Windsor Triathlon (well, Duathlon)

The river Thames thawted the organisers and so the tri ended up as a duathon. Very please with the result

1km Run        04:58
T1                    01:34
42km cycle    1:11:33 - average 33.67km/h, max 64.78km/hr
T2                    02:01
10km Run      52:36

Total                2:12:44

Place               573/1362

Age group       89/204

Really nailed the bike with the new wheels making a huge difference and so the run time suffered a bit. Next year all being well, will be in the 50 - 54 age group so going for a top 30 place. So, need to get the run sorted out and go sub 50 minimum.

On to Challenge Henley in Sept

Update - rather overdue.......

It's all change for 2012. No Outlaw this year as I simply do not have the time and to be honest the mo-jo to train  for another IM distance tri a year after Regensburg. The time commitment is too much as I am busy workwise. Also I have had a bad run of injuries - back, shoulder, hand (!) and so have decide to pull out and compete in 2 two others instead - Windsor Tri (Oly distance)  and Challenge Henley in Sept (half IM).

Having said all of the above, the bike now looks the business with new spec  

Ironman!

Back from IM Regensburg in one piece having ran a 13:23:09. Not overly happy with the swim nor the run but delighted with a PB for the bike in atrocious weather conditions as well. Transition times dreadful as I was shattered after the swim having to go sub 45 mins for the last 2km and having hammered the bike had nothing left in the tank at T2 for the run.

Splits:

Swim: 1:16:46
T1: 11.26
Bike: 6:33:20
T2: 10:25
Run: 5:11.12

Total: 13:23:09

Rank 1566

Div pos: 272

So, what's next: Outlaw 2012?

Number 487

Well the number is confirmed and it's all downhill from here. Too late to panic and too late to worry!

Roll on IM number 2!!!

To be honest, I can't wait!!!!! Regensburg here I come.

Mo-jo returns just in time

3km OW weedy swim yesterday and a 2.30 hour run today means that the IM Rengensburg is on. Lots of cycling still to do but with a bit of retail therapy (new Mavic wheels) it means that the bike is now flying.

Can't say the same about the rider.

Better wash that Pirate gear and start bulk buying SIS gels.

Short update - huge wobble

No time to really write this blog as often as I wish - so events like the Lieden Half marathon a few weeks ago don't get mentioned although my time of 1:42 was pretty good considering I was only there for the fun and not trying sooo. In fact I was secretly delighted.

However the training it must be said is now getting me down. I have lost my mo--jo. Frankly I am not sure I can carry on with the 11-14 hours a week I need to in order to get the start line in IM Regensburg even though it is only 10 weeks away.

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I did the first IM for a reason - I had a great deal of frustration in me, it was 100% theraputic (I have been on BBC radio discussing this a few of times) and the finish line of IM Switzerland was actually the beginning of my new life - away from the rubbish that someone threw at me. A way of kick starting my life at 46 and a way of making new, exciting friends who I could trust, who supported me and frankly who cared for me.

And it worked - I have that now and as well as two lovely daughters who are so beautiful, supportive and loving and as well I have a special person who means a great deal to me.

So why am I pushing myself so hard is a question that I am now asking. I don't need to do it. Possibly something to do with the tough sportive yesterday making me rethink (those bloody hills!). I am not sure. But why not just do a few Oly distances or 70.3's? or even just stick to maras/sportives etc.....isn't one IM enough?

So a weekend away from sport - and a decision to be made - IM or no IM (well, IM or 70.3)

Steven Rooks Classic 2011 - the clue is in the name

When I entered this sportive classic held yesterday, no one told me that Steven Rooks was a Dutch ex TdF rider who had won a number of mountain stages. Had I known this I might not have been so surprised to ride the rather hilly Steven Rooks Classic in Holland/Belgium yesterday. I have never been up and down more climbs in the my life in one ride. Every gear used and every hill conquered.

So 119km done. Watch said 5:24, so including the breaks we took for re fuelling probably completed the test in around 4:55. Polar ride time said 4:46 but I was late at one stage to turn it on.

Great day, lovely weather and ready to do it again next year.