I have now done four events so far this season, two in England and two at home in Scotland. I feel these events have gone really well so far, starting the season on the podium was a big step in the right direction and i feel my finishing times have been exactly what i expected and better considering i have only trained since Christmas.
I feel the step into Triathlon so far is working for me and i am enjoying the training, pushing myself to the limit and the adventure that the sport of triathlon has. I have learned a lot about pacing myself whilst running, getting quicker on the bike and finding rhythm in chaotic open water swimming. I feel i understand where i can push myself more and i have found area i need to improve and where i can start reducing my times.
Next for me is a Summer of travelling, one month in South Korea and one month across France. Unfortunately in Korea i will not have my bike however my goggles
and running shoes are packed so whenever the chance is there i will do any training i can. In France i will be heading out with all my kit and my bike and i hope to challenge myself on some big alpine rides so that will be very beneficial training. I am really excited to do a bit of training in different countries however i will miss competing over the next couple of months.
I hope to be back in action late August in Scotland and then compete again in the Cornish triathlon series and gain some more points once i head down south.
Over the Summer i hope to keep my body weight where it is, my legs strong and not to loose too much fitness. However i have been training really hard since Christmas and not had a drink since April so i may loosen off a little! I have learned a lot so far this season and every race and training day i have been pleased with and have felt myself truly improving. I'm noticing my strengths and my weaknesses and i hope to develop these over Summer and later in the season.
Thank you anyone who has supported me be it a massage, advice, training partner or watching a race. It really means a lot to me.
I will report back sometime during my travels and hope to remain fit and strong
_
Thursday 20 June 2013
Monday 17 June 2013
Bruce Sprint Triathlon 16th June
Finishing time. 1:17:27 (2 minute time penalty so actual time was 1:15:27)
Swim 750m
Cycle 24km
Run 5km
Yesterday i competed at the Scottish Sprint championships at Lochore meadows. It was an incredible experience and race and i learned some valuable lessons. There were around 400 competitors so i arrived early as to claim my spot in transition and have a good warm up, fortunately again my parents drove me to the race however this meant leaving the house at 6am as the race began at 9:10.
The swim was a mass start on the beach, the water was 14 degrees in an open loch so rather warm and comfortable to swim in. From the start the swim was chaotic, there were so many people and hands and feet everywhere, i was kicked, hit, swam on top of etc. This is just the hidden parts of open water swimming. However i soon managed to set a rhythm to the first buoy, things again were chaotic there with everyone bunching up and some swimming in front instead of behind. After the buoy my ankle was pulled and this messed up my rhythm however i again stuck in and swam hard for the beach. I was late out the water so i knew i had some time to make up on the bike.
Once out the water my wetsuit came off very quick and i was into my cycling shoes and off on the bike. The course was 24km and relatively flat with around 5 climbs. I began the cycle strong and knew i could push hard, the ladies wave started before the mens and it meant there were always targets of people to aim for and to overtake this meant i pushed harder. Unfortunately around the 15km i was cycling through a town when a car pulled in front of myself and two other riders, the car slowed us all down as it was going a lot slower than us. This was extremely frustrating and all 3 of us cyclists were evidently pissed. However on a steep downhill i took a risk and overtook. On the climbs i stayed in my seat but dug deep and came in from the bike feeling strong for the run.
After T2 i was out onto the flat run course that hugs the loch. The run felt quite difficult it was very hot and i pushed hard to overtake as many people as i could. For most of the run i was running side by side with another athlete, i made it my aim to finish ahead of him and so pushed the pace.
Crossing the line i felt i raced a strong race and was rather pleased. I raced as hard as i could and after a not so great swim i made up a lot of time.
Unfortunately i soon realised i was given a two minute time penalty. As it was the Scottish champs the rules were very strict and race referees watching closely. Just before i racked my bike in T2 i unclipped my helmet. I do not remember doing this but under the pressure and adrenaline of the race simple mistakes are made. I was extremely frustrated 2 minutes is a long time and i worked very hard in the race. However rules are rules and i won't let it ruin the day.
I believe i was around the 20th senior to finish before the time penalty and also top 50 out of 353.
I was extremely pleased with how i raced and it was a true experience to be there. I'm annoyed i made a mistake but these things happen and for me this year is about learning.
It meant a lot to again have my good friend Catriona there to watch and also my parents.
Thank you for reading and i will be posting soon about what is coming next.
Pictures thanks to my Dad.
Swim 750m
Cycle 24km
Run 5km
Yesterday i competed at the Scottish Sprint championships at Lochore meadows. It was an incredible experience and race and i learned some valuable lessons. There were around 400 competitors so i arrived early as to claim my spot in transition and have a good warm up, fortunately again my parents drove me to the race however this meant leaving the house at 6am as the race began at 9:10.
The swim was a mass start on the beach, the water was 14 degrees in an open loch so rather warm and comfortable to swim in. From the start the swim was chaotic, there were so many people and hands and feet everywhere, i was kicked, hit, swam on top of etc. This is just the hidden parts of open water swimming. However i soon managed to set a rhythm to the first buoy, things again were chaotic there with everyone bunching up and some swimming in front instead of behind. After the buoy my ankle was pulled and this messed up my rhythm however i again stuck in and swam hard for the beach. I was late out the water so i knew i had some time to make up on the bike.
Once out the water my wetsuit came off very quick and i was into my cycling shoes and off on the bike. The course was 24km and relatively flat with around 5 climbs. I began the cycle strong and knew i could push hard, the ladies wave started before the mens and it meant there were always targets of people to aim for and to overtake this meant i pushed harder. Unfortunately around the 15km i was cycling through a town when a car pulled in front of myself and two other riders, the car slowed us all down as it was going a lot slower than us. This was extremely frustrating and all 3 of us cyclists were evidently pissed. However on a steep downhill i took a risk and overtook. On the climbs i stayed in my seat but dug deep and came in from the bike feeling strong for the run.
After T2 i was out onto the flat run course that hugs the loch. The run felt quite difficult it was very hot and i pushed hard to overtake as many people as i could. For most of the run i was running side by side with another athlete, i made it my aim to finish ahead of him and so pushed the pace.
Crossing the line i felt i raced a strong race and was rather pleased. I raced as hard as i could and after a not so great swim i made up a lot of time.
Unfortunately i soon realised i was given a two minute time penalty. As it was the Scottish champs the rules were very strict and race referees watching closely. Just before i racked my bike in T2 i unclipped my helmet. I do not remember doing this but under the pressure and adrenaline of the race simple mistakes are made. I was extremely frustrated 2 minutes is a long time and i worked very hard in the race. However rules are rules and i won't let it ruin the day.
I believe i was around the 20th senior to finish before the time penalty and also top 50 out of 353.
I was extremely pleased with how i raced and it was a true experience to be there. I'm annoyed i made a mistake but these things happen and for me this year is about learning.
It meant a lot to again have my good friend Catriona there to watch and also my parents.
Thank you for reading and i will be posting soon about what is coming next.
Pictures thanks to my Dad.
Sunday 9 June 2013
KnockBurn Sprint
KnockBurn Sprint Triathlon: Sunday 9th June
Swim 750m (Open water Loch) (13:49)
Cycle 20km (33:05)
Run 5km (19:31)
Finish time 1:07:46
Place : 11th overall.
Swim 750m (Open water Loch) (13:49)
Cycle 20km (33:05)
Run 5km (19:31)
Finish time 1:07:46
Place : 11th overall.
8th in category (senior)
Today was my 3rd race of the season. A Sprint. The race was situated on the beautiful Knockburn loch, a man made loch for triathlons. Due to recent warm weather the temperature of the water was at 17 degrees, this made the swim much more pleasant. Fortunately my parents came to the race and drove me there, i carried out my warm up, drank a quick espresso (downed it) and got my wetsuit on. I was extremely nervous before the race as i always seem to be so i was in the water as soon as we were able too.
The swim was something new to me, starting in the water and a mass start, I was a bit worried at first all the hands and feet kicking and punching but when we began i was off at a good pace at the front of the group around 90 people. At the first bouy someone accidentaly pushed down on my back and for a while i couldn't breath and felt quite panicked. However i quickly recovered and set into my own race. Occasionally i had a few kicks and hits but nothing major. The swim circulated and island at around half way and after this i began to up my stroke rate. Open water swimming can be very challenging as with no lane ropes or visibility knowing where you are going can be difficult. I pushed on and soon after was out of the water.
Once out the water my wetsuit slipped off fast and i was into my cycling shoes and grabbed my bike. By this stage the adrenaline and buzz from the swim was driving me on. The cycle course was fast and relatively flat, there were some gentle rolling hills. I overtook quite a few people on the bike as i exited the water quite late from the swim. I was then on open road with no one i could see behind me and two people in front (that i could see). My aim was to catch them both, the first i overtook on a long straight where i was pushing a big gear and down on the tri bars. The second i caught on the last steep climb 3km from the finish. I was out my seat almost screaming but i wouldn't back down. I entered Transition 2 ahead of him and felt really strong.
Off the bike and into my running shoes, I began the run fast as i wanted to gain another couple of places. The run was off road, a mixture of grass, forestry and a little mud. It was two laps and contained two pretty steep off road climbs. However from training in Plymouth i am fairly used to pushing hard up the hills. After the first lap i was feeling surprisingly good. I picked up the pace and pushed on the hills. After overtaking two people i made sure no one else passed me. After the last bend i put in a big sprint finish and crossed the line 11th overall.
I loved todays race, the course was beautiful and loch great to swim in. My parents and good friend Catriona and her Mother were there so it was really encouraging to have so much support and i want to thank them for the cheering and the photos.
My stretching, hard work in training, nutrition and determination really pushed me on today. I felt strong and went fast. Im pleased with todays result for it being my 3rd ever event. I will next be racing next weekend at the Scottish Sprint Championships. This will be a real experience with around 400 compeitors. I hope to beat todays time and race a strong race. For now its time to eat rest and get back into training.
Thanks for all the support.
Pictures thanks to my family, also i will be posting a short video on my blog soon of the race.
Today was my 3rd race of the season. A Sprint. The race was situated on the beautiful Knockburn loch, a man made loch for triathlons. Due to recent warm weather the temperature of the water was at 17 degrees, this made the swim much more pleasant. Fortunately my parents came to the race and drove me there, i carried out my warm up, drank a quick espresso (downed it) and got my wetsuit on. I was extremely nervous before the race as i always seem to be so i was in the water as soon as we were able too.
The swim was something new to me, starting in the water and a mass start, I was a bit worried at first all the hands and feet kicking and punching but when we began i was off at a good pace at the front of the group around 90 people. At the first bouy someone accidentaly pushed down on my back and for a while i couldn't breath and felt quite panicked. However i quickly recovered and set into my own race. Occasionally i had a few kicks and hits but nothing major. The swim circulated and island at around half way and after this i began to up my stroke rate. Open water swimming can be very challenging as with no lane ropes or visibility knowing where you are going can be difficult. I pushed on and soon after was out of the water.
Once out the water my wetsuit slipped off fast and i was into my cycling shoes and grabbed my bike. By this stage the adrenaline and buzz from the swim was driving me on. The cycle course was fast and relatively flat, there were some gentle rolling hills. I overtook quite a few people on the bike as i exited the water quite late from the swim. I was then on open road with no one i could see behind me and two people in front (that i could see). My aim was to catch them both, the first i overtook on a long straight where i was pushing a big gear and down on the tri bars. The second i caught on the last steep climb 3km from the finish. I was out my seat almost screaming but i wouldn't back down. I entered Transition 2 ahead of him and felt really strong.
Off the bike and into my running shoes, I began the run fast as i wanted to gain another couple of places. The run was off road, a mixture of grass, forestry and a little mud. It was two laps and contained two pretty steep off road climbs. However from training in Plymouth i am fairly used to pushing hard up the hills. After the first lap i was feeling surprisingly good. I picked up the pace and pushed on the hills. After overtaking two people i made sure no one else passed me. After the last bend i put in a big sprint finish and crossed the line 11th overall.
I loved todays race, the course was beautiful and loch great to swim in. My parents and good friend Catriona and her Mother were there so it was really encouraging to have so much support and i want to thank them for the cheering and the photos.
My stretching, hard work in training, nutrition and determination really pushed me on today. I felt strong and went fast. Im pleased with todays result for it being my 3rd ever event. I will next be racing next weekend at the Scottish Sprint Championships. This will be a real experience with around 400 compeitors. I hope to beat todays time and race a strong race. For now its time to eat rest and get back into training.
Thanks for all the support.
Pictures thanks to my family, also i will be posting a short video on my blog soon of the race.
Friday 7 June 2013
Digging Deep.
Since competing in my last event i wanted to give myself plenty of time to train hard again before racing again. I have now had a couple of weeks of strong productive training and feel ready for my first sprint triathlon this Sunday
One of the biggest challenges in training in the past week was a 181km bike ride. I was invited with my friend and his dad on this iron man distance cycle as they are both training for outlaw. The ride took 6 hours 40, the longest i have ever ridden previously was 80km and the longest event i have done was 4 hours. It was physically and mentally tough. The first 80km was relatively easy, a good pace was set and the conversation flowing. However at around the 100km mark we came to a flat 10km or so section and began to really push the pace, all down on the Tri bars and going for it. After this i began to really hurt, my lower back and neck ached, and i was certain i had eaten the wrong foods/gels as i felt hungry but sick. This is something i plan to work on. However I pushed onto the end heavily encouraged by the other guys and it felt great to finish. A solid ride and a great challenge.
After that my previous week of training looked like this:
Sunday : 10km recovery run
Monday : 1 hour open water swim
Tuesday: 35km ride and gentle run
Wednesday : 6km run, 15km on indoor spin bike, 5km treadmill run
Thursday : Lunch swim session. 4x100m 2x500m 4x100m(fast) 35km evening ride.
Friday: Brick session. 34km ride (Race pace) followed by 5km race pace run.
Monday : 1 hour open water swim
Tuesday: 35km ride and gentle run
Wednesday : 6km run, 15km on indoor spin bike, 5km treadmill run
Thursday : Lunch swim session. 4x100m 2x500m 4x100m(fast) 35km evening ride.
Friday: Brick session. 34km ride (Race pace) followed by 5km race pace run.
As you can see the training isn't easy or gentle. I have begun doing much more stretching and feel i can now push harder on rides and runs. I have also had a couple of sports massages from a good friend and i would highly recommend this to anyone training hard. It is amazing how much it can loosen you up and prepare you.
From now until Sunday i will rest and stretch. I can't wait to race again and i hope i can push hard and get a strong result.
Will report back after the race.
Photo 1 (hitting averages)
Photo 2 (Open water swimming with monifieth tri club)
Photo 3 (Set up for Brick session)
Photo 2 (Open water swimming with monifieth tri club)
Photo 3 (Set up for Brick session)
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