I started out with Kevin's group yesterday - heading out to The Wolds as planned. I'd already announced that I would peel off early as I had big plans for Sunday - and promised to let a few people know how I got on.
"Peeling off" just before Leavening Bank has it's advantages! I waved goodbye and set off towards Castle Howard and home. 85k was the right ball park for me - miles under my belt but still able to face tomorrow.
Sunday; I had entered Castle Howard 10k - no big deal - except my triathlon training instructions were to cycle there and back. That's 25 miles each way from home. I had cleverly worked out routes which avoided Terrington or Bulmer Banks - but the early morning rain was less than encouraging. However - I had a plan and I was going to stick to it!
Shaun was originally going to join me - but the rain saw him initiate plan B; he would drive to Castle Howard to be my support. This suited me as he could carry my DRY running kit and I would not need to cycle with trainers etc on my back. I set off tentatively - wondering what I see in this sport where I set my alarm at 06:30 on a Sunday in order to come almost last in a race.
The cycle there was, of course, fine. The rain eased off - but as I approached Castle Howard I remembered the hills and that I now had to run!
I met up with Shaun and changed into dry kit - definetly a good move!
The race was excellent - organised to support the local primary school: friendly and cheap! I was a bit unsure how to fuel myself - I was feeling quite peckish - but there is a limit to what I can face before running. I had eaten a snikkers on the bike - so managed to sip some energy drink and reassure myself that I had gels in my pocket.
The run was fine! I felt good. I took my caffeine gels 15 mins in and 30 mins later. I am not a good runner and my 10k PB is an embarasiing 1h 06. This run was actually 10.75k and so I was very happy with my 1h13. As the endorphins wore off it started dawning on me I still had to cycle home.
Lunch first; a cup of tea and a cheese roll, change back into cycle gear and it was time to head for home. I could have got a lift - but as I said earlier - I had a plan and I was going to stick to it.
The cycle home was good - apart from one dip in energy on Haxby Road. I sat on a bench and considered going to sleep - but fortunately realised this was probably a sugar issue and forced a bit of Mars Bar down. 10 mins later I was back on my bike and the 9 miles home flew.
It is less than 3 weeks til my Steelman (1.9k swim / 90k bike / half marathon). Brian says I'm ready now! Let's hope he is right - 2 weeks of speed work, a bit more open water swimming and a week of eating pasta. I'm not feeling confident - but far more so after this weekend.
If anyone thinks this sounds hard - ask Darren what he's been doing! His Ironman is approaching fast, twice as far and he is going to fly!
Why do we do it? Because mixing disciplines is rewarding, better for your body, fun, and everyone's doing it! Come on! Sign up for a triathlon now!
A tough weekend's training
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