The Triathlon thread - Ironman, 70.3, Olympic, Sprint

[dangerousB]

Kona coverage - https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANnow/videos/3412490... - MPro just about to start

[Randy Winkman]

dangerousB said:

Kona coverage - https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANnow/videos/3412490... - MPro just about to start

That was some fast bike riding by both the men and women. I guess it showed that a lot of the challenge at Kona is the wind.

[SouthHamsGaz]

The SIL came 9th at Kona.
After her usual weak swim she battled all the way up to 3rd by the end of the bike.
Unfortunately she was carrying a small injury which severely affected her run.
On a good day I have no doubt she would have podiumed, most likely 2nd/fighting for 1st.

Still a great achievement non the less. Well done Coza.

[craig r]

I've just signed up for my first triathlon of the year...Immortal megasprint at Stourhead.

It's not until May so I have some time to do some training and not totally disgrace myself! I don't have a finish time in mind, I just want to complete it. It'll be my longest one to date having only done 2 pool based sprint triathlons before.

I got married at Stourhead, so when I saw there was a triathlon there I had to enter because it was an easy sell to the wife!!

Anybody from here also doing it?

[craig r]

craig r said:

I've just signed up for my first triathlon of the year...Immortal megasprint at Stourhead.

It's not until May so I have some time to do some training and not totally disgrace myself! I don't have a finish time in mind, I just want to complete it. It'll be my longest one to date having only done 2 pool based sprint triathlons before.

I got married at Stourhead, so when I saw there was a triathlon there I had to enter because it was an easy sell to the wife!!

Anybody from here also doing it?

So it happened on Saturday...and it was a disaster!

Swim was as much of a disaster as I was expecting. I've never swam further than 750m in open water, so that worried me a bit. Couldn’t get my breathing/stroke right, and my goggles steamed up so even if the water wasn’t murky as hell I still wouldn’t have been able to see where I was going. And it smelled horrible! 24.56 for a 900m swim - not good.

The 500m up hill run into transition was hard. T1 was a disaster, I couldn’t get out of my wetsuit, had to remove my timing chip from my ankle to get my leg out of my wetsuit, 9.23.

I think my bike was strong. Made up a few places and felt comfortable. Some nice downhill sections where my bravery/stupidity where speed is concerned helped a lot.1:13:24 for 30km.

T2 was good. Didn't fall over at the dismount line still clipped to my pedals and found my racking position again quite easily. 1:20 (the only time where I was quicker than the field average!)

Run wasn't great. I had serious cramp in both quads and my right hamstring after the first mile of the run. So a bit of walk run walk run was done. 47:51 for 7.2km

I wanted a 2:30, came in at just under 2:37! So although many things went wrong, and everything could have been better, I finished! And as it was my first tri at this distance it's a PB!

Next up (after a Wolf run) is the Birmingham Sprint Tri in Sutton Park. Fingers crossed for a better event!

[dangerousB]

craig r said:

T1 was a disaster, I couldn’t get out of my wetsuit

Do you use vas on your ankles?

craig r said:

I wanted a 2:30, came in at just under 2:37! So although many things went wrong, and everything could have been better, I finished! And as it was my first tri at this distance it's a PB!

Congrats on finishing - there's your first line in the sand!

The way I look at it though, the only events that are a disaster are those where you either DNS or DNF at - every other one you do is a day at triathlon school - whether it's your taper, swim/bike/run, kit, pre-race nutrition, race nutrition, pacing, there's always something to take away and learn from - here's to the next one

Anyone else got anything lined up for this year?

[Scabutz]

dangerousB said:

The way I look at it though, the only events that are a disaster are those where you either DNS or DNF at - every other one you do is a day at triathlon school - whether it's your taper, swim/bike/run, kit, pre-race nutrition, race nutrition, pacing, there's always something to take away and learn from - here's to the next one

Totally this, a DNS is awful, especially if you train for 9 months for Lanza then end up in hospital. . A DNF is learning experience in some ways, not just about how not to DNF the next time but about other things.

Anything you finish is a good day out. Think about what was good, what was bad and make tweaks next time.

Looking at what you said. 1st is practice getting out of your wetsuit. My coach goes nuts when hes down the lake and people amble out of the water and slowly take their suit off. Every time you wear it is a time to practice taking it off quickly. Its a simple drill to get that nailed.

Googles steaming up. Some anti fog / spit will help. Sometimes it just happens. I'm a good swimmer but murky, smelly water would throw me off a bit so take that. Breathing and stoke all over the shop sounds like a bit of panic. I am guessing going in you were nervous because it was further than you have done before. My first OW swim I completely st the bed and had to get out, massive panic just couldn't do it. Year late I swim coniston end to end. That's not willy waving but just showing you that one bad swim is not the end and it will be ok next time, or the time after.

Your bike was good, take that positive for what it is.

Cramp on the run was probably just down to fitness. Some people will tell you to take more electrolytes but the evidence these seems to suggest that's bks.

At the end of the day you wanted 2:30 and you got 2:37, that's pretty close and you shouldn't beat yourself up. Calming your swim down, sorting your transition issues and you would clear that easily.

Good luck for the next one.

As for me I am not feeling the triathlon love this year. I have a half IM in August that was deferred from last year. I am doing a decent amount of swimming and running and cycling to work so will throw in a couple of ling rides near the time and do it for a fun, no pressure day out. Few from my club are there also so will be a laugh.

[dangerousB]

Scabutz said:

Cramp on the run was probably just down to fitness. Some people will tell you to take more electrolytes but the evidence these seems to suggest that's bks.

Quinine sulphate can help if you're prone to cramping - my training buddy used to suffer terribly from cramp in the late stages of a race (and at swim exit for some reason).

Now takes a quinine tab before races (and pops one on the bike I think) - don't think he's had it at all since doing this.

[Scabutz]

dangerousB said:

Scabutz said:

Cramp on the run was probably just down to fitness. Some people will tell you to take more electrolytes but the evidence these seems to suggest that's bks.

Quinine sulphate can help if you're prone to cramping - my training buddy used to suffer terribly from cramp in the late stages of a race (and at swim exit for some reason).

Now takes a quinine tab before races (and pops one on the bike I think) - don't think he's had it at all since doing this.

Ah interesting. I think there is some other product that can block cramp signals. For the life of me cant remember what. I am sure its different to what you mention. Might have had capsicum in.

Edited by Scabutz on Monday 20th May 09:48

[Fourmotion]

I'm doing the Norseman this year, which is very much about the finish and not the time!!

Training has been hit and miss, I fit it in when I can, although I'm woefully behind on my swimming (4.5km covered this year IN TOTAL).

Biking is there, I've covered the distance a couple of times, and regularly commute by bike. Running is getting there, I've done some hilly 15 milers recently without major issues. I should be good for the first half during the race, then the second half is all uphill anyway so very much a power walk.

I'll be glad just to get any finish out of it, I've no illusions on getting the black t-shirt. I'm banking on my blubber keeping me warm and giving me a small advantage over the whippets if it's cold!!

[craig r]

dangerousB said:

Scabutz said:

Cramp on the run was probably just down to fitness. Some people will tell you to take more electrolytes but the evidence these seems to suggest that's bks.

Quinine sulphate can help if you're prone to cramping - my training buddy used to suffer terribly from cramp in the late stages of a race (and at swim exit for some reason).

Now takes a quinine tab before races (and pops one on the bike I think) - don't think he's had it at all since doing this.

Thank you both for the tips and encouragement.

There is a regular open water swim thing at Sywell on Saturday mornings which is local to me, so I'm thinking of sacking off parkrun for a bit and getting more used to open water. And I've joined a local Tri club so I now have access to a swim coach / structured session which should help with my swim fitness and technique


Cramp was probably down to fitness if I'm honest. I had a couple of energy gels and an electrolyte drink on my bike, so I can't see that being the problem. Guess I'll find out at the next one! And I am not used to such long duration of exercise. The longest event I've done so far was a half marathon earlier in the year - trying to do 1 medal/month for 2019 - so any exercise over 2 hours is unknown territory.

[dantournay]

dangerousB said:

The way I look at it though, the only events that are a disaster are those where you either DNS or DNF at - every other one you do is a day at triathlon school - whether it's your taper, swim/bike/run, kit, pre-race nutrition, race nutrition, pacing, there's always something to take away and learn from - here's to the next one

Even a DNS is an opportunity to learn. I missed Leeds Castle registration by 5 minutes and wasn't allowed to race which resulted in a 6 hour 400 mile trip for no reason. I will never miss registration closing again

[dantournay]

craig r said:

Next up (after a Wolf run) is the Birmingham Sprint Tri in Sutton Park. Fingers crossed for a better event!

Watch out for the cows at Birmingham Tri When I did it in 2017 a small heard watched everyone swim in the lake and then ambled idly across the bike and run course. Made in interesting distraction lol

[Gargamel]

Fourmotion said:

I'm doing the Norseman this year, which is very much about the finish and not the time!!

Training has been hit and miss, I fit it in when I can, although I'm woefully behind on my swimming (4.5km covered this year IN TOTAL).

Biking is there, I've covered the distance a couple of times, and regularly commute by bike. Running is getting there, I've done some hilly 15 milers recently without major issues. I should be good for the first half during the race, then the second half is all uphill anyway so very much a power walk.

I'll be glad just to get any finish out of it, I've no illusions on getting the black t-shirt. I'm banking on my blubber keeping me warm and giving me a small advantage over the whippets if it's cold!!

Norseman is proper hardcore, so best of luck with that. (My advice would be to go for a swim...)

I am doing Zurich Ironman in July, its my first Ironman (probably my last too). I reckon I will be around 14 - 14:30 since I am an old boy. But honestly I will be happy to finish.

I can do all the individual distances, but I have to say I don’t feel like running when I get of my bike. All my brick session are coming in the next four weeks, so I guess I will know more about it then !

[ED209]

Outlaw half yesterday. Finished in 5 hrs 45 mins.

Not my best but I will take it as my training hasn’t been good for a few weeks and I probably only had an hours sleep the night before. Never book into Nottingham city centre travel lodge if you need to sleep. Must be the noisiest hotel in the world. At 2 am I just wanted to get in the car and drive home and sod the event.

Swim was a bit violent but time was as expected, bike was great for 2 hours then I lost the plot for an hour. I was really happy with a 1.48 run though. Went far better than expected even taking into account a short walk at 11 miles due to a serious bit of knee pain.

I even beat the wife for a change by a few minutes, she seems to be very disappointed with her time, I think she did brilliant seeing as the mentalist is 10 weeks pregnant and probably shouldn’t be anywhere near a half iron distance tri.

Lakesman half in a month, the swim looks doubtful at the moment though which would be a shame.

[Scabutz]

ED209 said:

I even beat the wife ....

Thought that post was about to take a dramatic turn.

Good effort at Outlaw. Quite a few of my club were there. I very never done it, maybe one day.

[S1KRR]

Gargamel said:

Norseman is proper hardcore, so best of luck with that. (My advice would be to go for a swim...)

I am doing Zurich Ironman in July, its my first Ironman (probably my last too). I reckon I will be around 14 - 14:30 since I am an old boy. But honestly I will be happy to finish.

I can do all the individual distances, but I have to say I don’t feel like running when I get of my bike. All my brick session are coming in the next four weeks, so I guess I will know more about it then !

Zurich was my first. (2015) I enjoyed it. Definitely far more than when I did Roth last year! That's a terrible race despite the hype!

It's the last one in Zurich this year too before it moves elsewhere. Thun I think?


Any questions for Zurich, feel free to ask. We stayed in SihlCity. (4 points hotel) so it was a short walk to the start at Mythenquai. Zurich is expensive, so be prepared.

[Gargamel]

S1KRR said:

Gargamel said:

Norseman is proper hardcore, so best of luck with that. (My advice would be to go for a swim...)

I am doing Zurich Ironman in July, its my first Ironman (probably my last too). I reckon I will be around 14 - 14:30 since I am an old boy. But honestly I will be happy to finish.

I can do all the individual distances, but I have to say I don’t feel like running when I get of my bike. All my brick session are coming in the next four weeks, so I guess I will know more about it then !

Zurich was my first. (2015) I enjoyed it. Definitely far more than when I did Roth last year! That's a terrible race despite the hype!

It's the last one in Zurich this year too before it moves elsewhere. Thun I think?


Any questions for Zurich, feel free to ask. We stayed in SihlCity. (4 points hotel) so it was a short walk to the start at Mythenquai. Zurich is expensive, so be prepared.

Thanks - I live out here, near Zug, so its my local race. Thun is basically Interlaken and more of a home to adventure sports. But the lake down there is glacial and at least 10 degrees colder.... suspect the bike course might be about to get more Alps in it too.

On the bike course are any of the climbs properly steep, I know its 1500m climb which is OK I train in the mountains. Any tips ?

[Fourmotion]

Gargamel said:

Norseman is proper hardcore, so best of luck with that. (My advice would be to go for a swim...)

I am doing Zurich Ironman in July, its my first Ironman (probably my last too). I reckon I will be around 14 - 14:30 since I am an old boy. But honestly I will be happy to finish.

I can do all the individual distances, but I have to say I don’t feel like running when I get of my bike. All my brick session are coming in the next four weeks, so I guess I will know more about it then !

The Zurich route looks stunning, and it's not a bad place for a holiday either!

I've been entering the Norseman ballot for years, and finally got lucky, several years since my last ironman! I prefer the colder or tougher races, I'm not a racing whippet so a fast course doesn't suit me, something I can just set a metronomic pace at works best.

I did relatively well at IM Wales, a lot suffered with the weather and hills. I like hill walking/running (10 peaks Lakes), and hill riding (Fred Whitton, Marmotte, Mallorca 312, etc), so I'm looking forward to the challenge.

But yes, I really do need to find time to swim. If only I could commute along the Thames.

[S1KRR]

Gargamel said:

Thanks - I live out here, near Zug, so its my local race. Thun is basically Interlaken and more of a home to adventure sports. But the lake down there is glacial and at least 10 degrees colder.... suspect the bike course might be about to get more Alps in it too.

On the bike course are any of the climbs properly steep, I know its 1500m climb which is OK I train in the mountains. Any tips ?

Ahh apologies. You'll be used to the costs

https://www.strava.com/activities/412208007

(Not my strava)

The hill from Egg upwards is the hardest one. Not too bad tbh. Heartbreak hill is steeper but shorter. Loved the descent back into Kusnacht Overtook so many people

Run course was flat when I did it, but it's been tweaked to go into the city more rather than just the lake so can't comment. Swim surprised me, it was very choppy out in the lake. Felt a bit seasick at times! Which I never normally do.

In 2015 it was so warm it was non wetsuit. It was a very hot day 32-34 degrees.