Eventually....
....the end of what was most certainly the longest rest period that I have had since my lifestyle of inactivity over three years ago now.
19 days of what I can only describe as hell. Well he'll in some ways but quite frankly, the total opposite in others.
Elliot told me I had to do the things that 'normal' people do. Go and enjoy my food again, have a good drink and get it all out of my system. Just go out there and have some fun.
Well.... If that is what 'normal' people do, then I am glad I'm a 'Triathlete'. To say I missed the routine is an understatement, and to say that I missed the constant dull ache in the muscles associated with the constant high intensity exertion, well, that has now become more of a habit now. This feeling that we are all familiar with to some extent, has become par for the course these days.
That's the reason I needed the rest. To allow my body to get back to normal, allowing myself mentally to reflect and reevaluate what has seemed like an eternity of a season this year, that started way back in March with Dambuster Duathlon, and finished around three weeks ago, in London, at the World Championships in HydePark.
....the end of what was most certainly the longest rest period that I have had since my lifestyle of inactivity over three years ago now.
19 days of what I can only describe as hell. Well he'll in some ways but quite frankly, the total opposite in others.
Elliot told me I had to do the things that 'normal' people do. Go and enjoy my food again, have a good drink and get it all out of my system. Just go out there and have some fun.
Well.... If that is what 'normal' people do, then I am glad I'm a 'Triathlete'. To say I missed the routine is an understatement, and to say that I missed the constant dull ache in the muscles associated with the constant high intensity exertion, well, that has now become more of a habit now. This feeling that we are all familiar with to some extent, has become par for the course these days.
That's the reason I needed the rest. To allow my body to get back to normal, allowing myself mentally to reflect and reevaluate what has seemed like an eternity of a season this year, that started way back in March with Dambuster Duathlon, and finished around three weeks ago, in London, at the World Championships in HydePark.
Most of all, it allowed me to spend some quality time with the family, who have so unselfishly, given up all of their timeline interests to support me in my own dreams and aspirations, for which I am always truly grateful.
Starting with the end in mind was always the goal this season, with absolutely everything focussed on competing in London at the World Championships. Something that I never would have believed would have been possible if you had spoken to me about it even when we started this journey three years ago now. Going into this race, I had no idea what the standard of the competition was going to be like, all I knew was it was going to be good. This time with a true international field.
Starting with the end in mind was always the goal this season, with absolutely everything focussed on competing in London at the World Championships. Something that I never would have believed would have been possible if you had spoken to me about it even when we started this journey three years ago now. Going into this race, I had no idea what the standard of the competition was going to be like, all I knew was it was going to be good. This time with a true international field.
I'm not going to spend to much time on this subject because, to be quite frank, it was a disaster. But a disaster in only one way. I went into the race in probably my best shape yet, both physically and mentally, I was there, I was on the start line and I was ready to race hard. The hardest I have ever raced. I had tested myself at Newbiggin only a couple of weeks earlier and totally thrashed it, picking up a new course record to go with the annual trophy (which I was determined to keep in the north east), but most importantly, it was a class field that I was up against.
... What happened in London was out of my hands.
The age category was split into two waves so there was not going to be an update at all until I crossed the line as to how I had performed. It was a time trial. The race of truth. Head down and go full bore.
Coming out of the water, as I usually do, cast adrift from the faster swimmers but taking charge of the following pack, I was ready to do what I do best. But here lies the problem. What would normally be the plan to start picking off the swimmers, didn't seem to be going the way it 'usually' does. Jumping on my bike leaving transition, I had that feeling that we all dread. The feeling of a carbon disc wheel rim touching the road surface. I had noticed that the tyre was spongy when I was setting up transition that morning, and after pumping it up to around 140psi, come race time I thought it would be ok.
Unfortunately this was not to be the case. I was going backwards for the first time, in my biggest race to date, I was bouncing along for all the wrong reasons. I thought I could limp it home to at least give me the opportunity to run and run out of my skin as I did a few weeks earlier in Newbiggin. But only half distance had past when I found myself slumped on the side of the road hanging my head over the barriers, usually reserved to separate the crowd from the road, before being helped over it by a marshal and club colleagues 'Team Batey' who were to race on Sunday. Thank you girls, that was a pretty tough moment for me.
I had hit one of the cobblestones on the sleeping policeman speed hump at the serpentine bridge crossing, resulting in the tyre nipping against the rim causing a split in the sidewall. What was more bizarre was the tub had dragged completely away from the valve in the process.
... What happened in London was out of my hands.
The age category was split into two waves so there was not going to be an update at all until I crossed the line as to how I had performed. It was a time trial. The race of truth. Head down and go full bore.
Coming out of the water, as I usually do, cast adrift from the faster swimmers but taking charge of the following pack, I was ready to do what I do best. But here lies the problem. What would normally be the plan to start picking off the swimmers, didn't seem to be going the way it 'usually' does. Jumping on my bike leaving transition, I had that feeling that we all dread. The feeling of a carbon disc wheel rim touching the road surface. I had noticed that the tyre was spongy when I was setting up transition that morning, and after pumping it up to around 140psi, come race time I thought it would be ok.
Unfortunately this was not to be the case. I was going backwards for the first time, in my biggest race to date, I was bouncing along for all the wrong reasons. I thought I could limp it home to at least give me the opportunity to run and run out of my skin as I did a few weeks earlier in Newbiggin. But only half distance had past when I found myself slumped on the side of the road hanging my head over the barriers, usually reserved to separate the crowd from the road, before being helped over it by a marshal and club colleagues 'Team Batey' who were to race on Sunday. Thank you girls, that was a pretty tough moment for me.
I had hit one of the cobblestones on the sleeping policeman speed hump at the serpentine bridge crossing, resulting in the tyre nipping against the rim causing a split in the sidewall. What was more bizarre was the tub had dragged completely away from the valve in the process.
Now you 'Iron Folk' may change the tyre and get back on track to make up time, but no amount of sealant was getting my race back on track. My time was up, my race was over. Was I disappointed? Yes of course I was, but I knew I was there. And as I said earlier, I was there in the best shape of my life. I had had a great year, winning the British championships and coming 4th in the Europeans in Alanya, Turkey and many podiums on route.
The feeling of disappointment slowly disappeared when I soon saw Charlotte, Freya and my folks. They are the most important ones in my life, the ones that really matter, the ones that are proud of me now whatever happens.
Frustration best describes my feelings now, frustrated that I was ready and that it was a mechanical that put me out. Something that I could do nothing about. But I will bounce back and I will be bigger and stronger because of this. We all have moments that try us, but it is how you deal with them that makes you who you are, that makes you different from everyone else. I've had my fair share this year with sickness in Stockton, a snapped chain at Llandudno and now this!
The rest period for me let me reflect on what I'd achieved and what I'd done to get there. Next year will be bigger and better with some new challenges thrown in to try me out. There are going to be some mountains to climb, quite literally with the Europeans in Kitzbuhel, but the biggest challenge is going to be my season finale in 2014 being my first venture into middle distance with Challenge Mallorca.
So lets see how this sprinter fairs on the big stage eh!! I'm taking bets now!
Coming out of this recovery period, I think it very appropriate to thank a few people for who, without their help, I would not be able to do what I love.
The feeling of disappointment slowly disappeared when I soon saw Charlotte, Freya and my folks. They are the most important ones in my life, the ones that really matter, the ones that are proud of me now whatever happens.
Frustration best describes my feelings now, frustrated that I was ready and that it was a mechanical that put me out. Something that I could do nothing about. But I will bounce back and I will be bigger and stronger because of this. We all have moments that try us, but it is how you deal with them that makes you who you are, that makes you different from everyone else. I've had my fair share this year with sickness in Stockton, a snapped chain at Llandudno and now this!
The rest period for me let me reflect on what I'd achieved and what I'd done to get there. Next year will be bigger and better with some new challenges thrown in to try me out. There are going to be some mountains to climb, quite literally with the Europeans in Kitzbuhel, but the biggest challenge is going to be my season finale in 2014 being my first venture into middle distance with Challenge Mallorca.
So lets see how this sprinter fairs on the big stage eh!! I'm taking bets now!
Coming out of this recovery period, I think it very appropriate to thank a few people for who, without their help, I would not be able to do what I love.
First of all, thank you to Tony and Dave at A1 Multisport for all your support. You guys have been a great help to me over the last few years for which I am truly appreciative.
You can see the store at www.a1multisport.co.uk
You can see the store at www.a1multisport.co.uk
To all the team at Coalfields Race Team. You guys are what a team is all about, helpful and supporting, motivating and inspiring.
Follow the team on Facebook and online at www.coalfieldsrt.com
Follow the team on Facebook and online at www.coalfieldsrt.com
To Elliot Gowland, Coach and Friend. The man with the plan. He delivered me to where I needed to be pushing and encouraging me every step of the way and helping me realise my own abilities. I am extremely excited for what we have planned going forward.
Lisa, my Physio at Target physiotherapy, thanks for stripping out my I.T. Bands and helping me hit the roof with your savagery. You deserved to hit the wall during that session.
To AquaSphere. Ever since I received my first Phantom, I have never looked back. Since, I think I have trialled just about every pair of goggles and finally settled on the K180's. Simply the best of the best. See the whole range at http://www.aquasphereswim.com/uk/
I've spoken about recovery and how it has allowed me to look back at my year and re focus my head for the challenges that lie ahead, but what about the most important aspect? The opportunity to allow my body relax and repair any minor damage caused by a hectic training and racing schedule. What better support could I ask for than that I have received from the guys at Sigvaris Sports Compression and Natural Hero!
Sigvaris compression wear, developed with medical technology to aid muscle recovery and venous return assisting in the removal of metabolic waste, has become a regular in my house hold and kept me feeling fresh. Check them out at www.sigsports.co.uk
Sigvaris compression wear, developed with medical technology to aid muscle recovery and venous return assisting in the removal of metabolic waste, has become a regular in my house hold and kept me feeling fresh. Check them out at www.sigsports.co.uk
Alongside the warming sensation of Natural Ginger from Natural Hero muscle rub, this provides me with a hot 'sauna' like feeling, relaxing the regular muscular aches we are all familiar with. www.naturalhero.co.uk
Now this is only going to get better, as I am currently trailing, as we type, Firefly recovery device. Electro stimulation which acts on the nerve endings supplying the calf muscles resulting in an involuntary pump reflex. This essentially aids venous return and assists in the removal of waste products. I can't wait to feel the effects of this, especially combined with my 'Sigs'. www.fireflyrecovery.com
For providing me with my own portable changing facility, DryRobe. What a great idea! A changing coat and towel that allows you to maintain your dignity by keeping you covered while you uncover!!! And it keeps you warm and dry. www.wandering-star.co.uk
Finally to my family and friends, for, well, for everything.
Thanks for putting up with me. Here is to 2014. For more adventure and for mor challenges. And that will include you.......
Thanks for putting up with me. Here is to 2014. For more adventure and for mor challenges. And that will include you.......