A few things have happended since the last post. This was intended to be a comparison with my first ever multisport event last year, but we have more to add. The Stokesley Duathlon is traditionally the first multisport event of the season up here in the North East. Being early in the season it also tends to attract a good field from all over the North East and Yorkshire. This year was no different. Except it also doubled up as the Triathlon England North East Duathlon Championship Event.
This time last year, I had just completed my first race in god knows how many years. I was also in hell of a different shape, about 2 stone heavier, but I did it. I had made my choice to change my life, even though it was not as comfortable as it was this year round.
Squeezing into the top 50 by finishing in 49th position of 259 was a great performance for my first outing and just under 10 minutes behind my now coach Elliot Gowland who had finished in 3rd position (1st Individual entry). I had puffed and panted around the first 5km run in 18min 28sec. Fumbled my way through my first transition in 1min. It's difficult to compare the bike times as the course last year had to be re-routed due to road works, but lets say, 54.49 was 9 minutes off the fastest bike time. My second transition was slightly
Squeezing into the top 50 by finishing in 49th position of 259 was a great performance for my first outing and just under 10 minutes behind my now coach Elliot Gowland who had finished in 3rd position (1st Individual entry). I had puffed and panted around the first 5km run in 18min 28sec. Fumbled my way through my first transition in 1min. It's difficult to compare the bike times as the course last year had to be re-routed due to road works, but lets say, 54.49 was 9 minutes off the fastest bike time. My second transition was slightly
(Stokesley Duathlon 2011===>)
better in 57 seconds leading into a plodding 19min 05sec second run. Totalling 1hr34min19sec.
This year was a completely different story. I woke up with a completely new race day mentality. (Just like my training, please dont be offended that I dont disclose what my new preperation consists of. that is something that will continue to remain personal :-)).
Today we were not just packing Charlotte, my kit and the bike. Freya came along for the ride, about to watch her dad for the first time. Even though she slept the entire time, she spurred me on to have a great race. I had in the back of my mind, that as a B race, results were not of concern. What was, was that I had to ensure that my training was on track for Israel, and I also had to improve on my time from last year that should not have been to difficult.
Confidently taking my place on the front row, the race started with the usual mad dash to the first corner. It was clear to see that David Thomas from York Triathlon club, who finished 4th overall last year (Second individual) was looking to better his position. Coming into T1, 5km later in a time of 15min 51 sec, he had opened up a lead of around 30 seconds ahead of the chasing pack that I had managed to keep only 20seconds ahead but still in sight registering 16min 47 sec in 14th place. (Almost 2 min faster than 11')
Because of my recent Cycling results, I had fancied my strength on the bike. I imediately set out to pick off the 13 guys ahead of me which I had done by the first main turn into Hutton Rudby. Leaving just David Thomas out in front alone. Not by far though as he was just around the corner dusting himself down after taking a tumble on the 90degree turn after the quick drop down into the village. Approaching the end of the first lap, after the lead had changed hands on a number of occasions, there was now a good distance opening up between the chasing riders. The second lap did not let up, maintaining an average pace around 24-25mph, my only mistake was a schoolboy error in getting my gearing wrong on the climb out of Hutton Rudby. Attempting to get out the saddle to push a big gear, Slick Vittoria Evo Triathlons, are not a tyre that are known for traction on a shaded damp and greasy surface. David came flying past me, peddling a high cadence, seated, as though the short climb were not even there. This was the story for the remainder of the ride, a distant 18-20 seconds ahead but still visable to give me encouragement to trawl it back in. A 4th place Bike leg had seen me complete the 22 mile in 53min 34 sec.
Out of T2 in 40seconds, 17 faster than last year, I was clearly disappointed that I had struggled with my trainers, resulting in me ripping both folded insoles out, Dad shouted he was about 18 seconds ahead. I felt surprisingly strong. I still had enough left in the tank to build on the first run that I had done. I was running well off the bike, and what had previously taking me a good while to get into my stride, seemed to settling down quite nicely. I could feel the road through my shoes but I believed that I could catch him and that was my only thought. My legs were starting to hurt by the turn, but I was closer to the cone than I thought before he passed me on the other side of the road. My legs were starting to revolt against me, however I was mentally strong and my head conquered - In the words of Jens Voigt "Shut up legs and do what I tell You!!!"
The only thing that I didn't have was a sprint finish. I had used up all that I had to finish the race in 1hr 28min 16 sec and 2nd place overall which is by far my best result to date. Although I never did catch the guy out front but he only finished the race 10seconds ahead in 1:28.06. A 16:40 second run was 7 seconds faster than my first, but more impressive, 4th fastest and 14 seconds faster than David, who had the fastest time in the first run. Although i'd finished second, it dawned on me that the winner was from York therefore Yorks and Humber region. That left first North East place down to me. Absolutely delighted.
How far I have come in the space of one year has certainly surprised me, but I have had so much support from Charlotte and Freya and all my family. I truely appreciate all the sacrifices we make to ensure this goal becomes a reality. I promise that I will repay you both.
I also need to thank my support network, all the praise and thanks from my team mates at NE31 Tri club, thank you, but to two people in particular. Elliot Gowland has been guiding me towards my goal since September and everything to date has gone exactly to plan. Lets keep up this good work and I will bring home the goods. ( because he is concentrating on his cycling this year, I dont think he will mind me saying that I pipped him to the post by 26 seconds :-) with him finishing 3rd, this old man was First Vet home which swept up a good one for the team). To date he has remained unmentioned, for no particular reason, however I feel that I need to express full gratitude to Nev Martin. Nev has ensured that my legs have remained in great condition after every race throughout the season last year, and has continued to do so this year. I feel that I owe a great percentage of my bike improvement to him also. Nev, professionally fitted my bikes over the close season ensuring that I was going to get every gram of power out of it. If anyone wants further information about this service, please drop me a line and I will put you in touch with Nev.
better in 57 seconds leading into a plodding 19min 05sec second run. Totalling 1hr34min19sec.
This year was a completely different story. I woke up with a completely new race day mentality. (Just like my training, please dont be offended that I dont disclose what my new preperation consists of. that is something that will continue to remain personal :-)).
Today we were not just packing Charlotte, my kit and the bike. Freya came along for the ride, about to watch her dad for the first time. Even though she slept the entire time, she spurred me on to have a great race. I had in the back of my mind, that as a B race, results were not of concern. What was, was that I had to ensure that my training was on track for Israel, and I also had to improve on my time from last year that should not have been to difficult.
Confidently taking my place on the front row, the race started with the usual mad dash to the first corner. It was clear to see that David Thomas from York Triathlon club, who finished 4th overall last year (Second individual) was looking to better his position. Coming into T1, 5km later in a time of 15min 51 sec, he had opened up a lead of around 30 seconds ahead of the chasing pack that I had managed to keep only 20seconds ahead but still in sight registering 16min 47 sec in 14th place. (Almost 2 min faster than 11')
Because of my recent Cycling results, I had fancied my strength on the bike. I imediately set out to pick off the 13 guys ahead of me which I had done by the first main turn into Hutton Rudby. Leaving just David Thomas out in front alone. Not by far though as he was just around the corner dusting himself down after taking a tumble on the 90degree turn after the quick drop down into the village. Approaching the end of the first lap, after the lead had changed hands on a number of occasions, there was now a good distance opening up between the chasing riders. The second lap did not let up, maintaining an average pace around 24-25mph, my only mistake was a schoolboy error in getting my gearing wrong on the climb out of Hutton Rudby. Attempting to get out the saddle to push a big gear, Slick Vittoria Evo Triathlons, are not a tyre that are known for traction on a shaded damp and greasy surface. David came flying past me, peddling a high cadence, seated, as though the short climb were not even there. This was the story for the remainder of the ride, a distant 18-20 seconds ahead but still visable to give me encouragement to trawl it back in. A 4th place Bike leg had seen me complete the 22 mile in 53min 34 sec.
Out of T2 in 40seconds, 17 faster than last year, I was clearly disappointed that I had struggled with my trainers, resulting in me ripping both folded insoles out, Dad shouted he was about 18 seconds ahead. I felt surprisingly strong. I still had enough left in the tank to build on the first run that I had done. I was running well off the bike, and what had previously taking me a good while to get into my stride, seemed to settling down quite nicely. I could feel the road through my shoes but I believed that I could catch him and that was my only thought. My legs were starting to hurt by the turn, but I was closer to the cone than I thought before he passed me on the other side of the road. My legs were starting to revolt against me, however I was mentally strong and my head conquered - In the words of Jens Voigt "Shut up legs and do what I tell You!!!"
The only thing that I didn't have was a sprint finish. I had used up all that I had to finish the race in 1hr 28min 16 sec and 2nd place overall which is by far my best result to date. Although I never did catch the guy out front but he only finished the race 10seconds ahead in 1:28.06. A 16:40 second run was 7 seconds faster than my first, but more impressive, 4th fastest and 14 seconds faster than David, who had the fastest time in the first run. Although i'd finished second, it dawned on me that the winner was from York therefore Yorks and Humber region. That left first North East place down to me. Absolutely delighted.
How far I have come in the space of one year has certainly surprised me, but I have had so much support from Charlotte and Freya and all my family. I truely appreciate all the sacrifices we make to ensure this goal becomes a reality. I promise that I will repay you both.
I also need to thank my support network, all the praise and thanks from my team mates at NE31 Tri club, thank you, but to two people in particular. Elliot Gowland has been guiding me towards my goal since September and everything to date has gone exactly to plan. Lets keep up this good work and I will bring home the goods. ( because he is concentrating on his cycling this year, I dont think he will mind me saying that I pipped him to the post by 26 seconds :-) with him finishing 3rd, this old man was First Vet home which swept up a good one for the team). To date he has remained unmentioned, for no particular reason, however I feel that I need to express full gratitude to Nev Martin. Nev has ensured that my legs have remained in great condition after every race throughout the season last year, and has continued to do so this year. I feel that I owe a great percentage of my bike improvement to him also. Nev, professionally fitted my bikes over the close season ensuring that I was going to get every gram of power out of it. If anyone wants further information about this service, please drop me a line and I will put you in touch with Nev.
Finally, I can now announce, that for season 2012 I will be a brand ambassador for A1 Multisport. Tony and Dave have been working really hard behind the scenes to get this up and running, and asked me a little while ago when it was still in its early days, however now that the season is officially up and running, the teamA1multisport is taking shape.
I will update you all in another blog further details of this venture as it is all exciting times.
Thank you again to both Tony and Dave, I hope to do you guys proud as an ambassador for your brand.
Click on the photo above and check out the website for details on signing up to recieve forthcoming news and offers.
I will update you all in another blog further details of this venture as it is all exciting times.
Thank you again to both Tony and Dave, I hope to do you guys proud as an ambassador for your brand.
Click on the photo above and check out the website for details on signing up to recieve forthcoming news and offers.