The Triathlon thread - Ironman, 70.3, Olympic, Sprint
Discussion
joshcowin said:
So three miles out on my bike and the front tyre deflated, nice, second 5k of the day it is then, didnt get annoyed, not alot I can change so just went for it!
So new tyres, are run flats a thing? Dont want that happening again!
I run a puncture proof tyre (Gatorskins) and have tried (without success) slime filled tubes.So new tyres, are run flats a thing? Dont want that happening again!
I carry a spare tube and puncture kit on events as it doesn't take long to swap a tube - and it's almost certainly better to do that than it is to run with the bike. (I even have a spare link and chain tool after seeing someone running, in cleated shoes, due to a broken chain)
joshcowin said:
So three miles out on my bike and the front tyre deflated, nice, second 5k of the day it is then, didnt get annoyed, not alot I can change so just went for it!
So new tyres, are run flats a thing? Dont want that happening again!
You can get solid tyres, Tannulus or something. I've heard they roll and handle like crap though. Tubeless offer good puncture protection but that will probably require new wheels. So new tyres, are run flats a thing? Dont want that happening again!
Get some slime filled inner tubes. That will stop a lot of punctures. Also tyres are a balance between speed (low rolling resistance) and puncture protection. For training and starting out go for a slower tyre with better resistance. I have found Vittoria Rubino pros good. They are only about 16 quid from wiggle.
Scabutz said:
You can get solid tyres, Tannulus or something. I've heard they roll and handle like crap though. Tubeless offer good puncture protection but that will probably require new wheels.
Get some slime filled inner tubes. That will stop a lot of punctures. Also tyres are a balance between speed (low rolling resistance) and puncture protection. For training and starting out go for a slower tyre with better resistance. I have found Vittoria Rubino pros good. They are only about 16 quid from wiggle.
I have no faith in slime tubes. Used them on NightRider London and had 2 punctures - one of which wouldn't seal and one which only sealed enough to get between food stations before needing inflation.Get some slime filled inner tubes. That will stop a lot of punctures. Also tyres are a balance between speed (low rolling resistance) and puncture protection. For training and starting out go for a slower tyre with better resistance. I have found Vittoria Rubino pros good. They are only about 16 quid from wiggle.
Gone back to Continental tubes and had no issues since.
Anyone racing this weekend? I've got a Half ironman. Deferred from previous years. I'm 4 stone over weight, haven't swum in months or ran in weeks. Only been cycling to work.
Just going to do if for the laughs.
Need to try and find a tri suit that fits. I'm too heavy for my P3 so will be on the s
tty road bike.
I'm going to Dave Goggins it the whole way round.
Just going to do if for the laughs.
Need to try and find a tri suit that fits. I'm too heavy for my P3 so will be on the s
tty road bike.I'm going to Dave Goggins it the whole way round.
Scabutz said:
Anyone racing this weekend? I've got a Half ironman. Deferred from previous years. I'm 4 stone over weight, haven't swum in months or ran in weeks. Only been cycling to work.
Just going to do if for the laughs.
Need to try and find a tri suit that fits. I'm too heavy for my P3 so will be on the stty road bike.
I'm going to Dave Goggins it the whole way round.
Hope you get on alright! Sounds mental to me!!Just going to do if for the laughs.
Need to try and find a tri suit that fits. I'm too heavy for my P3 so will be on the s
tty road bike.I'm going to Dave Goggins it the whole way round.
dangerousB said:
Blimey. Your training starts here bud. Those admissions are all the motivation you need.
t show. But I hope it will give me back that taste and make me want to get fit again. Just got stuck into a rut I cant break fee from.I'm going to take it low and slow and try and enjoy myself. Surf those cut offs.
Scabutz said:
Anyone racing this weekend? I've got a Half ironman. Deferred from previous years. I'm 4 stone over weight, haven't swum in months or ran in weeks. Only been cycling to work.
Just going to do if for the laughs.
Need to try and find a tri suit that fits. I'm too heavy for my P3 so will be on the stty road bike.
I'm going to Dave Goggins it the whole way round.
I did the Cowman Stampede on Sunday. Beat my previous sprint PB by just over 3 minutes, which I'm pleased with.Just going to do if for the laughs.
Need to try and find a tri suit that fits. I'm too heavy for my P3 so will be on the s
tty road bike.I'm going to Dave Goggins it the whole way round.
The swim was by far my best swim ever - it was still super slow, but I did manage to front crawl most of it, only doing breaststroke for sighting. And the weeds slowed me down! I definitely need to work on cycling up hills. There was one where I ran out of gears! And I need to be a bit fitter generally, had to take a couple 10 second walks on the run.
Still, I got a nice t-shirt and a medal that doubles up as a bottle opener!
craig r said:
I did the Cowman Stampede on Sunday. Beat my previous sprint PB by just over 3 minutes, which I'm pleased with.
The swim was by far my best swim ever - it was still super slow, but I did manage to front crawl most of it, only doing breaststroke for sighting. And the weeds slowed me down! I definitely need to work on cycling up hills. There was one where I ran out of gears! And I need to be a bit fitter generally, had to take a couple 10 second walks on the run.
Still, I got a nice t-shirt and a medal that doubles up as a bottle opener!
Good work. Swim can be a bugger in that lake, weeds and also the bit by the island you go in the wrong place its too shallow to swim. Suspect that hill was Chichely hill, its a bit of a bugger. Stampede is only 1 la isn't it? Annoyingly you get all that speed built up on the 509 and then immediately have to scrub it all off to come into transition.The swim was by far my best swim ever - it was still super slow, but I did manage to front crawl most of it, only doing breaststroke for sighting. And the weeds slowed me down! I definitely need to work on cycling up hills. There was one where I ran out of gears! And I need to be a bit fitter generally, had to take a couple 10 second walks on the run.
Still, I got a nice t-shirt and a medal that doubles up as a bottle opener!
I was supposed to be doing the full Cowman. Saturday was up for it but by the evening I had a tickle in my throat. Woke in the night with a sore throat and blocked sinuses, so sacked it off.
craig r said:
I did the Cowman Stampede on Sunday. Beat my previous sprint PB by just over 3 minutes, which I'm pleased with.
The swim was by far my best swim ever - it was still super slow, but I did manage to front crawl most of it, only doing breaststroke for sighting. And the weeds slowed me down! I definitely need to work on cycling up hills. There was one where I ran out of gears! And I need to be a bit fitter generally, had to take a couple 10 second walks on the run.
Still, I got a nice t-shirt and a medal that doubles up as a bottle opener!
Nice one! Sounds good! The swim was by far my best swim ever - it was still super slow, but I did manage to front crawl most of it, only doing breaststroke for sighting. And the weeds slowed me down! I definitely need to work on cycling up hills. There was one where I ran out of gears! And I need to be a bit fitter generally, had to take a couple 10 second walks on the run.
Still, I got a nice t-shirt and a medal that doubles up as a bottle opener!
Scabutz said:
Good work. Swim can be a bugger in that lake, weeds and also the bit by the island you go in the wrong place its too shallow to swim. Suspect that hill was Chichely hill, its a bit of a bugger. Stampede is only 1 la isn't it? Annoyingly you get all that speed built up on the 509 and then immediately have to scrub it all off to come into transition.
I was supposed to be doing the full Cowman. Saturday was up for it but by the evening I had a tickle in my throat. Woke in the night with a sore throat and blocked sinuses, so sacked it off.
It was Chichlely Hill - had to look at the route on Strava, link below if you're interested.I was supposed to be doing the full Cowman. Saturday was up for it but by the evening I had a tickle in my throat. Woke in the night with a sore throat and blocked sinuses, so sacked it off.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2589625160/segme...
Stampede is a shortened one lap. I'm not a fan of laps of stuff, it tends to get a bit boring. Considering the Calfman next year as it's only a 2 lap run, which isn't horrific. I need to up my endurance though if I want to do longer events. Saying that, I'm already booked in for the Snowdon trail marathon next year, so I DEFINITELY need to up my endurance!
I did the Norseman at the weekend. I wasn’t good enough to get the black t-shirt, but happy to still finish in 15 hours dead on the white t-shirt finish. Short story, it’s an awe inspiring race in a stunning location, run by some of the friendliest and pragmatic crew I’ve ever seen. Long story below (standard pre-read apology, I’m an accountant not a writer!):
I entered knowing I’m a bit of a cold weather lover, and knew I could probably perform relatively better than the rest of the field in the colder temperatures (especially given competitors are from all over the world, Dubai, South America, etc). But it started badly when it became evident it was going to be hot!
Up at 2.30 in the morning (bike check in from 2.45), forced in some breakfast, then into my kit, sun cream on, and off out the door with my support. Bike checked in, a few minutes of chat and last minute motivation, then boarded the ferry with everyone else, departing at 4am. All of us showed various signs of nerves, vacantness, shaking, stretching, twitching, and queuing for the toilets.
Into my wetsuit, hosed off to get a taste for the water, then we’re basically kicked out the back of the ferry. No hesitation, no pausing, just one after the other. The fjord, which I’d swum in the day before, was a balmy 17c, which was about 6c warmer than I wanted. Being a little portly (read “I’m a fatty”), I cope well in the cold.
It was quite light by that point, but the massive bonfire on the beach really helped with sighting. There must have been a current, because I was out the water just under 1:15. T2 was so easy with support, who pulled off my wetsuit and handed me everything. No thinking necessary, do as you’re told and just concentrate on staying upright mounting the bike. 4 or so minutes.
The first climb, after 4km of flat, is about 4600 feet of varying steepness’s, and 34km in distance. I made some progress overtaking, and took advantage of the top being shrouded in the mist to cool off. I met my support there for new bottles, and the sun came out to reveal the plateau. A winding smooth road through nomadic, rugged countryside, interspersed with large lakes and snow-capped mountains. I picked up some pace and managed to stay on the aero bars for quite some length. All the time the temperature was rising.
The road became undulating, and I really started to suffer in the heat. There were 3 longish climbs in the 3rd quarter, and being Norway the sun was directly overhead most of the time, beating and reflecting off the tarmac. My support was dousing me with water as regularly as he could, but my temp was still too high.
I’d given myself some targets, maintain a HR of under 150 for the first climb, with av. power under 240w, and then bring it down there after. I managed it, with 147bpm and 224w for the 2hrs 10 mins. From there I managed my effort to bring down to my targeted heart rate of sub 140bpm.
I hit T2 after 7 hrs 20 mins on the bike. A time I was again happy with. Stepping off the bike I realised just how hot I was, having been disguised by the last 30km descent. So off with the tri-suit and into shorts and t-shirt and doused with water.
I headed out, and the heat of 25c hit me instantly. Despite a lot of trees, the sun was so high you were exposed most of the time. I had my support showering me as regularly as possible. I knew I had only 15 miles until Zombie Hill, where I could walk guilt free. But in reality I was walking a lot more than that. I passed half marathon distance in 2.30, and hit Zombie Hill feeling hot but still eating and drinking. Then it all went a little pear shaped. I expected to power walk up it, but the reality hit me and whilst I could shuffle on a run, I couldn’t force my legs up hill. So I slowed.
It dragged and dragged this hill, and I got nauseous and stopped eating. Still getting regular showers, but suffering. My support did a lot of it with me, but to be honest I can’t remember much of what he was saying. I was just concentrating on one foot in front of the other and that was it. He handed me a ham sandwich at some point, and I ate it gradually over 15-20 minutes taking water in with each bite to help swallow. That picked me up a little, and by the time I reached the checkpoint at 32km I was feeling okish.
I was never realistically going to go up the mountain, 14 stone, 5’9” and never a good runner, but I had hoped for a small chance given my bike and swim and the expected cold climate. I was 182nd to the checkpoint, with only the first 160 being allowed up. In other years my time would have been fine, but it wasn’t to be. It was an extremely quick year where I felt I was slowed by the weather. I would much prefer to race in sleet and winds. But they’re just excuses, I just wasn’t good enough.
From there I ran a bit towards the other finish, and completed the final lapped section with a run/walk.
Total time 15hrs 20 seconds.
I’ve only ever done Ironman Wales (plus a DNF during the run at IM Copenhagen), in poor conditions, and I was in better shape this time. I was happy to be within 2.5 hours of that race time.
The race was so well organised, and my support was amazing. I cannot recommend it enough, everyone rooted for one-another, and I was never made to feel like I was out of place. I implore you to watch some of the youtube videos of the race for some inspiration whatever you’re doing. Triathlon is about having fun and determination, and this race epitomises this more than any other I’ve done.
I feel void of energy right now, and have 2 rather debilitating blisters on my feet where they got so wet from the all the dousing. I got a little out of breath getting dressed this morning. The next few weeks are going to feel long…
I entered knowing I’m a bit of a cold weather lover, and knew I could probably perform relatively better than the rest of the field in the colder temperatures (especially given competitors are from all over the world, Dubai, South America, etc). But it started badly when it became evident it was going to be hot!
Up at 2.30 in the morning (bike check in from 2.45), forced in some breakfast, then into my kit, sun cream on, and off out the door with my support. Bike checked in, a few minutes of chat and last minute motivation, then boarded the ferry with everyone else, departing at 4am. All of us showed various signs of nerves, vacantness, shaking, stretching, twitching, and queuing for the toilets.
Into my wetsuit, hosed off to get a taste for the water, then we’re basically kicked out the back of the ferry. No hesitation, no pausing, just one after the other. The fjord, which I’d swum in the day before, was a balmy 17c, which was about 6c warmer than I wanted. Being a little portly (read “I’m a fatty”), I cope well in the cold.
It was quite light by that point, but the massive bonfire on the beach really helped with sighting. There must have been a current, because I was out the water just under 1:15. T2 was so easy with support, who pulled off my wetsuit and handed me everything. No thinking necessary, do as you’re told and just concentrate on staying upright mounting the bike. 4 or so minutes.
The first climb, after 4km of flat, is about 4600 feet of varying steepness’s, and 34km in distance. I made some progress overtaking, and took advantage of the top being shrouded in the mist to cool off. I met my support there for new bottles, and the sun came out to reveal the plateau. A winding smooth road through nomadic, rugged countryside, interspersed with large lakes and snow-capped mountains. I picked up some pace and managed to stay on the aero bars for quite some length. All the time the temperature was rising.
The road became undulating, and I really started to suffer in the heat. There were 3 longish climbs in the 3rd quarter, and being Norway the sun was directly overhead most of the time, beating and reflecting off the tarmac. My support was dousing me with water as regularly as he could, but my temp was still too high.
I’d given myself some targets, maintain a HR of under 150 for the first climb, with av. power under 240w, and then bring it down there after. I managed it, with 147bpm and 224w for the 2hrs 10 mins. From there I managed my effort to bring down to my targeted heart rate of sub 140bpm.
I hit T2 after 7 hrs 20 mins on the bike. A time I was again happy with. Stepping off the bike I realised just how hot I was, having been disguised by the last 30km descent. So off with the tri-suit and into shorts and t-shirt and doused with water.
I headed out, and the heat of 25c hit me instantly. Despite a lot of trees, the sun was so high you were exposed most of the time. I had my support showering me as regularly as possible. I knew I had only 15 miles until Zombie Hill, where I could walk guilt free. But in reality I was walking a lot more than that. I passed half marathon distance in 2.30, and hit Zombie Hill feeling hot but still eating and drinking. Then it all went a little pear shaped. I expected to power walk up it, but the reality hit me and whilst I could shuffle on a run, I couldn’t force my legs up hill. So I slowed.
It dragged and dragged this hill, and I got nauseous and stopped eating. Still getting regular showers, but suffering. My support did a lot of it with me, but to be honest I can’t remember much of what he was saying. I was just concentrating on one foot in front of the other and that was it. He handed me a ham sandwich at some point, and I ate it gradually over 15-20 minutes taking water in with each bite to help swallow. That picked me up a little, and by the time I reached the checkpoint at 32km I was feeling okish.
I was never realistically going to go up the mountain, 14 stone, 5’9” and never a good runner, but I had hoped for a small chance given my bike and swim and the expected cold climate. I was 182nd to the checkpoint, with only the first 160 being allowed up. In other years my time would have been fine, but it wasn’t to be. It was an extremely quick year where I felt I was slowed by the weather. I would much prefer to race in sleet and winds. But they’re just excuses, I just wasn’t good enough.
From there I ran a bit towards the other finish, and completed the final lapped section with a run/walk.
Total time 15hrs 20 seconds.
I’ve only ever done Ironman Wales (plus a DNF during the run at IM Copenhagen), in poor conditions, and I was in better shape this time. I was happy to be within 2.5 hours of that race time.
The race was so well organised, and my support was amazing. I cannot recommend it enough, everyone rooted for one-another, and I was never made to feel like I was out of place. I implore you to watch some of the youtube videos of the race for some inspiration whatever you’re doing. Triathlon is about having fun and determination, and this race epitomises this more than any other I’ve done.
I feel void of energy right now, and have 2 rather debilitating blisters on my feet where they got so wet from the all the dousing. I got a little out of breath getting dressed this morning. The next few weeks are going to feel long…
Fourmotion said:
I did the Norseman at the weekend. I wasn’t good enough to get the black t-shirt, but happy to still finish in 15 hours dead on the white t-shirt finish. Short story, it’s an awe inspiring race in a stunning location, run by some of the friendliest and pragmatic crew I’ve ever seen. Long story below (standard pre-read apology, I’m an accountant not a writer!):
I entered knowing I’m a bit of a cold weather lover, and knew I could probably perform relatively better than the rest of the field in the colder temperatures (especially given competitors are from all over the world, Dubai, South America, etc). But it started badly when it became evident it was going to be hot!
Up at 2.30 in the morning (bike check in from 2.45), forced in some breakfast, then into my kit, sun cream on, and off out the door with my support. Bike checked in, a few minutes of chat and last minute motivation, then boarded the ferry with everyone else, departing at 4am. All of us showed various signs of nerves, vacantness, shaking, stretching, twitching, and queuing for the toilets.
Into my wetsuit, hosed off to get a taste for the water, then we’re basically kicked out the back of the ferry. No hesitation, no pausing, just one after the other. The fjord, which I’d swum in the day before, was a balmy 17c, which was about 6c warmer than I wanted. Being a little portly (read “I’m a fatty”), I cope well in the cold.
It was quite light by that point, but the massive bonfire on the beach really helped with sighting. There must have been a current, because I was out the water just under 1:15. T2 was so easy with support, who pulled off my wetsuit and handed me everything. No thinking necessary, do as you’re told and just concentrate on staying upright mounting the bike. 4 or so minutes.
The first climb, after 4km of flat, is about 4600 feet of varying steepness’s, and 34km in distance. I made some progress overtaking, and took advantage of the top being shrouded in the mist to cool off. I met my support there for new bottles, and the sun came out to reveal the plateau. A winding smooth road through nomadic, rugged countryside, interspersed with large lakes and snow-capped mountains. I picked up some pace and managed to stay on the aero bars for quite some length. All the time the temperature was rising.
The road became undulating, and I really started to suffer in the heat. There were 3 longish climbs in the 3rd quarter, and being Norway the sun was directly overhead most of the time, beating and reflecting off the tarmac. My support was dousing me with water as regularly as he could, but my temp was still too high.
I’d given myself some targets, maintain a HR of under 150 for the first climb, with av. power under 240w, and then bring it down there after. I managed it, with 147bpm and 224w for the 2hrs 10 mins. From there I managed my effort to bring down to my targeted heart rate of sub 140bpm.
I hit T2 after 7 hrs 20 mins on the bike. A time I was again happy with. Stepping off the bike I realised just how hot I was, having been disguised by the last 30km descent. So off with the tri-suit and into shorts and t-shirt and doused with water.
I headed out, and the heat of 25c hit me instantly. Despite a lot of trees, the sun was so high you were exposed most of the time. I had my support showering me as regularly as possible. I knew I had only 15 miles until Zombie Hill, where I could walk guilt free. But in reality I was walking a lot more than that. I passed half marathon distance in 2.30, and hit Zombie Hill feeling hot but still eating and drinking. Then it all went a little pear shaped. I expected to power walk up it, but the reality hit me and whilst I could shuffle on a run, I couldn’t force my legs up hill. So I slowed.
It dragged and dragged this hill, and I got nauseous and stopped eating. Still getting regular showers, but suffering. My support did a lot of it with me, but to be honest I can’t remember much of what he was saying. I was just concentrating on one foot in front of the other and that was it. He handed me a ham sandwich at some point, and I ate it gradually over 15-20 minutes taking water in with each bite to help swallow. That picked me up a little, and by the time I reached the checkpoint at 32km I was feeling okish.
I was never realistically going to go up the mountain, 14 stone, 5’9” and never a good runner, but I had hoped for a small chance given my bike and swim and the expected cold climate. I was 182nd to the checkpoint, with only the first 160 being allowed up. In other years my time would have been fine, but it wasn’t to be. It was an extremely quick year where I felt I was slowed by the weather. I would much prefer to race in sleet and winds. But they’re just excuses, I just wasn’t good enough.
From there I ran a bit towards the other finish, and completed the final lapped section with a run/walk.
Total time 15hrs 20 seconds.
I’ve only ever done Ironman Wales (plus a DNF during the run at IM Copenhagen), in poor conditions, and I was in better shape this time. I was happy to be within 2.5 hours of that race time.
The race was so well organised, and my support was amazing. I cannot recommend it enough, everyone rooted for one-another, and I was never made to feel like I was out of place. I implore you to watch some of the youtube videos of the race for some inspiration whatever you’re doing. Triathlon is about having fun and determination, and this race epitomises this more than any other I’ve done.
I feel void of energy right now, and have 2 rather debilitating blisters on my feet where they got so wet from the all the dousing. I got a little out of breath getting dressed this morning. The next few weeks are going to feel long…
That sounds brilliant and horrific all at the same time!I entered knowing I’m a bit of a cold weather lover, and knew I could probably perform relatively better than the rest of the field in the colder temperatures (especially given competitors are from all over the world, Dubai, South America, etc). But it started badly when it became evident it was going to be hot!
Up at 2.30 in the morning (bike check in from 2.45), forced in some breakfast, then into my kit, sun cream on, and off out the door with my support. Bike checked in, a few minutes of chat and last minute motivation, then boarded the ferry with everyone else, departing at 4am. All of us showed various signs of nerves, vacantness, shaking, stretching, twitching, and queuing for the toilets.
Into my wetsuit, hosed off to get a taste for the water, then we’re basically kicked out the back of the ferry. No hesitation, no pausing, just one after the other. The fjord, which I’d swum in the day before, was a balmy 17c, which was about 6c warmer than I wanted. Being a little portly (read “I’m a fatty”), I cope well in the cold.
It was quite light by that point, but the massive bonfire on the beach really helped with sighting. There must have been a current, because I was out the water just under 1:15. T2 was so easy with support, who pulled off my wetsuit and handed me everything. No thinking necessary, do as you’re told and just concentrate on staying upright mounting the bike. 4 or so minutes.
The first climb, after 4km of flat, is about 4600 feet of varying steepness’s, and 34km in distance. I made some progress overtaking, and took advantage of the top being shrouded in the mist to cool off. I met my support there for new bottles, and the sun came out to reveal the plateau. A winding smooth road through nomadic, rugged countryside, interspersed with large lakes and snow-capped mountains. I picked up some pace and managed to stay on the aero bars for quite some length. All the time the temperature was rising.
The road became undulating, and I really started to suffer in the heat. There were 3 longish climbs in the 3rd quarter, and being Norway the sun was directly overhead most of the time, beating and reflecting off the tarmac. My support was dousing me with water as regularly as he could, but my temp was still too high.
I’d given myself some targets, maintain a HR of under 150 for the first climb, with av. power under 240w, and then bring it down there after. I managed it, with 147bpm and 224w for the 2hrs 10 mins. From there I managed my effort to bring down to my targeted heart rate of sub 140bpm.
I hit T2 after 7 hrs 20 mins on the bike. A time I was again happy with. Stepping off the bike I realised just how hot I was, having been disguised by the last 30km descent. So off with the tri-suit and into shorts and t-shirt and doused with water.
I headed out, and the heat of 25c hit me instantly. Despite a lot of trees, the sun was so high you were exposed most of the time. I had my support showering me as regularly as possible. I knew I had only 15 miles until Zombie Hill, where I could walk guilt free. But in reality I was walking a lot more than that. I passed half marathon distance in 2.30, and hit Zombie Hill feeling hot but still eating and drinking. Then it all went a little pear shaped. I expected to power walk up it, but the reality hit me and whilst I could shuffle on a run, I couldn’t force my legs up hill. So I slowed.
It dragged and dragged this hill, and I got nauseous and stopped eating. Still getting regular showers, but suffering. My support did a lot of it with me, but to be honest I can’t remember much of what he was saying. I was just concentrating on one foot in front of the other and that was it. He handed me a ham sandwich at some point, and I ate it gradually over 15-20 minutes taking water in with each bite to help swallow. That picked me up a little, and by the time I reached the checkpoint at 32km I was feeling okish.
I was never realistically going to go up the mountain, 14 stone, 5’9” and never a good runner, but I had hoped for a small chance given my bike and swim and the expected cold climate. I was 182nd to the checkpoint, with only the first 160 being allowed up. In other years my time would have been fine, but it wasn’t to be. It was an extremely quick year where I felt I was slowed by the weather. I would much prefer to race in sleet and winds. But they’re just excuses, I just wasn’t good enough.
From there I ran a bit towards the other finish, and completed the final lapped section with a run/walk.
Total time 15hrs 20 seconds.
I’ve only ever done Ironman Wales (plus a DNF during the run at IM Copenhagen), in poor conditions, and I was in better shape this time. I was happy to be within 2.5 hours of that race time.
The race was so well organised, and my support was amazing. I cannot recommend it enough, everyone rooted for one-another, and I was never made to feel like I was out of place. I implore you to watch some of the youtube videos of the race for some inspiration whatever you’re doing. Triathlon is about having fun and determination, and this race epitomises this more than any other I’ve done.
I feel void of energy right now, and have 2 rather debilitating blisters on my feet where they got so wet from the all the dousing. I got a little out of breath getting dressed this morning. The next few weeks are going to feel long…
I have no idea how anyone ever completes a tri longer than an Olympic distance, I can just about manage a sprint (in over 90 minutes) it must take some serious determination, so massive respect for finishing it at all.
Genuinely got goosebumps reading that mate. Congratulations on the finish of what is an incredibly tough race 
Having competed in an NXTri race I know what you mean about the organisation and atmosphere generated in their events - brilliant bunch of guys.
It's great to hear that you embraced the spirit of Norseman and (sort of!!) enjoyed it, even if it didn't quite go your way - I'll be in the ballot again this year and soooo hope to get a place - we'll see!!
Nice to hear from someone that's actually taken part though - enjoy your recovery!!!
Having competed in an NXTri race I know what you mean about the organisation and atmosphere generated in their events - brilliant bunch of guys.
It's great to hear that you embraced the spirit of Norseman and (sort of!!) enjoyed it, even if it didn't quite go your way - I'll be in the ballot again this year and soooo hope to get a place - we'll see!!
Nice to hear from someone that's actually taken part though - enjoy your recovery!!!
Thanks for the comments both.
In terms of getting up to the distance, it's incredible what easing back by just 5% can do. The hardest bit to learn is actually going slower than you can, and never allowing yourself to go into the red. I have the tools to do that on the bike, and it's just a case of managing my output. So it's mind over body. At a slower pace it's easier to eat and drink to replenish lost energy. Subject to injury, and wear and tear in a race, I believe everyone has the potential to go long if they manage their race and train to swim and ride at a speed that feels too slow. Then develop a shuffle for the run!
Recovery is not going well, I feel worse today than I have done since I finished. Certainly no riding to work for a while!
In terms of getting up to the distance, it's incredible what easing back by just 5% can do. The hardest bit to learn is actually going slower than you can, and never allowing yourself to go into the red. I have the tools to do that on the bike, and it's just a case of managing my output. So it's mind over body. At a slower pace it's easier to eat and drink to replenish lost energy. Subject to injury, and wear and tear in a race, I believe everyone has the potential to go long if they manage their race and train to swim and ride at a speed that feels too slow. Then develop a shuffle for the run!
Recovery is not going well, I feel worse today than I have done since I finished. Certainly no riding to work for a while!
What is the total climb on the bike ? Seems a lot of power for the time, so I am guessing there is plenty of up.
Zurich was 1500m climb.
Great effort by the way, I read about Norseman a while ago, and the jump off the ferry sounded exciting and a little bit intimidating at the same time.
What a great write up! really enjoyed that, Thanks! Obviously a great achievement as well.
Span the legs for 45mins last night on the turbo, playing around with resistance.
Gym session and swim this morning.
Gym;
Core, some chest, adductor machine (weakness here), lower back exercises also.
Swim:
1.4km the pool was pretty crowded unfortunately which was annoying at points! Might venture into the fast lane as all I seem to be doing is overtaking people.
Span the legs for 45mins last night on the turbo, playing around with resistance.
Gym session and swim this morning.
Gym;
Core, some chest, adductor machine (weakness here), lower back exercises also.
Swim:
1.4km the pool was pretty crowded unfortunately which was annoying at points! Might venture into the fast lane as all I seem to be doing is overtaking people.
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff