| Doug 1 August 2009 Kalmar Ironman 
I completed the Kalmar Triathlon (Ironman distance) in Sweden at the weekend. 11 hrs 4 mins - that extra 4 mins was a bit frustrating!!
Race morning - waking up was a scary thing and breakfast wasn't going down so well, I was very nervous.
Thought I was going to be sick standing in to water at the start but as soon as the start horn was blasted I bizarrely instantly relaxed into the race, loving the swim from the go, the sun was out, the water was warm and there was plenty of room to swim. I had a great swim in the end (1hr12min), bit slower than planned due to the sea being choppy but was weirdly one of the nicest swims I've had, quite surreal seeing so many jellyfish bouncing off my goggles!
Bike was mixed 16-22 mph going out and 20-30 mph coming back due to strong cross winds but again very pleasant till about 90mile when my butt and neck started to ache - seemed to go by quickly though (5hrs 39min)
Run - first lap was great, 2nd was utter hell (much talking to myself) and 3rd was gradually better with ridiculous sprint finish (4hr 4min) where had that energy been hiding during the 2nd lap, a combination of heat and stomach pains slowed me right down in the 2nd lap, but when you've consumed probably 5 bananas and all the other gunk along the way its no wonder.
Was a fab experience and travelling with the guys over there did wonders for my confidence.
Kalmar is a great place so will be back again to correct a few of my novice mistakes (ride the bike harder, uneven run pace and stick to my race food plan), maybe I could then drop down to 10.5hrs or at least loose 4 mins. Saying all that I'm really happy with my 1st IM race bar some painful parts, awaiting finishing pic off a very smiley emotional Doug crossing the line.
Cathy Guernsey Open Water Tri 7 June 2009 With my second-hand tri suit and two open water training nights under my belt, did I feel ready for my first open water sea swim tri? I guess not! Holidaying in the Channel islands this year with a local sprint tri taking place in Guernsey was too much of an appeal to ignore so I contacted the local club, arranged a borrowed bike and used half of my Fly-Be weight allowance with wet suit, cycle hat and all I needed. With a week in Jersey beforehand I had a go at sea swimming and felt so disorientated with the movement of the water. My very tolerant husband pointed out that I had selected a surf beach which maybe gave me a difficult start, but insisting that the event may throw 10 foot waves at me I needed to know how that felt - he smiled, maybe, or was it a head shake!! The night before, I had a look at the cycle route (In Guernsey everyone knows the routes so no marshals required) I tried to memorise it, which in fairness wasn't too difficult, or so I thought. 7 June arrived, an early start and registration at 7am, ready for 8am start. A few loo visits - not the easiet in a wet suit, and before I knew it I was standing on the beach, nervous and well aware of how unfit I am just now. I checked everyone out and decided they all looked like Olympians - for a minute I wondered if I'd still be running hours after they had gone home but chatting to some of the girls, they were quick to give me advice and a few pointers. Anyway the water was freezing, under foot was stoney and as we all ran from the beach into the sea in fits of splashes, dives and in my case a very unchoreographed example of a hurdling giraffe, the event had started. The swim was calm in contrast to 'surf beach' and while the tide was coming in, the only real difficulty was the salt water - yuk - and my goggles steaming up. We were to swim from one bay, around a rocky outcrop and into the next bay. Husband Ian who was cheering on from the beach had a great view and he noticed how the experienced triathletes used the tide and seemed to know the water flow - they swam the shortest distance and allowed the water to push them towards the markers. Meanwhile back in novice world, I along with a few others were swimming extra distance, aiming for the markers but going off-course. As I neared the beach I was delighted that I had made it and started to run out of the water - still more of a giraffe than any 007 girl. I tried to undo my wetsuit - something I had practiced but I could not get that velcro undone - amazing how much energy that takes. Thankfully I wasn't last out of the water and the guy next to me helped by hauling that velcro. I found it difficult to take that suit off until I reached T1. On to the bike, a beautiful morning and the guy who had helped me with my velcro was only 100 metres in front. I decided to keep with him and then work to reel him in on the second part of the route. I also reckoned that while he was in view, I was on the right route and could relax about taking a wrong turn. Firstly though some urgent fluid - my first few mouthfuls were spat right out to rid my mouth of salt, I'd like to say that this was done in a refined, lady-like manner but you can probably picture otherwise! Cycle plan went well to the half way point at a big 'feck off hill' where I knew I'd lose ground. I actually worked hard on that hill and at the top my lungs were about to jump out of my chest - not to worry, a great down hill past the riding centre and time to take on fluid as well as reeling in the guy in front. As I turned at the top of the hill I caught sight of my target a good 400 m ahead BUT between me and him a load of horse riders - mainly kids AND oncoming cars. My quick downhill opportunity had gone. By the time I passed them I had to work a bit more to find my target. On to the main coast road and I could just see him ahead. Next hurdle a 'wee grey fergie with milk churns' while I know that farmers out there will smile nostalgically at the thought of an old tractor still active in farm life, it did me no good at all. I have no idea of it's speed but it was holding me up and there was a car between me and it - I couldn't over take with oncoming - my plan was rapidly disappearing as I had now lost sight of helpful velcro-man. At last the car and I overtook 'fergie' and suddenly I had to remember the route. I had made a mental note of landmarks including the kiosk sign which was placed at the bay road end and where I was to turn left. Doh! guess how many kiosk signs are on the north coast of Guernsey!!! A few wrong turns but I eventually made it back to T2 having enjoyed some scenery too. Apart from taking the wrong path along the coastal path and having to run a little extra across a dune or two, the run was hot but flat and fair. The run is my Nemesis and although slow I am pleased my gammy leg held out. I was pretty much last, which I expected, and that would have been the result even without the wrong turns and hold ups. Bottom line, is that I found it tough but loved it. Another step closer to getting back to where I was a few years ago. Jimmy / Steve / Dek Stirling Tri 7 June 2009 Jim - Well I finally went and popped my Triathlon cherry at Stirling on Sunday. What a day! Great excitement when Gary picked me up at 5.35am. Once we got to Stirling and registered I started to get really excited, asking my fellow Perth Tri'iers lots and lots and lots of questions and wishing I could just get started. Squeezed into my shiney new tri shorts and top and made my way to the pool with three toilet stops on the way. Started off second in my lane and during the first three lengths I had to let the two swimmers behind me pass as they where getting impatient. The problem was not me but the number one swimmer who was holding us all up. Another two or three lengths I had passed all the swimmers and it stayed that way with me being first out of the pool in my lane. Quick change into my cycling gear and I was off, found it strange cycling mostly on my own (unlike Etape) no problems though except when I opened my gel and covered myself in it. Back to the transition for the run. First lap wasn't much fun but got into my stride for the second lap and finished in a time of 1 hour 24min. Well chuffed!! Just need to enter my next Tri now and keep the excitement going. Thanks to every one for there help and encouragement in my journey to my first Tri . Steve - It's a funny old game this triathlon. I could have sworn that I was on for a great swim split this year, I felt great in the pool and overtook everyone else in my lane, but at the end of the day, the results show that I was 22 seconds slower than last year at 00:16:48 (2008- 00:16:26).
The bike went well too, and I greatly enjoyed the tailwind back to Stirling from Menstrie. Decent improvement on the bike split at 00:44:19 (2008- 00:46:42)
But the run, well what can I say, with some fantastic encouragement from Jim and Dek especially and everyone else behind the fence, I blasted last years run split with an improvement of 4:04!!! at 00:34:24 (2008- 00:38:20).
This gave me an overall improvement of 5:18 over last year with an overall time of 1:38:20 (2008- 1:43:38). I can't emphasise enough how pleased I am with this result. This is the first time I've gone under 1:40, and I am chuffed to bits.  Dek - Had a great time at Stirling. Was well pleased with my swim time as I thought I was really slow, but 17.23 is not fast, but it is for me. T1 was ok 59secs. Really enjoyed the bike course and was pleased with my time of 38.08. T2 was ok 1.01. and then out on the run which was good until you hit that beast of a hill (short but deadly) run time 22.32. total 1.20.04 thought I done ok and look forward to next year. Andy 8 May 2009 Edinburgh Marathon I stayed over in Edinburgh on Saturday as the start line opened at 7.30. The baggage trucks closed at 8.30 (they take your bag to the finish line for you.)
Once my bag was on the truck I went in search of my starting pen. Started chatting to a few folk and then as I noticed my hand wiping my forehead I decided it was getting fairly hot. The radio station guy, who was being blasted out through speakers all morning claimed that it was already 17C at 8.45am. I had applied my sun screen and was confident my hefty ginger frame would survive the onslaught of the sun gods!
Some politician started the race and we were on time.
11500 entrants in the full marathon and around 3000 more in the relay. Getting any sort of rhythm in the crowd was difficult but feeling good I pressed on. The early stages through the city had a few opportunities for shade and myself, like many others, took these opportunities.
Official 10k time 46.06
Feeling good at this point but the heat was certainly rising, water stations were 3mile apart and they were busy places. I was keen to keep hydrated and as we hit the coast all shelter was lost. After the hour mark I still felt OK. Pace was fine, all the pushing and shoving of the earlier miles and died away and it was getting hotter. Even at this stage there we people being assisted for heat/sun stroke. I passed maybe a dozen such cases.
Official half marathon time 1.43.12
I was cruising on schedule for a decent time. But then..................
About 16 miles things started niggling away at me. Cramps around a hip injury I sustained in the island race started to get to me. Found a comfortable running style (think Forrest Gump before the leg braces come off!) that, for a while at least, kept the cramp at bay.
Official 30k time 2.47.53
And then the headache started! Was it a symptom of the heat? By this time, around midday, someone suggested that it was 25C and not a breathe of air. Keen to finish I was reduced to a walk. Cramps came hard and regular and the last 5miles will not sit well with me for a very long time.
Official marathon time 4.43.06
Way out on my expectations but............I have completed a marathon on my first attempt.
A final word for the people of Edinburgh and all those that went to support friends and family. They were exceptional in their spirit and good will. Kids with water pistols a grannies with jelly babies all made for a great experience. Steve 3 May 2009 Bishopbriggs This is an event that I feel some loyalty to, as its predecessor at Erskine was my first ever triathlon (albeit at Novice distance). On top of that, being originally a Paisley Buddy before my Damascene conversion to the east side of the country, I almost feel on home turf there.
My preparation for this event wasn't exactly text book stuff, I had been suffering from a cough on the week leading up to it, and a mystery bout of shoulder pain didn't help. I was close to pulling out mid-week, but the cough went away by Friday, and a gentle session at the pool on Friday evening was enough to convince me that the shoulder wasn't going to be a problem. Nevertheless, a week of no training left me wondering how I was going to perform on the day.
The Glasgow Tri Club organisers this year introduced a split transition area, which meant that Sprint competitors could have a lie in and rack up closer to the start time than before, so I left Kinross at 11:00 and made my way Westwards at a leisurely pace. I was acutely aware that I would be on my own this time - no fellow Perth Tri club members, no support team, no cow bells - and after a look at the start list, I discovered that none of the acquaintances that I have made over time were going to be there either. So, after registration and racking, there was a long couple of hours to fill while the novice race finished off and the organisers got the timing kit working again 
My swim heat finally got under way half an hour late, with me in the middle position. What a scramble. A breast stroker in front of me, and another breast stroker behind me who set of like a bat out of hell. I let him past after 3 or 4 lengths, but he soon ran out of steam and wouldn't let me past again. After two or three lengths of fruitlessly pulling his ankle, I resorted to diving in front of him at the turn. I soon pulled away and it wasn't long before I caught up with the next breast stroker. Same deal!!! 2 or 3 lengths of ankle tugging, and finally, I had to dive in front of him to get past as well. In all the shenanigans, I totally lost track of my length count, so pacing went out of the window, and I just went for it to try and make up some lost time. I finished frustrated, and with a disappointin swim split of 17:06 (2008: 17:04) wondering how much better it could have been.
So, out onto the bike. The cycle route here is 4 out-and-back laps of a closed road course, where the only real problems are the short steep hill at the start and dead-turns at each end - oh, and the stiff westerly breeze. The cycle was pretty uneventful for me, and I even remembered to hit the "lap" button on my cycle computer so that I would know when to finish. A slightly disappointing split this year of 49:38 (2008: 49:00) in what were definitely poorer conditions than last year.
T2 was event-free, if a little crowded. The run here is one of the best around, being mostly on the towpath of the Canal, and the route down onto the canal was being marshalled by Kay McWilliam with assistance from Kirsty, so it was a case of ignore the jelly legs and try and look like a triathlete. After East Fife, Alec commented that I had "looked comfortable" on the run, which I took as d**ning with faint praise  so I really tried to get out of the comfort zone and put some pace into this run. Well, I certainly was uncomfortable, but I don't think that anyone would have noticed much real difference in the pace  Despite this, it did work and a run split of 34:18 (2008: 36:17), while not likely to frighten Kirsty McWilliam (or anyone else), is a real improvement on last year. Alec was right, I've been taking it too easy.
With a total time of 1:44:00 versus a 2008 time of 1:45:34, I am reasonably content. I am still very slow, but still improving. I finished, and (this time) I didn't come last.
I like this event, and hopefully I'll be able to persuade more fellow Perth Tri folk to come and join me next year. Greig East Fife - Cupar 12 April 2009 My first triathlon. The day had arrived at last. The last six weeks had been a nightmare as I had gone through a prolonged bout of pre race nerves. I didn't sleep too well and was on the road and full of porridge by 0645hrs. When I arrived at the sports centre, transition was still an empty car park and reg hadn't even opened. I was feeling pretty calm at this point. It wasn't until I got inked at reg that my nerves really kicked in and I had to go back to the car and have a word with myself. On my way to set up I bumped into most of the others and the chat seemed to calm me down a good deal, and setting up next to Cathy, Steve and Dek was great as I just copied the seasoned pros. Race briefing was quite an experience and I felt positively schoolboyish after our talking to from Maisy. The time had come and I was changed at poolside and couldn't wait to get in the water. Also couldn't help checking out the competition. He looks fast, she's got cyclists thighs etc etc. I was first to swim in my lane and was paranoid about getting caught during the first few lengths but was also aware that a flying start would mean I'd be knackered by length 15. My plan was the first 15 crawl then see how I felt, maybe throw in a couple of breast stroke if I was struggling. Into the pool and I was off. It felt fantastic to be actually doing my first tri instead of just training for, and thinking about it. As hard as I tried to stay calm my first 10 were way too fast and I'd almost caught the back of the pack, but the next 5 were really bad and I was caught by 3 of the guys behind me. By about 20 I was starting to feel really hot and couldn't figure out why, then I realised I'd never trained in a swim cap. It felt almost claustrophobic by the time I'd completed the swim. Swim over and out to T1. I was feeling reasonably fresh but a bit light headed. Alec had given me some last minute advice on how to counter this but I completely forgot about it. It took what seemed like ages to get ready and then I had a moment of madness. It was a beautiful sunny day, I was boiling up from the swim, and I went and put on a cycling jacket????? I can only think my swim cap must've been too tight. T1 done and I was out on the bike. I felt good on the bike and could see a couple of other racers just up the road so that was my first target. I'd caught both by the top of the S bends and then it was up "the lump" I was passed by an older guy going up but when I got over the top I was in the big ring and on the tri bars and soon reeled him back in. He passed me again on St Marys Road but hey ho. Second lap of the cycle was a bit more subdued and I was passed by some of the faster guys on their first lap. The shouts going along St Marys were great and I was heading for T2. This was a lot smoother than T1 apart from Cathy stealing my bike slot and parking her bike on top of my emergency fig rolls. Don't worry Cathy,I didn,t need them. Out on to the run and I've never had legs like it. I had done a lot of brick training and always felt not too bad but the effort of race day really showed and my first mile was wooden. Again the cheers and cow bells from the club and my family seemed to lighten my stride and lap 2 and 3 were a lot easier. Into lap 3 and I realised I was almost finished my first tri. To say I didn't want it to end is not accurate but I really was having the most fun. My sprint finish didn't quite materialise but crossing the line was just the most amazing exerience. I felt fantastic. Again a huge thanks to everyone who shouted for us on the way round. I had no idea how emotive hearing your name shouted could be. I hope I get the opportunity to do the same for all of you soon. Sorry to Jules who couldn't race, you'll just have to put in double effort at Stirling. My time on the day was 1. 32. I'd hoped for a sub 1.40 so was over the moon. A sub 1.30 Stirling? Jerry and Johanna 7 March 2009 The Wee Tri - Fort William Well, where to start .... The Wee Tri
400m pool swim
11 mile mountain bike ride
3 mile cross country run
Having hired a van for the weekend from Friday night the first plan had been to drive north and camp/sleep in the van before turning up at the Fort. This was laid to rest with Johanna returning late back from Edinburgh and the fact that it snowed (I don't particularly object to being cold and wet during an event but I do draw the line at starting like that-more of this later).
Setting off early on Saturday saw us arrive at the Fort, just as the rain started, and in good time to look at the first technical section of the mountain bike course, straight downhill for approx 1k and lots of steps, boulders and gnarly tree roots, confirming my worst fears, as a non technical mountain biker, of things to come.
This is a small event, limited to 72 entries, although proving so popular that there was also a Wee Tri part two on the Sunday for those on the standby list.
Registration was smooth and the organisation generally was very good, marred only by a certain amount of lack of communication to the competitors as to what was planned and how it was all going to work.
The swim was slightly strange, being run on heats, but no follow through to transition and the bike ride. Instead all the swimming was completed before a break for calculations and then a mass group ride down the road to Glen Nevis before setting folk off on a handicap time depending on how far behind the fastest swimer an individuals swim time had been. The reason for this was given as too cold for transition from a pool (try the New Years Day tri matey) but I suspect was more to do with it being run on a relatively small scale, low cost and no electronic tags.
For some folk there was a fair wait before the bike ride set off as only 10 swimmers could go at any one time, the marshalls acting as length counters were nice to have though. Both Johanna and I managed personal best swim times before changing and heading back out in to the rain for the bike course briefing. Despite being relatively warm it was definitely a real West Coast day with the wind blowing hard and the rain hammering down so I was feeling pretty chilly by start two having opted for shorts, remembering the technical section of the course, and being greeted by a cheerful "wow an original RockHopper you don't see many of those around now" comment from a fellow competitor (welcome to the veteran perspective).
The route had been changed due to additional forest harvesting works taking place which suited us as it meant a greater proportion on road up Glen Nevis, I was left feeling that I wanted higher gears though as I just couldn't pedal fast enough to keep the power on in places. Turning off the road on to forest tracks meant the start of a long pull up the hill, unfortunately I left it a bit late to change down and couldn't shift to the small chain ring so baffled the oposition by cycling downhill in the wrong direction (silly old codger's forgotten the route) in order to get the low gear before heading back up the hill.
In the true spirit of adventure I decided to run the technical section as I was catching up with folk who were getting off and on their bikes, I also passed a couple of folk who came to grief, their muffled "OK thanks" being enough to send me on my way happy in my limitations.
A further road section back down the glen then a final off road flurry with some pretty testing hills and descents requiring more walking/running from me although Johanna manged to ride them all so well done to her.
At last a proper transition to the run, which for me was speedy as I had cycled in my running shoes, heading back up Glen Nevis I was fairly pleased to only be met by two folk on the homeward leg before heading out on the short cross country loop. A personal battle with a faster runner who kept coming past me but then stopping for cramp kept me going and helped take my mind off the tiredness and the rain. Although I was passed by a few folk, they all looked younger to me! The finish was a welcome sight, as ever, and thankfully had been tied down securely so no additional sprinting required and I manged to avoid the wallow that had developed and claimed a few victims on the line, bonus.
The showers afterwards were great, as were the chips and I'm not sure who was more surprised, me for coming third in my class or Johanna for coming second in hers!
An unexpected result and although neither of us will delude ourselves that we are that competitive in the real world it was a good feeling all the same and one to be savoured as it may be some time before it happens again!
If you fancy something very relaxed and informal and feel pretty happy on a mountain bike then it makes a good weekend away with a nice t shirt for all competitors. The marshalls were great at providing support and hats off (or rather on) to them for staying cheerful in the conditions. It is also a spectacular setting for an event, if you can see it, did I mention the rain? Jo 1 January 2009 NYD - Edinburgh Jerry and my first triathlon, which we started training for back in September when a sunny social ride with Perth Tri Club lured us into the belief that couch potatoes could turn into triathletes. The last 10 years has seen us slide from fairly fit climbers, canoeists and sailors into lardy, Sunday afternoon walkers. The last 3 months have been a steep learning curve, with lots of cycling and swimming and only a little running (injuries!) NYD Tri consisted of 400m swim in the Commie Pool, 3 circuits of Arthurs Seat, cycling amounting to 11 miles and once round running (3.5 miles). Weather 0 degrees, dry, occasional sunshine, no wind. I was fairly nervous at the start of the swim and it took me a couple of lengths to settle into a steady rhythm. By the last length I had relaxed a lot and was able to think a bit about my technique, although by this time both Jerry and Dek had overtaken me. Out of the pool, I dried off quickly and put on a top and trackie bottoms before running out of the transition area where I caught up with Jerry. A quick transition which was aided by lots of late night visualisation and planning, saw me heading out on the cycle just ahead of him, but that didn't last for long as he overtook me at the first roundabout and I didn't see him again until the finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the cycle, my new bike behaved itself and the third chainring was invaluable on the hill up past the loch on each circuit. Although overtaken by much faster cyclists, I managed to overhaul a few and that spurred me on, as did the cheering from my sister and the Perth Tri contingent. The second transition went as equally well as the first, in fact, I wondered if I had missed doing something as I couldn't quite believe it was as simple as hanging up my bike and taking off my helmet! I found the run hellish, jelly legs to start with and although this eased off after about 400m or so, my legs felt like lead all the way round. I just kept plodding onward, ignoring the people bounding past me and attempting to catch those just in front. I was greatly relieved when the Commie Pool came back into sight and it was downhill. The finish had a little sting in the tail as it's uphill for the last 100m. I had thought I might sprint this but when it came to it I had nothing left in the tank/legs. I finished in just under 1hr 45mins and was fair chuffed as I had estimated it would take me 2 hours. Well done to Dek and Jerry, also completing their first triathlons. The event was very well organised and other than the temperature, I would recommend it to anyone starting out on the triathlon journey. |
| | Dek Mid Argyll Triathlon 27 September 2009 Well this was going to be my season best, shorter swim and longer run should have suited me just fine.Then it all went PETE TONG.
I arrived in Lochgilphed on sat afternoon feeling fit and strong and just up for it. Dumped the bike at my digs, and went off to find some food. Then back to my room with a massive pasta and early to bed, only to wake up at about 2am feeling very unfit,weak and violently sick. Bummer
I arrive at registration set up transition and tried to eat something, no chance. so had to start my swim heat starving and feeling semi S--t.
Anyway, now the excuses are out the way a 500m swim, 20k bike, and 6.5k run stood before me.
The swim went ok, I got passed by one guy, but managed to hang on to the back of him and we both passed the other two in our lane,so I was 2nd out and had started 4th .But still thought I could have pushed harder.
T1 was shocking
Out on the bike it was raining hard and very windy, the first half of the bike was going good, but the second was KAK, I just had no energy and was feeling sick again
T2 was ok
The run was an out and back along the canal, which I had been looking forward too,but not today. I had nothing left and just plodded round till I reached the finish-line.
swim10.52 bike37.01 (run 32.26SHOCKING)
Finished in 38th (10th MV)
Ok, so this was my last event in my first year of Triathlon.It didn't go to plan but,HEY. I've had a great year training with Perth Tri Club. I've met and made friends with some fantastic people,and can't wait to do it all again next year.Its been a pleasure doing business with you guy's Cheers Cathy Cairngorm Adventure Triathlon 26 September 2009 Well this was it, the final event of the season (for me in any case) and my plan to enjoy every event this year while remaining uninjured for the whole season (down to not pushing myself until it hurts type thing!!) had so far worked well. A week's holiday in a cabin perched on the Oswegatchie River had provided me with a weeks worth of kayaking - so was I ready for this? Absolutely ........ My old mountain bike gave up the ghost but a friend loaned me hers which was a better bike so I was really looking forward to enjoying it all and maybe, just maybe, pushing myself that little bit to mark the occasion well. On arrival Mo and I met up with Elaine, Julie, Ken and Jimmy - the competition was growing already - lots of mind games and a healthy girls v boys thing going on between them. Another few familiar faces and soon we were all lined up on the beach for the briefing.
I had a great feeling about the day but suddenly gasps of every description as the announcement that the canoe portion had been cancelled. WHAT!! I screamed to myself, well I actually screamed it out loud, only to be drowned out by my best mate Mo along with Elaine screaming even louder with glee that they didn't have to go into the water!
Nothing for it other than a mass start and double the run. I actually really enjoyed the first part of the run but overheated a bit with too warm a base layer and really worried if I'd manage it all again after the bike. T1 was fine as I ditched the thermal top and headed off on my borrowed bike - I really appreciated the use of it but I learned a very healthy lesson. Not having a bike set up properly but deciding to hurtle down hills at warp factor whatever, results in painful knees, painful hips, back, in fact every joint from foot to shoulder. I wondered again if it was possible to finish the event - that said I loved the downhills and probably should have been more worried that I'd end up in a ditch injured rather than pulling muscles or having joint pain. Ah well  . As I came into T2 it was a quick change over as the beachy woodland beckoned. With only 200 metres of the next 5k under my belt I had to stop with the most painful knees - I'd never had that before. I knew I would finish but the time would be a mystery and it's a bit lonely when things aren't going well. I decided I would run until it hurt then stop and walk, run until it hurt then stop and walk, that way I'd remain uninjured. Within minutes, my stamina began to go - another new experience and even at 1/2 mile my body was looking for excuses to stop. Then, thank heavens, Jen, Heather and Gillian, girls I had never met before, caught up on me and started chatting - they had baked muffins that morning so as well as running and chatting were dishing them out to others en route - now THAT is multi tasking  Bottom line is that I buddied up with them, ran more than I would have done on my own and completed the CAT. Ladies it was good to meet you, and I really appreciated your company and your encouragement.
A really well organised event and will I do it again? Absolutely. Next year I need my own new mountain bike, set up properly, another injury free year under my belt, and I need to bake muffins that morning. Annette & Jack Cairngorm Adventure Triathlon 26 September 2009 Thought I'd add a few words form a rank amateurs perspective. Jack and I entered this event because it's in one of or favourite parts of Scotland, we thought we might be quite good at the canoeing bit, we both quite liking cycling and hey, surely we could stagger 5k at the end.
Our preparation was 'patchy' to say the least. I'm not much of a runner but have been flogging my way run the Inch a couple of times a week for the last month or so in preparation. Jack on the other hand last ran in 1990 to get fit to go on Operation Raleigh. He went for a long cycle 4 weeks ago and then for reasons best known to himself decided to go for his first training run, tore a calf muscle and has been seeing the physio twice a week since. He was declared fit to start training on Friday afternoon, ie 24 hrs before the event. So you could say that our training had not been 'optimal'. However we were thrilled to see the weather forecast predicted a brisk on shore wind on Saturday and as experienced canoeists we were confident that this would give us a huge advantage.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny and with the wind blowing something of a 'hooly' straight onto the shore. Perfect!  Jim had given me all the low down on where and when to rack my bike so when I stepped out of my tent at 8am I could not have been feeling more smug. And then I discovered that the front wheel of my (borrowed) bike had been buckled and it was basically unrideable. (It had caught between the car and tralier when we did a sharp right turn on the way north..an incident involving chips....). I tried to hire a wheel but ended up hiring a bike and despite this still felt remarkably calm. It was great to see so many pals from Perth Tri and the craic was good. We were to be in the third heat about 11ish so the plan was to go to the briefing and then back to the tent for a Porridge-fest.
The briefing was on the beach at 9.30 and our day started to go downhill when they announced that the canoeing leg had been cancelled due to the weather conditions (what?!!!) and it was to become a run-cycle-run duathalon. Nightmare. AND it was a mass start at 10.30. We hadn't even had our breakfast!
OK thats all the background, what really happened.....the first run went OK. My biggest concern at the start was getting sand in my trainers. I ran the first 5k in about 30 mins which I was well pleased with especially as I overtook a few people. Whey! The last bit up the beach was a killer and then into my bike shoes and offon the hire bike (which was great). The first bit was weird and I felt really jittery until I got some fluid and energy on board. The second half of the cycle was much better. A few really fat people overtook me which I wasn't having so dug in and finished in about 1 hour 25 . Fell off my bike in transition as I was so busy thinking about my new elastic laces in my trainers. Dragged myself around the Loch again feeling like I was running through porridge and wondering if I would actually be faster walking. Could not believe that I was only one minute slower on the second run. How does that work then?! 
My finish time was 2.34 and Jack came in just a few minutes later in 2.40 something. Obviously the main thing is that I beat him but, huge respect for running 10k with no training and a niggling injury. He had an absolute blinder on the bike. I was delighted with myself. Other people may have done great times but I had run all that way twice without stopping which was a huge achievement for me.
It was a fab event and the glorious sunshine meant that we all had a very mellow afternoon on the beach chillin' afterwards.
Lessons to be learned: Training is probably a good idea, have your breakfast a wee bit earlier and don't make sharp right turns with bikes and a trailer on the back of you car .
Thanks to everyone at Perth Tri for all the fun, encouragement and friendship this year. You are a great crowd.
Ian
Huntly Standard Tri 20 September 2009 I Had possibly been a little pessimistic about my swim time following a poor swim at the Alp triathlon. I was second in the lane and overtook the first man after 6 lengths and overtook the two behind me at about length 15. I was then in clear water and settled down into a steady rhythm. Counting has always been a problem for me, especially up to 60, so I was pleasantly surprised to be bopped on the head when I believed I still had eight lengths to go.
In transition there were two others just ahead of me. They left for the cycle with about 200 and 300 metres lead respectively. As we headed out the long rolling road to Banff my aim was to sit on their tail. After a few miles however, I found myself passing both only to be immediately re-taken. This cat and mouse affair ran for another few miles until the turn-off. There is an incline to the junction that continues afterwards. I pushed hard up the hill and managed to put some ground between us. My tactic was to drive hard on this hilly section to try and get enough distance between us. The plan failed in part when one of them caught me at 30km and disappeared never to be seen again.
The final road home was hard work uphill and into the wind. A quick transition and onto the run. My legs took almost 2km to ease but I felt good. The course was two laps of a 5.5k route. About two thirds into the lap there was a small loop where you run out and back. I discovered an old adversary was about 1.5km behind me and running is his strong suit. I tagged onto the girl in front wearing a GBR tri-suit. I reckoned if I could pass her I had a chance of beating Barry. This I managed on the second loop. (I can now claim to have beaten a member of the GB team!). As I ran back down the loop Barry had seriously closed the gap. Time for the final push. As I turned into the last 100m to transition I could hear cries of “go Barry” behind me.
I crossed the line and looked back. He was no more than ten seconds behind. A quick discussion revealed that he had started in third place on the swim, ten seconds after me. This was close. We went to the computer and printed out or times (the race is chipped). 2:35:23. A dead heat! The organiser then checked the actual times. Barry was, after two and a half hours, 5/100th of a second slower! That small and insignificant fraction proved critical. I was second super vet nudging him into third. Absolutely delighted even though I failed to beat the target of 2:30.
Ben Great North Swim 13 September 2009 Managed to get a good nights sleep and arrived early for my swim, after getting into my wetsuit I headed straight for the warm up and chatted to some people in the water.
I decided to try starting closer to the front this year so when the hooter sounded I ran down the slip and dived into the clear calm water. I really enjoyed being in the midst of things on the way to the first turn and tried to stay as close to the front as possible. After the turn i sighted the next buoy and pushed on as there was a bit more elbow room now. I seemed to be on my own but i noticed a huge group of to one side swimming very wide and I met up with them as they came back on course. I made a real effort the whole way round and just about managed a "Sprint" in the final 100m.
Just before the end I caught a couple of swimmers and as i watched thought they look quite good swimmers i must be doing OK.
I finished with a big PB of 38:20 which was 5mins quicker than GNS and even better I still had my swim cap on!
I really recommend this event there were 6000 swimmers taking part over the weekend and when the sun shine the lakes are truly stunning.
Ben Grantown Tri September 2009 I once again made the trip northward for the Grantown Tri. Its an odd event as the swim is only 300m in a four lane 20m pool, but the scenery is lovely and its a well organised event. This year they added chip timing which was available on a print out as soon as you cross the line.
My preparation for this event was rather unique, on Friday and Saturday night I went out for a 3 course meal to celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary. On the Sunday morning I was feeling very tired and slightly overloaded!!!
There was a lot of hanging around in the morning but with my brother and dad both running and a good PTC representation it was a sociable occasion.
I warned the officials at the start about my swim cap problem to see if i could swim without it but they insisted I at least start with it on. I started second in the lane and i passed the guy in front and the end of the third length and was worrying that I may be going to fast but decided just to keep going and see what happened. With three lengths to go the inevitable happened and my cap pinged off, I am so used to this now that i just ignore it and carry on swimming. I was first out of the pool which is nice and i had time to look at my watch as I clambered out 6:18 so very happy.
T1 was a little slow (still getting used to bike shoes) but i was soon in a nice rhythm on the bike. I got passed by 3 people on the climb but I felt much better than last year and I passed them all back on the way down (Tri bars and gravity are good). The last stretch back tot or when results are published.
T2 was a battle between 3 of us and they both passed me as I slowed to take my feet out of my shoes.
T2 was very fast so they passed me again on the run! I was really struggling on the run my right calf cramped up and I could feel that the lack of training due to injuries had really slowed me down. I never really felt good but enjoyed the run through the woods.
I had hoped to get under 1:20 but was happy to improve on last years time 1:21:44 and only 4 Min's behind my dad (i will get him at Stirling next year).
Official times to follow but approx
7:10 mins swim plus run to T1
1:50 T1
40:00 Bike (16k)
0:45 T2
32:00 Run (4.8k)
This is definitely my favorite event of the year (perhaps because I completed it) so will be back next year hopefully to get that sub 1:20.
Greig / Steve / Dek Haddington 6 September 2009 Greig - Having thought my season was over, I was really happy to be taking part in this sprint. I was second away in my lane, and within 15m had caught an elderly gent, who didn't seem to realise that me pulling his ankle meant I needed past him. I ended up walking behind him on length 2 and it was length 4 before the lane marshall pulled him over to let the rest of us by. This upset my rhythm and I made the mistake of trying to make up time, which I began to regret by length 20. Into T1 and I was glad the rain had stayed away. The bike course was a long drag out and I struggled to find any rhythm. By the turning point to head home I began to feel cramps in my calves, no doubt, the lack of training catching up on me. The last 6K of the bike was a fast straight country road and it felt good to be in the big ring , on the aero bars and flying (well it felt like flying to me). T2 was decision time for me. I had done a bit of running with no socks on and was going to try a sockless run. I had left a pair in transition just in case, and at the last minute, because of cold tootsies, decided to put the socks on.(This would come back to haunt me) Out on the run I felt really good. Not sure if I was any faster, but I definitely felt a lot looser than I had at East Fife. I came home in a time of 1:30:05(It must've taken me at least 6 seconds to put my socks on. I would've loved a sub 1:30. Next time for sure.) Well done to the organisers for making this happen, they had been out sweeping mud off the run route and had to re-route the run because of flooding. Thanks to the girls for the support and well done to Steve Gemma and Dek Steve - it was great to have a team there, with Greig, Dek, Gemma and Lindsay around.
I was feeling pretty confident before the race - injury free and feeling fit, and I was pretty sure that East Lothian is pretty flat, so no hills to worry about.
The swim was straightforward enough. I overtook one swimmer and got overtaken by a young lad who lapped everyone (wrong swim time buddy!!). T1 seemed to take a long time, not quite sure why, but I was a bit too casual about things.
Out on the bike and the first wee bit is through some narrow streets - as I was heading for a left turn a marshal shouted to me to watch for the car, I saw a car reversing towards me round the bend, so I went round it....and then saw the car he meant...a big MPV taking up all but about 2ft of the width of the road! Heart in my mouth I managed to squeeze past but it shook me a little.
Incident soon forgotten though, as out on the road towards Pencaitland, I soon realised I was going up hill!! Up hill??? It's meant to be flat!!!! With the wind in my face as well, I was struggling to make any decent progress. The map doesn't show it well, but it is definitely uphill all the way from Haddington to Pencaitland. Funny how I never noticed the downhill back.
A couple of miles out from T2, I started cramping in my calves. Ah, so not as fit as I thought then. This gave me a real problem in T2 as I struggled to change my shoes with going into spasm. Lindsay was timing my T2 using her calendar, but I was just worried about how I was going to run. I lasted about 100 metres before having to stop and stretch off, not that this helped much., but I persevered anyway. After about 1Km or so, the cramping disappeared, or was replaced by more general pain, and I completed the rest of the run without incident.
Dek - This was another first time event for me which I was really looking forward too.
I had trained quite hard for this event and felt my running had started to come together again as i had been plagued with achilles problems. Problem no more I hope.
I arrived at Haddington pool in plenty time to chill-out,have a chat to the other PTC members and our loyal and trusty PTC supporters. (cheers girls you know who you are)
Once changed I started to relax and look forward to the swim. The swim went ok,I managed to pass the others about half way and then about 200m from the end I felt tense and lost my rhythm,(for what reason I don't know) I ended up letting the others passed again.swim time 16.54 which I was happy with as its the fastest I've gone in a pool swim this season.
Out on the bike and the first 8k was into a head wind and mostly up hill, I felt I done ok as only one guy passed me on the way out. Half way and we turned heading back with the wind behind but only for about 3k then another turn back into the wind again by which time I was feeling good and had caught and passed the 7-8 riders in front, I now got my head down and was focused on the guy that had passed me on the way out. I maneged to catch and pass him on the last climb before Haddington and never seen him again.( now feeling smug)Bike split 36.39,
On to the run. Normally I always go off to fast , but with some good advice from fellow athletes I've slowed down,got my legs into run mode then up the pace and it seems to work, run went well,thought I could have went faster but was pleased with a 20.50 split.
I did enjoy this event and finished 54th in a time of 1.16.12
Well done to Steve and also Greig good to see you back racing again mate. Cheers DEK.
Alec Ironman UK 2 August 2009 
Where do I begin? It was a day to remember and a day to forget, a real mixed bag both physically and mentally. Probably the toughest race I have ever done, a real beast.
The weather before the event was awful – rain, rain and more rain. It turned the race venue into what could only be described as Glastonbury on a wet weekend. There was ankle deep mud everywhere. Competitor parking was closed. Race Village was a wash out, and the mandatory race briefing had to be moved to a new venue 5 miles away. Having only arrived at lunchtime on the Saturday all these changes tried one’s patience. Anyway, onto the race itself.
The race kicked off at 06:00 sharp on Sunday. The swim went well – nice and steady. No major incidents (other than the expected rabbit punches to the back of the head). When I exited the water I was surprised with my time of 01:22:33, I was aiming for 1:10:00. Post-race we were told that the course “had moved in the wind” and consequently had increased in length by 500m. It doesn’t sound much but it ate into my valuable energy reserves which came home to bite later in the race.
Getting to T1 [00:09:59] involved an uphill run of almost 750m. Not fun after swimming 4.3km. T1, a mud bath. I had to carry my bike to the bike start through ankle deep mud.
The bike was a true monster, 3 x 39 mile laps [06:43:34]. The first 3 miles were up hill on what resembled something out of the TdF. The crowds where amazing. Clapping, shouting, singing, running beside you – it had it all. That was the nice bit, what followed was 36 miles of constant head wind. This was the same for laps 2 and 3, in total 112 miles of head wind – unbelievable! Lap 1 passed in a blur, Lap 2 felt great and Lap 3 was steady until I got to the 100 mile mark. At 100 miles on the dot I bonked big style. It took me 5 miles to sort myself out which left me 7 miles to mentally prepare for the marathon. This was probably the lowest point in the race for me.
T2 [00:09:31] involved more mud wrestling and a quick chat with a few of my fellow competitors, who all agreed with my swim and bike comments. As I headed out on the marathon I wasn’t sure if I had enough stored energy left to get me round. Despite these concerns I pressed on and started to fantasise about what I was going to eat when I finished (strangely it was sushi and Carlsberg Lager that I kept thinking about).
The run was very hot and a mix of on and off road running, which proved tough on the feet. The organisers said it was flat, but they were so wrong. It was 8 “undulating” miles out, the same 8 miles back, then the same 8 miles out, then a few miles further on to finish off. Mentally it proved difficult to remain focussed and I found myself drifting in and out of what felt like consciousness [05:15:27]. What made it worse was my first ever experience of blisters, which kicked in after 10 miles. In over 20 years of competing I’ve never had blisters. Trust me I’ve never seen blisters as bad. Both heals were shot, but I struggled on, and despite the discomfort and long periods of “walking” I managed to get a second wind at 22 miles and ran to the finish. Where I got the energy from I’ll never know.
What a finish line. Two large grandstands in the centre of Bolton full of spectators, 200m of red carpet, a 45 square meter screen and a loud American guy shouting out your name as you cross the finish line – “Alec Morrison you are an Ironman”. Nice one! Another one in the bag.
13:41:02 – to be honest, at the time I was disappointed with my performance, particularly the run as I had worked on this over the summer. Having read numerous reports on the web forums, and spoken to a few competitors, I now feel I did pretty well all things considered and compared to the experiences of others. It was undoubtedly the hardest race I have ever done, from an individual event perspective and collectively as a triathlon. It’s certainly not a course you would head to if you were looking for a PB.
Lessons learnt: don’t use the taper period before the race to catch up on work (12 hours a day for 14 days isn’t the way to prepare for an IM); stick to your race plan (particularly your HRM); do more bike / run brick training sessions (particularly the long distance ones); and finally don’t travel down the day before.
What’s next? A few months of easy stuff then back into training for my next Ironman. YES, I’ve entered the Lanzarote Ironman on Saturday May 22nd 2010. Training programme is currently being pulled together. Anybody want to join me?
Ian Alpe Triathlon 1 August 2009  This really is some event. 1200m swim with a mass start. 30km cycle where the last 15km climbs over 1000m. Finally a 7km run at 1800m. I arrived on the Tuesday with my wife Sally. We drove up to the village, Alpe d'Huez, and I realised just how big a task I had set myself. I was now officially terrified.
We watched the long course on the Wednesday. People arrived in T2 in some really poor states. I tried to comfort myself with the knowledge that they had covered a far greater distance than I had to. However, we all had presumably trained to the appropriate level. My confidence remained low.
The swim was hard. 800 people in one start creates a huge amount of turbulence in the water. Combine that with a strong head wind and I was struggling all the way out. Breast stroke was the order of the day. Once we turned I was in the last quarter so the water had calmed down and the wind was now helping. I started to use front crawl and even managed to pass a couple of people.
Once on the bike I took the decision to not push too hard on the first 15km which was reasonably flat saving myself for the big climb. The marshalling was amazing. All traffic was stopped at the junctions as this massive wave of cyclists raced past. Going through one village I noticed a driver remonstrating with the marshall but in the main the French were terrific and just waited patiently.
As we started to go up I still tried to conserve energy. Bikes were whizzing past me constantly. However, my tactic came into effect about half way up. I started to overtake! That was a real boost to my morale. As were various landmarks. Passing through villages on the way up. The first sighting of a ski lift. Passing the bottom station of the lowest lift. Seeing the village itself. These all helped but the best thing was that each corner was numbered so I always knew how far I had to go. The view over the edge was also a great boost. At times you could look right down into the valley below and see just how much had been achieved.
The road is not closed which, again, must be a a nightmare for the motorist. We were bunched up amongst the "trippers" who come out to give the hill a go. However, once again the French passion for cycling came out. Cars past us with passengers hanging out of the windows shouting "Allez, Allez, Courage!" It was fantastic. As were the many spectators on the way up who were filling bottles from mountain streams and pouring them over your head. I never knew a cold shower cold be SO good.
I came into the transition area with a bit of a flourish. I then couldn’t find the place I was meant to rack my bike. Sally and I had carefully noted its position in the morning when I deposited my trainers. I couldn’t remember anything and Sally was screaming at me to help. Having changed my shoes I was heartened to find the blister I thought I was getting was cushioned. I was less happy to discover the cycle had really given my hamstrings a battering. This normally eases quickly but my legs remained heavy throughout the run. I had to walk on some of the hills and was really annoyed with myself. Hill-running, after all, is meant to be my core strength. The water stations offered all manner of things apart from water. Coke, juice, poweraid thingies, Dried fruit. It was tempting to stop and have a meal.
Still, the aim was to finish and I did. In 3 hours 31 minutes by my watch. I’d like to think I finished above my number, 602 but I doubt it.
Would I do it again? I don’t know. How do you train effectively? I used some pretty steep hills here which were good, but barely a mile long. Every time I turned at the top to come back down was a rest which is just not available. You never stop climbing for the whole distance. Sometimes as much as a 10% gradient. The other problem is the altitude. I was running at 5.400ft. Much of the tiredness on the run will have been due to the lack of oxygen going to the muscles.
I recommendd this to anyone with an adventurous spirit. |
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