Back on the bike

I am delighted to report that my bike has been repaired. Apparently I had snapped the crack shaft in the bottom bracket meaning that the pedals were not connected. So this evening I headed out for a 45 minute ride followed by a 15 minute run. The bike felt smooth and the pedals turned more smoothly than I think they have for a while now. However, I cant help but listen out for every little creak and clip that the bike makes. The run was fine, only fifteen minutes so no drama. The more I read about the Outlaw the more excited I am getting. It sounds like a great triathlon.  

Back in to training mode

As I get used to the idea of Sunday's Outlaw I have clicked into a repeat of last weeks tapering. So today it was a 45 minute run, then a swim this evening. The run was great around the grounds of Ashridge House where I am working tomorrow. It was a beautiful start to the day, I saw rabbits, deer and a whole host of other animals and birds in the early morning sunshine.

The swim at the local pool was OK, I struggled to get motivated after the lake. I think also that after Sunday's swim I am regarding this weeks swims as maintenance. 

Monday, a day of 2 halves

This morning I was resigned to the fact that I wasn't going to complete an Iron distance triathlon this year unless I arranged it myself.  I dropped off the bike at the bike shop, they were as confused as I was but committed to repairing the drive shaft. At work everybody was very sympathetic and was very kind. I felt pretty resigned to the outcome of yesterday and set about my days work. However, shortly I was interrupted by a couple of fellow triathletes who after offering their best wishes, suggested I enter "The Outlaw" which apparently is Ironman distance, next weekend, . in Nottingham I rang the organisers and after a short text conversation with Jennie registered and now have a place. So by the afternoon it was game on and I have to pay serious attention as to how I prepare.

Following yesterdays, 2.4 mile swim, approx 30 mile bike and 6 mile run, I thought I would stick to the traditional rest day and re-start using last weeks tapering. I hope it works out.

Race day

I woke at 2:50 and headed straight down to eat. There was a quiet buzz in the restaurant as competitors sat and ate their breakfast. I downed mine really quickly then headed up to collect my gear, after nearly forgetting my wetsuit, I loaded up the car and headed for the bus which was 15 minutes away at the Reebok stadium. I was feeling pretty mellow and as I prepped my bike was starting to enjoy the atmosphere. At the appointed time I climbed into my wetsuit and headed with the crowd of 1400 to the waters edge. As we made our way into the water my confidence built. Every week at least 3 times a week I have swim 3k and so this felt very natural. Another swim, just a little longer with a few more people. I cant remember how we were signalled to start but one minute I was chatting to a chap next to me and the next second we were off. The swim was pretty easy with the exception of being ducked once by a big hefty chap. I felt good. The first lap was a bit of a bun fight but the next was great. It felt quick and when I checked my watch it registered 1hr 7:30 which I was pleased with. We headed into transition which once again was smooth and then out onto the road on the bikes. So far so good. The first 12 miles or so was heading out onto the main circuit which comprised of 3 loops of around 33 miles. I was happy and comfortable, eating well and taking on liquids. Pace felt fine although I couldn't tell my speed as my speedo had packed up. 

I had been on the bike or around 2 hrs  and was well into the first circuit, when I had to change to a low gear to attack a sudden rise, as I climbed out of the saddle to apply the necessary pressure I heard a loud "crack" and my left peddle went slack. I climbed off  expecting to see a broken chain, but instead found both peddles at 6 o'clock.

The left one swinging to and fro and in no way connected to its partner. I desperation I started running up the hill with my bike hoping to find a Marshall, but no luck. I kept on walking until after half an hour or so a friendly motorcycle policemen radioed the support team to send a mechanic. After waiting for 90 minutes at the side of the road no one came and I realised that race day for me was over. Eventually a bus pulled up that was collecting the "drop outs". I joined 3 others, 2 who had crashed and one who had thrown up and so packed it in. 

Eventually, after a long a tortuous series of lifts I ended up at the hotel, pretty fed up and wanting to put as many miles between me and Bolton as I could. I rang Jennie and explained the situation, she was very sympathetic and followed up with a text that suggested I make up my own Ironman and do it in a couple of weeks. My initial reaction was pretty luke warm but the idea is growing on me.
I was left with a bit of a dilemma. I wanted to collect my car from the Reebok Stadium but that was 5 miles away, but I didn't fancy getting on the shuttle bus with the other athletes. So I pulled on my running gear and headed out to make my own way. Without the Sat Nav I went a bit of a long route and it ended up as 6 miles, but it felt good to get running and it meant that I had at least done a bit of a triathlon. After collecting the car and packing it with my gear I was able to collect my bike and bits a pieces and I headed off down the motorway. I was making good time surfing through the various music channels when I happened across Take That. Not my favorite band, but it reminded me of something. A few months ago Kevin, one of my closest friends, died after a long battle with cancer. He was a pretty cool guy, into some interesting but mostly rocking type of stuff. However, at his funeral Ruth (his wife) explained that Kevin had always loved the song that goes something like "This could be the best day of your life" by Take That. This was the song that came on the radio and it made me think of him and how can choose to make this a good day, probably not the best day, but a good day. It occurred to me that it was up to me and how I thought about it. I have learned masses about triathlon over the past 7 months and even more today. I can use that. I am the fittest I have ever been. I can and will improve. The way this can be a good day, is if I make it so by "treating triumph and disaster both the same". This wasn't a disaster, no one died. It is data that I will learn from and tell stories about a long time into the future. Today I did not finish. However, I don't think I can call myself a triathlete without a D.N.F. in my back pocket. So now I have one, and for that I thank you Bolton. I am disappointed but not beaten. I will complete the distance one day, maybe soon or maybe some time in the future. PJH road to Ironman continues and who knows what is around the corner and I am sure I will be knocked back again but in the words of the band Garbage "The trick is to keep breathing".    

A restful prep day……NOT

I woke easily this morning after a reasonable short sleep and headed down the car to take the bike out for as 20 minute spin. As I set of I noticed the front tyre was a little flat so gave it some air from the super duper tyre inflator. After the ride I changed the inner tube, not wishing to have the problem re-occur tomorrow. Then out for a 15 minute run. The hotel I am staying in is in the centre of Bolton and very close to the finish line. When I passed it on my run it was quite a moment. Seeing the gate with the Ironman logo made me stop to look. Tomorrow evening I hope to make it through that gate as a finale to this massive journey.
Then back to the hotel to pack up my gear and then into the car (again). First stop was registration which was a 20 minute drive away; there was a whole collection of bits to collect, then all my cycling gear into a blue bag. This had to be walked along with my bike to transition one which was a fifteen minute walk away. As I was walking I noticed a nasty lump in my front tyre. Fortunately, I was passing the bike tech guys who kindly pointed out that I had pinched the inner tube and quickly corrected it for me. What a relief, it would have been a nasty surprise tomorrow and would have no doubt meant a delay. After dropping the bike and blue bag, I headed for Transition two (in the car again) for another 25 minutes dropping the red bag that has all my running gear in it. Then, back in the car for another 20 minutes to the hotel. What a palaver. I finally managed to get some breakfast in Starbucks at 1, followed very rapidly by lunch bought from M&S. Then back to the hotel for so R&R and a doze. After a couple of hours in the car again to head to the Reebok Stadium for the pre-race briefing, 45 minutes surrounded by some very fit and experienced looking people hearing about the day tomorrow. It was time well spent. After heading back to the hotel, parking up and collecting the rest of my gear from the boot of the car and dumping it in my room I headed out for a bite to eat. and reflected on how I am feeling? Sort of clam and a bit worried! Calm because all of the mucking about is over and now all I have to do is be on time tomorrow and do my best. I am worried about trying to keep a reasonable pace up for 112 miles on the bike. The longest I have cycled is around 85 miles So who knows? Ultimately, finishing is the first goal, doing it at a reasonable time is a nice to have

The adventure begins

Up and out for a 40 minute gentle run first thing this morning, it was a beautiful day. As I crossed the railway bridge at the top of my road the sun was rising precisely between the trees that flank the railway track. Wonderful. Legs felt good. Then off to see Janis (sports therapist) who proceeded to attack the knots in my legs, my calves were the worst especially my left leg, it was agony but hopefully worth it. Then off to work. My friends at work are so supportive, their good wishes and friendship has been so important over the past few months. I count myself as a very lucky person to have them so close. Messages have come from all over and I find it very touching.
After getting home I packed the car with everything I could think of, said my goodbyes to Aimee, Ollie and Jennie set out on the 4 hour car journey to Bolton. As I left Ollie reminded me of something that have said to both of them before the took exams:
“You have done the hard work now it is time to collect your reward”
It was good to hear my own words being played back to me
Once I hit the road all was going well until I hit the M6 motorway. Oh dear, we didn’t move for an hour, my legs started complaining, when we finally did get moving it was at a crawl on a massive diversion that resulted in the 4 hr journey taking 6. I hit the hay at 2:15 pm and struggled to sleep. Not the best preparation, but at least tomorrow should be an easy day.

Some good news.......some bad news

Into the lake this morning for a 30 minute swim, a nice steady 1500m. Still feeling a bit nasal. Then sitting at work still worried about the bike, my nerve broke. I rang Ollie and asked him to walk the bike to our local cycle shop. Within an hour they called and reported a worn chain which meant replacing it and the cassette on the back wheel. Relief, I don't think I could have stood the creaking for 112 miles.
I collected the bike this afternoon and all is well. However, this afternoon I have a slightly sore throat and definitely a blocked up nose. It is amazing for the last 7 months I have had one cold which didn't affect my training, then 4 days before the event bosh, great timing.  I am hoping this is a 24 hr thing where by the morning I will be fine. This evening I cycled for just under an hour and felt good. The bike behaved itself and my legs were fine.