A Big Weekend

There was a full complement of racing on this weekend so I thought I'd post some race reports rather than concoct something totally new and original (I'm lazy like that).
Before I start all that however there's just enough time for me to remind you about the GOLDCOAST BEACH AQUATHLON next weekend. Click on the link to find out more. A race with a Festival thrown in as part of the shwag bag, what more could you ask?
Back to the race reports then and the big one of course was IMUK 70.3 where in his first full year of triathlon Damian Railston was taking on the distance in memory of his son Nathaniel (Please click here to find out more about his story). Racing alongside Damian were Alan Ward, Tony Read and many other friends of the club. Also out there making a HUGE amount of noise were the NDTC support crew, so apologies to any athletes returning from the race with damaged ear drums :-).

DAMIAN'S WIMBLEBALL REPORT
First of all... Thank you to everyone who supported and sponsored me! You got me through the run... without that motivation lap one might have been the only one I did!!

So the day... Misty on the lake so the start was delayed about an hour and a half?? I wandered out to the lake when called, following Toasty to the left hand side of the field. He was in the water and away like a fish and I got battered!! The swim was the proper distance and I was out the water in about 31 mins on my watch. The run to transition was a 'mare! Out on bike feeling good. Stuck to my feed strategy all the way round and it worked. Got overtaken by gizillions of people - stuck to my strategy and beat my beat time by 10 mins. Think I took the wrong bike - but hey ho - no flats or mechanicals. All good. Happily wound my way back to transition and changed for the run.
So with injury and wot not I've not done enough training for the run... and it showed. The first lap hurt badly... The second was better... and I felt ok on the third. A nightmare split but I did it.

I was running down 7 hours and it flicked by on my watch. I was a bit gutted but kept pushing for the end. Turned the corner to the finish line and saw I was going to be under my target of 7 hours. I remembered that I started my watch a few mins before the start and locked the keys... lapping it when the gun went off.
Doh 6:58:24 I'm a (sort of) Ironman!! Again... thanks to all who shouted for me today... It made such a difference.
Green Army!!

COACH TOASTY'S (ALAN WARD) REPORT
Well as Damo said a very delayed start which led to a second breakfast of a slowly munched Powerbar and some Gatorade provided by organisers.
Got in swim and started far left front row, staightest line is quickest and figured I would only get kicked on one side. I swam straight for the first buoy and everybody else went off to right to have a fight, lovely jubbly. Got to first buoy feeling a little groggy in tummy and then around and into sun. Some feet came past as we reached halfway to final turn so jumped on and stayed there til last 100m, palms against feet most of way, bit more comfortable and eased stomach. Probably should have gone round but figured there was plenty of time to make up a minute or two.
Run up to T1 buggar! Steady T1.

Very relaxed on first lap able to talk comfortably going over the big climbs, maybe too relaxed. Support from Team towards end of lap was excellent much appreciated! Passed here feeling good. Finished lap 1 in 1.35 so time to up pace a little for second lap, decided to race a little here and pick some riders to stick with. No talking up big climbs this time. But still felt good coming past support crew to finish Bike. 3.05 Bike measured it at 57.75 miles.
Took my time to dry my feet off in T2.

Out onto run and feeling very good for first 20mins then on long out and back at North end of Lake started to feel rotten and took me 15mins to sort it out, walked for a footstep on steep hill at start of Lap 2 felt horrible, no more of that! Hard to pace not knowing course exactly, is difficult to work out the whole thing before the day! Jan and Dick were awesome down by Dam made me smile every lap.
Lap 1 in 33min even with rubbish bit shows how good I DID feel. Lap 2 went quite well in 39min, ankle starting to feel sorer and sorer. Start of Lap 3 felt ok still, gravel section was felt like even deeper sand on this lap but go through it with some very short strides. Out and back at North end of Lake got me again though, longest section without aid station and the heat started to get to me and before I know it I am walking up last hill like a drunkard, eyeballs rolling in my head stuff. Mince / Jog up to line though for 5.44:52 Lap 3 46min ish 2.02 for run happy with that considering problems I have had this winter.
Put simply I need to be a stronger runner. But overall very happy to finish and pretty much pull off the plan, especially on the Bike.
Well done to Damo a well executed race I think! Tony Read as well who was very nervous beforehand especially with delay. Ross McDonald had a cracker as well finishing 10th overall, in first Pro and Half Ironman Race, I think it was with 4.45ish. Only beaten by one Age Grouper..... Kit Stokes.
Supporters Legendary couldn't have done as well without you,
ThankYou.

Away from Wimbleball there were Triathlons at St Ives and Burnham-on-Sea this weekend. A Burnham report will appear on my blog soon so I won't use up club space with it. Sue White's report from the St Ives Sprint Triathlon is below.

St Ives Sprint Tri.
Carbis bay looked like the carribean at 7 am, sun shining, warm, golden sand and turquoise sea, and barely a ripple on the water.
It was very chilled out race, only 45 in sprint and 45 in standard. I was on my own which was a bit strange, but soon saw a familiar face in Helen Dyke, who introduced me to her new fella, Tim McDowell, they went on to win 1st male and 1st female in the standard distance race. Helen looked really happy with him, and he is a good-looking fit young man who is into sport as much as her, good luck to them!
Anyway 8am we set off, an hour after the standard race started. The water felt very cold but soon felt warm with the effort and was pulling strongly and siting well, came out fairly high up, with two other gels. had a bit of trouble undoing my neck as hands a little numb, but reasonalble t1.
Then straight out and up the very steep hill.. thank god for granny rings, didn't find it too bad. 22.5 km bike with hills and poor surface meant a slow bike split and as i didn't have jan there to race against (or Fi!) I pootled along, much too comfortably. But my legs were still sore after thurs TT and friday 6km run at woolie. stayed relaxed as came into t2,
Walked up the footpath steps at start of run and then gradually wound it up. picked off 3-4 runners on way round and then back to the beach where we had to run the length of it 1 and half times on soft sand. Pleased to see Steve who had foregone climbing to come and support me and he ran alongside me ( very comfortably) as i picked off two more women in the last 200 metres.
So slow time, but so was everyones, sw 16.29, bike 1.06, run 29.51, plus trans =1.54.59.
4th woman, 1st vet woman but very small race!!

Congrats to everyone.

Click here to see NDTC's vast gallery of race day photo's. Who know's you might be one one or two of them.

A contrasting two weeks........

I guess if you take part in Triathlon in the UK you have to learn to deal with a variety of weather conditions and this was clearly exemplified by the last two weeks of racing. Tiverton, sunshine cracking the pavements.........Wellington downpours and blowing a gale, so undoubtedly this just adds to the challenge! So start at the beginning.....Tiverton was for many the first race of the season ( not discounting the toughest event, the In-club version) and this saw a cracking turn of 30+ NDTri members and lots of family and friends to support. The event had a sizable novice entry so over the six hours of racing many a NDTri suit (and others) could be seen swimming, cycling or running. We also got to to admire the newest female junior NDtri member, Roxy :), sensibly she seemed to sleep through most of. Results showed congratulations needed to go to Helen, Rose and Fi for dominating the FV40 category , Maria 2nd in FS , Simon E for 1st in MV50 and Dick 4th , Peggy 1st in FV60 and of course to all the chaps who came 7/8/9/10 in the MS led by Toasty.

As for me, a mixed day, chip came off in the pool so a la childhood swimming lessons had to duck dive to retrieve and put back on again in transition, bike enjoyable, run less so but happy to get through no.1 in one piece in not too bad a time and have fun whilst doing it.

And so onto Taunton. I tried to have a sensible training/taper week as per Toasty's top tips not having tried the challenge of two races a week apart before and felt ok. Start time for me was 11.10 so quite a leisurely start to the day and enough to get the porridge down. Arrived in decent time, with darkening sky's and got kit ready and talked to Liz convincing her it was a great idea to do Tri. Ventured into pool and the chip stayed on hooray........swim fine, a bit of a mare getting swim hat off, and outside..............into a huge downpour. Bike and kit was very soggy but got going and sadly quite enjoyed it....looking forward to doing the cycle in dry! I guess I enjoyed it more as it was more similar to cycling at home and had quite a good tussle with another lady from my wave, I dropped her just before the turn round........I even over-took other people, shock horror! Back ok and safely, couldn't see for rain, clinging on in the wind but got feet out of shoes ok as per plan but did miss racking first time so that took a few seconds longer than I'd hoped. Key problem with the run..............numb feet, took the first lap before I could feel them again and was glad to have that bit over. I didn't find t too cold in the rain but I could see why people chose to put rain kit on for bike & run, however photos would seem to confirm some people may have had dry weather.......how unfair.

Onto results then......Helen won FV40, Suz W FV50, Jan third FV50, Coach Toasty 4th MS and & 7th overall, Tim 7th MS and 12th overall, Milzey 13th MS and 22nd overall and lots of other good placings. Results over the last wto weeks would seem to suggest NDtri ladies section rocks!!!

Special mentions should go to various people, Liz for completing her first ever tri and sticking with it on a day that it would have been easy to pull out, Sally for NOT getting a puncture, Claire competing her 2nd Tri, Gary S going really well again in his 2nd tri and Maria and Andy for not competing but cycling from South Molton to Wellington in hideous weather to support. I hope you enjoyed that hot chocolate, much deserved before the trek back!

As ever thanks to the supporters who braved the weather and the usual top photography from the Milzey's, evidence on Flickr I would imagine. Both were really enjoyable races, very different experiences but I'll have both on my list to do again next year. Time to get the wetsuit on now for some sea swimming, bude up next for me on June 20th, I'm looking forward to that but slightly less rain and wind would be helpful!

Let the Games Begin!

Today I once again found myself not short of a few words on the forum... oops!

Hopefully some useful stuff in there!

A sort of end has come to the winter swim sessions as priorities change. These sessions have built on last year with additional lanes new members and new coaches. Running sessions with Tim have really helped to build on the swim sessions and expand the club in a new direction, this week with an additional Transition Tips Twist! (Try saying that 5 times fast)

So I think it is safe to say winter is definetly dead Race Season is here! Yes at last swords can be drawn and blood can be spilt in the name of Victory! Ok so maybe not the swords but knife like racing machines and not so much of the blood but litres of Sweat!

But when it comes to the Victory part...

NorthDevonTri has grown beyond recognition in the past 18months or so and although for many the personal satisfaction and enjoyment of getting of that sofa is a VERY enjoyable experience. They and the competitive folk have the chance to take home the trophies this year. A few members out there are concerned and worried as they dip there toes into their first or even second season. I'm not concerned for any members (with the possible exception of Iain and Dick), training has been done and a team spirit has emerged as well with socials and group training popping up everywhere. Many of these last minute nerves are unneccessary. I think there will be some impressive performances from all members this year, nerves are part of this grasp the adrenaline and run with it. This is what we have trained, planned and spent to enjoy. Time to go have some fun!

Sunday 19th April dawned bright and sunny (and following a brief diversion in Ilfracombe town centre!) the chosen gathered at the swimming pool for a test of fitness, strength and in some cases ego but for all a sense of fun. The Ndevon Tri In-club tri boasts a really tough cycle followed by a hellish run.........I'm not speaking from expereince but from the comments of those who have taken part previously and those about to do so. As ever there was a really good mixture of the expereinced and the not quite so but all looked forward to getting out there, and probably, looked forward more to the food and social afterwards. As for me, following my dodgy hip I've been trying to keep things sensible and given the difficulty of the course decided that given I have an aquathlon coming up plus two tri's in May then discretion was the better part of valour and offered to take part in a tri-rely with me doing the swim, Stu on the bike and top runner Helen finishing off our crack team.

The swim was organised into two waves and numbers meant that people could have some resonable space in the lanes, me and Havoc ploughed our furrows and I was much relieved to see the board indicating two to go. I felt able to push the swim along given I didn't have to worry about cycling and running so handed over to Stu in what I hoped as a decent time. Off he trotted to get on his bike........I trotted in for a nice shower and prepared to do the bike timings.

I haven't watched close up many triathlons as normally taking part but I certainly learnt alot from watching those trying to get on their bikes...........the key seems to be able to clip into your peddles easily and probably more importantly be in the right gear..........there were a few wobbles as people didn't quite manage one or both but as ever plenty of support from family and friends.

Some rather anguished looks on the way back in confirmed the bike had been tough and then off they went for the run........Helen was worrying about when Stu would get back and kept disappearing to the loo and trying to get her sat nav to work.........technology great... when it works!

Anyhow all went out and all came back safely. Rod was first back from the run but it was discovered Tim's cunning signage hadn't quite worked as he'd come back the wrong way but fair dues to the guy off he went again and finished it all off........top effort. Runners kept coming back in and I was impessed by Dave L ploughing up the hill with Pam shouting "sprint".......that's what we like total committment from all the team :)

Helen came bouncing back in - she reckoned she'd got lost a bit and Coach T hadn't told her the right way..........intentionally I wonder?? Watching Helen and Rosie run is amazing I just don't know how they do it but they don't half shift in the bouncy front foot styleeeee.

Top honours this year went to Tim so congratulations to him and all round to those who took part, it was real achivement to get through it....... it clearly wasn't easy.

Sarah, as ever, has provided some top photography on the flickr site so have a look there at some anguished and some smiley faces.

As for me..........happy with the swim, it did feel a bit weird not to rush out and get on a bike........will I do it next year?.........I'm tempted but not going to put it in writing here........Iain will hold me to it. Never say never...................

The sun continued to shine and everybody went off for a post event social..........I had to get back home for other things but feeling guilty did squeeze in a run in the afternoon.

I enjoyed helping out with the timings and things....we had a real laugh and thanks to all the families and friends for their support throughout......... a great day out. I'm really looking forward now to my next events......... :)

March Update.

The NDTC Goldcoast Beach Aquathlon is coming. 20th June 2009. Just £15 for the 1000m/7.5k swim/run event, the price includes entry into the GoldCoast Festival. Value for money beyond compare.

Although the Tri season hasn't kicked off just yet March saw the clubs first multisport victory as Helen took 1st place at the Exmouth Aquathlon. With Rosemary and Fiona finishing 3rd and 5th in the same race it's looking like a very promising 2009 for the girls. After a few quiet years the ladies side of the club booming at present the clubs male top performers are no longer going to have to work very hard to keep the headlines and top billing when the race reports are coming out this year.


Chris is always good for a challenge though and his fine 2nd place overall at the Devon Duathlon showed that the oldies (he won 1st Vet too) aren't willing to give up and let the girls get all of the headlines.

April gives club members the first chance for Triathlon glory and ego massage with the annual NDTC In-Club Tri. The very casual and unofficial event which gives members that all important chance to practise their transitions, try out that new bike position and of course compare yourself against their clubmates. That alongside more swim/run events will hopefully have more 'Team Green' members collecting silverware.

Training

Coach Toasty's sunday swim sessions are still going from strength to strength at Barnstaple Baths 9:00-10:00am (£3 members, £4 non members), followed by Tim's track sessions at Braunton Track from 10:30am.

People attending Track Sessions from now MUST buy a 12 month track permit . Unfortunately this is something that is out of our control and is a rule set by the North Devon Track Committee. If you're looking for some speed though they're well worth the money.

The NDTC Goldcoast Beach Aquathlon is coming. 20th June 2009. Just £15 for the 1000m/7.5k swim/run event, the price includes entry into the GoldCoast Festival. Value for money beyond compare.

So there I was after my last post all giddy and excited having gone quite well and contemplating entering another aquathlon.... when injury struck..........really sore hip after running training,the only realistic action was to rest and stay away from running for a while. However, the good thing about multi-sport is that often you can do other things even if one activity is on hold, so handily for me my focus has changed to trying some more cycling and this coincided with some rather nice cycling spring weather. Funny how some sunshine suddenly makes things seems a whole lot better. Because NDTri is such a mixed bag of the expert Ironman types down to utter beginners you can always find someone of a level to train with so over the last couple of weeks a small group of the "no so confident" bike set have done a couple of rides together on the Tarka Trail which is traffic free, but does involve some ability to dodge round walkers, dog and other cyclists! We started off small with just under 12 miles and then this week went for around 28miles, but at a steady pace and including a nice stop for tea and a scone. So on to something a little more challenging I think next. This has been really useful in building up bike confidence and skills.

My hip has stood up well to some surfing, swimming and cycling after after 10days rest I tried a short 5k run, felt ok, plenty of before and after stretching so I'm hopeful I can be back on it again, planning a 10k run today........... :)

On the club front things are picking up a pace with peole getting covered in mud at the Grizzly and Soggybottom, running distances at the Rome and Bath Half marathons, cycling "Round the houses" and more aquathlon with a good showing at Exmouth - Helen carrying on where she left off last year by winning :)

So we launch now into the busy season and I'm hoping to improve the quality and quantity of training, hip permitting, the lighter mornings and evenings are really taking hold now so lovely to get out and about bring it on....................................... :)

Butlins Fall Out

After many weeks of quality training it's all gone to pieces after a 4 day trip to Butlins.

Just been for a four mile run and my legs are dead. Four days of Billy Bear, The Skyline Gang and Pingu have left me as inactive as 99 percent of the other visitors to Butlins, Minehead. And we were contemplating buying a sited caravan. Could be useful for running traing camps over Exmoor possibly though.

Anyway i'm sure i'll be back to IM training bodyshape within a few days.