Road TRIps

Since my last post about the European Triathlon Championships, I have raced twice, finished my AS exams and have started a short period of rest and recuperation after my knackering exploits during the first couple of months of the season. That's the abridged version of my blog, if you want more details please read on.

RACE 1: ENGLISH SPRINT TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS
This race took place in the stunning grounds of Leeds Castle,Kent and with a course that suited me (longer bike and cross country run) It was always going to be a fun competition. It was a typical early morning start to make it to the Castle Grounds 2 hours prior to my race and I must admit, I never cease to have second thoughts when my alarm goes off at 4:30AM. I am in a warm, comfy bed why would I want to be swimming in a cold lake being punched in the face?? 
Anyway I had my instant (disgraceful I know) coffee and some peanut butter on toast and headed for the Castle. We were going to be swimming in the moat, which seemingly is ineffective in modern day life. The bike was a fast undulating out and back, and the run, on footpaths in the hilly castle grounds.

I was feeling very relaxed for this race, almost too relaxed, as proven by the start when the horn sounded and I was caught off guard daydreaming, everyone was already running into the water by the time I figured out what was happening. Despite this, I really enjoyed the swim as I had lots of space to myself after finding some clear water and found a nice rhythm. However, later I discovered this was quite a slow rhythm and I enjoyed it probably because I was going at a snails pace. It left me with work to do on the bike and run. I came onto the bike course motivated and more focused than I was in swim, this time being able to get into a faster rhythm despite the undulations which break up one's effort. 

feet out, approaching transition

​Regardless of a fast bike split I managed to make up exactly 0 seconds on the leaders with the top 15 guys all having very similar times. This meant one thing, I had to run fast, very fast and run fast I did. I clambered up the hills and almost took flight on the descents, having a couple of 'moments' where I was truly out of control. My risk taking was fortunately working as I was making very good progress through the field yet I had no idea what position I was in. I finished strong and found I was first in U20's (English Sprint Champion) and just 10 seconds off the overall win. After crossing the finish line I then could answer the question that I asked of myself at 4:30AM why would I do it? Simple: The invigorating feeling of accomplishment , not from winning or from doing well but the sheer fact that YOU pushed yourself to the limit and YOU overcame it. It is a high like no other, being exhausted and knowing you worked your ass off.
This was one of the most enjoyable races of the season, I even had a 3 man support crew, the number 1 of which had to be Coach Perry Agass and Mum pipped Dad at the line for a closely contested 2nd place (she did my washing afterwards)

After Leeds castle I had just one week till my first standard distance triathlon on 3rd July. I found this week quite tough as by this point I was pretty tired and I could feel my season's efforts catching up with me. I had a couple of days of just doing what I felt like doing (my coach, Perry Agass's orders) which was a welcome change and a much needed mental rest. But before I knew it race time had arrived again, I packed my bags, bundled my bike in the car and set off North to the Peak district.

​RACE 2: PEAK DISTRICT TRIATHLON
The route was somewhat challenging with 2,400ft climbing in 24miles cycling, 650ft climbing for 6 miles on the run (off road of course) and, although the swim wasn't hilly, it was a chilly 12 degrees which means it was only just legal to go ahead. Because of these reasons, and the fact it was my longest Triathlon to date, I was very excited. It was another early start with my wave beginning at 7:10. Upon arrival at Chatsworth House at 5AM, a sense of foreboding hung in the air.

The evaporating moisture, from dew and previous days rainfall, was evaporating as the sunlight poured over the hillside leaving an ominous looking, glowing fog across the valley floor. It made me think how fortunate we are to have such beautiful, protected landscapes in the UK. Philosophical moment over. Back to racing.

​I set up transition, disinfected my wetsuit, warmed up and was toeing the river entrance by 7:20 as my race was postponed 15 minutes. I jumped into the 12C river and attempted a little swim warm up whilst freezing my bolloks off, ironic I know. Race start couldn't come soon enough, however by this point my body had seemingly given up sending blood to my brain as I found myself swimming against a large pack of women. S**T! off course, my sighting is shoddy at the best of times and when deprived of oxygen I get even worse! Anyway, a couple of angry women later and I was back on track going at a decent pace. I exited the swim in 2nd place much to my surprise and with a swift transition I was the first out onto the bike.

This is a rare phenomenon for me so I was quite excited and started attacking the course with the first of three climbs: 'Hell Bank' I knew I mustn't become too carried away as I still had a 10k to run afterwards, so I set a good tempo and and started grinding away. Some of the descents were slightly sketchy and I almost found myself a cropper as I flew round a corner at 35 mph on my aerobars to find a sharp hairpin awaiting me. I jumped on my hoods, killed my speed and barely managed to stay on the road, held upright only by a freshly cut hedge and a small berm of dirt at the side of the road. Lesson learnt. The re-entry to Chatsworth house was seriously fast maintaining 40-50mph and by this point my legs were happy to get off the bike and do something different. Another quick transition and I was on the run, again hilly course but to my advantage. I saw few people as I was on fireroads and bridleways so the run was somewhat serene and peaceful despite the burn in my legs and lungs. A fast decent and sprint finish later I had completed and won (by 3 minutes) my first ever standard distance tri. An enjoyable and rewarding day at the office which left me thinking....Ironman next?

Now, my race calender is empty. This will change with some possible races in late August but for now It is time for some more enjoyable and social training to give my little mind some rest.

This season so far has truly been incredible and for that I must thank my coach PERRY AGASS and my extremely generous supporters PEDAL POTENTIAL.
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