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?
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| 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.
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 116th
overall, 9th in my age group (2013) to 25th overall
(2014) and 12th in my age group. This just shows how much the
standard has been raised. It’s great to see.
 |
| 2013 & 2014 Nottingham Triathlon 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.
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