My first time trial

A bit of background about me, I only started cycling last year after being easily persuaded to do the London to Paris charity bike ride in aid of Ormiston. The 310 mile ride was quite possibly the best decision I have ever made as it gave me the platform to join my local cycling club, meet new people and join in the fun! I had one go at our 9.5mile timetrial last year of my make-shift TT bike. I just put clip-on bars onto my handlebars and suddenly I was “aero” like the rest. Result. I didn’t do too badly (in my opinion – what really counts) but I was hooked. I was itching for more but had to wait for the spring to have a proper crack at it.

With winter over, I have spent most of this year having a go at my local club time trials, they vary between 5 miles and 21 miles, some flat and some “undulating”! I had set myself a goal of trying to win my club’s TT league, but with few women turning up I was racing against myself most of the time but improving nonetheless.

Nearing the end of the year, I volunteered to help out at the E2/10 race with another lady from my club. This was the one down the A11 from Six Mile Bottom. Handing out rider numbers and chatting to a few, I was kind of gutted I couldn’t do it. After a brief discussion with John from Chelmer, he told me that there would be another in a couple of weeks on the same course and I should enter it. Me being me, unsure of my own capabilities, I asked what the times were and if I even stood a chance! Thinking about it now though, who cares what my time is, I am racing against myself and it would be my first “proper” TT against cyclists outside of my club.

I literally had no idea who to do it – the application that is. The cycling, well it’s a case of just keep pedalling!! I was lucky that I had a number of guys in my club who were very supportive in helping me sign up – what sites I had to register on etc. Signed up viahttp://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/Home paid my sign on fee (much cheaper than sportives that’s for sure), guessed my 10mile time – I had never done a 10mile, only 9.5 or 11. They use your best time on the distance to work out your handicap (I found out after).

20th September 2014 arrived. It was E2/10 day. I was incredibly nervous, but also very excited. I had two of my London to Paris cycling friends (Jo & Sue)coming to do it too which made the event even more exciting. They are both so very supportive and as we hadn’t done this kind of TT before, I guess we were all in the same boat – SCARED. Arriving at the HQ, signed on, we decided we’ll drive the course. It was a good decision as it made us realise just how long 5 miles out and back was, realise it’s not a flat road – like it feels in the car doing 70mph and also terrify me with the amount of lorries and cars on the road. With anxiety already at peak, it started to rain. Oh joy! I’ll be honest, between the three of us there were a couple of comments about still doing it – surely they’d cancel.

We got down to the start line to have a warm up. It was raining quite a lot now. Already soaked from standing in a puddle I pedalled off up the road, getting about 2 miles out then realising that I really need to raise my saddle. I was borrowing a bike from Aprire (London bike company) which I hadn’t ridden before (error no. 1) getting back to my car and realising I didn’t have any allen keys (error no. 2) I borrowed one off a nice couple and raised it slightly. I stopped to check it with one of the guys from my club also doing the TT and said I was starting in about 15 minutes so very little time to tweak or even warm up for that matter. Jo my L2P friend was also having technical difficulties – her gears weren’t working.She was starting a minute after me so was having a bit of a flap too. Jon put me on his turbo and just said spin the legs. This is where I found out that you need different skewers to use on a turbo! I had about 9 minutes. Having a panic I thought ok I‘ll take a gel, this was probably more for the confidence boost than the actual energy as it wouldn’t have fully kicked in by the time I was half way round.

Start line. Jo behind me. Jon supporting from the side. I pushed off up the A11. If I had a heart rate monitor on, I dread to think how high it peaked at that point. Surprisingly though, once I negotiated the transition onto the road, I secured my place in the worn line – on the road, not on the white line which I had originally thought was where you were supposed to ride. Overcoming that fear was a big change point. I was well and truly in the line of traffic. Most of the ride is a bit of a blur, all that was going through my head was my friend Bob saying I could do it in 23minutes. I joked at him and worked out what speed I would need to do to do it in that. Laughing I thought I would never be able to hold 26mph for 10 miles. Never. Coming off the A11 and onto the roundabout was a bit hairy to say the least. And inconsiderate driver undertook me and then stopped in front of me. I had to brake hard and then didn’t have time to change my gears to pull away easily. I wasn’t used to the gears being on the front – I normally ride a road bike with clip-ons remember! Pulling away again round the roundabout sitting upright was hard. Going back down theslip road to join the A11 again, 5 miles to go now. I reluctantly checked what average I was doing, 25mph ish. No way! This gave me a boost. I looked across the dual-carriage way and saw Jo in her bright green Chelmer kit. Another boost – my friendly fear was that she would overtake me. I was also closing on a guy in front. Just keep pedalling. I over took the chap. My average was going up. I could see the finish and just kept trying to push. With my legs not wanting to go any faster I just focussed on crossing the line. A lorry came by very close and blew me onto the white line. Panic and adrenaline kicked in and I dug in. legs burning and eyes (or visor) slightly blurry from the rain. Finish.

Thinking about it now, it was one of the best TT’s I have done. It was out and back. Simple. It was scary, but there was so much support from everyone, the volunteers at sign-on, the guys at the push-off, and at the finish. They explained everything to me.

I came 4th with a time of 23.37. Sue came 1st and Jo came 8th(on a road bike). Unfortunately I didn’t get a handicap win as I hadn’t done a 10mile before so they use a rule figure which made me faster than others. Next time I might get it. But for me, finishing and overcoming the fear of a dual-carriage way TT was a win for me. I cannot wait until next year to do it again (when it’s not raining)! I would highly recommend anyone to give it a go, you don’t need a TT bike, you don’t even need to be claimed to a club, just register on CTT and find one near you, ask friends for advice and get pedalling.

Crash, crash, and crash again

Now I remember why I didn't go out riding last winter in the ice... 

Not one, not two, but three bloomin crashes on one ride! 

There was me thinking, let's go out for a ride with the guys, a nice 80 or so easy winter ride to burn off that Christmas dinner (or the boozing)! 

Woke up late (standard) and rushed around to get to Matt's in time for meet & depart. We were on our way to Comberton from Burwell which was about 18 miles ish. 

We were going at a fairly sprightly pace for a winter morning which was nice. Until that wonderful right hand bend through Barton. 

Before I knew it, I was sliding on my side for a good few seconds at a fairly decent pace. From my Garmin I can guess I was going about 18mph or so. Just seeing the pavement sliding underneath me and the searing pain through my arm and thigh. Being helped off the road on to the path I got that sick feeling, dizzy and in shock. My 2nd only crash. Another rider came down behind me in an attempt to not run over me. We both took a battering. Bikes ok and a moment to assess the damage, ripped jersey and arm warmer as ugh. 

Soldier on, only a mile till we meet the others in Comberton. 

Once grouped up, I made a slight adjustment to my saddle. We were off again. On the knowledge of the crash we took it steady for the first 10 miles or so. Then in Gt Barfield, slippery roads and an already tensed up nervous body on a bike, I felt my wheels sliding around underneath me. And once again my bike went one way and I went another, into the kerb and over on the left. At least I seemed to balance out the pain across my body. 

At this point I wanted to call it a day. Phoned the mother who surprisingly didn't seemed too concerned and suggested I phone my brother who lives nearer. Father didn't answer his phone and brother was looking after my poorly niece. With no rescue and a sinking feeling in my heart I decided I had no choice but to carry on. I didn't want to hold the group up any longer. 

On we went, gingerly. Some areas on the ride we had to get off and walk due to too much ice. 

At a turning point, the three chaps and I decided to call it and make a turn back towards Suffolk, in the know that we were a good 40 miles away. 

Going slowly still, we came across a road which just glistened. I began to slow down to get off my bike and walk. Not wanting to risk my battered body anymore. But it seemed my bike had other ideas. Before I even got to a point of unclipping, about a foot or so from the verge and down I go. All I can think is the camber of the road and the ice underneath my tyres. Wheels went left, I went right. Straight down with full weight onto my elbow. The pain I felt does not compare to anything I have felt before. Crumpled in a heap on the floor, friends came to my aid. I was shocked, in so much pain and mentally exhausted from the two crashes before. 

Luckily in a turn of fate, a couple who just pulled out of their drive down he road saw my sorry state and said we could go back to theirs. Matt called his wife who instantly jumped in the car to come and collect us. The two other Suffolk chaps made a call to be collected too. 

I felt awful, bringing the ride to an abismal  end. A trip to a long wait in a&e and luckily news that my elbow isn't broken. 

I can safely say that I shall never ride in icy weather again! 

Bit of thigh road rash from under DHB thermal tights! 

Got a bit of swell on after a&e 

After a&e 

Latest photo bruising nicely 

Outside the box

Yesterday was a ride full of interesting little events! 

First I popped on my new saddle from Aprire Bicycles - Prologo Kappa DEA! Love it! 

The only problem with getting something new is that it seems to take a little getting used to. For me it seemed I was sitting so wrong on my bike. Maybe it was because I'd got a men's saddle before so I sat differently? Who knows but my god was I uncomfortable for the first 15 miles. 

My legs felt like absolute death too, oh and my lungs were burning. Probably because I'd ran a half marathon on Sunday and they were both screaming for some down time. Oh well. 

I always go for little rides with Matt, he's a good chap! And is happy with me stopping now and then to fiddle with my new bits! Yesterday was no different. After about 15 miles I'd had enough, I wasn't getting any more comfortable - back was hurting (lower back) and my legs felt like they were giving anything out. We stopped and checked my seat height, apparently if you sit on the saddle, have the pedal at the lowest point and see if you can put your heel on it it's a good measure for seat height! Who knew!! 

Ok so I couldn't event get my heel on the pedals smug gearing my seat was way too high! I took it down half a cm, still couldn't reach!! Bloomin eck it must have been way too high - hence back pain! Moved it down a bit more, and it seemed to sit well. 

Off we went - my god did that feel weird, I felt really squished up then. But after a short while I got used to it and my back pain went. 

Lucky for me, the new saddle was a dream to sit on! Less pressure on the 'front' for the ladies reading this! I also felt for the first time that I was actually sitting on my sit bones (the boney bit in your butt) and not... You know where! 

Check out the saddle 

Ok so that picture was taken when... Yes I got a puncture! We were at about 20 miles in. Going really nicely in the evening summer sun! Downhill, about 28mph, BANG! I could feel air rushing round my ankles and I went down the hill. Back wheel started to wobble... Great! Puncture! 

We stopped, had a look at the wheel.. Well that would explain the air I could feel - check out the slice in my tyre! 

A good cm in there! Must have been a bit of flint or something. 

So after taking the tyre off one side, pulled the tube out, checked the tube and there was a lovely 0.5cm whole! We fiddled with the new tube getting it back in, now both dripping with sweat after stopping! Fiddling with my new little pump, and I suddenly thought back to the last time I had a split in a tyre. When we pumped up my tube last time, it went bang pretty much straight away as the tube popped out the hole and pinched. Last time someone had an old bit of tyre they'd kept in their bag and we used that as what they referred to as a 'boot'!! 

GENIUS! 

I thought, well I don't have a tyre spare, I don't have a cut up tyre, I can't fill it with grass to relieve the pressure around the hole. So... What about tearing the old tube up (with my teeth) and putting a bit inside the tyre between the tyre and the new tube to barrier it. 

Pumped up the tyre - not too high - about 50psi. 

Somehow this little gem of an idea got me home - 8 miles (ish) at still a decent rate. And still got my sweat on! 

30 miles in the bag. Now get me a Thai! 

How close is close

This weekend I had the pleasure of riding with Aprire Bicycles down in Richmond Park - London. 

It was a great experience, not only to meet the team and check out the bikes of a British Engineered bike company, but go for a ride and learn the ways of riding 'close'! 

 

Over the past year I've been picking up bits of information on how to 'race', but with few local riders about to help me practically learn the ways, it was great to get out down South. In events that I have done (triathlons and Sportives) it's always quite unnerving because you don't know how other competitors ride & sometimes they can be unpredictable which makes passing quite problematic!! 

We started off heading over to Richmond Park. Phil had set me up on one of the new Aprire Celeste road bikes - super light! Check their range out here : www.aprirebicycles.co.uk @aprirebicycles 

Once we got to Richmond Park, chatting away and before I new it we were riding side by side and handlebars nearly touching! Strangely though I didn't feel nervous about being knocked off, maybe it was because I knew that Phil is a good rider with lots of experience.

He explained that in a race, I would likely be riding at this distance for most of it. Then he ride closer and our hands / bars tapped *panic*! But it was ok! I guess it's that unknowing, if you've never ridden close, you assume as soon as someone touched your bike you'll immediately push off and crash! 

It's definitely something I need to practice as we weren't exactly going super fast but after a few laps and flowing conversation, riding close became 'normal'. It definitely pays to have someone experienced riding with you though to:

1) put you at ease that they're not going to do anything stupid and

2) explain what is going on, how to avoid incident & remain strong in a pack. 

My goal is to get to a point where I can ride balanced at that distance and come off the bars. To be able to comfortably take off a jacket without stopping, and chat relaxed on a ride at pace and with the occasionally touching of bars. 

Watch this space (small space 😆) 

The last TT, PB & league winner

Wednesday was a sad day :( the last club time trial of 2014 - except the Hill Climb which I can race as I'm conveniently on a hen do 😆 

I had over the last two weeks or so suddenly got this insane competitive urge. I sat and trawled through the club records online (although they only go back to 2011) to find out what the records were for the women's times on all our courses. Making a list of course, time and rider, I found that I am about a minute off or just under. 

Having made adjustments to the bike mentioned in my last post, I wasn't 100% confident in getting a good time at the time trial. But hey ho, last one and only 5 miles. Give it a bash :) 

Unfortunately with nights drawing in the TT start times get earlier. Even leaving work earlier I was still rushed to get there. Banana shoved in my mouth & a swift journey over to Fordham. Join the queue to sign on. Quite a lot of riders tonight!! 

I think I did about 3 miles warm up (not enough) but I didn't want to risk musing my time. 

Number 23 tonight. In my mind I was thinking about the records. The last time I did Fordham I did 14.04. The record is 12.38. Whoosh!!

However knowing at the start line that there were traffic lights on the course, chances of people getting PB's were slim. Few female riders too that night. 

Off I go and I swear, but even a mile down the road and my legs were feeling like lead. Click to a lighter gear just to rotate them faster (increase cadence I think it's called). 

Turn the corner, I got a good line. Look down at my Garmin, 28mph! Major confidence boost. Kick on Rusty. 

2.5miles down, think I was averaging 22-23 mph at that point. But knowing the headwind was on the way back there was little chance of me improving that. 

Nearing the lights, Rory (who had passed me at about 3 miles) was in my sight. He was slowing for the lights, I pressed on and timed it perfectly, I went through green, looked left and they had just turned amber. Perfect! Now crack on! 

4miles, ish 12min something. Not going to get there in 30 seconds! But try and get as close as I can. I see Matt who went off before me. I gain on him & we cross the line at the same time. 

13.05. HAPPY DAYS! It's not the curse record, but that's the long term goal. It's a good 59second PB! 

I'm now beginning to wonder what the possibilities are if I stop / slow down triathlon and focus on cycling!! 

To top it off, I have secured my place at the top of the women's league in our club time trials (although few members took part). But I guess, you can only race against those that rock up on the day and as long as I push myself to beat my own times, I'm happy. 

Riding positions... FRUSTRATING

So last night I went out for a ride with my cycling bud having altered my position on my bike as recommended by various people. 

OUCH! 

Basically, I'm new to all this so I don't really know how I should be positoned so take advice from wherever I can get it really, in the hope that it may improve my riding and get the most out of my thunder thighs. 

So I flipped my stem (turned it upside down) which lowers my handlebars. However by doing this they are then further away from me making me reach more. 

I have also been told that my seat could go up a touch. I do this. Half a centre meter. 

With my reach increased, I figure that I should just move my seat forward as I often find myself sitting on the nose of the saddle which is really uncomfortable (especially being a female)! It's a men's saddle so is already pretty uncomfortable. 

Honestly, that was the most uncomfortable 19 miles of my life. My back started to hurt at the bottom. I felt I wasn't pushing hard at all. I felt twitching as I couldn't hold the bars where I used to. 

Frustrated. 

I've got an Olympic tri on Sunday in Portsmouth and now I'm horrified that I'm going to be in great pain over a mere 26 miles. 

Damn! 

But I huess on a plus it was nice to get out and chase the sun over some hills with good conversation... Oh and I got to wear my new Wiggle Honda kit :) 

Silver lining. 

National Club Relay Champs - triathlon

God I love this event! 

It was my first experience of triathlon last year after I was roped into a team despite admitting that I couldn't swim last year. But this year, with my few sprints and Olympic distance under my belt I was feeling positive about my performance in the team. This year I felt less like I was letting the team down (although no one ever said that) and more like I was contributing well. 

The 3 Newmarket teams were all picked at random by the guy organising our club entries. All the teams are mixed 2 men 2 female but it varied on what order I. Either female, male, female, male or reverse. I was to be no. 4 in my team. Eek! The pressure of trying to have a good final run was onnnn. 

Some of us camped the night before which was a good laugh, a few beers to help me go to sleep. 

Up at 5.30am and coffee!! The others turned up bright-eyed and bushy tailed & team captains went to sign on. 

Race time!!

Over to the grandstand and we all got ready. This year they have us number tattoos! That was fun - no one knew what to do but we figured it out eventually! 

All no. 1's got their red hats on and went down to the start. No.2's got their white hats on and made their way to holding pen where they were to wait for No.1's to finish the swim. It's absolute carnage trying to find your next swimmer after you come out of the VERY VERY cold regatta lake and face a wall of neoprene clad, swim hat & goggle wearing crazy people all shouting and waving to their team mates! 

As the relays are full of mixed teams of varying ability, it is not uncommon for the field to thin out. I was waiting for our blue hat chap to come out and I think there were only about 15 other swimmers left with me. 

Into the lake! The part I fear most. Oh god it's cold. I breast stoke for a bit to calm my breathing and put my face in. Last year I didn't even out my head under so this time I had to. I made it to the first buoy switching between a few strokes front crawl but mainly breast stroke. Round the bend I got on it. Head down and just breath. Next bend and it's the home straight. I saw another yellow hat breast stroking and I knew I could take her. I picked up my speed and just concentrated. Past her. Then saw a chap to my right. Going about the same speed. I was NOT goin to let him overtake me. What a rush. Last 50m to go and I was kicking like a mad woman. Out, rushed run to our no. 1 to hand over the band! Off he goes!! Ugh time to defrost! 

Back at the grandstand where our teams were congregating we all discussed how bloody cold the lake was. The other lady in my team, our no. 2 was unhappy with the swim. I tried to reassure her it was fine and it's all just a bit of fun (if you can call it that). But genuinely, it's friendly competition between our club as they are all made up of differing abilities. 

What's great is that you get to watch most of your team in their sections, what's not so great is that you get cold between each of your sections. But that's the fun of it. 

Our no. 1 had a blinding race! Great swim, great bike and great run! No. 2&3 had areas they weren't happy with but enjoyed it overall! I was happy with the bike leg, putting in a 24.40. Our team was pretty much tied between 091 the third Newmarket team. 090 was long gone! No. 4 of 091 overtook me halfway round the final lap of the bike so I knew it was going to be close with just a few seconds between us. 

The run! I waited with out no.3 and 091's no. 4 in the pen whilst we waited for our no. 2 to finish her run. In she came and off he went! I knew I had about 23-4 min to warm up / get ready! I see him coming round. Whip off my hoody and get ready. Our other team 092's last runner was with me, it was to be a neck and neck between us on the run. Luckily for me, our no. 3 was faster on the run than theirs so it gave me a 2 min head start. Knowing he was chasing me kept me running that bit faster. 

A lady came to over take me but then stuck with me and we helped each other round. The final leg back was brutal wind! Stomping along eating the ground up we stuck in. We got to the big blow up beer and I had a boost. I picked up the pace and I wanted to over take the other elder lady who had taken me half way round. I knew I could do it. Checking behind earlier on I knew 091 won't catch me. I shouted to my running buddy thank you!! And started sprinting! With about 15 meters to go I overtook the woman & crossed the finish line! 

What a great feeling! 

It's so great doing the relays with the club as it's great for team bonding and also to get new members involved in triathlon at an easier pace as you do get a big time gap between each of your disciplines. I loved it last year but this year was awesome knowing I could do the swim & the run better. And last weeks issue with the chap at time trialling seemed to reduce which was good. 

The Newmarket team times: 

090 - 04.07.04 

092 - 04.20.19 

091 - 04.22.29 

Happy 😆 then beer! 

Highs, lows.. finding the middle ground

What a week. After Sunday's triumph I was feeling the greatest natural high I've ever experienced. I was so happy to have done the Ely Monster Olympic. Goal 1 - check.

Taking Monday off (work) we - Kerry and I went for a swim which basically just turned out to be a giggling fit whilst aqua jogging it's the weirdest thing but apparently great for flushing out the legs, bobbing around in the deep end with a float under your arms trying to "jog". We did a few lengths after 30 min of "jogging" and lazed around the rest of the day with coffee, cake and engraving our finisher medals.

Tuesday was a true day off :)

Wednesday I was supposed to get up and swim, but I will still happy with Sunday that I thought well, just relax as it was the TT that night. I have been battling with this cold / chest infection trying to stave it off. Dosing up on Echinacea drops in hot water with lemon, manuka honey and ginger. And also trying this breathe deep Yogi Tea. Tastes NICE!

TT time. I drove to the Red Lodge TT not feeling 100% still. Getting out of the car I wasn't really feeling it. I had forgotten my Garmin (safety vice) and my chest was feeling tight. Paid my money then began to contemplate if I really wanted to do it. The voice in the back of my head was saying, don't bother just watch but my new found competitiveness was saying, well if you want to do well in the Club League you should probably give it a go and at least get a time to get points. I told myself, ok just go round, you don't have any idea on speed or time so just enjoy riding the bike as you've not done much this week. Just turn your legs over.

I did a quick (pointless) warm up and turned up to the start line. The usual countdown began. I was pushed off and I was suddenly partially energized.

It was actually quite lovely not having a speed to look at. Just feeling my legs go round, and trying to breath normally (with lots of grossness coming out my nose)...yum!

I ended up passing two riders mid way round the course, Richard was riding his first ever TT so it was great to see him. This one was my first one last year too. Then the other rider I couldn't name. I think I passed a few more just before the finish line but it's all a bit of a blur.

Cooled down I went over to the time keepers to check my time... 22.57... WHAT. NO WAY. THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE.... THAT'S WRONG. No  they kept telling me it's right, you did a cracking ride. Cue peak of natural high... (oh how it wasn't to last). Going back to the group, I was quietly telling a few people, just trying to contain myself. I should have guessed it wasn't right as there is NO WAY I can beat Mick. NO WAY. The Club Chairman even said to me quietly, I think you broke the course record. Then emailed me later that night saying he couldn't find a faster time. He seemed convinced that the timings were right.

The next 15 hours or so (I'm useless at maths) were incredible. I felt amazing. Then about 11 o'clock at work the next day, after lots of comments on my time, the post went up on facebook. The dreaded post. One of the time-keepers admitted that there had been a muck up on the timings. No. 21 wasn't there so everyone from 22 on-wards should have had a 1 min delay but didn't. So we all needed a 1 min adding on to our times. WHAT!!!! I was crushed. Honestly, I could have cried. I questioned why the other time-keeper who was posting on the facebook thread didn't mention it sooner as he would / should have known about the time change issue. The reply which really upset me Yeah I did - I just wanted to see who thought their shit really don't stink!! SERIOUSLY? Now I don't know if I'm just a bit sensitive, but that seems a tad out of order.

That little episode has enlightened me to the negative realms of friendly club competition. Trying to rise above it, I simply posted that I was still happy with a 7 second PB especially feeling like crap and having done my triathlon at the weekend. The problem now I guess is that when this chap time-keeps again, am I going to fear that he's out to get me. I have to keep reminding myself, I have only owned a bike for a year, and I have only been actively trying to do well in time trials for the past few months. But I am dreaming, I want to race, I want to do well, and I will try my hardest! If I don't try now and take the opportunity, when will I?

So the week has gone from massive high, to even greater high, to crashing lows. But I have learnt from it. Now it's all about going forward, going to this weekend where we have the National Club Relay Champs at Nottingham which was my first ever experience of triathlon last year so I have to get a PB on this one. Downside, said chap is in my team. Then next week is the last Fordham 5 mile TT. I checked out the club records for that one, 12.38. I am not going to do that this year, not on my current bike. But that's next years target.

On a another plus from the TT - Nigel got some awesome photos of me so I'm happy with that :)

My first Olympic Triathlon...

So about November time last year I drunkenly (terrible I know) agreed to enter the Monster Olympic Triathlon over at Ely. 

I had gone and supported several Newmarket Tri club members doing it in 2013 and was captivated by the whole event. It was a beautiful sunny day... 

Anyway. So I signed up. Paid. Sobered up. Panicked! When I say panicked... I mean, the words what the hell have I just done went through my head. Yes I'd had a go at the Club Relays (my first taste of what triathlon is all about) and yes I had a bash at St Neots Sprint Tri. But now I had just entered a 1.5km swim (up river), a 44km bike ride (fenland winds) AND a 12km hilly run. My running was pretty bad, my swimming was pretty non-existent and well I just love to be on my bike. 

Over the past 9-10 months I have been up and down with training. Barely did anything over winter with swim / run. Did my first 10k on NYE and sustained a knee injury as I had very poor preparation (none). I got a few more 10k's under my feet over the months in 2014. The bike was going well anyway and I began to pick up my swim. 

Then it all went a bit wrong. About April time I (the joys of being female) had an abnormal smear come back. (Men you can skip this part). My life felt like it had just fallen apart. So I was booked into hospital to have a biopsy. That came back bad. About 3-4 weeks later I had to go and basically have the pre-cancerous cells burnt off. So that was about 6 weeks of no swimming so far. End of that week or there abouts I bought my new bike (pick me up). Friday took it out for a ride.. Saturday was in waitrose and to put a long story short I was rushed to hospital with haemorrhaging. So basically I wasn't then allowed to swim for another 5 weeks. Joy. Training - out the window. 

Ok I've digressed a little here.. 

Once able to train again I began getting stronger and fitter. Swimming was hard. But perseverance pays off. 

Race day. To be honest. I did feel prepared (as best I could) but I was still nervous. The run up to Sunday I had trapped nerves in my back, tension headaches, I'd handed in my notice at my work as I'd had interviews for other jobs. I was plate spinning and not knowing what or when one was going to drop. 

4am Sunday 17th August. Yeh that time made me feel a tad nauseous. 

Rock up in Ely. I had been given so much advice about what I should take round with me. I'd bought a new tri suit the day before (I don't recommend doing this - bad move)! I'd also bought some of those funky stretchy coil laces - I so recommend doing this, but again, not the day before!! 

Once registered I racked my bike on 416. Laying my stuff out on my bright green towel (so I can spot it in a daze). 

Socks rolled so I can try and get them on quickly for the run. Helmet up so I can just stick it on my head and go. Cycling shoes open and ready to slip my feet into. And race belt loaded with gels. My plan was to come out of the swim, race belt on, shoes on, helmet on, bike off and go. 

Walking down to the start (a good 15 min walk in). We watch the elites and 1st wave go in. Then it was the 2nd wave for the middle distance, Kerry was in this one. I wait for her to go in then walk back up the river to my entrance - shorter distance. 

Just before we are about to go in (after the briefing) I hear my dad. He made it! This just made me feel so emotional. He's never come to watch me except once for May bumps in the rowing phase. 

Me and Maxine struggle in to the river, sinking into the mud on the bed. Gross!!!! Freezing cold!! 

We end up separating as I wanted to be at the back. 30seconds. I say to the guys next to me please don't bash me / hit me / drown me!! We joke. But I'm secretly hoping I don't get hit. I got kicked in the face at feltwell and it just sum ruined my swim and that was only half the distance. 

Off we go. Keeping calm I just get into a rhythm. Knowing my dad is walking along the side was so calming. It was cold, by I was pushing on. 

Every now and then I'd breaststroke a bit to catch my breath. I hear my dad shout support. 

My goggle were starting to irritate me. Joys of having dry skin that you moisturise.. I think that was irritating my eyes. I had about 500m to go, turn around the buoy and back downstream to the exit. 

I come out, slightly off balance is an understatement. Slow (trying to be quick) jog to transition barefoot across the concrete.

 Thinking - plan! Hat, shows, gloves, race belt & shoes. GO! 

Off I go, freezing my butt off! Light gearing trying to warm the legs up. Get into my stroke and I'm off... Until it starts pissing it down! Brrrr in only a tri suit, it was bloody windy and bloody cold! Fens are not your friend on a light bike in the rain. I stayed upright but I was struggling. Wearing a new tri suit, well let's just say I think I need a new female specific saddle. Ouch! 

44km down, overtaken lots of people (big grin), back into transition. Socks on. Trainers on. Glasses on - yes I know it was raining but I hate rain in my eyes. Grab my bottle and go. 12km. I've not run that far yet except the Cambridge half marathon.. 1 lap - see dad! 

Pick me up. Then I see Clare on the run and she shouts positives. Pick me up. I'm smiling most of the way round! 

Quite a few of the guys I overtook on the bike then overtook me on the run. I didn't mind. I shared a giggle with a chap having calf issues.. I felt his pain but carried on. 

I spot one of my friends husbands in front of me. I'd past him on the bike and he snuck past me on the run. I keep him in sight. On the 1st lap about half way, I see Maxine (well she passes me) and grabs my hand and drags me (jokingly) along for a minute / 15feet! It was a great spirit raiser and I think the spectators had a giggle! Off she goes and I pick up my speed. 

2nd lap. Still keeping the chap in my sight. Up the hill and just as we enter the market square I take him, just eating up the concrete beneath my feet. I think the caffeine gels just kicked in! I was flying. Bounding along. Past the cathedral. Round the bend. Down the hill. Turn left onto the home straight. I was basically sprinting. I crossed the road to where the finish was last year... What!! Where's the finish I shouted. Round the corner up the hill. Crap! 

Quick check to see where the chap was. Nowhere to be seen. Phew! 

Cross the road, and up through the gardens, sharp left and I'm FINISHED!!! 

I have never felt so alive and such achievement. 

It was so special to have my dad there. Although I could barely talk, my mouth was like I was drunk! He just cuddled me (I was sweaty & gross)! With my medal around my neck I was a finisher! 

I came 2nd in my age category and 10th lady overall. 

Very happy 😃

I owe a massive thanks to everyone in my club. But especially to Clare for run training, Julian & Emma for swim training. And Kerry for incredible support in helping me / getting me out training! Kerry also completed her first middle distance at the same event. 

We are both winners! 

Learning when to say no

This past week has been hell. I've been so frustrated. 

After the positive 100miles (despite suffering from a sore knee from running) my week rapidly went downhill. 

Normally if I suffer from pains I just zone out and try to ignore them, try to push through. I've heard various people lately that I need to look after my body and sort the pains out otherwise they get worse. 

I hadn't don't it. And now I'm paying for it. I've been getting trapped nerves in my back and neck along with a painful knee and thigh. I think I had been putting it down to just not being fit enough to cope with the training I have been doing. But in reality I'm realising that I need to get those sports massages, the ones that you always put off.

I booked an appointment for Monday night. Asking her to look at my leg. She works on my IT band, the thing that holds most of your muscles in your legs together apparently. Mine was originally painful. As she pushed her hand up from the outside of my knee up to my hip... OUCH! She said it can be caused by tight hamstrings (back of thigh) or tight quads (front thigh).. Testing my hamstrings, they were ok. But bloomin eck my quads were... Ouch! 

Big lumps of knots :( 

She then moves on to my calf of my left leg. Equally as painful. This is NOT fun. But I know that it's doing me good. 

She works on my shoulders a bit. They're so tight, especially up by my neck. Probably from the swimming and TT position. But also maybe I lift my shoulders up when I run as I often feel I am struggling for air.. Joys of asthma. 

I go back Thursday to see her again as I'm still all painful. She works on both legs this time and then does some more on my back. 

I try to swim the next morning. I feel awful. I I was weak, my arms weren't working, my neck was stiff and sharp. The nerve was still caught, or something was just bloomin tender. After 25 min I stop, it's not worth it. 

That was the hardest part. Learning when to say no. 

No, stop training. 

Rest. 

Come back stronger.

I came home from work late that afternoon. Doctors. I'd spent the whole day barely being able to move. 

My head was thumping, my neck sharply painful, my mouth feeling funny and my eyes hurting. 

I cried at work. The fear of my first Olympic triathlon, which I've been tirelessly training for, hoping that my emergency hospital visit earlier this year hadn't set me back too much, the dear of ot being a total disaster. 

With a week to go I just began to panic and emotions just took over. I was seeing all my hard work coming to a pathetic end & not being able to do the race. 

Doc says it may be a tension headache. So gives me some strong pain killers to relax my neck and back and relieve my headache. 

I book an appt with the osteopath for the next morning in the hope she will be able to straighten me out bone / spine wise. My hips are wonky and I was standing all in a wonk she said. After several movements I begin to feel less tense. Cracks coming from my back mentally made me feel that pressure was dispersing. 

I have not been one to see a sports therapist in the past, or an osteopath but with the fear of not being able to race next week looming over my head, I want to be in a position where I can at least finish it. In one piece. 

I haven't done any training for about 4 days now, literally nothing. And actually it's been refreshing. I've slept loads. I've eaten well. 

And most importantly, I've learnt when to say no. I'm not going to improve my fitness by training when I'm in pain. I'm not going to be a better swimmer by training with a pain in my neck, runner with pain in my knee.

I'm learning to play the long game. I've got lots of events still this year which I want to complete so missing one day (or four) to allow me to complete my goals for this year is much more important. 

It's been mentally tough as I'm still worried I haven't done enough, but I'm not going to reduce my 10k race time in a week.. I don't want to go into the race tired. 

I'm saying no. 

WHOAAA that was hard...

Last night's TT. OH MY GOD!

I took a half day from work in an attempt to get some swimming done in the afternoon.. best laid plans and all that. 5.30pm clocked.. oh crap I need to get going.

6pm cycle over to Red Lodge for the time-trial. It's about 9 miles there so at an average pace of about 18.3mph I got there in good time for a crucial natter. Chatting is becoming a bit of a problem for me I think.. Maybe one day I will focus on the ride. Paid up, got my number 23 and Bob comes over with a shiny skinsuit, different to the one he lent me last week. This one is a club one with longsleeves and MUCH tighter, very tight on the thighs - a standard problem of mine.

Elegantly (or not), I got changed in the back of Andrew's blacked out truck. Praying no one would open the door. Number pinned on.. more nattering. Quick photo with Bob - my kit man!

I was a bit worried about pushing it as my knees had been feeling terrible all day after last nights 6.5mile run with Kerry. I was scared to over do it and then ruin myself just before Ely Triathlon next weekend.

Right, 7pm time to spin the legs a little bit again to get the blood flowing after the ride over. I'd raised my seat a little last night and it seemed to feel more comfortable in the TT position, but I still desperately need a woman specific saddle - OUCH. The problems of buying a men's bike.

Over to the start line (more nattering). 22 was off, I started my Garmin, rolled up to the start line. 30 seconds to go, Mark held my seat, I clipped in. He joked I was like a "coiled spring ready to explode". That calmed my nerves as I felt the excitement wave over me. 5 seconds. Go.

Off I push up to the roundabout, and on, and on, and on. The wind was pretty brutal, I was blowing around quite a bit. Shuffling around on my seat trying to get comfortable. My mind stressing about my legs and also the competition of trying to get my best time.

I'm out by Isleham now, it's open fen land so the wind just cuts across. I change up and down my gears to try not to stress my legs and keep the mental strength going. I feel better when my legs are going faster, even though my speed hasn't really changed from going down a gear. Mentally it helps me. Then I push a harder gear for a bit.

I spot someone in the distance and it's like a switch flipped. I was on one.. pushing harder. I want to catch them. I close in.. only to find that it's not a fellow TT racer. DAMN! Well at least I would have pushed harder over that time.

Through Chippenham and out towards La Hogue (they do the BEST CAKE!) Zipping round the S bend trying not to break, I see another rider. I see the yellow number. As I close in I see it's Bobbie, the new lady that came tonight. Number 20. That means I've closed the gap 3 minutes.

Stay focussed.. don't get over excited I was trying to tell myself. I pass her and say "well done" and get my head back in the game again. Pushing up the last hill and my quads are burning. In fact my whole legs are burning. My lungs felt like they were going to implode.

Last stretch, 1 mile to go. Pushing down hill I clock 28.6mph. I'm frustrated as I just can't push to 30mph. There was nothing left.

I see the timekeepers. Change up another gear and just grind the last few hundred meters.

FINISHED!

Cool down, back to the start. Resume nattering. Mark comes back with the timesheet. I knew I had a PB but wanted to see whether Mel had smashed me again.

I look down, I look up at Mel. I've beaten her for the first time this year. I got 24.04, Mel got 24.25 how on earth that happened I don't know. But we have a good exchange of congrats. She's a great rider and I have been trying to catch her for weeks. We joke it's because she is too relaxed from her holiday and I'm too pent up from not having been away this year (except Paris of course).

A quick catch up with Bobbie, she went the wrong way on the course. It's easily done if it's your first time so next time she will fly!

Home time. A very, very slow ride home. My legs just weren't working - which I think is a good thing. I pushed hard tonight.

And it paid off.

To TT and beyond

So last night I raced at our club 5mile Time Trial event... 

I left work earlier as I was keen to try and get a warm up done by cycling 8 miles to the venue, and to also get my friend out on her bike after a big crash. 

We got there in plenty of time for a chat and I ended up discussing the benefits of these alien looking helmets that are supposed to make you go faster. All to do with the aerodynamics in cycling apparently. It just so happened that it also matched my jersey - WIN! 

A couple more little burst warm ups to get the blood flowing in my legs, remove all unnecessary accessories off my bike & jersey - water bottles, saddle bag, bananas and keys but keeping on my rear light for the rules.

Ready to rock. On the start line, 30s to go, Matt held my saddle as I got clipped in to my pedals. Wavering and nervous as today there was big competition between Keith and I. Who will win. My friendly rival. Also added pressure of Owen (one of the faster guys starting off at number 5 behind me)

10,5,4,3,2,1... WRONG GEARING! Dragging myself off the start line in too heavy gearing and my feet cramped up. Come on legs I thought, and off I went. 

It was a pretty windy evening. Looking down at my Garmin wondering where my power is going. MUST NOT go below 20mph. Lighter gear to spin my legs faster helped me mentally remember that I've got it in them. Crankin up the first hill, will Owen catch me.. No sign of him yet. 

Next hill.. Still no sign. Feeling good as I come down the other side, zipping round parked cars, bumped over a few cateyes.

Sharp left hand bend.. Had to break! 

Last slog home, just over a mile to go. 

SHUT UP LEGS! Got to beat Keith. Can't let Owen catch me.. If he hasn't caught me already perhaps he's got a mechanical issue. 

Trying to ignore the windy gusts and just get my head down and grind away. Averaging about 23mph on the way back.. Trying to get my overall average up. Feeling really good. Round the last bend to home, few gear changes to wake the legs up again. Push to the line..... FINISHED! 

5 miles of grit. 

Somehow Owen never caught me! 

This time I made sure I did a cool down, spinning my legs through the village to release the lactic acid. 

Once I got back to the marshals, checked me time. 

PERSONAL BEST! 

30seconds off my last 5mile TT. 

5miles in 14.04minutes. 

Was it the helmet? Was it the friendly competition? Was it being chased by Owen? Or was it that I'm just getting quicker. I'm going with the last option! 

Bring on next weeks 18mile! 

Perhaps I should get one of those alien helmets after all. 

Ride Rusty Ride