The Triathlon thread - Ironman, 70.3, Olympic, Sprint

[944fan]

ED209 said:

Overall I enjoyed it, i just wish i could wipe the start of the swim out of my mind. It was awful.

Excellent work, well done! Do forget about the swim, it happens to everyone at least once. I DNS a river race because I couldn't breathe and couldn't even get my head under the water.

You get used to it with practice. In a race it is worse because there are hundreds of other people thrashing around you. You didn't give up and you did it and it hasn't bksed up your whole race. the next one will be easier!

[ED209]

944fan said:

ED209 said:

Overall I enjoyed it, i just wish i could wipe the start of the swim out of my mind. It was awful.

Excellent work, well done! Do forget about the swim, it happens to everyone at least once. I DNS a river race because I couldn't breathe and couldn't even get my head under the water.

You get used to it with practice. In a race it is worse because there are hundreds of other people thrashing around you. You didn't give up and you did it and it hasn't bksed up your whole race. the next one will be easier!

It nearly did, i was close to tears whilst it was happening, it was awful. Once I got on the bike I actually cried, i think because of the relief that the horror of the swim was over.

[944fan]

ED209 said:

It nearly did, i was close to tears whilst it was happening, it was awful. Once I got on the bike I actually cried, i think because of the relief that the horror of the swim was over.

You're not a real triathlete till you have cried on the bike for one reason or another :-)

[m444ttb]

944fan said:

You're not a real triathlete till you have cried on the bike for one reason or another :-)

I nearly qualified for this yesterday when I'd decided I was unlikely to be able to carry on!

So, my first iron distance race is done. I'm not sure I want to say I'm an Ironman as that's a point of debate but very pleased anyway. My target for the race was firstly to finish and secondly sub-14. In managed to come in at 13:59:45! Hadn't a clue until after I crossed the line as I forgot to turn GLONASS off on my Garmin and it munched the battery in 12.5 hours

All in it was a really tough day. My swim was really good for me and I finished in 1:17 vs an expectation of 1:30. First 90k bike lap was good but the temperature was really ramping up by the second lap. Despite drinking a LOT of fluid I was very badly dehydrated by the end. Frankly I was a danger to myself in the last few Km on the bike course. I felt so bad I'd d coded to DNF, but a 10 min lie down in the change tent pouring cold water over myself broke gut my temperature down enough that I felt OK. However I was still very dehydrated and my hamstrings don't like this!

I trotted out of T2 onto the run hoping to plod round taking of fluid then pick up the pace. Unfortunately I the. Found my stomach wasn't going to play ball. I've only had this once before but I just couldn't run without severe stabbing pains. A couple of toilet stops over the 5.2 lap walk that followed and I felt OK to,start running the 2nd lap. However by the end the stomach issues were back and a mixed run/ walk followed on lap three. I decided to DNF at the end of that lap but was comvinced I could do it so walked lap 4. By this point I'd tipped about 4L of water over myself to keep cool. It really was that hot! By the final lap my stomach was largely sorted (think so flat coke helped) and I managed to run most of it at what I think (Garmin had died by now) was a fairly decent pace. At this point I though it must be about 15 hours so I was over the moon to find I'd just squeezed in under 14.

Overall the Cotswold 226 was a great event (run by a PHer too) and I'd definitely recommend it for a lovely quick course, flexibility of cut offs (bar the finish) and organisation. The only thing I could have want d yesterday was an extra set of toilets on the run course!

[ED209]

m444ttb said:

944fan said:

You're not a real triathlete till you have cried on the bike for one reason or another :-)

I nearly qualified for this yesterday when I'd decided I was unlikely to be able to carry on!

So, my first iron distance race is done. I'm not sure I want to say I'm an Ironman as that's a point of debate but very pleased anyway. My target for the race was firstly to finish and secondly sub-14. In managed to come in at 13:59:45! Hadn't a clue until after I crossed the line as I forgot to turn GLONASS off on my Garmin and it munched the battery in 12.5 hours

All in it was a really tough day. My swim was really good for me and I finished in 1:17 vs an expectation of 1:30. First 90k bike lap was good but the temperature was really ramping up by the second lap. Despite drinking a LOT of fluid I was very badly dehydrated by the end. Frankly I was a danger to myself in the last few Km on the bike course. I felt so bad I'd d coded to DNF, but a 10 min lie down in the change tent pouring cold water over myself broke gut my temperature down enough that I felt OK. However I was still very dehydrated and my hamstrings don't like this!

I trotted out of T2 onto the run hoping to plod round taking of fluid then pick up the pace. Unfortunately I the. Found my stomach wasn't going to play ball. I've only had this once before but I just couldn't run without severe stabbing pains. A couple of toilet stops over the 5.2 lap walk that followed and I felt OK to,start running the 2nd lap. However by the end the stomach issues were back and a mixed run/ walk followed on lap three. I decided to DNF at the end of that lap but was comvinced I could do it so walked lap 4. By this point I'd tipped about 4L of water over myself to keep cool. It really was that hot! By the final lap my stomach was largely sorted (think so flat coke helped) and I managed to run most of it at what I think (Garmin had died by now) was a fairly decent pace. At this point I though it must be about 15 hours so I was over the moon to find I'd just squeezed in under 14.

Overall the Cotswold 226 was a great event (run by a PHer too) and I'd definitely recommend it for a lovely quick course, flexibility of cut offs (bar the finish) and organisation. The only thing I could have want d yesterday was an extra set of toilets on the run course!

I thought you were talking about IM Bolton until the very last line.

WELL DONE!

My wife is now obsessed that she wants to go and try an iron distance next year, If she has a go I will feel obliged but i don't think i have it in me.

[m444ttb]

I remember the first time I heard about 'the Ironman', which I think must have been on something Transworld sport, and it sounded insane. I'm sure Kona is a much tougher course but still.

[ED209]

Anyone ever done the Lakesman full iron distance tri? Whats it like in terms of organisation etc?

Just pondering it for me and the wife as she has an obsession with attempting an ironman and the Lakesman might be a cheaper and much more convenient option. The lake is also fairly clear!

[944fan]

m444ttb said:

I remember the first time I heard about 'the Ironman', which I think must have been on something Transworld sport, and it sounded insane. I'm sure Kona is a much tougher course but still.

Well done on yours. I still think Ironman is insane and I have only ever done a half.

I've started my next plan. Focusing on bring up my FTP (whilst reducing weight) and taking a dive into my 10km times.

Got a gait analysis booked with a physio. The guy himself is a triathlete too so knows his stuff. Had some blood work done also. Checking things like VitD, Iron, , Carbo utilisation. Its quite a good system. You take tiny samples at home using pin pricker and milk some blood from your finger. That gives you a baseline and things too improve, then in future you just order another sample and do the same and send it off.

Was worried about my iron intake. I like red meat but as we eat as a family and my wife is not super keen we don't have it often. I also avoid fortified cereals (cause they are full of sugar) so not sure I am getting enough.

[bigandclever]

Outlaw tomorrow for me. I'm terrified

Going to be a warm one which I don't really deal well with.

[ED209]

bigandclever said:

Outlaw tomorrow for me. I'm terrified

Going to be a warm one which I don't really deal well with.

Best of look to you!


I am intrigued to know what the swim is like in terms of water clarity etc considering this as an option for next year on the basis you can do a half earlier in the year at the same place.

The wife wants to try Bolton.

[bigandclever]

ED209 said:

I am intrigued to know what the swim is like in terms of water clarity etc considering this as an option for next year on the basis you can do a half earlier in the year at the same place.

The wife wants to try Bolton.

I did IM Bolton last year (until I fell off the bike).

Had a look earlier and the water looks pretty clear to me. All the tests have come back good for water quality. There was a thing in the news this week about lots of tough-mudders (or whatever) getting the screaming squits after an event at HPP, but they didn't use the Regatta Lake at all, they were in and about the ponds.

There are a couple of differences between Holme Pierrepont (HP) and Pennington Flash (PF), and how the races operate.

PF is now (from last year) a staggered start, where you self-seed (based on time) and there is a continuous queue of people entering the water from the gun. HP is self-seeded into four pens with a mass start.

PF is 2 laps shaped a bit like a triangle, exiting half way and getting back in. HP is a single, out and back loop.

Obviously there's swan and goose st in abundance at both of them

On balance I think PF will be the easier swim; sighting is easy, keep the bank on your left a constant distance job done. Water is clear so really should just be a case of getting into a rhythm. I don't like mass starts though, gets tiresome being booted in the face and clambered over

Edited by bigandclever on Saturday 23 July 18:21

[ED209]

bigandclever said:

ED209 said:

I am intrigued to know what the swim is like in terms of water clarity etc considering this as an option for next year on the basis you can do a half earlier in the year at the same place.

The wife wants to try Bolton.

I did IM Bolton last year (until I fell off the bike).

Had a look earlier and the water looks pretty clear to me. All the tests have come back good for water quality. There was a thing in the news this week about lots of tough-mudders (or whatever) getting the screaming squits after an event at HPP, but they didn't use the Regatta Lake at all, they were in and about the ponds.

There are a couple of differences between Holme Pierrepont (HP) and Pennington Flash (PF), and how the races operate.

PF is now (from last year) a staggered start, where you self-seed (based on time) and there is a continuous queue of people entering the water from the gun. HP is self-seeded into four pens with a mass start.

PF is 2 laps shaped a bit like a triangle, exiting half way and getting back in. HP is a single, out and back loop.

Obviously there's swan and goose st in abundance at both of them

On balance I think PF will be the easier swim; sighting is easy, keep the bank on your left a constant distance job done. Water is clear so really should just be a case of getting into a rhythm. I don't like mass starts though, gets tiresome being booted in the face and clambered over

Edited by bigandclever on Saturday 23 July 18:21

Good info, I really fancy the outlaw, the flatter bike appeals to me and i think the swim looks simpler, especially for me as I'm a wonky swimmer! Its also a lot cheaper!

The wife however is obsessed by being able to have an "ironman" tattoo and wants to do Bolton (well really austria but its bloody expensive).


Whoops dd i just say i fancied the outlaw? I mean i don't really want to do an ironman distance tri but the wife wants to and i feel obliged to give one a go. A few mates have done bolton in the last few years and I am thinking if they can do it then with a bit of application i can do it. I am just worried about cut off times.

The wife is o

[E91 Gaz]

Having done outlaw half this year, ill definately be doing it again next year then imuk. Year after ill be doing outlaw full however.

I did get the sts about 4 days after outlaw, wouldnt like to say if it was from the lake or coinsidence though. I did take a belt from someone in the grid and tale on a full mouthful of the water so that may have contributed.

A brilliant event and I'm very jealous

[Sarkmeister]

bigandclever said:

Outlaw tomorrow for me. I'm terrified

Going to be a warm one which I don't really deal well with.

I'm sure you'll do very well. The Outlaw is such a brilliant event.

I did the outlaw last year, and it was perfect weather until it started throwing it down 1/2 way through the bike leg. It then rained none stop until the end. Kept me nice a cool, but made it pretty miserable at times.

I live 5 mins from HPP so I'll be down there supporting at some point.

[ED209]

Just gone all in and entered the lakesman iron distance tri next june. Will be an interesting way of spending my 40th birthday i suppose.

[944fan]

ED209 said:

Just gone all in and entered the lakesman iron distance tri next june. Will be an interesting way of spending my 40th birthday i suppose.

I have not heard of that one but it looks good. Pretty reasonable price also, especially as you can spread the cost with 3 installments.

Bigger lakes tend to be a bit cooler in early summer but looks like a nice swim.

[ED209]

944fan said:

ED209 said:

Just gone all in and entered the lakesman iron distance tri next june. Will be an interesting way of spending my 40th birthday i suppose.

I have not heard of that one but it looks good. Pretty reasonable price also, especially as you can spread the cost with 3 installments.

Bigger lakes tend to be a bit cooler in early summer but looks like a nice swim.

I haven't swam in that lake but I know its fairly clear which is a big thing for me, the ride is fairly flat as is the area where the run is held.

The wife sort of bullied me into it at the start but I now have it in my head that I want to do a full iron distance tri. I even explored IM Austria for next year but as you have to go through Nirvana for entries as general entries are sold out I worked out it would cost over £3000 once entries, transport and hotels were factored in.

Keswick is about 90 mins drive from us, the entry is almost half the price of an IM event and theres plenty of accommodation in the area. Its also handy if any friends or family want to come and watch. I recon about £900 will pay for the two entries, 3 nights accommodation and transport so its a massive difference. Its also my 40th Birthday so will be something to remember. We also got engaged in Keswick so its sort of a special place for us.

I would prefer a IM branded event but this to me is a big compromise from myself as 6 weeks ago there was no way on earth i was attempting iron distance ever!

Also got our first sea swim session tonight so that will be interesting. thankfully it should be flat.

[Dimski]

Alpe d'Huez tomorrow!

Think I'll do it.

[944fan]

Dimski said:

Alpe d'Huez tomorrow!

Think I'll do it.

Good luck, its always a good sign when for non mountain users the race organisers recommend a triple crankset.

[944fan]

Got an Oly distance coming up in a couple of weeks. My weight and fitness are still nowhere near where they need to be to be competitive but I want to use this race as a real test of where I am and then spend the winter improving the weaknesses.

Anyway I have been working on my transitions in the back garden, hoping on the bike and leave shoes clipped in etc. One problem I have is no socks. On the bike its fine but in my running shoes I have custom orthotics. They have perforated tops but they have a plasticy finish and are a sweat machines. Any tips? Seems like I need a very slim absorbent layer on top.