGO! there she goes, big chainring. Disaster averted. Next 5-10 minutes getting into my rhythm, pacing the undulations ready for the attack on the downhills. Once I got to the speedway, my onslaught on the bike began, up over 65km/h charging it, watching my heartrate, trying to keep it like December, and then I did 2.29 for this course with mechanical issues, so no issues, same intensity should mean 2.25 and a total time of 3 hours beginning the run.
On Plan so far. The feed stations coming up at good intervals, a bottle and gel at each + banana. Out to Reporoa in 1.20ish, Good time, maybe a little too quick, but it is a tail wind. About 2 minutes later, F****n PLONKER!!!!!!!!!
This guy in the pace line I'm in, vears suddenly left, then cuts back right through the group almost cutting me off, scaring the be-gebbers out of me making me yell at him, THEN he cuts left again straight at my front wheel!!!!!!! I brace for impact and a heavy heavy fall. Hard on the brakes, gabbed hold of his saddle and somehow, I stayed upright!!! AMAZED but completely thrown, and lost contact with my pace line. DAMN! It took me 15km, cycling alone into the cold southerly to catch my pace line again, then the guys were being ridden away from. Dorks! I rode through them then I the wheel started falling off at the 65km mark. I managed to hold down the food 3 times, just beginning to feel average. Then I remembered that this is my FUN Ironman. I ease back and think forward to Saturday the 10th. No need to wreck myself too badly, I don't have Kona aspirations this time.
Group after group go by but I don't worry too much, and as I get to the hill, I risk the lower chain ring and hope like hell it re-engages once I get to the flat.....No such luck.... How does a bad ride get worse?.......16-17km to go, and just after the hill, before the speedway BANG!!!!! Back tire explodes!!
Down to running home as my repair strategy is useless as I cannot repair an exploded tire, but I could a small puncture. After a few minutes, and maybe 1km of trotting, the support car turns up. Off with the tire and because I use tubular tape, I now have nothing to keep the new tire onto the rim so I have to nurse my bike around the corners in the last few km's. About 20 minutes of wasted time, lots of people having gone past, plenty of faces I know I get back on the road with a few spectators supporting me. Kinda nice that support.
I road home more tentatively than I would have under any other circumstances. So bike ride just under 2.50....oh great!
BIKE-RUN T2
Bike racked, gear bag, shoes and hat, then off. No frills, no wasted energy or time in T2.
RUN
So time to choose either keep to strategy or run a half marathon hard. I chose the run/walk strategy, run firm to each feed station and get nutrition. Well coke anyway. Not too much to really report on the run anyway. Great support from everyone watching, awesome! Thanks! I felt a nerve twinge in the right side of my back in the last 4kms and I did struggle up the last hill because of it.
Nursed my body to the finish and got my shirt, towel and medal and all the accolades of completing another .... oh wait.... my first official 70.3!!! 5.26, not a great race, but oh well. So queue up for food and a massage then to find my support team to sort out what we are doing the rest of the day.
Upon reflection, I did not get upset during the race, after the race, or even now as I type. I did not invest as much emotionally into this race to achieve the lofty goals, to achieve greatness. I struggle with pushing to the max, to be excellent, to be better than average, to push through the barriers that stop me from being successful. I have one thing to left to do now which is only 6 days away. Race as hard as my body can go, and earn my spot in the Age Group Team for NZ then focus on me, my limiters, my personal and professional barriers.
Honestly, I am happy not to have to do a half, not a full Ironman, especially with National triathlon champs on Saturday 10th. My body should bounce back better, plus to me THAT is more important to me, representing NZ at the world champs, at home in October this year.
So after body numbering, re-racking and sorting my gear out, we made our way down to the swim start. I was early enough and caught the waka coming down the Waikato in full battle cry. An awesome sight. It's a pity there were all the modern day boats/jetty's etc there to spoil the full impact of the waka. What a sight they must have been back in their day, especially if in vast numbers travelling to battle.
The usual pre-race stuff taken care of, now we have a men's and women's start (7.55 and 8.00) to handle the 1500+ competitors on a smaller swim course. There will be more congestion + drama during the swim and at T1. Can't be helped.
So pro's went at 7.45, then us men made our way out to the start. Everyone anxious to get going, thankful we have much better conditions than 24 hours earlier. Everyone in a agreement the right decision was made.
We did expect a cannon to send us off, but only a horn, the one's furthermost from shore/closest to the direct route, missed it and started a few seconds late.
Finally underway!!!
SWIM
As expected, busy jostling swim but I found my pace ok. The water a little choppy, all previous swims I have done had been dead flat here, but swimming in Wellington, the chop is no problem, just cleaner water! First buoy turn....Got around without drama, 150m to the next turn, again no drama, homeward bound. I hope my time is ok. Got onto some feet and had good pace to the last buoy turn for the 200m back to the swim gantry. A little busier, but through safely. Out in 32 minutes. Not fantastic, but not bad for my swimming I've actually done.
SWIM-BIKE T1
I ran fairly hard to T1 as I really tried to race this one, my short course strategy really wanting me to push it to do a god time for a half, hopefully 4.45 or less, even with the long T1. Grabbed my gear bag, socks only and foam canister if I get a puncture. Onto the bike passing many in T1. Going good so far.
BIKE
Onto the bike and into my shoes getting up to speed, saw Matt Illingworth pass me after about 400m of cycling. Would have loved to kept pace but knew I had to let the former GB track rider + Olympian go do his thing, but took a bit of pride knowing I swam faster. Up the Taupo-Napier Hill, altering gears etc. Halfway to the corner, I tried to go back into my big chainring BUT!!!!! no go!!!! SHIT!!!!!!!!! Lots of thoughts....Will it ever change into the big chainring, should I stop? No allen keys today to fix it. Do I manually change it??? Shit, shit, shit. Small chain ring the whole way??? SHIIIIIITTTT!
Some how after 5 minutes of this battle with my gears, I hit a bump and BINGO! there she goes, big chainring. Disaster averted. Next 5-10 minutes getting into my rhythm, pacing the undulations ready for the attack on the downhills. Once I got to the speedway, my onslaught on the bike began, up over 65km/h charging it, watching my heartrate, trying to keep it like December, and then I did 2.29 for this course with mechanical issues, so no issues, same intensity should mean 2.25 and a total time of 3 hours beginning the run.
On Plan so far. The feed stations coming up at good intervals, a bottle and gel at each + banana. Out to Reporoa in 1.20ish, Good time, maybe a little too quick, but it is a tail wind. About 2 minutes later, F****n PLONKER!!!!!!!!!
This guy in the pace line I'm in, vears suddenly left, then cuts back right through the group almost cutting me off, scaring the be-gebbers out of me making me yell at him, THEN he cuts left again straight at my front wheel!!!!!!! I brace for impact and a heavy heavy fall. Hard on the brakes, gabbed hold of his saddle and somehow, I stayed upright!!! AMAZED but completely thrown, and lost contact with my pace line. DAMN! It took me 15km, cycling alone into the cold southerly to catch my pace line again, then the guys were being ridden away from. Dorks! I rode through them then I the wheel started falling off at the 65km mark. I managed to hold down the food 3 times, just beginning to feel average. Then I remembered that this is my FUN Ironman. I ease back and think forward to Saturday the 10th. No need to wreck myself too badly, I don't have Kona aspirations this time.
Group after group go by but I don't worry too much, and as I get to the hill, I risk the lower chain ring and hope like hell it re-engages once I get to the flat.....No such luck.... How does a bad ride get worse?.......16-17km to go, and just after the hill, before the speedway BANG!!!!! Back tire explodes!!
Down to running home as my repair strategy is useless as I cannot repair an exploded tire, but I could a small puncture. After a few minutes, and maybe 1km of trotting, the support car turns up. Off with the tire and because I use tubular tape, I now have nothing to keep the new tire onto the rim so I have to nurse my bike around the corners in the last few km's. About 20 minutes of wasted time, lots of people having gone past, plenty of faces I know I get back on the road with a few spectators supporting me. Kinda nice that support.
I road home more tentatively than I would have under any other circumstances. So bike ride just under 2.50....oh great!
BIKE-RUN T2
Bike racked, gear bag, shoes and hat, then off. No frills, no wasted energy or time in T2.
RUN
So time to choose either keep to strategy or run a half marathon hard. I chose the run/walk strategy, run firm to each feed station and get nutrition. Well coke anyway. Not too much to really report on the run anyway. Great support from everyone watching, awesome! Thanks! I felt a nerve twinge in the right side of my back in the last 4kms and I did struggle up the last hill because of it.
Nursed my body to the finish and got my shirt, towel and medal and all the accolades of completing another .... oh wait.... my first official 70.3!!! 5.26, not a great race, but oh well. So queue up for food and a massage then to find my support team to sort out what we are doing the rest of the day.
Upon reflection, I did not get upset during the race, after the race, or even now as I type. I did not invest as much emotionally into this race to achieve the lofty goals, to achieve greatness. I struggle with pushing to the max, to be excellent, to be better than average, to push through the barriers that stop me from being successful. I have one thing to left to do now which is only 6 days away. Race as hard as my body can go, and earn my spot in the Age Group Team for NZ then focus on me, my limiters, my personal and professional barriers.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Ironman Prep Day 120 Feb 12 (Scorching Bay Teams)
I overslept. Rushed out of the door with a bit of food in the system and felt a little slow on the bike on my way over to the race in Scorching Bay this morning.
TEAM RACE - Team JAWS (400m Swim - 15km Bike - 4km Run)
So much fun. Raced against some of my kids from the squads and had a bit of banter with them. Good times!
Had an ok race I felt. Running is coming back to where it was with room for improvement, bike didn't have the normal zip I normally feel but went ok. It was a load of fun.
Headed to work after my race so didn't hang around to watch everyone come in.
Ran home, still working on my run/walk strategy for IM and had a reasonable quiet evening except that the challenge is for me is that I think I maybe regressing back without the support of my medication a little, as I lost it when Alex had a whinning session which I may have been able to withstand previously. Hard to really know 100%
TEAM RACE - Team JAWS (400m Swim - 15km Bike - 4km Run)
So much fun. Raced against some of my kids from the squads and had a bit of banter with them. Good times!
Had an ok race I felt. Running is coming back to where it was with room for improvement, bike didn't have the normal zip I normally feel but went ok. It was a load of fun.
Headed to work after my race so didn't hang around to watch everyone come in.
Ran home, still working on my run/walk strategy for IM and had a reasonable quiet evening except that the challenge is for me is that I think I maybe regressing back without the support of my medication a little, as I lost it when Alex had a whinning session which I may have been able to withstand previously. Hard to really know 100%
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Ironman Prep Day 84 Jan 7 (Tauranga Half)
We started the day by getting up early and checking the conditions, eating breakfast and heading off to the race at 5.30am. Always a fun start when it's a race day. We did manage a fairly good parking spot too which is always a bonus.
So the day was grey and had the real threat of rain or best case, showers but still fairly mild in temperature and not much wind to speak of, well at least at about 6am. Once we set our gear up and Jane got her medical bag to St John's, we got our wetsuits on and made our way to the water. Water temp ok, not too cold and no jellies. We wished each other luck and that then I made my way to a start position and waited for the pros to go. With that done and 2 minutes later, RACE TIME!!!
So I allowed myself to swim a bit conservative since I hadn't done much swimming in the last few weeks. My main focus was to swim in a group and get toed around the course this time. Each time I have done this race I did not get the full advantage of the drag and current in the port. At the end of the first lap of 750m I took my time to protect my leg then headed for the 2nd lap. Not too stressed as I had no real expectations for this race and just let things fall how they would. So the 2nd lap was a bit long I felt, and I did managed to hang in a group so I achieved my goal for the swim. A little disappointed with a 34 minute swim but oh well, I hadn't put the real work in to expect too much better than that.
I hobbled to my bike through T1 and again not too stressed, but I did however forgot my plan here and did not put my socks on. This and Ironman are the only 2 length races I usually will wear socks for, and my road cycling shoes and not my tri bike shoes. So once on my bike, feet on top of my shoes and quickly trying to get up to speed. I wanted to get a good start so I kept my feet on my shoes for nearly 3 km and I passed a lot of fumbling people trying to sort their shoes out. I love the roads here, nice and flat and fast. STILL NO WIND!!! Once into my shoes, I was riding around 41-43km/h comfortably and crawling in people. Always a great feeling, and my leg felt good. at about 15km mark I caught my good friend James Brent, which surprised me he was in front of me after the swim (he did pas me in T1 though which I later found out) and I continued to real in people and collecting a few on the way. I passed Nathan Milner and tried to encourage him to keep with us. We ended up in a bit of a paceline and a few of us stuck up near the front trying to avoid drafting, but a couple blatantly did draft, and one plonker kept passing on the left. I saw Jane and she looked nice and comfortable on th ebike, going at a good clip too. After 35km and heading home for the first time I ended up yelling at him about that manoeuvre and that stopped in a hurry. The sea breeze picked up and we were pushed home as we headed north. GREAT! We picked up James' sister Elaine Brent who was competing as a pro, and cruising at 42-43km/h. Not too much drama heading home and onto the 2nd lap!!!
We managed to break up our little bunch a bit as a few people dropped off our pace as we hit the head wind heading south, with our speed dropping to about 34-35km and we tried to roll a few people at the head, and I tried not to spend too much time out the front myself but still tried to avoid drafting. Once we got to the bottom turn and got the tail wind again I tried to drop the hammer a bit to pick up some time I lost. This time I managed to get away and took one guy with me as we were hitting about 45-46km/h and got about 300m away at one point. GOOD TIMES!! The small group picked their pace up and reeled us in as we turned for home. I was happy to see James and Elaine still in that group that caught us. With about 4km to go until the end of the bike I decided to punch it home and took off hitting 50km/h and with about 1km I caught the super quick Sue Mellsop. As I dismounted I was clear from the pack behind me and the spectators were cheering and then confused a bit as I causally walked my bike to my rack. I got passed again in T2 bit I didn't care right here. My plan was to either pull out here or walk the run so my day was basically done. I felt really good about my days work. I ended up with a bike split of 2.21.47, 2 minutes slower than I hoped actually, but only 2 minutes so very happy.
Onto the run/shuffle. As I left T2 people were telling me to keep it up, I clowned around a bit and took it easy. Every time I tried to stride out I could feel my calf spasming so I was never going to run hard. I cheered everyone I could see on the bike and took my time, trying to time it to finish with Jane. I had to start taking on a bit of nutrition as I figured 2 1/2 hours for my 21km. When I got to the mount I had to walk every incline, careful not to stride out on every downhill just to manage my injury and only did anything that looked close to running when there was the official cameras around. I timed it almost perfect as I waited a bit with about 1km to go and I saw Jane coming. We ran the last bit together and she managed to talk to me so I know she was in fairly good shape for the end, well for her anyway.
Jane got her amazing goal in 5.30.14 and 11th in her age group, with her glycogen storage disease! As her condition goes, once she stopped moving, she collapsed at the finish line, and the St John's were great. They were waiting for her and moved her to the recovery tent for our recovery plan. I made sure she had got her medal which she would have been extremely grumpy about when she recovered if it wasn't there. So after a glycogon IV solution and some drink food and other treatment, 45 minutes and we were out of there to bask in some of the event. Her smile was as big as ever and I know I have said it before, but she is my hero!
Once we got our gear, picked the girls up and had a big lunch, recovery soak in the hot pools, back to prize giving, dinner with James, Elaine, their mum and grandmother, shared war stories etc, we crashed out fairly early.
Even though I have done this event before, I felt like this was the most fun I've had here. No pressure, no expectations, no meltdowns even with the injury I really enjoyed this day. One of my most enjoyable days doing triathlons.
So 8 weeks until Ironman, will I be able to heal and recover to go better than my last effort. I hope I can. Now for some serious prep work!
So the day was grey and had the real threat of rain or best case, showers but still fairly mild in temperature and not much wind to speak of, well at least at about 6am. Once we set our gear up and Jane got her medical bag to St John's, we got our wetsuits on and made our way to the water. Water temp ok, not too cold and no jellies. We wished each other luck and that then I made my way to a start position and waited for the pros to go. With that done and 2 minutes later, RACE TIME!!!
So I allowed myself to swim a bit conservative since I hadn't done much swimming in the last few weeks. My main focus was to swim in a group and get toed around the course this time. Each time I have done this race I did not get the full advantage of the drag and current in the port. At the end of the first lap of 750m I took my time to protect my leg then headed for the 2nd lap. Not too stressed as I had no real expectations for this race and just let things fall how they would. So the 2nd lap was a bit long I felt, and I did managed to hang in a group so I achieved my goal for the swim. A little disappointed with a 34 minute swim but oh well, I hadn't put the real work in to expect too much better than that.
I hobbled to my bike through T1 and again not too stressed, but I did however forgot my plan here and did not put my socks on. This and Ironman are the only 2 length races I usually will wear socks for, and my road cycling shoes and not my tri bike shoes. So once on my bike, feet on top of my shoes and quickly trying to get up to speed. I wanted to get a good start so I kept my feet on my shoes for nearly 3 km and I passed a lot of fumbling people trying to sort their shoes out. I love the roads here, nice and flat and fast. STILL NO WIND!!! Once into my shoes, I was riding around 41-43km/h comfortably and crawling in people. Always a great feeling, and my leg felt good. at about 15km mark I caught my good friend James Brent, which surprised me he was in front of me after the swim (he did pas me in T1 though which I later found out) and I continued to real in people and collecting a few on the way. I passed Nathan Milner and tried to encourage him to keep with us. We ended up in a bit of a paceline and a few of us stuck up near the front trying to avoid drafting, but a couple blatantly did draft, and one plonker kept passing on the left. I saw Jane and she looked nice and comfortable on th ebike, going at a good clip too. After 35km and heading home for the first time I ended up yelling at him about that manoeuvre and that stopped in a hurry. The sea breeze picked up and we were pushed home as we headed north. GREAT! We picked up James' sister Elaine Brent who was competing as a pro, and cruising at 42-43km/h. Not too much drama heading home and onto the 2nd lap!!!
We managed to break up our little bunch a bit as a few people dropped off our pace as we hit the head wind heading south, with our speed dropping to about 34-35km and we tried to roll a few people at the head, and I tried not to spend too much time out the front myself but still tried to avoid drafting. Once we got to the bottom turn and got the tail wind again I tried to drop the hammer a bit to pick up some time I lost. This time I managed to get away and took one guy with me as we were hitting about 45-46km/h and got about 300m away at one point. GOOD TIMES!! The small group picked their pace up and reeled us in as we turned for home. I was happy to see James and Elaine still in that group that caught us. With about 4km to go until the end of the bike I decided to punch it home and took off hitting 50km/h and with about 1km I caught the super quick Sue Mellsop. As I dismounted I was clear from the pack behind me and the spectators were cheering and then confused a bit as I causally walked my bike to my rack. I got passed again in T2 bit I didn't care right here. My plan was to either pull out here or walk the run so my day was basically done. I felt really good about my days work. I ended up with a bike split of 2.21.47, 2 minutes slower than I hoped actually, but only 2 minutes so very happy.
Onto the run/shuffle. As I left T2 people were telling me to keep it up, I clowned around a bit and took it easy. Every time I tried to stride out I could feel my calf spasming so I was never going to run hard. I cheered everyone I could see on the bike and took my time, trying to time it to finish with Jane. I had to start taking on a bit of nutrition as I figured 2 1/2 hours for my 21km. When I got to the mount I had to walk every incline, careful not to stride out on every downhill just to manage my injury and only did anything that looked close to running when there was the official cameras around. I timed it almost perfect as I waited a bit with about 1km to go and I saw Jane coming. We ran the last bit together and she managed to talk to me so I know she was in fairly good shape for the end, well for her anyway.
Jane got her amazing goal in 5.30.14 and 11th in her age group, with her glycogen storage disease! As her condition goes, once she stopped moving, she collapsed at the finish line, and the St John's were great. They were waiting for her and moved her to the recovery tent for our recovery plan. I made sure she had got her medal which she would have been extremely grumpy about when she recovered if it wasn't there. So after a glycogon IV solution and some drink food and other treatment, 45 minutes and we were out of there to bask in some of the event. Her smile was as big as ever and I know I have said it before, but she is my hero!
Once we got our gear, picked the girls up and had a big lunch, recovery soak in the hot pools, back to prize giving, dinner with James, Elaine, their mum and grandmother, shared war stories etc, we crashed out fairly early.
Even though I have done this event before, I felt like this was the most fun I've had here. No pressure, no expectations, no meltdowns even with the injury I really enjoyed this day. One of my most enjoyable days doing triathlons.
So 8 weeks until Ironman, will I be able to heal and recover to go better than my last effort. I hope I can. Now for some serious prep work!
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Ironman Prep Day 80 Jan 3 (Whangamata Sprint Race)
It's raining outside. I don't remember this being part of the plan. At least I'm feeling better than when I went to bed.
Up and packed, ready to race and off to get set up. Looks like it's clearing a bit. Still worried my leg isn't right. Oh well it is what it is. Off to the water and good surf today. This will be fun!
WHAT A DISASTER!
As I ran from the beach my calf blew out on me! No joke, less than 10 steps into the race. SO PISSED.
Went and got ice then tried to find Jane but missed her but saw Alex finish the swim. So proud of her today. Those were really tough conditions in the water.
Got some clothes, got my gear and wrecked my favourite hoodie. Not a good day so far!
Emando was running around trying to borrow a helmet so I offered him my rode helmet and sorted him out and waited for Jane to finish the bike with Alex and the Hawthorne's. She went really well in the wet with 34ish mins then tagged Jeanie for the run, 2 laps.
Even though I'm upset about not racing, again, I managed to process quick enough this morning that continuing on was a bad idea. I have a bigger race on Saturday and Ironman after that. What was I going to get out of doing this race today other than no dnf next to my name? Nothing only more injured. This I thought about in about 10 seconds off my event, if you even call it that.
After Jeanie made it to the finish, and looked like she needed to be hospitalized, we got some food and I waited for my helmet as Emando was doing the longer race. Spoke to the coach and talked about my race on Saturday and Ironman. Got a plan for rest of the week plus going forward.
So to make my day worse, Emando crashed and broke my helmet. Long story short, he and Jo Lawn are sorting me a replacement and it did save him. The rest of the day was much less eventful thank goodness.
So try to get my leg better for Saturday and chill in Hahei until Friday. Hope to get some great weather too.
Up and packed, ready to race and off to get set up. Looks like it's clearing a bit. Still worried my leg isn't right. Oh well it is what it is. Off to the water and good surf today. This will be fun!
WHAT A DISASTER!
As I ran from the beach my calf blew out on me! No joke, less than 10 steps into the race. SO PISSED.
Went and got ice then tried to find Jane but missed her but saw Alex finish the swim. So proud of her today. Those were really tough conditions in the water.
Got some clothes, got my gear and wrecked my favourite hoodie. Not a good day so far!
Emando was running around trying to borrow a helmet so I offered him my rode helmet and sorted him out and waited for Jane to finish the bike with Alex and the Hawthorne's. She went really well in the wet with 34ish mins then tagged Jeanie for the run, 2 laps.
Even though I'm upset about not racing, again, I managed to process quick enough this morning that continuing on was a bad idea. I have a bigger race on Saturday and Ironman after that. What was I going to get out of doing this race today other than no dnf next to my name? Nothing only more injured. This I thought about in about 10 seconds off my event, if you even call it that.
After Jeanie made it to the finish, and looked like she needed to be hospitalized, we got some food and I waited for my helmet as Emando was doing the longer race. Spoke to the coach and talked about my race on Saturday and Ironman. Got a plan for rest of the week plus going forward.
So to make my day worse, Emando crashed and broke my helmet. Long story short, he and Jo Lawn are sorting me a replacement and it did save him. The rest of the day was much less eventful thank goodness.
So try to get my leg better for Saturday and chill in Hahei until Friday. Hope to get some great weather too.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Ironman Prep Day 60 Dec 14 (Splash and Dash)
Today started with a lazy morning and none of us got up to go swimming. Oh well end of the school year for the girls, they should have some time off.
The weather deteriorated throughout the day, leading into Splash and Dash tonight. The wind is coming from the North so it probably will be bumpy.
Splash and Dash....What a disaster!!!
The weather really packed in the closer to start, the wind and rain came in and a lot of people. As soon as we started, I was being bashed and hit, I spent most of my time fighting for space and at about 250m my breathing was not recovering. Arm went up and I needed to get the boat ride home. Not the first time but always a crap feeling.
The girls did a team and battled through the tough condition and gave me some ribbing, which I deserved.
Even though I had a bad race, I did not ever once feel that I needed to be harsh on myself for not completing the event. I hope my asthma settles quickly so I don't get lingering effects.
The weather deteriorated throughout the day, leading into Splash and Dash tonight. The wind is coming from the North so it probably will be bumpy.
Splash and Dash....What a disaster!!!
The weather really packed in the closer to start, the wind and rain came in and a lot of people. As soon as we started, I was being bashed and hit, I spent most of my time fighting for space and at about 250m my breathing was not recovering. Arm went up and I needed to get the boat ride home. Not the first time but always a crap feeling.
The girls did a team and battled through the tough condition and gave me some ribbing, which I deserved.
Even though I had a bad race, I did not ever once feel that I needed to be harsh on myself for not completing the event. I hope my asthma settles quickly so I don't get lingering effects.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Ironman Prep Day 56 Dec 10 Taupo Half (Team)
So the day started early for all of us, 4.50am. Taupo is pleasant this time of the day. No wind and warm but there is a chance of rain so hope it doesn't come to anything. Alex is in a bit of a panic and a bit stressed out. We got down to transition and I realised I forgot my drink bottle for the bike at the cabin. Once we got sorted and off to race briefing, I took off and got the bottles then managed to get back in time to see the individual's start plus get to Alex and Jane to wish Alex luck.
So the teams started and I looked out for Alex from the shore, I thought I saw her up near the front but a little too far left for my liking, but nothing I could do. Once the swimmers were about 1/3 the way down the course I went to T1 to get ready. Couldn't get back to my bike to get my helmet or put my bottles on the bike so that will take some time. Had a bit of friendly banter while we all were waiting for our swimmers to arrive. Watched and cheered the individuals that started entering T1, now all we do is wait for the teams to start filtering in. I was hoping Alex was really high up in the placings, it felt like lots of teams already have left.
There comes this tired face but with some pride in her effort shining, so proud of our 14 year old in with all the adults, and beating them. Awesome job!
The bike leg started with me cranking past a lot of individuals along the lake front, hitting about 45-50 km along the smooth road. Rolled up the Taupo-Napier highway then around the back of town and headed for Reporoa. Then the rain started to come down lightly. It wasn't cold, just wet and still zooming along passing more people. As I got close to the turn around I was able to count off the teams ahead of me, only 12. Into the turn and DOWN SHE GOES!!! on the wet white centre line. Damn it!!! straight back up and onto the bike and 100m later my gears are failing to change. First mechanical in a race ever. Off the bike to fix that problem up. The cable had popped off the derailleur so a make shift repair, lost so many spots. All I could hear was Alex's voice, you better hurry up, going through my head. Back into town, riding angry and pulling spots back and gears not functioning clean but well enough to get back in 2:29:00. Tagged Jane and she set off on the run.
I did feel I let our team down, but didn't stuff up too bad. Jane took off and when we saw her next at 10km mark she was complaining about cramp. O-ohh Alex and I waited at the finish line and Jane came across with a team time of 4:50:04 so great day for us. 13th Mixed team and 24th team overall. Really good day.
So we had lunch and took our gear back to the cabin, headed back for prize giving. We didn't win anything. Over 2 years since I've won anything now. Had some early dinner with some friends and once we did make it back to the cabin we all crashed fairly early. Tomorrow is Alex's birthday!
So the teams started and I looked out for Alex from the shore, I thought I saw her up near the front but a little too far left for my liking, but nothing I could do. Once the swimmers were about 1/3 the way down the course I went to T1 to get ready. Couldn't get back to my bike to get my helmet or put my bottles on the bike so that will take some time. Had a bit of friendly banter while we all were waiting for our swimmers to arrive. Watched and cheered the individuals that started entering T1, now all we do is wait for the teams to start filtering in. I was hoping Alex was really high up in the placings, it felt like lots of teams already have left.
There comes this tired face but with some pride in her effort shining, so proud of our 14 year old in with all the adults, and beating them. Awesome job!
The bike leg started with me cranking past a lot of individuals along the lake front, hitting about 45-50 km along the smooth road. Rolled up the Taupo-Napier highway then around the back of town and headed for Reporoa. Then the rain started to come down lightly. It wasn't cold, just wet and still zooming along passing more people. As I got close to the turn around I was able to count off the teams ahead of me, only 12. Into the turn and DOWN SHE GOES!!! on the wet white centre line. Damn it!!! straight back up and onto the bike and 100m later my gears are failing to change. First mechanical in a race ever. Off the bike to fix that problem up. The cable had popped off the derailleur so a make shift repair, lost so many spots. All I could hear was Alex's voice, you better hurry up, going through my head. Back into town, riding angry and pulling spots back and gears not functioning clean but well enough to get back in 2:29:00. Tagged Jane and she set off on the run.
I did feel I let our team down, but didn't stuff up too bad. Jane took off and when we saw her next at 10km mark she was complaining about cramp. O-ohh Alex and I waited at the finish line and Jane came across with a team time of 4:50:04 so great day for us. 13th Mixed team and 24th team overall. Really good day.
So we had lunch and took our gear back to the cabin, headed back for prize giving. We didn't win anything. Over 2 years since I've won anything now. Had some early dinner with some friends and once we did make it back to the cabin we all crashed fairly early. Tomorrow is Alex's birthday!
Monday, December 05, 2011
Ironman Prep Day 50 Dec 4 Wellington Sprint Champs
Club spint champs!
First up in the house to get things organised for the 3 of us to race this morning. Still trying to convince Jane not to swim at least. Alex is getting a little nervous. I don't seem to get the prerace nerves like others. Will need to catch up with our youth squad when we get to the race too.
So Jane didn't swim after talking to one of the sports doctors which was a relief. She did a duathlon instead which is a run bike run.
So a sprint race is a 750m swim 20km bike 5km run. Swim was decent but nothing spectacula, got to my bike and had this big smile waiting for me as Alex was getting her bike hear on! She did the 500m swim and started after the men too. So that was a bit of fun. Got onto the bike and caught my target Matt Berg in the first 500m so that was a good gauge my swim was fairly good. I pushed the bike hard and with the wind playing a part today it suits my style of cycling versus my competitors. Got to the bike turn and started counting off those in front, 5! Tried to put the hammer down on the way home and picked up another spot at least. Got onto the run and legs felt tight and slow. That run yesterday caused that, but this is a fast training session after all. I didn't get passed until nearly 2km into the run. Started counting those coming back. 6th but definitely 1 team so 5th and that meant 3rd after the bike. Cool! Tried to keep a good pace the whole way got into a good run battle in the last 500m and held that spot finished in 7th overall and 5th in open men. One more season before I become a vet. Ha ha old man! So good day at the office. Had to quickly get to work so couldn't hang around long after. Watched the girls come in and they both went really well! Jane still wanted to do the swim. She's funny.
Work again was manic. I did however made sure I took my pills. 2 days without them might be a problem if I'm not careful. I do need to get my new prescription picked up too.
Everyone tired tonight. Jane disappointed with the provisional times on the website tonight. I can't handle that. Got grumpy with her as she kept ranting about it. Went to bed early after helping sort out Alex's hear for her overnight tramp tomorrow.
First up in the house to get things organised for the 3 of us to race this morning. Still trying to convince Jane not to swim at least. Alex is getting a little nervous. I don't seem to get the prerace nerves like others. Will need to catch up with our youth squad when we get to the race too.
So Jane didn't swim after talking to one of the sports doctors which was a relief. She did a duathlon instead which is a run bike run.
So a sprint race is a 750m swim 20km bike 5km run. Swim was decent but nothing spectacula, got to my bike and had this big smile waiting for me as Alex was getting her bike hear on! She did the 500m swim and started after the men too. So that was a bit of fun. Got onto the bike and caught my target Matt Berg in the first 500m so that was a good gauge my swim was fairly good. I pushed the bike hard and with the wind playing a part today it suits my style of cycling versus my competitors. Got to the bike turn and started counting off those in front, 5! Tried to put the hammer down on the way home and picked up another spot at least. Got onto the run and legs felt tight and slow. That run yesterday caused that, but this is a fast training session after all. I didn't get passed until nearly 2km into the run. Started counting those coming back. 6th but definitely 1 team so 5th and that meant 3rd after the bike. Cool! Tried to keep a good pace the whole way got into a good run battle in the last 500m and held that spot finished in 7th overall and 5th in open men. One more season before I become a vet. Ha ha old man! So good day at the office. Had to quickly get to work so couldn't hang around long after. Watched the girls come in and they both went really well! Jane still wanted to do the swim. She's funny.
Work again was manic. I did however made sure I took my pills. 2 days without them might be a problem if I'm not careful. I do need to get my new prescription picked up too.
Everyone tired tonight. Jane disappointed with the provisional times on the website tonight. I can't handle that. Got grumpy with her as she kept ranting about it. Went to bed early after helping sort out Alex's hear for her overnight tramp tomorrow.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Ironman Prep Day 36 ITU World Cup Race Nov 20
Race morning!
EXCITEMENT
So after bike and gear set up, went to get body marked at the cloud and a couple of other things, then off to swim start. Game face on!
Long 1.5km swim followed by a slightly hilly course of 40km bike then a run on concrete 10km run in 2:23 race time and slightly disappointing 27th place but it was by far the strongest field I've ever raced in at a New Zealand race. So even though I didn't have a stellar race, I am proud of my effort from the last 5 weeks.
Jane's race didn't go as she hoped either with such strong fields and the roll down in our age groups didn't even start so we both have 2 more chances to qualify for world champs. 20 people already committed so need to step up. Only comforting fact we are not alone in this quest.
Throughout the day, i do struggle to be the solid comforting force that Jane needs before a race when I am also racing. I need to work at it. Be efficient with my pre race and be calmer. Then I can be more supportive for Jane when she is in need.
I'm now down to 3 days of pills left in this script. I have things to talk through with the doctor but he's not available this week. I will book in a time when he is and go from there. I'm a little scared though that him kind of plateaued with this script.
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