CANADA!

Crescendo – “a progressive increase in intensity.”

The sum of the last few weeks in one word. Ever since Liverpool Triathlon this has been the theme. Perhaps even before.  Liverpool was always my main goal for the season. Nonetheless I decided in late June and early July to go to the World Triathlon Championships. This Crescendo started with Gateshead 5km (previously mentioned ‘Onwards and EverUpwards’); followed by Club Relays, culminating in my last race of the season. The World Championships in Canada.

The Journey

So after the club relays it was a quick good bye and rush. Drive to Sheffield, train to London, flight to Edmonton.

I don’t envy folk who have to travel with luggage; even more so than those travelling through London. I had a bike box, suitcase and back pack. All of which had to be trawled through London’s underground system. Horrific; but I made it.

After a few hours shut eye at Gatwick it was up early; check in and board.

A nine hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean and covering the majority of Canada on route. Landing safely in Edmonton it was time to see if our bikes had flown too. You do hear horror stories. Far too often for my liking. So you can imagine my fear when my bike was last off. At least it was here. On to the coach and straight to the hotel.

The Journey - Gatwick to Edmonton

I couldn’t tell if I was tired; hungry or ready to go. Nine hours flying and plane food does that too me. I’d actively decided to stay awake on the plane thinking it would be easier to adjust when I arrived. Anyone who knows me will know how big a deal that is. I sleep; a lot; everywhere.

It was mid-afternoon. First challenge; food. It was surprisingly hard to find somewhere to eat, even for me. Re-fuelled and full, I explored a little and got an early jump on the next day and chose to sleep.

Triathletes wake up early to train, but that wasn’t the plan this week. No matter what time I went to bed. No matter how tired I was, I always managed to wake up pre-alarm at 5am. This was to become a theme.

Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s – Box Ticking

The next few days were spent polishing of last minute taper sessions (taper is a word we triathletes, and others, use that refers to the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition) as well as eating and essentially taking things easy.

A new friend - Mutley the Pug

Viewing the transition area, cycling the bike course and a quick scout over the run route. Familiarity. It was to be nothing less than hectic on race day. On top of this there were team briefings and registration that had to be done.

Edmonton City Hall - Registration

Race Day

The bike was pre-racked on the previous day to save time in the morning. I had my breakfast at a ridiculously unsociable hour (part and parcel of triathlete life), and headed down to Hawrelak Park on the supplied public transport. It was surprisingly flawless. Nerves had set in. Transition set up; checked and each item laid out as always.

I walked out of transition and towards the lake; still to get suited up; taking in the atmosphere and trying to remember all the details.

Pre-Race - Almost time.

Game Face

It was time. Great Britain Tri-suit on followed shortly by my wetsuit. It was snug; as ever. I made my way in to the holding pen with my fellow 20-24 age group competitors all clad with the same lime green ITU swim cap. Each ready for ‘battle’.

Swim

A different style of start at this race. As the water was shallow they had imposed a beach start, meaning there were a few steps prior to entering the water. The boom sounded and we were off. Left at the first buoy, right at the next two and return via the far side of the island. Simple enough. After a good start, I settled into the swim. Something wasn’t quite right but I carried on working. It was warm too. The lake had been treated with chlorine, cleaned prior to and specifically for this occasion. It was almost as clear as swimming in a pool.

I exited the swim feeling out of sorts. The ground was sandy for the first section. A leg drainer. I continued to make the long run up into transition whilst freeing my torso and arms from my wetsuit as was customary. I eventually made it to the transition area; stripped of my wet suit; helmet on and heading for the transition exit.

Bike

On to the fresh tarmac to begin the first of two 10km laps of Edmonton. Straight out of the park and directly up hill. It was intense. Down through a fast twist and turn and back towards the park and under the bridge we had crossed straight out of transition. The course was almost a figure of eight. One lap down and after a mediocre first lap I found rhythm on the second. After ascending both inclines on the course for a second time it was back in through the park entrance; shoes off ready to rock in to the transition for a second and final time.

Run

I racked quickly; helmet off; run shoes on; number belt facing forward. I was off. I exited transition with a few guys. I hit the road with the intention of leaving nothing out there. I ran well into the first kilometre of the run. Slight decline into a forested off-road trail; unpredictable underfoot; with gravel strewn everywhere. I worked as hard as possible over the remaining 4km, aiming to pick of as many as possible. I managed to take two more places in the last 800m, coming into the finishing funnel holding on to a respectable 26^th position. I was shattered. I had raced to my best on the day, I was pleased with that.

Post-Race Recuperation

Reflection

Another season done. I found my way through the recuperation tents behind the finish area and started to unwind. It was time to enjoy the rest of my time in Canada. Celebrations.

I spent the night re-fuelling, enjoying the highlights of the day’s race with fellow British competitors as well as the local atmosphere. Still to come were the elite races over the weekend so there was a lot to do. 

I have put together a short video to sum it all up. My experience. Enjoy.

Thank You

I can’t possibly name everyone who I owe gratitude towards. It would be a long list and I would undoubtedly miss someone. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone for the support. It is wholeheartedly appreciated. Without this support I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this all.

Special thanks have to go to Cu Plas for the backing and support. On the same note; to Gardiner & Theobald LLP, where I have spent my last 15 months on placement. Without their kind contributions this wouldn’t have been possible.

Review

It was a long season with my first competitive race of the season all the way back in March. I planned my season around Liverpool Triathlon (British Championships). This was to be my first standard distance race. I raced well and gained the experience I was looking for, as well as a 2015 Island Games qualification time. I then had little time to focus on the World Championships but I went; I raced; I enjoyed and competed to the best of my ability.

Within the season I met some great new people. People with similar goals. TriPackRT was able to compete and more than hold our own within a strong field at the National Club Relays.

The season was, on a whole, great. Ups and downs as with anything but more than enough ups to keep me coming back for more. Now time to reflect further and to decide the 2015 season plan, achievements and objectives. Watch this space!

Thank you for the continued support. I would be grateful for any ideas you think would make this better. Even an idea for a post during the off season, get in touch. I will keep you all up to date as ever. Feel free to contact. Feedback is welcome, as always, and is actively encouraged.

Cheers,

Sam


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Onward and Ever Upward!

I know right? Back already.

I have a lot to catch up and tell you about.

After the British Championships in Liverpool, I was able to travel home for the first time in eight months. This allowed me to take advantage of some home comforts. I was in heaven. Someone to cook for me, wash my kit and in general look after me. Essentially getting my parents to spoon feed me for a week. It was magical.

I was fully aware of the intensity of the next few weeks and this period at home allowed me to take stock and recover from a tough race whilst continue to push on for the big crescendo to my season; The World Championships.

Whilst at home, I continued to train. Different sights, routes and terrain from the rest of my year, proved a great way to alleviate potential boredom in my training.

Gateshead 5km

A nice midweek race. In theory, a flat and fast course. I had decided relatively last minute to enter although it had been on the cards for a while. With my parents up in Newcastle for the week, it was great to know I’d have at least two people cheering me on.

As the day wore on it became increasingly apparent that the fast course was to have a headwind for the first two and a half kilometres. Great! I had seen this as an opportunity to lay down a fast time. Was the course as quick as it seemed on paper? Only one way to find out.

We gathered at the start; introductions by the race official and go. The first stretch of the race was an almost perfect straight from the start at the Millennium Bridge (Newcastle side), to the industrial estate. Approximately 2.3km. Head wind.

I settled in near the front, slightly behind a fellow competitor. Trying to conserve and hide from the strong gusts. It was tough. Made even harder by the training and races I’d done over the past two weeks. At the turn I found myself sitting just inside the top 15. I realised that the wind had a significant impact and for any chance of a PB I would need to push on throughout the return section.

I started to work harder, pulling back runners in front. It was going to be a tough few kilometres. I picked off a few people and steadily increased my speed for one last push. I knew the end was up and over the Millennium Bridge. It was to be a leg drainer. Finished.

Last Effort - Millennium Bridge, Newcastle - Gateshead 5km

I crossed the line in a time of 16:07 and took 10^th place. I was extremely happy. A good race, in tough conditions, after a hard few weeks and some big races. The big sub 16:00 however, still remains elusive.

Full Results

National Club Relay Triathlon Championships

TriPackRT’s first race! National Club Relays. I had never raced this one before but the rest of the team had. The format; four members each taking part in each discipline as follows. Using a tagging system, everyone swims, everyone bikes then everyone runs, all individually, with each leg passed on via a rubber band.

Different to all other races as you have a chance to rest and regroup after each discipline, whilst the next team member is out on the course competing.

I was to go last. The race started. After a good swim section from the rest of the team in turn, I was handed the band and ran to start the swim. After a reasonable swim, I exited up the ramp and passed the band on to Neil for the first bike leg.

The thought I had was after each stage I could rest. This made me feel as though I could give that little bit more.

I moved back to our meeting point, where we had decided to base ourselves for the race. The finishing chute. My bike was all packed away for the World Championships so Dan lent me his. After his leg, I took his bike and made my way to the transition. I had a decent chance to re-fuel and re-hydrate. Soon enough Dean was back and had passed back the band to me.

On to the bike course I went. Three laps of 5km lay ahead. I pushed as hard as I could with the aim to overtake as many people as possible.

The race had now become well and truly strung out. It seemed impossible to tell where you were within the race. I picked a few people off and after what felt like a fast, albeit painful 15km on the bike, I tagged back to Neil to start the run.

Individually we had strong athletes. The race announcer read out the current top 10 and we were in it. Comfortably. The aim was simple; same as before; pick off as many ahead as possible; empty the tank.

Toward the end of the three legs we had made up significant ground, we had all but sealed a top six finish with a decent lead in hand. The target lay ahead. The lads had set up a race. Chase down fifth. They were less than a minute in front. Concerned with going too fast and fading, I settled into a rhythm. There were lots of people on the run course. A mixture of first to fourth leg runners.

The course was an out and back; pan flat and a straight line with the turn exactly half way. Soul destroying if you’re having an off day. Settled in, I set about my goal. Catch fifth. I felt in decent shape, but knew with a return head wind and weeks of heavy racing as well as a tough bike and swim; I would have to be 100% on the ball.

Within the first two kilometres I had made great in roads. I moved up into fifth place, unaware of where fourth was. After the turn, the wind hit. It was tough. I refocused and pushed on. One of the hardest runs I had done.

Finished!

 

National Club Relays 2014 - 5th Place, TriPackRT - Neil, Dean, Dan & Myself

Our first team race as TriPackRT. National Relay Championships. 5^th Place. Unbelievable. The calibre of athletes within the race was unreal. We were all elated.

Full Results

 

Thank you all, once again, for reading. I really appreciate it. Please comment; please share; do get in touch (Use 'Contact Me' on the right of the page). Any ideas and/or suggestions are welcome. Feedback is great.

No rest yet. It was go go go. Train to London to start the journey to Edmonton, Canada for the World Triathlon Champions.

Next stop Canada. Taper time!

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Through Wind and Rain and Hurricane

It has been a while. An awful lot has been happening and I hope to update you, with all, over the next few weeks.

Ok, so the season is in full swing. Next stop Carlisle Triathlon.

Carlisle Triathlon - Sunday 3rd August

I raced the Carlisle Triathlon last season (2013) and enjoyed it, so I made the decision to race there again. Similar to last year, I was using it as a build up and race practice for other races still to come.

Last year it feel four weeks prior to the World Triathlon Championships in London, this year however was only a week before my A race (the one I had targeted from the start of the season); the British Triathlon Standard Distance Championships in Liverpool.

Carlisle triathlon would be my first race on my new bike and a test to see how it would go with a more aggressive position.
 
After a good 500m pool swim, in the fastest wave (seeded by the time estimated on the entry form) I exited with a fellow competitor, and set about the first transition.
 
Onto the bike and something didn't feel right, I couldn't tell what it was but I assigned it to the fact it was a new bike and its first race.

Carlisle is different to bigger, national races where you race within age groups. At this race, as is common with smaller local races, you are ordered within your estimated swim time. This means that you may finish first within your wave but can be beaten by another competitor who races before or after you. It’s all about putting out the fastest time possible. A time trial as such.

At mid point on the bike, I had an issue with the bike (shock; it’s been stressful from the beginning). The seat post dropped half an inch or so. Not enough to make ridding impossible but enough to make the remaining 10 or 11km uncomfortable.

Coming off the bike I knew I was sitting second in the wave, I wasn’t feeling in the best shape and with the problems on the bike, I set about holding my own on the run. I hoped to put as much time between me and anyone that may be behind me.

After a mediocre run, I had finished. I didn’t feel I had the best race but I had improved from the season before. It was nice to be able to see how I was going, how well the bike would work and get used to the new set up.

Carlisle Triathlon 2013/2014 Results Comparison

 All in all I was pretty happy with the result. I had taken almost three minutes off the season before over the same course, and repeated my placing from 2013. Second place; I can’t complain with that. With each discipline stronger than the previous year. Not bad for a self assessed average race.

Carlisle Triathlon 2014 - 2nd Place

Full Results

Onwards to the next weekend for my next race. The Big One!

British Standard Distance Triathlon Championships - Sunday 10th August

This was the one. My first standard distance triathlon. I’d prepared the best way I could. A lot of hard work. I woke up nervous. Hoping it would go well. After racking my bike the evening before in the echo arena, one of the more spectacular transitions I had raced in, I arrived in the morning to continue my setup. A quick in and out and I was heading to the swim start. First wave of the day and it was raining! Great.

Swim

All tucked in my wetsuit; walking down the ramp; hat and goggles on. Start time. In the water and the klaxon sounded. My first test; a 1500m open water swim. After a reasonable swim for me, I exited the Liverpool docks, up the steps and a sharp left to transition. Wetsuit off; bagged up and running inside the Echo Arena for transition.

The transitions at this race were different to normal. An indoor transition on this scale and at this venue meant that each competitor had to remove their wetsuit prior to entering the building. Health and Safety. On top of this, the transitions were long.

Bike

Out on the bike, how would it go? Good? Bad? There was only one way to find out. I quickly settled into a rhythm with the course being over four 10km laps. The rain was teaming down. It wasn’t the best of days. Even worse, the wind was picking up. The aftermath of a hurricane falling onto Britain’s West Coast.

As this was my first standard distance race, I was unsure how to pace the bike. I didn’t want to blow up. I held strong on the bike and felt I was moving through the field. The rain kept getting more intense. This could create a potential issue at the dismount. After completing the fourth lap, I headed back onto the slip road and made my way back to the Echo Arena for the dismount into transition. After a safe dismount I made my way to my racking point. Bike racked; helmet off; trainers on.

Run

Through the Echo Arena and out onto the run course. Two 5km laps of a flat, twisty and wet run circuit. The run was busy, due to the mixing of waves throughout the bike leg. Similar to the bike, I found a rhythm early on and worked to maintain this. I took each kilometre as it came, trying to work back up through the field.

British Triathlon Championships 2014 - Pain Face

After the first lap I had been able to gauge where the next few people in my age group were. I then set about trying to close as much time as I could. After a strong second lap and taking a few more positions, I started working my way through the final kilometre. I used all I had left for the remaining effort. I pushed right until the end.

British Triathlon Championships 2014 - Run

 
My first standard distance race done. Very happy with my race. I had used this as target all season and built up to it. I finished 9^th in my Age group and 41^st overall at the British Triathlon Championships. I was elated. In addition to this, I have qualified for the ETU Standard Distance European Triathlon Championships 2015 (as well as Sprint - mentioned in a previous post 'Rother Valley Triathlon... Aiming High!' )

British Triathlon Championships - 9th in Age Group & 41st Overall

Full Results

A huge thank you to Side Click Photos for the action shots at the British Triathlon Championships. Check out their website and sports & events page for all race photos.

Next up: Gateshead 5km and National Team Relay Championships. Followed by World Triathlon Championships (Canada 2014)

Thank you for the ongoing support and taking the time to read my blog. I hope you all enjoyed it. If you did, please share with anyone you think may like it.

Cheers,

Sam

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My Own Backyard

Long-time no speak!

The season is well and truly in full swing.

After Rother Valley, having qualified for the Great Britain age group team for the forthcoming ITU World Triathlon Championships in Edmonton, the next task was to turn my focus back to training; push aside Worlds; and continue to work hard in preparation for my next few races.

I had left July free from races with the intention of racing once or twice locally. I had a few reasons for this. One it’s generally cheaper to race locally. Minimal travel with no overnight stay and Two, with a busy May/June, it allowed me to recover slightly and prepare for a hectic August.

Ponteland Triathlon

The first race I set my sights on was Ponteland Triathlon. A small town, approximately 8 miles North of Newcastle. It would be a test to see how training was going, as well as more race and transition practice, and experience.

What a miserable day. I had woken early as transition was to be closed at 8am. This meant I had to get there, set up for my race and wait for my wave. Local races are good because they tend to bring new competitors to the sport, with a more light-hearted feel. With the ability to be taken as seriously as you want too.  Whether it is your first race, with the target just to finish. Or to it being a fierce race and wanting to win. Either is great and adds to make an enthralling race.

I had been training all the way up until the race, and with a busy August, had decided against easing off for the few days before the race (called a taper to all the Triathlon folk). The decision was to train right through and treat the race as practice/heavy training session. Even though this was the case, I still had intentions of doing well and in the back of my mind had hoped I could place well.

There was a lot of waiting. Unlike bigger Triathlon’s, the transition was closed. Most national races use a live system, allowing racking of bikes up to a time approximately 20 minutes before the individuals start. I’d given an approximate time for my swim (400m) which was close to the fastest I had done before. I wanted to try and approach each part of the race as though they were individual. I had been seeded in the second to last wave.

Swim

I was called to the start and placed in a lane. Honestly, I didn’t know how this one would go. As the race started, I settled in to a rhythm. Unlike most sprint races consisting of a 750m open water swim, this was only a 400m pool swim. Before I knew it I had completed the swim and was out into the damp North East weather.

Bike

As I got on to the bike leg the heaven’s opened further and the rain became heavier. The rolling bike course and wet conditions meant white lines were the enemy and focus was of utmost importance. It became apparent that I had exited the swim in first place or close to it. There was very little traffic in front and with the wave beforehand starting just two minutes in front, I had competitors to chase down. I rode as strong as possible, and was over taken by two people on TT bikes during the latter half of the course. Luckily I kept them in sight, using the hills and road bike to my advantage and working hard up them.

Run

I knew the run would be a testing course, with a big section being completed on a cross country style track. With the hard training coming into the race, topped off with a tough bike split, I knew if I could run well I would be happy. Running out of transition, I overtook the two who had passed me on the bike. My pre-race plan, to this point, had gone fairly well. I tried to maintain the effort and began catching more from the earlier waves. Coming back into the finishing field, I had a short loop to complete before the race was done. I crossed the line feeling happy. The race was great; well organised; fantastic atmosphere and all held under a great charity. I loved it.

I checked my time, knowing I had crossed the line in the top two or three from my wave. In fact I had crossed in first, and waited to see if my time could be beaten by the following wave.

As the results were being confirmed, I had hoped I’d done enough. Thankfully I had. Finishing 1^st in 56:50.

Ponteland Triathlon 2014 - 1st Place Senior

I was delighted. Huge congratulations to the Organisers, Competitors and the Charity benefitting; the Simon Bates Foundation. What a great cause to be racing in aid off. What a fantastic day.

Ponteland Triathlon 2014 - Overall Winner

 Full results here

North East 5km Championships

The second race I set my sights on was the North East 5km Championships. Coming off the back of a good race at Ponteland just three days before, I didn’t have much chance to recover fully and was aiming to race as best I could.

It was a fantastic evening, very warm. Unfortunately the wind had decided to increase slightly. Even so, it was reasonable conditions with a good field. I didn’t know where to place myself at the start, this was partly due to fatigue from the weekend and furthermore because I didn’t know how I would fare within the field.

Long story short, I put myself near the front. On the second row of a really tight path to be precise. One thing that stood out was no chip timing. Strange for a local championship event. Nonetheless, under starters orders; and away.

The course consisted of a short lap followed by partly retracing steps and onto a final bigger loop. I had gone out comfortably but could feel the stiffness in my legs from the previous race. I sat in, trying not to fade. After completing the smaller loop, with groups established, I managed to stick with another runner and slowly move up through some small groups.

As the final 1km approached I increased my pace. Picked off a few more people and maintained this increase until the end. Watch stopped.

Backtrack 5km. I had a current PB of 16:28. With a target to go sub 16:00 before the year is out. My plan however doesn’t involve many 5km races. If you had told me after racing the Ponteland Triathlon and running this race I would have hit sub 16:15 I would have been elated.

Fast forward 5km. I looked at my watch. 15:59:87. I was over the moon to say the least. Although I knew, without the accuracy of electronic timing, it would probably to rounded up. The next day came; results issued; and to no surprise it had been. 16:01! I was still over the moon, a great jump down from my previous best. 27 seconds in all. Furthermore, I had finished 13^th in the championships. Fantastic.

North East 5km Championships 2014 - 13th Place
(My time was eventually rounded up to 16:01)

Full results here

Once again, thank you for the support. I appreciate this was a long one.

I hope you enjoyed it. If you like it, please do share it with someone you might think will like it.

Thank you,

Until next time.

Sam

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Le Tour de (Yorkshire) France

Not often does Britain get to host a major sporting event. So when it does and an opportunity arises to go and spectate then I feel it is a must.

I was lucky enough to have a place to stay in Sheffield the night before the Tour rolled in. Hopped on a train and within two hours I was eating and preparing for a great race.

Sheffield Train Station - Le Tour

With the bad news of fellow Manxman, Mark Cavendish crashing on the opening stage, it looked bleak for him starting Stage 2. Still didn’t stop me taking the Manx flag.

After waking up early to get to the course in order to find the best spot to watch, the route was already lined with avid fans and spectators. Was this to be one of the best Sporting Events the country had ever hosted? I hoped so.

High Bradfield - Le Tour de France 2014

Walking up the middle of the road the riders would be taking early in the same afternoon, it was apparent that a huge majority had come to support. At 11:30am the roadside was already 2 or 3 deep with fans, waiting. The riders were not expected until 15:30 – 15:45.

As the Caravan approached (a term used for all the advertising vehicles) a huge roar broke up the road. Like an audible Mexican Wave. It was phenomenal. What an atmosphere.

High Bradfield - My Manx Flag & I

It was time. Four helicopters circled in the distance. The riders would have to descend into a small village before climbing out to where we were positioned. The whispers grew louder; “they’re here”, “they’re coming.” Then, in the distance, a swarm of cyclists. They looked like a flock of birds meandering through the roads.

The peloton hid behind the cover of the town, High Bradfield, for what felt like minutes, but within seconds had re-emerged and weren’t holding back. They made it look easy. They approached and the roar of the crowd engulfed the riders. The groups of riders shot by, one after one, Froome, Cancellara, Sagan, Costa and Contador to name a few. With the day coming to an end and the stage being hilly, many separate and much small groups had been formed.

Close - Chris Froome Passes - Stage 2 Tour de France

What an experience. Even the solo rider, bringing up the rear was given as much attention and encourage meant as every other rider. It was fantastic.

Conclusion

I have been lucky enough to witness the Tour in both the France and Yorkshire. The feel from the crowd and atmosphere in general was fantastic. In comparison, the French support is superb too. I believe the difference is in its novelty.

This hit a wider field in the UK, as it was probably a once in a lifetime event, or at least a good few years, more people felt they would like to be a part in its success. Whereas in France, there is a lesser novelty, that many may not feel the need to watch year in year out. Not taking anything away from their support, as they always have roads lined with fans.

There is always that one idiot. Sometimes two. You know the one I mean. That guy who runs up the side of the road with the cyclists and looks daft. Well yeah, we got them in Yorkshire too.


A slightly negative point for the UK, and I hope one day this will have changed. Britain’s infrastructure. It just isn’t good enough. Trains, roads and public transport, in my opinion, crumbled under the pressure of the Tour. Delays. Traffic jams. You name it. Oh and the typical huge increase in fares on public transport, to squeeze as much money out of the supporting public. Trains within Europe are both on time and in general cheaper. As well as being more comfortable.

Overall… What a day. What an experience. This showed the world that the UK, and more importantly Yorkshire can host such big events. It was fantastic to watch and support such a spectacle from a small humble Yorkshire town.

Here is my view of the day:

Thank you as always for reading and the continued support, if you liked it, why not share with someone else.

Sam

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Rother Valley Triathlon... Aiming High!

Another weekend. Another race. Another drive.

This time it wasn’t all that bad, only a two hour drive south to Sheffield. I was apprehensive. Legs felt tired and it was to be a hilly bike course. Furthermore it was over distance; 25.4km. 5.4km more than the usual 20km. Never the less it had to be done.

It was to be a similar standard of field to the previous race at Nottingham. It also carried the prospect of World (2014) & European (2015) Triathlon Championship qualification to the top 3 in each age category.

Arriving at Rother Valley Country Park early; set up and ran through the usual pre-race checks. The time seemed to fly, suddenly I was in the water and the klaxon sounded.

Rother Valley 2014 - Pre-Race

After a reasonable start (for me) I managed to set into a rhythm. There was lots of thrashing arms, an abundance of weeds and an abnormally large amount of ducks about. The swim felt long.

Coming out of the swim into transition was sore, there were stones; everywhere. Not ideal.

On to the bike, with a short technical section out onto the park exit road, and then onto the main road itself to begin the bike course properly. It was hilly. It is usually hard to gauge where you are in terms of position, and this was no exception. I found myself near a few other riders of similar ability, all outside the drafting zones and complying with the draft-illegal race rules (Thankfully. I hate drafters/drafting). Except one swimmer who tried to hold on, and he was soon found wanting and dropped off the pace.

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For the non-triathlon folk, drafting is defined as: “An athlete who approaches from any position to take advantage of the draft” (ITU Rule 5.5 & BTF Rule 27.2). This includes another competitor or motor vehicle.

British Triathlon Federation (BTF) - British Governing Body (Local races such as Rother Valley)

Imagine a box, 3 meters wide and 7 meters long, around the cyclist in front. You may only enter to overtake. Confused? You may be. Oh and you are only allowed to be within this zone for 15 seconds, otherwise you may be penalised for drafting.

International Triathlon Union (ITU) - World Governing Body (World Championships)

Similar to the BTF but this time, a box 3 meters wide and 7 meters long, around the cyclist in front. With 20 seconds to pass.

In layman’s terms:

ITU Visual description of Drafting

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After a tough bike I found myself exiting T2 (Bike to Run Transition) with a small group. I knew there were a few ahead of me as they overtook me towards the latter stages of the bike. I took the first kilometre reasonably quick to establish a rhythm. I soon found myself ahead of the group I left T2 with and closing down on the other two in front. I drew alongside both and passed them in turn. At this point I was going ok, I didn’t know where I was in terms of position. Although I knew I wasn’t in first as there was no lead bike (cycles in front of the first runner to show them the route), I thought I was near the front of the race.

Rother Valley 2014 - Leaving T2

I managed to increase my speed to finish strongly, and as I crossed the line I heard the announcer say second place. Fantastic.

Rother Valley 2014 - Run

I had finished second in my age group (20-24); 8^th Overall; Fastest run split (16:07). Elated. It felt good to be on the ‘podium’.

Full Results

This result meant I had gained automatic qualification to the World Triathlon Championships in Canada this summer as well as European Triathlon Championships in Geneva, Switzerland in 2015. A great way to end a hard race.

Rother Valley 2014 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd (20 - 24 Age Group)

A few decisions to make on where will be my next race.

Thanks for reading and your continued support, I hope you enjoyed it. Why not share it? Maybe someone else may enjoy it as much.

Thank you

Sam

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Twitter - samnbrand
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All Work & No Play

Firstly, Welcome back.

I get asked what I do to relax. Most people see me either working or training. When do you stop? Are you having a night off? The answer to both of them is subjective and most likely, in my case, probably not very often. The definition of either can mean something totally opposite depending on the person you are asking. What defines a night off or a stop? I love what I do, it’s a routine. I still love to have a few beers and enjoy what most others do too; like food, TV and socialising.

Cap de Formentor, Majorca - 2014

At the start of June I spent a week holidaying in Majorca. Chilling out, enjoying the sunshine, with great food and a few beers. Oh and hired a bike. You can’t blame me really. Fantastic roads, scenery and weather, meant it was fantastic to be out and about. This was by no means a training holiday though. The week was used as relaxation. A week which fell straight after an important race and two weeks before the next. To me, this was a perfect time to go. The activity kept me ticking over but nothing too strenuous to tire me out. I rode for the enjoyment of cycling. It was nice to be on the bike for the love of it and not because I was racing. There is a difference; trust me.

Long story short, I trained; lightly. I relaxed; fully. I ate; a lot (what’s new?)

Whilst away, I took a few videos and photographs to show how I like to relax. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I did in real life.

Thank you for reading and in this case watching. I hope you enjoyed it. Something different. Next up, an important race at Rother Valley Triathlon.

See you soon,

Sam

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“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin

It’s true, preparation is key. Whether it be work; racing; an exam; there is no difference. Making sure that all the hard and essential work has been done is the difference between a fantastic race and a mediocre one. This however doesn’t mean a spontaneous race is not achievable.

Druridge Bay 10km

When I found out that two of the TriPack were racing in the Commonwealth Games Triathlon Test event in Scotland I mentioned the day before that they could pitch up at my place after. Racing wasn’t on my mind. Why would it be? They’d just raced. On their journey up they had asked me to find a race for the next day. Were they joking? No. Did I find a race? Yes. Druridge Bay 10km Run .That was that.

A 30 mile cycle there; a twisty 10km race (including a mile on sand); then a 30 mile cycle home. Safe to say it was going to be tough. I had hoped that they would decide to drive. No such luck. After setting off and getting mixed up, the only choice left was to cycle down the main A-road. Fast! We arrived about 20 minutes before the start. We signed up and meandered to the start. What was the course? What time was I going to do? Did I have the legs? How would I run?

Unknown Photographer - Druridge Bay 10km 2014 (Bib no.383)

It started fast. I had recognised one runner in particular and knew it would be hard to stay with him, let alone beat him. After the first mile, I had settled into third, ahead of him. There was a decent gap already to the front two and a sizeable one to fourth. I thought it may end up being a solo race for me, although I always feel people are catching me. I started to pull back the runner holding second place. After heading on to the sand for what felt like an eternity, we were level. After the leg sapping sand, approximately a mile to go I had decided I needed to put some distance between the two of us. Which I did. I had finished in a time of 34:34 which was just two seconds outside my PB, on a very tough course. I was chuffed to bits. On the other hand I was dreading the journey back on my bike.

The race was fantastic. Very friendly and enjoyable.

Results

Nottingham Sprint Triathlon 2014

This was a race I had competed in, in 2013. Last year it was the British Sprint Triathlon Championships. Personally, I like to race the same races, it allows me to see improvements (if any) as every race is different.

This year I am on placement, so haven’t enjoyed as much free time as last year. It hasn’t been easy mixing training, studying and working, but I have and still am enjoying it none the less.

Prior to travelling to Nottingham a series of unfortunate and ill-timed events led to being delayed for the journey down from Newcastle. I won’t bore you, but it involved two bikes on a bike rack which proceeded to break and throw both bikes off the back. An event I managed to witness entirely through the rear view mirror. Stressed wasn’t the word.

After arriving very late in Nottingham and fixing the bikes up as much as possible, I needed sleep. It was an early start. In the morning I had racked my bike without knowing whether there was any damage I couldn’t see, that might force me out of the race. All was well, apart from my rear brake, which I managed to adjust whilst still riding. Just.

The race started well, I swam better than before, although I was slightly disappointed still. I cycled well, apart from the minor adjustment I had to make to my rear brake. I struggled in parts due to not finding a rhythm, (people talk a lot about finding a rhythm. Is there such a thing? I believe so, but never mind). Having come of the bike behind a fairly big group, that had bunched together in the melee of T2 (Transition between bike and run for the non-Triathlon folk), I knew I had a lot of work to do. I settled in and ran as fast and steady as I could. I managed to gain some ground early on, and was able to take a few places. Through the second half of the run I tried to maintain the effort and continued to work my way through. I had run well.

 

Nottingham Triathlon 2014 - Post Race

  

Prior to the race I had the goal of finishing in a quicker time than the previous year, over the same course. Coming to the end I could see that the clock was still under the hour. This was something I had wanted to achieve, but didn’t think that could be today. Finished. The race was over.

I had completed the course in 59:39. My first sub an hour race. 3 minutes and 21 seconds faster over the same course than 2013. I was elated. The standard was an awful lot higher this year. I had gone from 116^th overall, 9^th in my age group (2013) to 25^th overall (2014) and 12^th in my age group. This just shows how much the standard has been raised. It’s great to see.

2013 & 2014 Nottingham Triathlon Results

Results

  

A lot of thanks have to go to the fantastic support network I have, family and friends. This includes coaches and training groups. They always have a lot of time, support and advice to give. 

Once again, if you got to this point, thank you. Thanks to those who read and shared the last post. I really do appreciate it. Sorry for the delay on this post, I was lucky enough to have a week break In Majorca. The next post will be slightly different (I hope) and something I am confident you may enjoy.

Thanks again, if you enjoyed it and think someone else might, then why not hit share.

See you soon.

Sam

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Twitter: @samnbrand
Instagram: @samuelnealbrand

The Year So Far

I know right. Another blog entry. Already.

The year started off as the season before: in a huge blur. Time seems to merge. Days suddenly become weeks; then months. Its mid-May and Christmas feels like yesterday. Know what I mean? I’m guessing I’m not the only one?

Well after the comedown of Worlds in September, a week or so recovering (consisting of eating, sleeping and a little less training) I had to get back into the swing of things. Winter traditionally is where triathletes, “get the miles in”. Off season doesn’t seem to be anything at all. When you factor in Cross Country season it is even shorter.

World Triathlon Championships 2013

I raced well through the cross season, with a small lapse in the middle. At the end, with a chance to take a look back, I had finished with a 33^rd place at North Eastern Championships including a Team Silver; 149^th at the Northern Cross Country Championships and, 268^th at the National Cross Country Championships. I was happy.

National Cross Country Championships 2014

Heaton Memorial 10KM

One of my goals for the season was to record a sub 35 minute 10km. I had entered a road race, late in the year (November 2013) and had decided that this could be a good benchmark, in order to tackle my goal in the middle of 2014. I went into the race blind. I didn’t know the standard of field, and had a fairly reduced, and what I thought to be, reasonable target of running somewhere around 37/39 minutes. Oh and I had never run a 10km before.  A good tester though, I thought. Ok, so for want of a better phrase. I nailed it. It was as close to a perfect race as I’ve had. 34 Minutes and 32 Seconds. I’d finished 9^th. 

Heaton Harriers Memorial 10KM - November 2013

It’s Hotting Up

With the triathlon season approaching and the cross country season over, the first race was BUCS Biathlon. I won’t bore you. It wasn’t my event. It never will be. A 1500m Track Race followed by a 200m Swim, with a break in between. I ran ok but my swim was disappointing, which left me finishing somewhere in the middle. A near 600 mile round trip too. Never mind, onwards and upwards. Work to be done.

BUCS Biathlon 2014

British Elite Duathlon Championships

Elite racing; one terrifying concept. The prospect of racing against the top triathlete and duathletes in the country was a fantastic opportunity. One that I eagerly accepted. The downside was that I wasn’t sure whether or not I would be fired out of the back on the first run. Fortunately this wasn’t the case. With the first opportunity to race alongside some of the TriPack, I managed to hold my own on the first run and after a few minutes on the bike, I settled into a rhythm.

Elite racing is a different style compared to other, non-drafting races. A draft legal bike meant that you can sit as close behind someone on the bike as possible, in order to conserve energy. After managing to stay with a group on the bike, I found myself in a small pack on the second run. The race tempo increased, and after a fast 2.5km, I had enough to finish at the front of the group. It was a great experience, one that I would love to do again. To top it off I had finished in the top 30; 29^th to be exact.

British Elite Duathlon Championships 2014 - The TriPack (Pre-Race)

British Elite Duathlon Championships 2014 - The TriPack (Post Race)

 

BUCS 25 TT

In honesty, this scared me. The cost and beauty of most of the bikes on show was phenomenal. I felt a bit humble on my roady, but she’s fantastic.  I’d raced a few 10 mile time trials before, but never a 25. Going into the race I knew what was a good time to achieve. On the other hand, I knew what was a not so good one.

The event was once again in Oxford. Shock. This meant another day of travelling and racing. Another 600 mile round trip. Prior to this race, I hadn’t really done much on the road. Cold and wet weather had meant that most of the winter I spent confined to training indoors on the turbo trainer.

BUCS 25 Mile Time Trial - 2014

In hindsight, I was a bit unprepared. Sorting my bike and getting to the start line had taken most of my time, so when started had released me I didn’t know what I was aiming for. The advice I was given by numerous people was “It’s not a 10, so you can’t just smash it” and “stay switched on, keep it steady”. This helped. Did I listen? Perhaps not so much but I tried too. I hadn’t done a 10 in a year or two so I went out hard, but something that wasn’t “in the red” as they say.

If you had asked me prior to the race what would be your ideal time, I’d have said one hour. I knew this wasn’t realistic. What would in I be happy with after travelling 600 miles? I’d have settled for sub 1:06:00/1:07:00. Anything slower than a 1:10:00 I would have been disappointed, but would have taken it as experience. Approaching the turn, just over half way, I was well up on my target. I continued to push. With three miles to go, I was still well under the one hour mark. I continued to push and work hard, finishing in a 1:01:15. I was stunned, elated and shattered. The journey back home was a lot better thanks to this.

BUCS Sprint

This was the season opener. The first test. How would I fair? I was aiming for a top 50 finish. With the improvement I had made from my 1^st year to 2^nd year (mentioned in my first blog “So here we go”) I hoped I could sneak inside the top 50. I’ll leave the location to your imagination, but let’s say it was about a 600 mile round trip. You got it?

St Mary's School, Calne - BUCS Sprint Triathlon 2014

Another fantastic day, with an unusually late start for a triathlon. I’m not complaining though. Having accidentally been entered into a much faster swim wave than I should have been. I found myself well behind after the swim. I was lapped more times than I care to remember.  After a reasonably good bike, I felt strong onto the run. I finished overall in 38^th position, with the 12^th fastest run split. Delighted with the result, forwards to the next race.

BUCS Sprint Triathlon 2014 - T2

If you got this far, thank you for reading. I really do appreciate it. If you enjoyed it, why not share it with someone? Again, I tried to keep it brief. Now I have my 2014 so far summary done, I will be able to update more regularly and therefore shorter. If you have any comments or feedback, I would love to hear them. You can use the form on the right.

Thank you!!

Sam