Less than a week after Ironman France I find myself contemplating entering this years Ironman UK, which is four weeks away. The reason is less than happy performance at France. I’m still brooding over a race that didn’t go to plan.
We arrived in Nice on Thursday afternoon, after a 6 hour delay curtsey of a French Air Traffic control strike. But we and bikes arrived safely, if not a bit stiff and very hungry. We were ‘holidaying’ with family, so were picked up and whisked off to our apartment in the old town. I had done a great job of picking a place to stay, a beautiful 4 bedroom apartment with frescoed ceilings about a 5 minute walk from the race start. The days leading up to the race went without problems, a little bit of swimming, cycling and running and a lot of resting and eating. My dad came out to join our support crew and watch his first Ironman (maybe try to understand why his sensible daughter! spends all her money and time doing triathlon, rather than saving for a house – boring) on the Saturday.
Race morning was a little hectic, due to a 30 minute wait for the porta loo! At the girls end of the transition area. This made for frantic wetsuit putting on before heading to the swim start, only to join a huge line of others doing the same. Simon and I eventually got on to the beach with a couple of minutes to spare. The swim was absolutely brutal. I was hoping that with all my early swims I would be able to produce an Ironman Swim PB. But by the 500m mark I had been properly dunked about 4 times, and had lost my goggles twice already. I had a moment of proper panic but realising there was no way out of the mass I buried my head got out my elbows and started fighting back. It was only when out on the second loop that I started to feel that I had some space to swim in and could allow my breathing and stroke to settle. I was frustrated when I exited the swim at 1:08 and made the long run through transition to my bike. The bike route was fantastic. A 20km flat section to get into a groove and get some fluids in before the climbing started. There was plenty of drafting going on at the section, with 20 – 30 riders coming past at a time, with male riders I had over taken a couple of minutes back, coming back past. This combined with my anger at the swim lead to a long list of obsanities being shouted at a pack coming past and some drink bottle waving! Only to hear laughing from behind to see an Ironman Camera Crew behind me. There might have to be a lot of bleeping if this makes the video.
I enjoyed the climbing and tried to reduce by breaking on the down hills as much as possible. I concentrated on drinking and keeping cool, whilst enjoying the experience. When Simon hadn’t come past me at the halfway point on the bike I started to worry, knowing something wasn’t right with him. At this point I thought it would be stomach issues, as he has a history of this, But later found out he was having asthma type symptoms. I finally saw Simon and the short out and back section, as was a little relieved, it also made me do my best descending – aka minimal braking, so he didn’t catch me. After a long decent I hit the flat section and a pack of drafters – holding back the swearing this time.
My legs were feeing fresh when I dismounted the bike and headed onto the run. The run started great, I had a hot spot on my foot on the bike, but by 5km this had reduced and I settled into a comfortable pace. By the 3rd loop, I started to feel very hot and was craving water to drink and throw over me long before I got the aid stations and saw starting to feel like my race was starting to fall apart. I should have taken this as a sign to taken on more nutrition and salts, a lesson to taken into the next race! By the 4th Lap, I was feeling very hot and my stomach was cramping, I was struggling to take in coke. The last 5km were really difficult, requiring a porta loo stop due to an upset stomach. I’m sure that venturing into the porta loo was the trigger to make me vomit – the smell was revolting. I finally got to the finish line, having lost 7 minutes in the last 5km. The worst past was still to come, being overtaken in the last 200m by 2 girls in my age group, moving from 3rd to 5th. I had no response to their finishing sprints. I finished in 11:18. All I could do post race was lay down, anytime I stood up I felt dizzy and sick. After about an hour I decided I needed to go to the medical tent. Whereby my pale face, resulted in me being immediately guided onto a stretcher. My blood pressure was taken 68/42, over the next couple of hours I slept, wrapped in a foil blanket, whilst 3 units of fluid and some extra salts made their way into my blood steam. I need to rethink my fuelling for the next race and make sure I’m taking on enough electrolytes. I had mainly decided to use the course drink – Infinite as had tried and got on with during training. Something I will not do again since the bottles given out, were of varying strength and fullness. I’ll be going back to mainly gels and carrying concentrated energy drink again.
So a week after the race, I have found myself studying the Ironman UK website and looking for reasonably price and located accommodation. I’ve promised myself I’ll make the decision, if to do it our not by the morning!
Update: I’ve entered Ironman UK
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Who's hiding my legs!
I must have forgot to put on my riding legs when i put on my bike shorts and shoes this morning. Today's ride felt like hard work from the start - hilly and windy!
Legs reappeared for my hour run off the bike - hope they stay around for tomorrows run -the last 2 hour one :-)
Sarah x
Legs reappeared for my hour run off the bike - hope they stay around for tomorrows run -the last 2 hour one :-)
Sarah x
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Not long to go!
It’s taken me a couple of weeks to get around to sitting down and writing this latest update. As usual my good intentions have failed. My last entry following the Marshman Plus seems like months ago. If you have read by Marshman Plus race report you will know that I took a bit of a tumble at mile 2 of the run. My trip over my over feet! gave me bloody and dirty grazes to both hands and feet and got me signed off clinical work all work. It also had me sporty ridiculous bandages on both hands and taking lots of banter. 
On a plus side it got me out of washing up!! Training wise it was a week of no swimming and biking (as this kept taking the tops of my heeling wounds). Certainly glad I eased back on the run during the race – so at least had run legs to be able to do some training.
The weeks in between had been putting the icing on the cake in terms of Ironman Nice build – Long brick sessions and the last long runs. Last Sunday’s 2 ½ hour run was a tough one. Coach wanted me to do it off road and flat. Anyone that knows Eastbourne would know that this would be a struggle – as the south downs are not flat! So I asked Sarah for a suggestion. As soon as I sent the email I regretted it, knowing that she would reply with a tedious multi lap route. The reply was 1 mile loops around a local rugby field, a training session she had done in preparation for Nice in her racing days! I started out early as my parents were down for the weekend and wanted to spend time with them, not just training. By 9:30am I was done, I had done just under 19 laps of the park. I surprised myself with my pacing and mental focus. My reward a great big gourmet burger and chips at a great pub! Training been consistent during the week, still struggling occasionally with feeling tired with training, commuting, working, commuting and training every day. I know lots of people do this all the time, but it’s new to me. Just glad it’s summer and days are long. Not looking forward to the winter.
Today has been my last big brick session – a hilly 4hour hard bike followed by a 2 hour run, which went really well. My preparation may not have gone over the start of the year with calf strain niggling away March to April, preventing me from running, but everything has seemed to come together. I’ve got a couple of key sessions left now before tapering.
On a plus side it got me out of washing up!! Training wise it was a week of no swimming and biking (as this kept taking the tops of my heeling wounds). Certainly glad I eased back on the run during the race – so at least had run legs to be able to do some training.The weeks in between had been putting the icing on the cake in terms of Ironman Nice build – Long brick sessions and the last long runs. Last Sunday’s 2 ½ hour run was a tough one. Coach wanted me to do it off road and flat. Anyone that knows Eastbourne would know that this would be a struggle – as the south downs are not flat! So I asked Sarah for a suggestion. As soon as I sent the email I regretted it, knowing that she would reply with a tedious multi lap route. The reply was 1 mile loops around a local rugby field, a training session she had done in preparation for Nice in her racing days! I started out early as my parents were down for the weekend and wanted to spend time with them, not just training. By 9:30am I was done, I had done just under 19 laps of the park. I surprised myself with my pacing and mental focus. My reward a great big gourmet burger and chips at a great pub! Training been consistent during the week, still struggling occasionally with feeling tired with training, commuting, working, commuting and training every day. I know lots of people do this all the time, but it’s new to me. Just glad it’s summer and days are long. Not looking forward to the winter.
Today has been my last big brick session – a hilly 4hour hard bike followed by a 2 hour run, which went really well. My preparation may not have gone over the start of the year with calf strain niggling away March to April, preventing me from running, but everything has seemed to come together. I’ve got a couple of key sessions left now before tapering.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Marshman + Race Report
I had kept it quiet that I was racing as I wasn’t confident that the word racing would apply, rather participating given my recent calf injury and lack of running (Then noticed my name mentioned in Tri 247 race weekend preview! – a secret no longer). I finally entered last Saturday, after much umming and ahhing – the forecast at that time was rain, 7 degrees and 20mph wind. The plan agreed with coach (Sarah Coope) was to race swim and bike then drop the intensity down on the run and cruise to the finish. Mentally I was prepared not to complete the run if necessary.
Fortunately the race is only 1hour from home so I got to enjoy a restless night sleep at home rather than in a tent. The race organiser described the race as low key – this it was, but velocity events staff were friendly, helpful and full of enthusiasm. The prospect of swim 2600m in 12 degree water was not getting me psyched this morning. But armed with skull cap and Zoot Zenith suit I ventured in. After the initial shock of the cold wore off I settled into a comfortable rhythm and found some feet. I think I had a pretty good swim, I’ve no idea of time as forgot stop watch –doh!.
I’m sure I have the longest transition ever as I struggled to take off wetsuit with cold hands and feet and cramping calves, and putting on winter bike jersey and gloves! Finally off out of transition and out on the bike. I was using this race as practise for IM Nice – Similarities none. Nice hot 26 degrees. Lydd (Kent) lucky if got to 13 degrees. Nice – Hilly. Lydd – Flat. But anyway practise for pacing and nutrition. The course uses time trial routes in the area and is pretty flat and has potential to be fast – depending on the wind,. We were lucking to have a favourable wind direction and it was pretty calm in the early part of the morning, but picked up over the day. Living near by, I have both trained and raced on most of the course, so knew what to expect. The course was well marshalled on the whole. There was just on point on the top of the course I was a bit unsure of, and could have done with a few more signs. Bike went to plan and I took lead about 25/30miles in. I have been loving Snickers bars towards the end of steady long bikes recently (discovered on a wet and windy ride, with lots of chaffing/ soreness and I needed a sugar and mental pick me up – worked a treat). But I discovered today that that the last thing I want when racing!! I finally could feel my feet on the second loop of the bike. The wind picked up through the morning, giving a strong headwind in one section, but a screaming tail wind for the last 5 or so miles back to transition. 130km done.
Out on the run as planned I eased the pace back and ran at a comfortable pace. My legs felt good but I didn’t want to aggravate my calf so kept it controlled. All was going well until between miles 2- 3 I managed to hit the pavement. Possibilities are a) that I trip on a stone, which then magically disappeared b) the girl behind tripped me up or c) I tripped over my own feet. I spectacularly took a tumble incurring graze and cuts to both hands and knees. Ticking away the miles and people in front doing the half on the first loop, kept me going. But the loneliness of the extra marshman + loop was horrid, that and the wind. The occasional marshal was welcome sight. I was surprised to still be running, as had been prepared to have walked or pulled out at 21km if necessary. So I have held my lead to the end was unexpected, but brilliant. Renewed confidence for Nice in 6 weeks time. Finish time of 7h 17min – happy with that.
Fortunately the race is only 1hour from home so I got to enjoy a restless night sleep at home rather than in a tent. The race organiser described the race as low key – this it was, but velocity events staff were friendly, helpful and full of enthusiasm. The prospect of swim 2600m in 12 degree water was not getting me psyched this morning. But armed with skull cap and Zoot Zenith suit I ventured in. After the initial shock of the cold wore off I settled into a comfortable rhythm and found some feet. I think I had a pretty good swim, I’ve no idea of time as forgot stop watch –doh!.
I’m sure I have the longest transition ever as I struggled to take off wetsuit with cold hands and feet and cramping calves, and putting on winter bike jersey and gloves! Finally off out of transition and out on the bike. I was using this race as practise for IM Nice – Similarities none. Nice hot 26 degrees. Lydd (Kent) lucky if got to 13 degrees. Nice – Hilly. Lydd – Flat. But anyway practise for pacing and nutrition. The course uses time trial routes in the area and is pretty flat and has potential to be fast – depending on the wind,. We were lucking to have a favourable wind direction and it was pretty calm in the early part of the morning, but picked up over the day. Living near by, I have both trained and raced on most of the course, so knew what to expect. The course was well marshalled on the whole. There was just on point on the top of the course I was a bit unsure of, and could have done with a few more signs. Bike went to plan and I took lead about 25/30miles in. I have been loving Snickers bars towards the end of steady long bikes recently (discovered on a wet and windy ride, with lots of chaffing/ soreness and I needed a sugar and mental pick me up – worked a treat). But I discovered today that that the last thing I want when racing!! I finally could feel my feet on the second loop of the bike. The wind picked up through the morning, giving a strong headwind in one section, but a screaming tail wind for the last 5 or so miles back to transition. 130km done.
Out on the run as planned I eased the pace back and ran at a comfortable pace. My legs felt good but I didn’t want to aggravate my calf so kept it controlled. All was going well until between miles 2- 3 I managed to hit the pavement. Possibilities are a) that I trip on a stone, which then magically disappeared b) the girl behind tripped me up or c) I tripped over my own feet. I spectacularly took a tumble incurring graze and cuts to both hands and knees. Ticking away the miles and people in front doing the half on the first loop, kept me going. But the loneliness of the extra marshman + loop was horrid, that and the wind. The occasional marshal was welcome sight. I was surprised to still be running, as had been prepared to have walked or pulled out at 21km if necessary. So I have held my lead to the end was unexpected, but brilliant. Renewed confidence for Nice in 6 weeks time. Finish time of 7h 17min – happy with that.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
48 days and 12 hours till IM Nice
My promise to do a brief update every week, since my last post has gone by the wayside. I definitely under estimated how much stress starting a new job can bring and the tiredness that has accompanied this. In this first couple of weeks came home on Wednesdays needing a short midweek nap. Having just finished the third week I am now starting to feel that I’m getting into a routine and becoming more settled and relaxed. Starting a new job in the final phase of Ironman preparation is not ideal. But positions don’t come up often and as a full time worker and part time athlete, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. My training has had to change as a result. Adding a 20 mile journey to work has meant the loss of 2 hour Bodyworks swim sets. I can now only swim for the first hour and enjoy the pain of the main set only!! Good or bad thing, time will tell I guess. On the plus side I’ve been getting a lot of bike miles in the bank. The commute a couple of days a week from Eastbourne to Hastings has added some extra rolling bike miles. The rest of the time I’m lucky to car share; saving legs, fuel, money and the environment all in one go.
My life has also become a little brighter with the new arrival of a car. Living, working and training within a 2 mile radius has meant that I’ve had little use for a car. But a new job, miles away! Came with a pay rise and I needed a reliable car, my previous cars have all been run into the ground. The priorities were 1) fits me and my bike in it. 2) is as fuel efficient and environmentally friendly as cars can be. 3) is cute! After much internet searching and some test drives I settle on a Toyota Aygo Blue, which I collected last weekend. It’s lovely and shiny! And steeling a line from Simon “its so eco friendly that rather than giving out C02 it gives out flowers and you could drive 3 times round the world on a tablespoon of flax seed oil”.
Also good news is that the cross trainer and I are starting to wean ourselves from each other. My Achilles is definitely on the mend and I’ve started to build back into running. 7 weeks out from Ironman Nice this is not good, but I’m glad to be running at all. I just need to be sensible over the next two months. But honestly starting to really worry about the marathon. I keep trying to remind myself that I’ve done lots of long runs over the winter and an Ironman marathon is steady running not flat out. But that doesn’t really put me at ease, when I know the long runs and brick session that I could be doing. As I write this the Ironman France website reliable tells me that its 48 days and 12 hours to go and I’m honestly starting to panic inside.
My life has also become a little brighter with the new arrival of a car. Living, working and training within a 2 mile radius has meant that I’ve had little use for a car. But a new job, miles away! Came with a pay rise and I needed a reliable car, my previous cars have all been run into the ground. The priorities were 1) fits me and my bike in it. 2) is as fuel efficient and environmentally friendly as cars can be. 3) is cute! After much internet searching and some test drives I settle on a Toyota Aygo Blue, which I collected last weekend. It’s lovely and shiny! And steeling a line from Simon “its so eco friendly that rather than giving out C02 it gives out flowers and you could drive 3 times round the world on a tablespoon of flax seed oil”.
Also good news is that the cross trainer and I are starting to wean ourselves from each other. My Achilles is definitely on the mend and I’ve started to build back into running. 7 weeks out from Ironman Nice this is not good, but I’m glad to be running at all. I just need to be sensible over the next two months. But honestly starting to really worry about the marathon. I keep trying to remind myself that I’ve done lots of long runs over the winter and an Ironman marathon is steady running not flat out. But that doesn’t really put me at ease, when I know the long runs and brick session that I could be doing. As I write this the Ironman France website reliable tells me that its 48 days and 12 hours to go and I’m honestly starting to panic inside.
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