Race Reports

After initial banter race heads were put on and we went down to the waters edge for the swim, long (2x500m laps) go first followed by the short after 5 mins. The swim start was unusually sedate with no washing machine as there were only 25 competitors in the whole reservoir for the long and 20 for the short. That said I still had to do battle with one guy who wanted to be where I was. Kay also had to do battle as she and Fiona swam together for the exit another lady decided she wanted Kay's line. I shall run some more open water defence classes if anyone wants them.

Short run out to T1 and out onto the run 3 laps or the long and 2 for the short. For me it started good as it was on pavement but quickly went off road through fields so each foot fall had to be carefully placed that said it was still a nice run even with the stiles and gates to climb over.

3rd lap and I am still out in the front I was 3^rd out of the water which gave me a comfortable lead over the other MSTC members Steve B the closest at 2mins behind and Jon W 1.5 mins behind him I knew it would be hard to hold them off. The last km and there he is, the inevitable Steve has caught up so he trots along side for a bit then disappears into the distance, I am now looking for Jon as we are crossing a field I have a sense that their is someone behind I look back and there is Jon trying to be as quite as possible so I don't notice, I lift my pace but cant shake him, he passes.

The finish line, we all congregate there and discover that the unstoppable Fiona won the Short, only 3mins behind the male winner and she had the fastest run of the day. Once she sorts her swim out I think we may have a new Chrissie Wellington. Pippa comes across the line as the first MSTC lady home for the long course. Rupert puts in a sterling effort considering he is carrying a calf injury.

There is a club trophy up for winning, the first 3 in for their club will count as the first team in. Needless to say with all the chat we all forgot about this and went for a shower. East Grinstead and a few others waited around to the muttering that they had won it, some chance that honour goes to Mid Sussex Tri Club. Jon and I were in the shower when Pips burst into the changing rooms shouting that we should get out quickly so half dresses we stumbled up to the podium much to the disappointment of the other clubs J

Only 6 hardy racers started the 50 this time. Dave Jones would have made it 7 but hadn't checked his e-mail and was waiting for a postal notification (which never came). When he saw how windy it was outside he was probably quite pleased.

Being a 2 lap course the race was a game of 2 halves. James Dear sped round the first lap in 59m00s with Lawrence Wintergold in hot pursuit (59m11s). The second half is flatter because it misses out Tollgate Hill, but the fatigue of racing 50 miles starts to creep in and the times drift off. James' second lap was 60m27s, but Loz in his new 'Dear-stalker' hat manged 60m18s, just failing to catch James. However he did have a mechanical incident to blame for it when his chain got jammed and he had to remove the rear wheel to fix it.

Further down the field Dave Lashbrook and Rob Hoodless were doing battle. Dave's first lap was 64m38s to Rob's 64m45s. Dave is clearly recovering his fitness properly now because although he lost time on his second lap (66m48s) he had more in the tank then Rob who struggled and faded (68m10s) leaving Dave a clear 90 seconds ahead at the finish.

Remarkably there was another close battle going on between Steve Alden and Rachel Baker. First lap times were very close with Rachel edging it. She was 69m30s to Steve's 69m42s. Because Rachel started 9 minutes ahead Steve could see he was in grave danger of being 'chicked' and redoubled his effort on the second lap. He had the most consistent times of the day doing the second lap just 17 seconds slower than the first in 69m59s while Rachel just faded towards the end (71m40s) giving Steve the advantage by about 90 seconds. Rachel was the only one to do a PB though, whilst all the others were several minutes down.

MEN winner 1h45m20s !!

James Dear        1.59.27   13.41%  10points

Loz Wintergold    1.59.29  13.44       9

Dave Lashbrook  2.11.26   24.78      8

Rob Hoodless      2.12.55   26.19      7

Steve Alden        2.19.41   32.61      6

WOMEN winner 2h11m45s

Rachel Baker      2.21.10  7.15%    10pts

 Author: Steve Alden

I was quite excited about this event, taming the Olympic course and mixing with the stars so a couple of days before the event I checked the web sites instructions on getting to the event. The suggested travel method was to bring your folding bike by train, cars should be avoided at all costs and buses would not allow your folding bike on.

So I got my trusty hacksaw out to cut up my bike and gaffer tape it back together when I got to Hyde Park, as an afterthought i checked the train time and the first train arrived a few minutes before my start time and an hour after my registration time. Bums - there was nothing for it, I would have to ignore their advice and come by car.

Driving through London at 4.00am is a strange experience watching people crawling along the road but I managed to manoeuvre past the re creation of zombie invasion to park outside Lancaster gate at 4.30am in a free parking zone - result - life is sweet.

First to register, first in to transition - this is looking good.

3 hours later! And I'm in the water, trying to ignore some strange American on the loud speaker system - its lovely swimming in the Serpentine, fortunately I could not see further than 2mm in front of my goggles, but a lovely single loop swim - very weird as no one was around and I did not see anyone for virtually the whole swim because the course was so wide so I just got in to a steady rhythm to the tune of 'I could be so lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky' as recommended by David Walliams - it really works - try it, but I could have gone faster if the likes of Rob, Steve and Dave were around me for the swim as in the MSTC Olympic.

Out I pop and limey it's a long run from the swim exit to T1 which was about a km from the exit (the elites are about 10m from the water exit which is much more civilised) - 3 minutes 51 sec later I arrived at my bike (I was one of the quicker transitions, most were about 5-6 minutes). By eck I was knackered and my feet were sore by the time I got on to the bike.

Ok this is it and what I've been looking forward to, fast and flat and the Olympic course - well first realisations it is not the Olympic route taken by the elites (they kept that quite) it is totally different although we do go past Buck House and it's not fast, there are so many bends and corners (over 100 corners), speed humps, bad surfaces, people on the course etc that it became a real stop, stop, oops, ouch stop start affair, but i managed to get to nearly 60kph past the barracks (just the once mind)

Half way through the bike I hear my name shouted - bugger - wots up. Turned round and Marc was pretending to be a Marshal on a notorious corner that shall from now on be named Jordan's corner due the high number of accidents on this particular greasy bend. I went on to lose at least 5 seconds on each lap as I cheerily waved at what seemed to be the only happy person in the centre of London at the time.

Good the bike is over which turned out to be 42 point something km rather than the perfectly measured course I expected   - no crashes, fillings are still in my mouth and I wasn't taken out by a dog, tourist or slippery speed hump.

After another transition expedition I'm out on the run in the footsteps of Brownlee et al - ur no not quite! The run follows a totally different course in the opposite direction for four laps, well at least it is flat - ur no not quite - a long drag up an incline for about 1km before a short steep downhill, long flat bit, another short sharp downhill then back to the grind uphill.

By this time I had done my usual of going out ok on the swim, flat out on the bike racing some tattoo covered rough looking skinny chap who was half my age and stuffing up the run. (The tattoo covered chap ended up being the technical director of ITN news). So I struggled through the run (which Emma Snowsill referred to as a school cross country course) which finished nicely running up the blue carpet where young Mr B finished a mere few hours later in a slightly quicker time - and what nice chaps they are - they even had their photo taken with me?

So actually a thoroughly enjoyable day with a nice swim an interesting ride and a hard run finished off with watching the world champs at Jordan's corner with the man himself. I would recommend this race even though it is quite expensive; it's not on in 2012 but is back in 2013.

Results:

                                  Colin                     Alastair

Swim                 0.26.09              0.18.09

T1                     0.03.51              0.00.37

Bike                  1.06.52              1.01.01

T2                     0.02.08              0.00.34

Run                   0.47.30              0.29.50

Total                  2.26.28              1.50.09

Unfortunately I was not third and taking of my transitions Alistair only beat me by half an hour - so not so bad

Author: Colin Chanbers

The Journey

Why I decided to do an Ironman?  Many many people asked me this question, but the best answer I can find is, 'Why not?'  After reading a few books about inspirational people (Rosie Swale Pope to name one) and how far you can push your body, mind over matter etc I wanted to put this to the test.  I'm from a running (I use the word 'running' loosely) background, starting running in 2008 I did the Great South Run, then progressing in 2009 to a few half marathons, and Tough Guy, onto 2010 and some Marathons, Tough Guy and a couple of Olympic Tris.  I think you can see a pattern emerging here, I enjoy challenging myself and pushing myself to new and ultimately longer distances.  After going on Runners World and speaking to the pirates (a group of lovely likeminded people on the forum who love triathlon, and helping others on their journey) I fell in love with their crazy ways, and their fantastic attitude to Ironman.  Not only that, but to have friends along the way and out on a course which ultimately is a lonely sport, gave me the push to sign up for the Outlaw...why not eh?  I told my Mum and Dad, they thought I was mad, supporting me all the way but I could see they thought I had gone bonkers and was potentially going to kill myself!  I told my ex, and many friends, who also thought I was insane, but know me well enough to know what I'm like, and that I would do this regardless.  So in January my training started in earnest.  Apart from my 25 mile rides for the Oly distances, I was rubbish on a bike, so I decided to sacrifice most of my run training to get out on the bike as much as possible... this turned out to be exactly the right thing to do.  Plus with 5 marathons under my belt by April this year, I knew I had it in my legs to do one (or at least I was mentally prepared for what I would face on the run).  Swimming I was slow but comfortable with, but I knew I needed help so I joined Mid Sussex Tri Club, who have been amazing.  Supportive and helpful, but also and maybe most importantly just as crazy as me.  When I told them I was doing an Ironman, they didn't have that 'your crazy' look in their eyes that everyone else did, instead they gave me valuable help and advice (Steve Mac and Phil Knock to name just a couple who gave me so much invaluable information)  So with a not too structured training plan (and nutritional plan of pot noodles and bananas) I was good to go.

The Build Up

The week leading up to the race I was really excited, but when I got to HPP on Friday and registered, I started to become terrified.  I just couldn't bring myself to even think about it, as I thought I might hyperventilate.  On Saturday I racked my bike, put my bags into transition (after checking them several million times) and went back to the campsite.  Later on Mum, Jess the piratedog and myself went to track down some pirates.  We came across a lovely circle of pirate folk , and chatting to them really calmed my nerves.  When I got back to the tent I read a couple of race reports, but it was a verse taken from a book at the end of Steve Macs race report from Switzerland that completely calmed me down and made me think 'Just enjoy it what will be, will be'.  So I slept solidly from about 11 to 3.30, result!  I even snoozed the alarm a couple of times.  Lots of porridge and a banana and I was all set.  Calm on the outside, complete bits on the inside.  I took my mp3 player down to the lake and amongst the chaos I put my earphones in, shut away the world for 7 minutes 19 seconds, closed my eyes and listened to Muse 'Citizens Erased'.... I was ready to race.  Hug to Mum, and as I'm about to go through to the starting bays my Dad arrives and gives me a big hug too!  Its great to know they are both there to watch.

The Race

Swim 1.32.40

I stay at the back of Bay 2, which turned out to be a great idea, as everyone swam off ahead I had no kicks or punches.  As everyone met before the first buoy it became a little more crowded but again no problems, and even a few feet to follow.  My aim was just to relax, enjoy it, and use it as a warm up...expected time 1.30-1.40.  It took me until about 1000 mtrs to settle down (there are signs with the distance all along the lake) and the cramp in my right calf was actually a blessing, as I then stopped using my legs completely, stretched out my stroke and really relaxed, the turn around point came quickly, and with it I even overtook a few people!  On the leg back my mum, dad & Jess were following  me along the bank (Jess even jumped in the lake at one point!), It was great to see them every 6^th stroke, and when I had to clear my goggles I would give them a little wave, and get shouts of encouragement back.  Out of the water in 1.32.40 and chuffed to bits.

T1  9.28

Nothing special, change of clothes, arm coolers on, toilet stop and out to bike.  Probably would have saved a couple of mins if I hadn't faffed about with arm coolers but it doesn't really matter.

Bike 7.09.28

Loved the bike!!  This was the part I was most worried about, as I felt least experienced, and so much could potentially go wrong.  But for some reason, whether it was all the training, I was just having a 'good day' or the reason I most like to think...that my granddad was giving me a big push from up above, whatever it was it worked!  I had done two laps in training and found Oxton bank a bit painful the second time round, but on the day I powered up it, laughing my head off at the pirate signs (It's not a knitting club being my favourite...so true!) and was just really really excited to see the pirates for the first time, they didn't disappoint, with their big smiles and cheers...legends!!  Down to Southwell and was so excited to see Mum and Dad... scanning and scanning all the crowds and fantastic people cheering, turn right at the mini roundabout..and there they are, YAY!!  I REALLY want a banana...my Dad is holding out a sandwich, I keep shouting banana, banana!! but no banana appears, incredibly amusing, poor Dad left holding a sandwich, and my Mum taking photos of me shouting banana, love it!!  No problems, was amazing just to see them, and I'll get a banana at the next aid station.  At this point I should point out that I'm eating Cliff shot bloxs every 30 mins, but my poor stomach is not in a good mood, and every time I swallow them I puke them back into my mouth (nice!) I force them down but it's not pleasant, at one point some poor fella behind sees me puke half a chocolate mini roll up onto the floor (sorry!).  I get to the next aid station...banana please!  I fly past at 20mph and drop the banana, darn it!!  Lesson learnt!!  Luckily the pirates save the day on loop 2, not only do I get banana from them, but also banana from Dad (he's well prepared this time) and even sandwich and banana combo on the 3^rd loop.  My stomach settled down about halfway round the bike course, and I then I knew I would finish the bike.  Many people, including some of the really fast people gave lots of support on the bike which was gratefully received, and I shouted as much encouragement back as possible.  With my lack of real experience on the bike I didn't know how my legs would hold up.  I expected to average 14/14.5 mph, and decided to just go at a pace I felt comfortable with, not looking at my garmin except the check the general time/distance.  I realised I was going faster than this, but as I felt comfortable would just go with it.  Coming in at 7.09 (15.6 mph average) and well over half an hour faster than expected was amazing.  Mum and Dad cheering me into transition gave me exactly the boost I needed to get those trainers on and out onto the run.

T2 6.04

Change of shorts, compression socks on, trainers & cap on, off I go...

Run 5.04.41

In my 'dream plan' I was to run a 5 hour marathon, never did I ever imagine I could do it (ok nearly 5 mins slower but I can cope with that).  It was hot on the run, and I knew I would not be able to push as hard as maybe I would on a cooler day, and had to be super aware of my hydration.  I started running, and although I felt a bit shattered my legs felt really fresh...work that one out!  I started running 10 min miles, which I was just happy to be able to sustain without any discomfort.  Walking though the aid stations and stuffing my face with crisps, flat coke, water, oranges I was happy, and even happier when I went through 6 miles in just over an hour.  My aim would be to run for as long as I was able to, walk the aid stations, and hopefully only have to walk the last few miles at worst.  My Dad ran a few of the river parts behind me, and also a bit of the lake.  This was lovely, and great to have him there, but I felt awful that I couldn't really hold much (any) conversation.  I just had to concentrate and stay in the zone to keep those legs turning over... but I think he understood!  There was so much amazing support on the run, you couldn't help but feel humbled by it all.  I also had to run past the finishing chute three times before it was eventually my time to turn down there...some might say this is slightly cruel, but the cheers from the grandstand were enough to lift the spirits, and watching others finish gave me the boost I needed to keep strong.  On Lap 3 I really had to dig deep, but instead of walking like I thought I might, I just kept at a steady pace (12 min/miles).  So with my determination I'm now at the last turnaround point and I guess around three miles to the finish.  I say well done to every single person I pass, and am smiling so much... I'm nearly home!  I round the lake for the final time, I can hear the man and lady on the loudspeaker shouting everyone home... name, you are an outlaw!  I smile every time I hear this, and all the other crazy stuff they are saying, I think they even sing happy birthday to someone.  I go past many men walking on the last loop, and give them as much encouragement as I can.  As I get onto the final straight I can hear the loudspeaker clearly again, someone has got less than a minute to get under 14 hours... I can't be hearing correctly, there's no way I've done it so fast, the loudspeaker again, 'Well done, you did it in 13.59 something' oh my goodness, I wasn't hearing things, I'm only a couple of minutes away now.  My Mum appears by the lake and starts shouting that I'm her hero, she is so proud and I can't believe I've nearly done it, I turn down the finishing chute and see my Dad, we high five, and everyone else wants a high five too, it's brilliant, I run down and lift the tape above my head and hear the announcer JADE, YOU ARE AN OUTLAW!!!!!   

Finish time 14.02.20

It still feels like a surreal dream, but it really was the best day of my life.  And I'm so glad I could share it with my Mum, Dad, Uncle Ali, Jess, the pirates, and know I had an amazing network of friends following and supporting me from their homes or on the live feeds.  My hard work and training really paid off.  My time was amazing (for me), and better than I could have ever imagined, but the best bit was that I enjoyed every moment of it, and got to share it with some very special people.  When I finished it I said I would never do it again, but my name already seems to be down for next years event.  I have a feeling the buzz of that finish line and the adrenaline is just to hard to resist......

Author: Jade Overy

Dear All

A big big big thank you to all those involved in GoTri! 2011... It was a superb weekend with 29 young people between the ages of 10 and 16 years of age investing in GoTri! our Junior Training Camp... There were 15 volunteers from the club including level 1 and level 2 coaches delivering a variety of sessions.... Paul Hedger from HedghogTri was a great help, giving advice and being rigorous with our race preparations...... and of course the support of Andew Lennox of Nuffield Health who was our sponsor...

If I was Callum or Steve Alden I d be able to write an indepth report but alas I am not gifted in that way!.... So I thought Id collate some of the feedback for everyone ...

Some comments from the participants evaluations...

What did you like?

The swimming, the transition and the cycling and running EVERYTHING

I enjoyed it all it was really fun... the best was the cycle

The atmosphere, how friendly everyone is...

I enjoyed all of it but if I had to choose it would be cycling..

I enjoyed the nutrition session because I liked tasting the smoothies, I also enjoyed the swimming and the bike/run session :)

I enjoyed everything - most of all the running because I felt I improved a lot

The friendly atmosphere mixed in with a lot of fun exercise

I enjoyed how nice the coaches were from Mid Sussex Tri Club and the different things to do

I liked the nutrition session and enjoyed the games

Swimming , I'm not a great swimmer, but have improved a lot and can now go at a reasonable pace.

The cycling was fun and so was running

What did you learn?

The M check on my bike..

How to breathe in water whilst swimming.....

Generally about triathlon

Running styles/efficiency... cycling gears... transitions

I learnt new techniques in my running which I will use in the future..

How you do all the transitions and what gears to use when and what body parts to use at what part of the race...

Stay stream lined in the water

In the swimming especially about using your arms a lot more than your legs. Also the technique for running and when to change gears in cycling.

The importance of transitions

How to swim professionally

Better swimming techniques

Foods to avoid and to eat, transitions, running technique, how to swim a lot better.

I think I learnt a lot from transition

That transitions are really important and you can lose a lot of time if you don't do it efficiently

Some comments from parents.....

Just to say please pass on our thanks to all concerned for a fantastic tri summer camp. Elspeth and Harry both really enjoyed it and we were all impressed with the fantastic organisation. Thank you for all the hard work and preparation from the tri members. Please, please put it on again next year (and please start a junior/teenage section at Mid Sussex Tri Club)!!

Thanks again,

Nathan and I both wanted to say thank you to you and all at MSTC and everyone else involved in making the GoTri! weekend such a success.  Nathan enjoyed the whole thing and we really appreciate the time and effort everyone put in.

One parent was heard to say it was the best organized event they'd been too!!!..... Military precision!!!

Again thank you one and all.... I'm off on holiday to have a rest ... Hope to see you all at the club half

Author: Rose Ryan