Buxton Triathlon

This is a late post but worth logging as the result at Buxton Tri was unexpected. I managed to string together a decent swim bike run combo, despite months of broken training periods due to injury (which still linger on). I was probably helped by the fast guys racing at the National Champs in Liverpool, but it was pleasing to get a tri completed - my first tri since Sep 2011! I can thoroughly recommend this race. It is very different to other races I have completed. The bike course is basically either up or down. But the scenery and unpredictable way you have to ride compared to a flatter more `normal` course make it fun. I even had to use a road bike, which is a first for me. Last week I managed to dip under 23 mins at the local club 10 mile TT With 22:59. So a course pb for me. It`s a good job there are some positives to take from this year!

25 Mile TT PB! How Come?

Quite how I bagged a 25 Mile TT Pb on 6 July is a mystery to me. But then, the numbers on the turbo were telling me that I was in ok shape on the bike. Even so, I did not expect a PB. My previous best was 55:49, set on the fast E2 course in Cambridgeshire in 2009. I had given up hope of ever beating that time. So a time of 55:26 was very pleasing. The course on the A50 from Belper to Uttoxeter and back seems to be fast. But it was a hot day, which suited me but not others. It was the first time that I had ridden this course and, to be honest, I did not ride it that well. It is not flat and I ended up pushing the hills and gasping for recovery on the flat and declines - not an efficient way to ride. I also came to a stand-still at the turn and, on reflection, I reckon I could have been challenging for a 54+ time if I had ridden differently.

The pic above is my getting out the saddle after the roundabout that takes you up the slip road to the A50. It's about a mile after the start and the picture reminds me that red lining it so soon is not a good idea! A good 25 mile TT is all about pacing! Next Sunday I am attempting the Buxton Sprint Triathlon. This will be my first Tri since Aug 2011! Sadly, I am still suffering with sciatica issues. I will get round but it will not be pretty or fast! Race report to follow!

Not Going Anywhere

Well there goes another 6 weeks of limping from injury to illness and back to injury. The season really is a wipe out. I had to withdraw from The Dambuster back in June due to a hip injury. Plus I till have the troublesome sciatica problem. I have done minimal running but although I am virtually pain free cycling, I reckon the bike is greatly contributing to this sciatica issue. So what to do? I have a 25 mile TT this Saturday and then Buxton Sprint Tri the following weekend. I aim to race these events to get something out of this year but only to experience the race feel again. I cannot expect any result. That said, the turbo tells me I am cycling ok. Plus I had a course pb on the Tean 10 mile TT the other week at 23:06. We'll see what happens on Saturday but I need to get rid of this stomach bug!