First of all, I will start with another apology for putting this blog out late. It has only just started to feel like I have got my feet firmly on the ground since I returned back from Israel last Tuesday.
So what’s been going on? Need I go any further? Ha ha.........
So what’s been going on? Need I go any further? Ha ha.........
.....Wednesday 18th April 2012 –
It’s finally arrived and I feel just like a kid at Christmas. However with all the feelings you associate with going away to pull on the GBR Blue, representing your country, a country that you are truly proud of, and knowing that you are doing this for your family, this was not going to be like any normal race.
Since we have been together, Charlotte and I have never spent any significant time apart from each other unless for work, and certainly never any distant travel outside of the country. This time, emotions were going through the tumble dryer. It wasn’t going to be easy, as the very person who has supported you as only I know, and you guys are learning, has to stay behind. Made even harder as I’m not only saying goodbye to Charl, but to Freya to. At only 8 weeks old this was going to be too difficult a journey for them to endure, as I was to find out over the next 24hours.
But what I’m about to do kid, I’m about to do it all for you. Something for you to look back on and be proud of.....
It’s finally arrived and I feel just like a kid at Christmas. However with all the feelings you associate with going away to pull on the GBR Blue, representing your country, a country that you are truly proud of, and knowing that you are doing this for your family, this was not going to be like any normal race.
Since we have been together, Charlotte and I have never spent any significant time apart from each other unless for work, and certainly never any distant travel outside of the country. This time, emotions were going through the tumble dryer. It wasn’t going to be easy, as the very person who has supported you as only I know, and you guys are learning, has to stay behind. Made even harder as I’m not only saying goodbye to Charl, but to Freya to. At only 8 weeks old this was going to be too difficult a journey for them to endure, as I was to find out over the next 24hours.
But what I’m about to do kid, I’m about to do it all for you. Something for you to look back on and be proud of.....
This is it; this is my big chance, the race that I have put all my hard work and effort into over the winter.
Remember those short days and cold, windy and wet evenings where you, like many, sat on the sofa with the heating turned on? I forced myself to pull on the trainers. The turbo sessions in the garage, where
I’ve come downstairs dressed as though I’m heading out on an arctic expedition, only to emerge an hour and a half later in only my bib shorts, piss wet through with a pile of clothes on the floor next to a pool of sweat. This is what it’s all about. And nothing else matters to me. Don’t get me wrong, I am going out there to enjoy the experience, one that I of all people, never thought I would get to sample. But because of my hard work and recent results, I want a medal and I don’t care what colour it is.
A short hop down to Heathrow T5, and a train transfer to T1, leaves only the battle of ELALs own Israel security border force at our check in. Beginning with the usual, I forgot to declare that I WAS given something to travel with, and that was the Polaris Bike Pod kindly loaned by Tony and Dave at A1Multisport. Cheers guys, yet again you came up trumps and helped me out. Then came the corker. You don’t look anything like your passport photograph sir! Do you have any other form of ID? That will be because I have lost a little bit of weight! You also seem to have some interesting stamps in your passport sir? Oh yeah, which stamps may they be? Why did you travel to Tunisia, Egypt and Dubai?
Is that the only time you travelled to those countries? Have you been given anything to take to Israel from those countries? Why would you go there in the first place? Will you be returning to those countries? (Not anymore if you stamp my passport).
Let me say £16.00 is a small price to pay to sit in the ServiceAir lounge in Heathrow. The grubs not to bad either.
Remember those short days and cold, windy and wet evenings where you, like many, sat on the sofa with the heating turned on? I forced myself to pull on the trainers. The turbo sessions in the garage, where
I’ve come downstairs dressed as though I’m heading out on an arctic expedition, only to emerge an hour and a half later in only my bib shorts, piss wet through with a pile of clothes on the floor next to a pool of sweat. This is what it’s all about. And nothing else matters to me. Don’t get me wrong, I am going out there to enjoy the experience, one that I of all people, never thought I would get to sample. But because of my hard work and recent results, I want a medal and I don’t care what colour it is.
A short hop down to Heathrow T5, and a train transfer to T1, leaves only the battle of ELALs own Israel security border force at our check in. Beginning with the usual, I forgot to declare that I WAS given something to travel with, and that was the Polaris Bike Pod kindly loaned by Tony and Dave at A1Multisport. Cheers guys, yet again you came up trumps and helped me out. Then came the corker. You don’t look anything like your passport photograph sir! Do you have any other form of ID? That will be because I have lost a little bit of weight! You also seem to have some interesting stamps in your passport sir? Oh yeah, which stamps may they be? Why did you travel to Tunisia, Egypt and Dubai?
Is that the only time you travelled to those countries? Have you been given anything to take to Israel from those countries? Why would you go there in the first place? Will you be returning to those countries? (Not anymore if you stamp my passport).
Let me say £16.00 is a small price to pay to sit in the ServiceAir lounge in Heathrow. The grubs not to bad either.
Thursday 19th April 2012 –
22.30 UK, 00:30 Local time. Comfortable flight just over 4 hours sees us touchdown in Tel Aviv around 0500am to more security, more questions. A short bus journey to domestic terminal sees more of the same. This time we didn’t have the home comforts of the lounge. But the coffee and croissants were not too bad. Excitement was building for us to arrive, check in, build the bikes and get out on the course as soon as possible, before a dip in the sea to make a final analysis as to whether we would be choosing wetsuits or not , even though my mind was already made up to wear it if we had the choice.
After boarding the Eilat flight and sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours we were pulled off the plane due to a sandstorm down on theresort. Unloading back in the terminal building, sat around, it give a group of us a good opportunity to get to know each other and break the boredom with a laugh or two, which was to be
the start of what was to come on the trip. Thanks to, Gregg Jones, Dave Wilson, James Wilson, Paul Gardner, Marcus Wale, Keith Ritchie, Rob Osbourne, the Ackerleys, Phil Cowley and many others including Dave ‘Corrie’ Turner, you made leaving the girls so much easier for me.
Arriving late, we checked in, registered for the race, returning to find the bikes had arrived. We had missed the official reccy but a group of us were heading out anyway as the road would be closed down as of tomorrow for the Olympic race and Elite women.
22.30 UK, 00:30 Local time. Comfortable flight just over 4 hours sees us touchdown in Tel Aviv around 0500am to more security, more questions. A short bus journey to domestic terminal sees more of the same. This time we didn’t have the home comforts of the lounge. But the coffee and croissants were not too bad. Excitement was building for us to arrive, check in, build the bikes and get out on the course as soon as possible, before a dip in the sea to make a final analysis as to whether we would be choosing wetsuits or not , even though my mind was already made up to wear it if we had the choice.
After boarding the Eilat flight and sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours we were pulled off the plane due to a sandstorm down on theresort. Unloading back in the terminal building, sat around, it give a group of us a good opportunity to get to know each other and break the boredom with a laugh or two, which was to be
the start of what was to come on the trip. Thanks to, Gregg Jones, Dave Wilson, James Wilson, Paul Gardner, Marcus Wale, Keith Ritchie, Rob Osbourne, the Ackerleys, Phil Cowley and many others including Dave ‘Corrie’ Turner, you made leaving the girls so much easier for me.
Arriving late, we checked in, registered for the race, returning to find the bikes had arrived. We had missed the official reccy but a group of us were heading out anyway as the road would be closed down as of tomorrow for the Olympic race and Elite women.
The course was, what I thought, to my advantage. No turns, a straight out and back up a 1-2% climb for 10km. Turning over the reservation straight down back to transition with what felt like a steam train behind me. I’d under geared. I was spinning out at 45mph on the way back in for almost 10km give or take speed humps, checkpoint, cobbled roundabout, it was going to be a great course.
The water, well that was 22degrees. It was comfortable in the trisuit, but if I could get an advantage over those without the wetsuit on in the water, I had time on the long run up to transition to get out of it.
Ensuring I was up with the leaders for the start of the bike.
The Opening ceremony and parade of nations was a sea of red white and blue, flags everywhere for an over dominated nation, because of the location? I don’t know! But you can only race what is in front of you, or behind you ;-) to get the rewards.
The water, well that was 22degrees. It was comfortable in the trisuit, but if I could get an advantage over those without the wetsuit on in the water, I had time on the long run up to transition to get out of it.
Ensuring I was up with the leaders for the start of the bike.
The Opening ceremony and parade of nations was a sea of red white and blue, flags everywhere for an over dominated nation, because of the location? I don’t know! But you can only race what is in front of you, or behind you ;-) to get the rewards.
Friday 20th April 2012
Early start to watch the Olympic, have a jog with Gregg, James and Dave to look at the run course. Windy, it was, but still very warm, certainly warmer than I was used to racing in and it was going to be dusty dry.
Staying Hydrated on my plan from Tony at A1, I had a ZipVit bottle glued to my hand all day. This was going to be essential. We had a good day watching the Olympic and the Elite Women before heading back to the sea for a dip, when we happened across this fella. Javier Gomez...
Bike racking opened at 1600 allowing us to ensure all was fine and working with our bikes before leaving them for the night, tyres deflated, to ensure no unexpected blowouts in the morning.
Early start to watch the Olympic, have a jog with Gregg, James and Dave to look at the run course. Windy, it was, but still very warm, certainly warmer than I was used to racing in and it was going to be dusty dry.
Staying Hydrated on my plan from Tony at A1, I had a ZipVit bottle glued to my hand all day. This was going to be essential. We had a good day watching the Olympic and the Elite Women before heading back to the sea for a dip, when we happened across this fella. Javier Gomez...
Bike racking opened at 1600 allowing us to ensure all was fine and working with our bikes before leaving them for the night, tyres deflated, to ensure no unexpected blowouts in the morning.
Saturday 21st April 2012 – Race Day
Early start today with my wave going off at 0710. I usually like to have my food a good 2 hours before my race, and today was going to be no different. I certainly had an appetite, to a point where I felt I even had to hold myself back. I was excited, I was nervous, I was slightl apprehensive, but more than anything I felt fairly confident.
Arriving in transition, all was well overnight with my bike, no problems to report, but one thing, as usual the space looked completely different full of bikes. I was one of the lucky ones to be on the end of a row right on the swim entry, but also level with the bike exit, so I was straight in and straight out no messing around.
Zipped in and goggles on my wave were called to the
starting boards. We were now handed over to the race official. As with the elite commentary you see on TV, My adrenalin was racing and over the Tannoy was a thumping heart beat lasting all of what seemed like an eternity before the usual hell broke loose.
I got a great start, I was amongst the first in the water, I swam strong to avoid the trailing arms and legs, and it worked. Then I felt like I had bottled it. I’m a half decent swimmer, I’m not by all means ever going to be first out the water, but I can remain in good shape for the bike. I realised I could see a lot.
The water was clear and there were no kicking legs and arms around to break up my vision. The thought of the unknown in front of my face took over, which to me was like negative thoughts. I was thankful to reach the first turn buoy. Knowing I was in the top section but there was still clear water between me and the leaders.
Early start today with my wave going off at 0710. I usually like to have my food a good 2 hours before my race, and today was going to be no different. I certainly had an appetite, to a point where I felt I even had to hold myself back. I was excited, I was nervous, I was slightl apprehensive, but more than anything I felt fairly confident.
Arriving in transition, all was well overnight with my bike, no problems to report, but one thing, as usual the space looked completely different full of bikes. I was one of the lucky ones to be on the end of a row right on the swim entry, but also level with the bike exit, so I was straight in and straight out no messing around.
Zipped in and goggles on my wave were called to the
starting boards. We were now handed over to the race official. As with the elite commentary you see on TV, My adrenalin was racing and over the Tannoy was a thumping heart beat lasting all of what seemed like an eternity before the usual hell broke loose.
I got a great start, I was amongst the first in the water, I swam strong to avoid the trailing arms and legs, and it worked. Then I felt like I had bottled it. I’m a half decent swimmer, I’m not by all means ever going to be first out the water, but I can remain in good shape for the bike. I realised I could see a lot.
The water was clear and there were no kicking legs and arms around to break up my vision. The thought of the unknown in front of my face took over, which to me was like negative thoughts. I was thankful to reach the first turn buoy. Knowing I was in the top section but there was still clear water between me and the leaders.
Rob Osbourne was first out of the water with a great swim. Coming on the back of a broken hand only a matter of months before coming out to race, his prep was almost written off along with his thoughts of pulling on his trisuit to race the event. I came out of the water a massive 1min 30 down. I didn’t think I was that far from the front, but my plan remained the same.
Kicking off the wetsuit was slightly difficult after the distance of the run from the swim it had almost dried out so not slipping off as easily as usual. I was comfortable now, I was on my bike, I was not even thinking about finding my feet
in my shoes until I was well underway so as not to lose any valuable time.
At this point, I didn’t know how far behind I was.
I knew, what was going to be difficult was to estimate how many people were ahead as we were in the second wave only ten minutes behind the first. A lot of the guys I was passing were marked up from the previous wave ahead.
I was struggling to get into a good rhythm on the way out; I hadn’t pushed too hard on the swim had I? I’ve just passed Rob and that spurred me on, I put my foot down up to the turn point I knew I was up there somewhere so I just had to dig deep. I had recorded one of the fastest bike splits on the day and I felt quite frankly Shit.......
Kicking off the wetsuit was slightly difficult after the distance of the run from the swim it had almost dried out so not slipping off as easily as usual. I was comfortable now, I was on my bike, I was not even thinking about finding my feet
in my shoes until I was well underway so as not to lose any valuable time.
At this point, I didn’t know how far behind I was.
I knew, what was going to be difficult was to estimate how many people were ahead as we were in the second wave only ten minutes behind the first. A lot of the guys I was passing were marked up from the previous wave ahead.
I was struggling to get into a good rhythm on the way out; I hadn’t pushed too hard on the swim had I? I’ve just passed Rob and that spurred me on, I put my foot down up to the turn point I knew I was up there somewhere so I just had to dig deep. I had recorded one of the fastest bike splits on the day and I felt quite frankly Shit.......
But my run came together. This has been my greatest improvement since I have been training witElliot. I felt great, I was breathing hard but my legs were moving, I was passing loads of stragglers from the earlier wave which kept me moving through the first lap. Coming to the turn on the second lap with about three quarters of a mile to a mile to go I passed
Rob Osbourne. Hang on a minute! I passed him on the bike? questioned myself but spurred on knowing I was riding away and running further away from him I was still in my own world. I truly did need to dig deep now. Rob was almost assured he was in 1stor 2nd place until I passed, as he was as I mentioned, first out the water. I kicked for home without looking back. I put in a blistering run by my standards on that course to cross the line in first place in my age category 35-39. 9th Overall on the day from over 300 athletes, made the pain all so worthwhile.
We speculated, but still did not know true positions for some
time after the race when they were officially posted on the board.
Rob Osbourne. Hang on a minute! I passed him on the bike? questioned myself but spurred on knowing I was riding away and running further away from him I was still in my own world. I truly did need to dig deep now. Rob was almost assured he was in 1stor 2nd place until I passed, as he was as I mentioned, first out the water. I kicked for home without looking back. I put in a blistering run by my standards on that course to cross the line in first place in my age category 35-39. 9th Overall on the day from over 300 athletes, made the pain all so worthwhile.
We speculated, but still did not know true positions for some
time after the race when they were officially posted on the board.
What a day, what a result, and one of the proudest moments of my life, it’s such a shame the girls were not there to share it with me. Charlotte would have told me where I came, she would have known, just like she would have been there with a bottle to place in my hands as I’d crossed the line. But next time you will be.
Next time will be a family holiday (er....training camp ;-)) that pre-qualifies me for the European Championships next year in Alanya, Turkey, in the middle of June. And I can’t wait for them to experience a trip away like what I had just experienced.
We are still awaiting official confirmation from British Triathlon, however if the pre qualification rules stay the same, then I have also pre qualified for my next goal of 2012, and that was to be on the team to race in the 2013 Worlds in London.
What’s left? Well I tell you what is left. It’s business as usual. Training goes on and started 3 days after on my return back to Blighty. But this time I’m going to have fun. I’m going to enjoy my season and have a laugh with it. I’m also going to experiment a bit with a few strategies as well as working on some weaknesses. So watch out, next year, I’m going to be there again, but I’m going to be stronger, fitter, leaner, and faster. More determined to win with one focus in mind.
See you all after Ashington on Bank Holiday Monday, and please let me leave you with this but this time, listen to the words. I have..............
Next time will be a family holiday (er....training camp ;-)) that pre-qualifies me for the European Championships next year in Alanya, Turkey, in the middle of June. And I can’t wait for them to experience a trip away like what I had just experienced.
We are still awaiting official confirmation from British Triathlon, however if the pre qualification rules stay the same, then I have also pre qualified for my next goal of 2012, and that was to be on the team to race in the 2013 Worlds in London.
What’s left? Well I tell you what is left. It’s business as usual. Training goes on and started 3 days after on my return back to Blighty. But this time I’m going to have fun. I’m going to enjoy my season and have a laugh with it. I’m also going to experiment a bit with a few strategies as well as working on some weaknesses. So watch out, next year, I’m going to be there again, but I’m going to be stronger, fitter, leaner, and faster. More determined to win with one focus in mind.
See you all after Ashington on Bank Holiday Monday, and please let me leave you with this but this time, listen to the words. I have..............