I’ve just seen it’s been over 3 months since my last post. I know at the end I said I was tired but fear not, I have finally arisen from my epic sleep coma. Just kidding! My silence might suggest that the last few months have been quiet, but in fact I have been extremely busy both guiding and racing myself. So much so that I’m going to split it across 2 posts. Guiding has taken me to USA, Europe, AND RIO, and racing as an individual took me to....well.....Wales?! Let’s start with the least exciting part of the season.
The main competition this year was the Elite Super series. This is effectively the National league and with the Windsor Triathlon being dropped, this consisted of only 3 races this year. Last year was my first season competing in triathlon and it was my first time in the Super series. I’d never done a drafting race before last year and the year was just to gain experience. This year however, I knew the drill, I knew the courses, I knew my competitors, and I was competing! Having finished just outside the top ten last year my aim was to get inside that barrier this year.
Race number 1. Blenheim sprint distance. Bad swim. Bad bike. Bad run. A race to forget as far as I’m concerned. Moving on to the next race........ not quite. There’s always something to be learnt from every race. It would be great to make all your mistakes during training but sometimes race day just doesn’t go to plan, and I guess it’s just unfortunate that a mistake during a race can throw it away. I’ve always been encouraged to consider the positives first, but I was struggling with this race. This is something I have always had difficulty with when analysing my performance, for any competitive sport. But I’m working on it!
Although it’s not my preferred distance, of the 3 courses, Blenheim is probably my favourite and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who is thinking of doing a triathlon. With transition in the palace courtyard and the scenic route around the grounds, it’s great for anyone going at a pace to actually enjoy it. The swim is simple with only one turn, the bike course is hilly, and the run takes you through the park and again, it’s got some hills.
The main competition this year was the Elite Super series. This is effectively the National league and with the Windsor Triathlon being dropped, this consisted of only 3 races this year. Last year was my first season competing in triathlon and it was my first time in the Super series. I’d never done a drafting race before last year and the year was just to gain experience. This year however, I knew the drill, I knew the courses, I knew my competitors, and I was competing! Having finished just outside the top ten last year my aim was to get inside that barrier this year.
Race number 1. Blenheim sprint distance. Bad swim. Bad bike. Bad run. A race to forget as far as I’m concerned. Moving on to the next race........ not quite. There’s always something to be learnt from every race. It would be great to make all your mistakes during training but sometimes race day just doesn’t go to plan, and I guess it’s just unfortunate that a mistake during a race can throw it away. I’ve always been encouraged to consider the positives first, but I was struggling with this race. This is something I have always had difficulty with when analysing my performance, for any competitive sport. But I’m working on it!
Although it’s not my preferred distance, of the 3 courses, Blenheim is probably my favourite and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who is thinking of doing a triathlon. With transition in the palace courtyard and the scenic route around the grounds, it’s great for anyone going at a pace to actually enjoy it. The swim is simple with only one turn, the bike course is hilly, and the run takes you through the park and again, it’s got some hills.
My pre-race routine had gone to plan and I was ready to see what I could do! I didn’t get an ideal position on the start line having jumped in the water last, and despite a short swim warm up the cold open water is still a shock. Everyone was on the start line and with no warning the klaxon sounded. I think it was a shock to everyone as some girls didn’t have their feet up behind them. Luckily I did, but I wasn’t prepared and still thought, ‘crap, go, go go.’ I wanted a good swim so I’d planned to go out hard, but I went out as if I was doing a 100m race not a triathlon. The lactate hit me so hard I could barely move my arms and my legs felt pretty ineffective too. I was in the middle of the pack so as I slowed I had other swimmers just climbing over the top of me. Unsurprisingly, this did not help, both physically and mentally. I really do hate open water swimming sometimes. I tried to latch onto someone’s feet as soon as they past but I couldn’t hold the pace. For non-triathletes – I mean swim directly behind another swimmer to conserve energy by drafting, not physically grabbing onto their feet (although that would be nice). I knew this was going badly and I felt like I was at the back, but I just wanted to get out the water so I kept the effort up.
Then came the long run up hill to transition area. This run is key in draft legal races as you don’t want to miss the bike pack in front of you. I didn’t care about the uphill; I was just relieved to be out of the water. In transition my bike was at the end of the rail near the bike exit; the best position as far as I’m concerned so you can sprint to your bike without the fear of running past it! This clearly makes a difference as I ended up overtaking the group in front through transition. I started making haste on the bike course and once I started overtaking names that would normally be behind me in the swim I needed to go for it. After the first of 3 laps I could see a group in front of me. I’m not sure this was even the chasing pack though.... yep, my swim was THAT bad! I was catching them on the uphills and normally I’d be able to change the gears up straight away on the brow but today I couldn’t. I’d made ground during this lonely cycle and was only about 10s behind the group going into T2, but I knew I’d be able to catch them up on the run. I ran out of T2 with a good pace (this pace is now engrained in me, which is great) and I fairly quickly overtook the weak runners, but that was all I could manage. I knew I wasn’t going fast but I felt like I was putting a lot of effort in. I felt like I was lacking pace and struggled to pick it up when chasing the girls ahead. Crossing the line I had no idea where I was positioned but I knew it wasn’t great.
I was utterly disappointed and it hit me badly, perhaps more so psychologically. This was the first time in my triathlon career that my race performance had not reflected my training performance and it was certainly a big blow. Training into Blenheim had been going extremely well, my pre race routine went very smoothly and I was ready. So what went wrong? All my times were far worse than last year. We’ve put this down to the swim start, which inevitably was detrimental to my bike and run. The way it would be in a triathlon I guess?!
Race number 2. Liverpool sprint distance. Aim: a controlled swim. I removed any expectation from this race and just focussed on the swim. Training in the lead up to this race had not been going well. My times in swimming had dropped significantly and I was not feeling strong on the bike. I stuck at it and decided to race anyway. Like I said, you can learn something from every race so I just took this as another opportunity for more practice. This is my least favourite of the 3 races, but this is perhaps heavily influence by the weather. After last year’s hurricane and torrential rain my friend told me to message him a picture of the sunshine in Liverpool.....he never got the message. It was miserable, raining and cold. I was doing squats before getting into the water to keep warm.
I was utterly disappointed and it hit me badly, perhaps more so psychologically. This was the first time in my triathlon career that my race performance had not reflected my training performance and it was certainly a big blow. Training into Blenheim had been going extremely well, my pre race routine went very smoothly and I was ready. So what went wrong? All my times were far worse than last year. We’ve put this down to the swim start, which inevitably was detrimental to my bike and run. The way it would be in a triathlon I guess?!
Race number 2. Liverpool sprint distance. Aim: a controlled swim. I removed any expectation from this race and just focussed on the swim. Training in the lead up to this race had not been going well. My times in swimming had dropped significantly and I was not feeling strong on the bike. I stuck at it and decided to race anyway. Like I said, you can learn something from every race so I just took this as another opportunity for more practice. This is my least favourite of the 3 races, but this is perhaps heavily influence by the weather. After last year’s hurricane and torrential rain my friend told me to message him a picture of the sunshine in Liverpool.....he never got the message. It was miserable, raining and cold. I was doing squats before getting into the water to keep warm.
I had a much better starting position this time and had a strong start. I still had others overtaking me once I settled into a rhythm but it didn’t affect me as much this time. I was able get onto someone’s feet and worked hard to stay with this group. This felt much better. My effort level was high and everything was much smoother. I exited the water up the steps to T1 at the back of this group - goal achieved, I can stop now?! Yeh right, the best bit is to come. Once I had recovered from the swim I decided to go alone on the bike on the first lap but was soon caught by a small group. I also go boxed in going into the second dead turn. There was so much congestion it was like being on the M25. I almost came to a halt and considered unclipping my foot. I came out of the turn near the back and then I had to catch up. This was not easy on the wet ground and occasional cobbled surface so that was the last time I went into a turn near the back.
I stuck with the group and pre-race I had decided that I didn’t want to work really hard on the bike. I thought this was the case but apparently I spent a lot of time on the front. I was being cautious too after seeing one girl ahead of me slide across the road round a corner. It looked incredibly painful! There was one strong cyclist in the group so I was having a casual chat to her whilst going round. After exchanging first names (given only our surnames are printed on our tri suits) she replied with, ’nice to meet you,’ which did make me laugh. Competitive but still friendly! There was no urgency in the group so I got bossy and tried to encourage everyone to increase the tempo. There was a big disparity of ability within the group so we didn’t work well, but we got round safely.
I stuck with the group and pre-race I had decided that I didn’t want to work really hard on the bike. I thought this was the case but apparently I spent a lot of time on the front. I was being cautious too after seeing one girl ahead of me slide across the road round a corner. It looked incredibly painful! There was one strong cyclist in the group so I was having a casual chat to her whilst going round. After exchanging first names (given only our surnames are printed on our tri suits) she replied with, ’nice to meet you,’ which did make me laugh. Competitive but still friendly! There was no urgency in the group so I got bossy and tried to encourage everyone to increase the tempo. There was a big disparity of ability within the group so we didn’t work well, but we got round safely.
I went onto the run and my legs were feeling good. 3 laps of an out and back course gives you a greater incentive to catch those in front. I had a solid run but really had to pick up the pace on the last half a lap as I could see there was a girl just within catching distance. My legs were struggling towards the finish, but thankfully hers were too and the site of the finish line always gives me a boost. I was much happier with this performance as I executed my plan, and I finished 12th. Not bad for the British Champs, and an improvement from last year’s 17th.
Two weeks later was race number 3. London olympic distance. Although the bike course heads way out of the main location, this race definitely has the best atmosphere. I was excited about the longer distance and my training performance had been picking up again. I found my position on the start line and there was already a bit of barging and jostling, which made me nervous. Again, I needed a strong start to get into a good group. I tried to draft off others but some were too quick and some too slow. I moved around and before the first turn after about 600m I could see a group just slightly ahead. I tried to pick up the pace to get on the back but they were further ahead than I first thought. I did not want to be on my own on the long stretch (~700m) back up the dock, but unfortunately I was. I was very slowly gaining on them but I was working hard. I caught them before the final turn with about 100m to go. At least I had caught them so I could be in a group on the bike.
Two weeks later was race number 3. London olympic distance. Although the bike course heads way out of the main location, this race definitely has the best atmosphere. I was excited about the longer distance and my training performance had been picking up again. I found my position on the start line and there was already a bit of barging and jostling, which made me nervous. Again, I needed a strong start to get into a good group. I tried to draft off others but some were too quick and some too slow. I moved around and before the first turn after about 600m I could see a group just slightly ahead. I tried to pick up the pace to get on the back but they were further ahead than I first thought. I did not want to be on my own on the long stretch (~700m) back up the dock, but unfortunately I was. I was very slowly gaining on them but I was working hard. I caught them before the final turn with about 100m to go. At least I had caught them so I could be in a group on the bike.
I still had to run hard in T1 to stick with them and I very nearly threw up. I enjoyed the bike course as we had a new slightly technical bit through Canary Wharf. I eventually found myself in a group of 3 and the other girls were strong. Towards the end one of them would drop me on the hills (if you can call them hills – I know it’s only London but they are very noticeable on the bike that’s for sure!!) and I was going at max effort when drafting behind the other girl. My legs were feeling tired by the end of the 40km, but I’ve always found my running legs when going onto the run. Very useful ;)
I left T2 at my ‘exit T2 pace’ and after about 100m my legs said not today. I didn’t even want to run, let alone run 10km. I also had a feeling of hunger. Those who know me well will know that I have this feeling almost ALL of the time, but not during races. I ignored the fatigue for the first 2 laps but my legs felt so empty. This was the closest I’ve come to stopping during a race and I really wanted to walk. I really tired on the last lap. I was unable to catch the girl just ahead and was even overtaken very close to the end. Once again I was disappointed; especially with my run given I’d been running well in training. This was my 3rd consecutive weekend of racing so perhaps it had taken its toll.
That was the end of the series races and it was distinctly average. I was ranked 13th after the 3 races. I know my swim has improved as my times in training are better, but this wasn’t reflected in my races. I’m not sure my bike was as strong as last year either, but there are some positives to take from the races. I had entered one last race near the end of the season for fun. This was a non-drafting Olympic distance race, and it’s probably lucky I entered before London as I may have changed my opinion after that race. I had a month to prepare and I was very apprehensive. The last time I did a non-drafting standard distance race was 2 years ago and it was one of my first triathlons so my aim was not to walk in the run! This was going to be interesting.
As there was no expectation and the result was irrelevant I used the race to trial a few things. Firstly the nutritionist was shocked that I didn’t fuel properly during the race. My drink tabs were just rehydrating and didn’t contain any carbohydrate. This was the biggest change, which I had trialled in training first.
I travelled over to Bala in north Wales at the beginning of September. The venue was stunning and we had great weather. It was fairly relaxed and I enjoyed hanging out with a few other Bristol and District Triathlon club members. This was an age-group European qualifying race, but as I said the outcome was not important, I just wanted to have a good race.
I left T2 at my ‘exit T2 pace’ and after about 100m my legs said not today. I didn’t even want to run, let alone run 10km. I also had a feeling of hunger. Those who know me well will know that I have this feeling almost ALL of the time, but not during races. I ignored the fatigue for the first 2 laps but my legs felt so empty. This was the closest I’ve come to stopping during a race and I really wanted to walk. I really tired on the last lap. I was unable to catch the girl just ahead and was even overtaken very close to the end. Once again I was disappointed; especially with my run given I’d been running well in training. This was my 3rd consecutive weekend of racing so perhaps it had taken its toll.
That was the end of the series races and it was distinctly average. I was ranked 13th after the 3 races. I know my swim has improved as my times in training are better, but this wasn’t reflected in my races. I’m not sure my bike was as strong as last year either, but there are some positives to take from the races. I had entered one last race near the end of the season for fun. This was a non-drafting Olympic distance race, and it’s probably lucky I entered before London as I may have changed my opinion after that race. I had a month to prepare and I was very apprehensive. The last time I did a non-drafting standard distance race was 2 years ago and it was one of my first triathlons so my aim was not to walk in the run! This was going to be interesting.
As there was no expectation and the result was irrelevant I used the race to trial a few things. Firstly the nutritionist was shocked that I didn’t fuel properly during the race. My drink tabs were just rehydrating and didn’t contain any carbohydrate. This was the biggest change, which I had trialled in training first.
I travelled over to Bala in north Wales at the beginning of September. The venue was stunning and we had great weather. It was fairly relaxed and I enjoyed hanging out with a few other Bristol and District Triathlon club members. This was an age-group European qualifying race, but as I said the outcome was not important, I just wanted to have a good race.
I was one of the first to enter the water to get a good position, but slightly regretted it – the water was freezing!!! I couldn’t feel my hands or feet by the time we actually started. Despite this being the largest race with over 200 women in the water, I was feeling relaxed. The race got under way and I didn’t have the greatest swim. After initially drafting behind a girl who really could have done with a sat nav, I decided to overtake and go on my own as I felt I wasn’t going fast enough and was losing too much on those in the lead. Once again, I did the last 750m by myself, chasing down the 2 pink hats ahead of me. I exited the water in 6th and took my time in transition, pressing buttons on my new Garmin :) and trying to get my wetsuit off in one sweep. Unsuccessful with one leg, and not the timing chip one either!
I had a good mount and got comfortable on the tri bars asap. This was a lovely undulating course with only one dead turn at the half way point. I was a little conservative initially as I could feel the tail wind on the way out, and also how I suffered at the end of the drafting race in London was in the back of my mind. It was also difficult to get a feel of how hard I was working as it was so cold that I couldn’t completely feel my legs. I was looking down every now again to check they were still there. I found a good rhythm and was told I was 2nd at the turn around point, which came as a surprise as I only thought I overtook one girl. However, the 3rd girl was right on my wheel so I needed to pick it up on the way back. My legs were feeling good and going down the hills my breathing was barely elevated. It was a great feeling!
I held 2nd place but entered T2 with the girl still right behind me. Having seen the leader on the run course while I was still on the bike I knew there was no chance I could catch her, but I still needed a strong run to hold off this girl. She was certainly putting pressure on me for the first km but my legs were feeling good and I pulled away. The fuelling on the bike had clearly helped!! I had the fastest run time of the women and held 2nd place for my first ever prize money, woohoo, bonus! This was my best race of the season and as with most triathlons, made me eager to enter another. After a long debate I decided to end my individual season here.
I had a good mount and got comfortable on the tri bars asap. This was a lovely undulating course with only one dead turn at the half way point. I was a little conservative initially as I could feel the tail wind on the way out, and also how I suffered at the end of the drafting race in London was in the back of my mind. It was also difficult to get a feel of how hard I was working as it was so cold that I couldn’t completely feel my legs. I was looking down every now again to check they were still there. I found a good rhythm and was told I was 2nd at the turn around point, which came as a surprise as I only thought I overtook one girl. However, the 3rd girl was right on my wheel so I needed to pick it up on the way back. My legs were feeling good and going down the hills my breathing was barely elevated. It was a great feeling!
I held 2nd place but entered T2 with the girl still right behind me. Having seen the leader on the run course while I was still on the bike I knew there was no chance I could catch her, but I still needed a strong run to hold off this girl. She was certainly putting pressure on me for the first km but my legs were feeling good and I pulled away. The fuelling on the bike had clearly helped!! I had the fastest run time of the women and held 2nd place for my first ever prize money, woohoo, bonus! This was my best race of the season and as with most triathlons, made me eager to enter another. After a long debate I decided to end my individual season here.
So a bit of a mixed bag over the season but I've made plenty of mistakes to learn from and it’s always nice to go out on a high. As with any multi-sport it's going to be difficult for every discipline to go right on the day. Add in the complication of guiding a visually impaired athlete and there's plenty more that can go wrong. I'll let you know if I made any mistakes in those races next week ;)