Mad-Tri

London Triathlon

11/08/2008 16:07:00

Amazingly only 5 seconds between you even though you were in completely different races over different bike routes.

                       Swim    Bike      Run     Total
Ian Merrington 32:28   1:10:28 43:26    2:32:52
Bryan Avery     24:08   1:16:15 47:48    2:32:57

===============================================

Doh - that sub 2hr 30 was so close!

Swim - It's probably 1000m out to a turn round and 500m back, I started out far right (turn on the left) and cut across to avoid the crowd and that worked well, but at the turn around I was swimming faster (probably more evenly) and caught the back of the 'crowd' with just no way through, so I could have gone quicker, but would have been smashed to bits! 32 min 28. My watch got stopped from a number of kicks, so had no idea of the actual times during the race.

The first T was a run of the length of the centre for me, I ran and quick change in 4min 35. As an observation those who had shoes on the bike were much slower getting away once they got on {and faffed putting feet in] they were also quite a danger as they weaved all over. I think unless you are good then perhaps better to have shoes on and get going than to try to put shows on while cycling along....

Bike - as you came out the centre the wind really hit you, it was awfully hard work. I had two loops of this - great with the wind behind though!. Lots of people with bike problems and a few bad spins as well - there were a number of tight/narrow turns. Interesting that on the uphills I was a tad slower than others and much stronger/faster on the flats/down. I would normally think of myself the other way round.... two loops at 35:13 and 35:16 for 38.7km [good even pace!]

T2 - where the hell is my kit? Hmm well if my kit is gone then I must be in the wrong place.... Nip under a couple of rails to get to my kit... silly boy!

Off for the run and I felt strong - I had two gels on the bike and 1 bottle of drink which I hoped would be more than enough. I did have a bit of tummy ache for the first bit of the run and had to work hard to open up my lungs. Two loops again - first in 22:46 and then I really pushed for 20:40. Pleased with a 9.8k in 43:26. Then wind was again hard work and it started to rain - lucky for me I only did about 500m in the absolute downpoor - I think I'd have gotten cold if I'd had another loop of that.

Pleased with my time, the real high for me was being so strong on the run and seeing Bryan smiling [relief?] as he finished.

Lows - none really, a good race for me, smiled all the way. At the end I felt great, fine - in fact I do wander if I didn't push hard enough for that sub 2:30 grrr!!!!!

Ian

========================
My yearly truant to The London Triathlon comes around again. This year I go up an age group, so as I'm now in the lower end of my age group I have a chance of getting a higher ranking than previous years.

Four weeks before the race I received an e-mail from the organisers of the event, with my start time, 6:30, WHAT! 6:30am, it reminded me of the Nice Ironman start time. So I have four weeks of getting my body out of bed earlier and earlier each morning to get my body ready for the early start.

Luckily I had got booked in to Novotel hotel, the closest hotel to the Excel centre, so it was a case of waking at 4am, eating my breakfast, banana, tinned peaches, yogurt, Alpine and some milk, then jump back in to bed for 30 minutes before I needed to get ready.

Transition entry opened at 5:30am, but they did not open the gates until 5:45, so it will full of competitors waiting to rack their bikes. Managed to get a good bike position on the racks and then checked, double checked and checked my bike again. I was sure I had forgotten something. Wet suit in hand, goggle and my duck I headed over to the swim start. Only to remember what I had forgotten, I went back to my bike and reset the trip computer. With over 400 men in the swim start and watching several men putting their wetsuits on back to front was quite funny for 6:30 in the morning.

Off and in to the water, like lemmings jumping off a cliff, all the men jumped in to the water and swam to the start, I decided to pick 3/4 from the inside as this would give me clear water from the start. Then we were off. First 200 meters is just getting in front and settle down. then it was time to see where I was going, I looked up and could see nothing, the turn point was about 600 meters away and you just could not see it. This would be fine if you are not a front runner as you can follow the group. Finally got to the turning point, which seemed to take for ever, on the swim back it was in to wind so quite choppy, so quite a struggle when I had to sight.

During my swim I had someone tailing me all the way, and at the end he decide that he wanted my position in the swim, he over took me, but I had him on exiting out of the water :-) I was in fifth place, wet suit off and in a bag and then the flight of steps up to the transition area, oh how I hate those steps. Then about a 500m run to collect my bike, socks on, glasses and helmet, and I was away. Off to Bike out, not too many people around which was good.

There was a little rain on Sunday morning so the road were a little wet, but then came the shock turned left to head towards the City of London, the wind hit my face, of sh1t I thought! I had set myself an average speed to maintain, and it was falling badly, upon turning about 10 minutes later I was bliss the wind behind you, time to sit up right and act like a sail in the wind. But I knew I also had a long cycle to West Minster in to wind to come. Three quarters of the way in to the cycle and I knew I was falling behind my target time, no matter how hard I pushed on the bike I could not increase my average speed. I knew at this stage I was not going to break my BP and get under that 2:30 mark. Knowing that leg were going to hurt in the run and got out the Nerofen gel and rubbed it in to my legs.

T2 was next, and I was in and out like lighting and off on the run, the run felt good, and I passed someone too, oh how pleased I was. It took about 3k for my legs to settle down and I started to pick up speed, watching to K markers pass and my time getting faster with each kilometer. I could see the end in sight and I had just passed the 9k mark and my watch ticked just over 2:30, so close I could see the end. I pushed hard again up the final ramp in to the Excel centre and I caught sight of Ian, so I ran over to him for a high five, costing me about 5 seconds in my overall time. Crossed the line, loads of photos, and a video ending, which I have not seen yet.

Highs

Coming out 5th in the swim

Feeling good on the run

seeing the leader on the cycle ride going the other direction, but he was not too far in front

Coming 73 in my group, the top 21%

finding I done a negative split by almost 2 minutes on the run.

Lows

The wind in my face

knowing I would not beat 2:30

Although there was over 400 people in my heat, it was very well orginised, both at the start and in transition.

I've already entered for next year, so I'll have a few weeks off then back to planning my training plan, to see how I can improve for next year.

position

73 Bryan Avery

Swim 00:24:08

T1 00:03:03

Cycle 01:16:15

T2 00:01:45

Run 00:47:48

Total 02:32:57

Bryan

=======================

Swimming in the River

22/07/2008 10:15:00

I'd thought I share with you all a wonderful old swimming pool that Jackie and I found yesterday.

Stowform Manor Farm has one of the country's last river swimming clubs which occupies a pleasant, deep but narrow stretch of the Frome above a weir. Lawns and steps into the water, about 1-2.5m deep with gravelly bed. There is a car park in a field very close by, also changing huts and portaloos.

So take off those wetsuits and give it a try, the water is fresh water, so it is very cold, makes lake 32 seem like a bath. But you'll see nobody here wearing wetsuits.

It's tucked away so I'll share with you all how to get there:

Head towards Farleigh Hungerford on the A366 from Trowbridge. The field is through a gate on the left, at the corner before the two humpback bridges. Drive across the field and park. Occasionally there is a club member who will take a fee, but otherwise park up and enjoy the cool running waters.

Here is the google maps location

2008 July Swiss Ironman

21/07/2008 12:28:00

2008 July Swiss Ironman.

SWIM    BIKE        RUN        OVERALL
1:22:41    6:46:41    5:11:59    13:40:26    - Billy
1:12:52    5:55:08    3:30:29    10:48:15    - Jon

Jon Glyde -

Thanks for all the messages of support, really enjoyed ironman switzerland last weekend and its a race i would recommend.
Beautiful country side, zurich is a lovely city and the swiss people great.

Really pleased with my race, 10.48 is 45 mins quicker than Nice last year so really happy with that.
I was aiming for a sub 1.10 swim but lost a couple of minutes swimming wide on the course to avoid the scrum, it was a deep water mass start with no grading! Must say swim was better organised at Nice.

t1 and t2 were somewhat slow, it absolutely tipped it down so all our kit was in bags and the bikes covered with plastic sheets, so much for racing abroad to take bad weather out of the equation!

My bike stratigy was to maintain an average of 20mph to do a 6hr bike, did a 5.55 over what is really a hilly course where i had to taper my speed down hill because of the wet conditions, so really pleased with the sub 6hr bike.

Run plan was to beat my 3.32 marathon from Nice and ran a 3.30 so chuffed with that.

All in all really pleased with result but lots of learning for next year, plan to do Lanzarote IM, next year, according to 220 this month, its the worlds toughess so i plan to do that 1 and retire to a life of breeding vizslas and getting fat.

Highlights
Great cameradery travelling, staying and racing with five mates.
Really proud of billy delivering against his training plan and becoming an ironman
Driving to switzerland, although 670 miles was a lot easier and less stressful than flying with all our kit.
Taking 45 mins off my previous IM time.

Lowlights
The weather was really minging, first tri i have ever done in a coat! And i wasnt even warm on the climbs!

Lots more to add, but probably boring you stupid. Jon

Athlete of the year 2008 - Margo George

13/07/2008 13:03:00

Havin posted a great time at the Marlborough Triathlon Margo George takes the Athlete of the year trophy for 2008.

Cowmen paddle through the Milton Keynes Middle Distance

07/07/2008 20:09:00

Athlete Overall Swim T1 Bike T2 Run
Mark Blokland 5:40:44 32:24 2:24 3:07:49 2:15 1:55:49
Ian Merrington 6:21:42 39:49 5:18 3:24:11 3:40 2:08:41

Not so much as phew what a scorcher, but hmmm, how wet can you get? A long(!) race report from a soggy cow man!

Start was odd - they let you in early to swim around, then tried to get everyone back to a sort of start line, but then let every one go before they got back, so quite a few were a long way out in front. But not me I hasten to add, I was at the back - sensible chap that I am. Well I thought I was - where did all these people come from??? Not used to quite such a mash up I quite enjoyed it really, after the first turn I just relaxed and took it steady. The water was very murky - but a two loop swim around the lake which i quite enjoyed - (oh and Sarah, I had perfect form i am sure!!!). The sun shone for about 10 mins just when I was swimming into it, which made sighting really difficult. Lucky for me that was the last I saw of the sun....

Out of the swim in 39:49 which has to be a PB for me, really pleased.

T1 - Hmmm, a relaxed T1 for me. Very relaxed. 5:18. Yep, 5mins 18!!!!

Bike - Two big loops and one small loop, 58ish miles. I think this could be really fast, and quite a scenic ride - but the weather was grim. The wind felt like it was blowing into you on the up-hill and behind on the down (which was mighty fast!!). It was also wet, lots of showers, and one really heavy outbust. All in all I didn't enjoy this too much; even though I had my waterproof top on (aka my parachute!!! - only a yellow one this time) I stopped twice - I just can't bring my self to 'go' while on the bike - and lets face it - it's not going to make much difference to my time!

I fed every 20 mins, alternating a gel and 1/4 of an energy bar - not sure if this was quite enough and will need to think for my next middle distance. I was very pleased to get to the end. The amount of gel wrappers around the course was not nice - made sure I took mine back with me!

I would also add that there looked to be lots of drafting going on, so interesting to see if there are any time penaties in the results at all.

Bike - 3hr 24

T2 - Oh so pleased to be off the bike - and hold on - it;'s stopped raining! 3 min 40. Yeah, more faffing around!

Run - this is 4 loops, you get to go past the finish turn each time - makes you feel very envious of people running in, while you pick up a band each loop. You also get to go past the transition area and past the burger van with all the folk eating chips. If I had my running legs I'd have pinched some for the run - but I don't think I'd have outrun anyone yesterday!

Actually the first two loops were great - I felt really strong and ran them in around 25 mins each. At loop 3 my legs left me - heart rate was fine, but just no go in the legs. I was really pi$$ed off at this as the same happened in the New Forest last year. It wasn't quite so bad as the NF as I was still able to run/walk - but was utterly fed up with myself - why couldn't I run? I had two gels on the run, water no problem, heart rate was fine - just no go - any clues very much appreciated as to what I need to be doing in training or racing please! So a naff run of 2hr 08.

total of 6hr 21. This is still about 20 ins faster than the NF - and grotty weather, so not bad - but could have done better!

Race highs

The swim - I enjoyed it and I was pleased with my time

Getting off the bike!

I smiled pretty much most of the time

being oh so relaxed in transition - no rushing for me!

the marshals were great - especially as they were stood in the rain for so long!

Race lows

The wind

The rain

Not running all the way - very cross with myself for that

All the litter - not good

Ian.

Bournemouth Aquathon

27/06/2008 18:33:00

Stuck for something to do on a sunny Wednesday evening. You could pop down to Bournemouth and join in the summer aquathon series. Great open water training. starts at 19:00. Organised by Concept Sports. Two distances available 400m and 4k or 800m and 8k.

Dazzling Dyer leads the way

27/06/2008 06:30:00

BILLY Dyer warmed up for the gruelling Switzerland Ironman by leading home his MadTri clubmates in the Marlborough Triathlon on Saturday.

The 38-year-old from Devizes set a personal best on the course with a time of 1:41:47 to finish fourth in his age group.

Conditions were tough with the overnight rain having brought grit and stones onto the road amongst the puddles.

Peter Younghusband of TriUK Gatorade won the race overall in 1:25:37, with Matt Newman of BAD Tri second in 1:26:03 and Chris Chamberlain of Total Fitness Bath third in 1:29:13.

By the time the cyclists returned to Marlborough Leisure Centre Dyer had an unassailable lead over his clubmates.

He said: "I was in the first wave onto the course so there was no one to chase which made it a bit harder.

"The cycling was tough because of the windy conditions. I've been able to improve my swim a lot, that is usually my weakest discipline. The run was one of the fastest I've ever done."

Marlborough and District Triathlon club (MadTri) had 20 competitors in the race. Mark Blockland followed Dyer home in second with a time of 1:44:22 and Jason Aspinall came third for the club with 1:46:28.

Sarah Hobbs was the first lady home with a time of 1:48:49.

Dyer is in training for the Switzerland Ironman on July 13.

The step up in distance from the Marlborough triathlon will be considerable.

Instead of swimming 400m it will be 2.5 miles, the cycle is 112 miles instead of 20 and the run is a whopping 26 miles rather than five.

Dyer though is looking forward to it.

He said: "I've been training for the ironman since January which has made me really strong, that is why I did so well in the Marlborough triathlon.

"I hope to complete it under 13 hours. It will be tough but that's my goal.

"It can be pretty expensive, the entry fee is £250 plus travel and accommodation. My nutrition is costing £100 a month.

"I work at DS Smith Packaging in Devizes and thankfully there are sponsoring me."

2008 June Marlborough Triathlon

22/06/2008 16:32:00

Mad Tri - Marlborough Triathlon Provisional Results

Billy Dyer         7:21    1:00:39    33:47    1:41:47
Mark Blockland 6:34    1:01:56    35:52    1:44:22
Jason Aspinall  6:30    1:03:10    36:48    1:46:28
Sarah Hobbs    6:23    1:04:12    38:14    1:48:49 1st lady 45 - 49
Colin Eyles       7:44    1:05:36    36:58    1:50:18
Rick Lavens      9:17    1:08:26   33:55    1:51:38
Mark Chambeln 7:12   1:08:26    36:56    1:52:34
Jax Cole           7:23    1:05:05   41:11    1:53:39
Ian Merrington 7:39    1:10:14    36:37    1:54:30
Abba Newbery  6:30    ??           ??          1:54:46
Hugh pender    7:45    1:11:26    39:45    1:58:56
Lucy Pash        7:21    1:09:46    42:50    1:59:57
Phil Hobbs        6:56    1:13:31    43:04    2:03:31
Lucy Lassiter    10:21   1:07:47    49:26    2:07:34
Julie Jackson    8:53    1:16:23    45:05    2:10:21 DQ
Maro George    9:09    1:16:42     44:33    2:10:24
Penny Smith     9:31    1:15:40     45:40   2:10:51 DQ
Kerry Hall         8:42    1:22:02    43:45    2:14:29
Jax Wells        8:27    1:16:56    51:51     2:17:14
Ros Eyles        8:25    1:50:48    1:01:19    3:00:32

2008 Weymouth Middle Distance

10/06/2008 06:08:00

Hi all,

Abi, Lawrence and I took part in Weymouth Middle Distance race yesterday, here is my review of the race.

Conditions were very good, nice change to see some summer weather. There was an off shore breeze and the sunshine made it hot work, particularly on the run.

I had a comfortable swim, I think the course was long, I was 38 mins out of the water and had been 34 mins at Hayle in rougher conditions. The Hayle course had been measured by GPS before we set out. So I think Weymouth was a little long.

However, I used a race strategy of resting on the swimmer in front's feet then when I saw a gap to the side, pushed on to swim through them to move up the pack, felt good and got out of the water fairly fresh.

Bike - I hate the Weymouth course - the first 90 mins are an out and back on dual carriageway - I believe we live in a beautiful country and would like to enjoy some of it whilst racing, mile after mile of dual carriageway does nothing for me. Plus it unnerves me cars passing you at 70 mph.

I felt strong on the bike, however, my Ironman training has taken some of my speed away, I climbed the stiff climb out of Weymouth on my big ring and was pretty comfortable.

I was passed by a lot of cyclists and by the time I finished I was ready to declare myself in last place, however, in reflection happy with an average of 21mph. I will work on my speed after my Ironman race in 5 weeks.

Got off the bike feeling very good and really up for the 1/2 marathon.

Run - I broke my own rule and didn't change my socks before the run, big mistake and I blistered between several of my toes and although I ran through the pain at the time, today I my suffering and it will effect my ability to train this week - lesson learnt there!

Had a strong run, Weymouth is a tough course, not really any steep hills, but you are always either slightly climbing or going down hill, there doesn't appear to be any flat!

Averaged 6:52 minute mileing so please with that and the fastest run time of the day for my age category at 1:25 hrs.

Overall time was 4 hr 41 min, 5 mins quicker than last time I raced the course two years ago. Sixth in my age group.

Bring on the Ironman, five weeks to go.

Jon

2008 Weymouth Middle Distance

09/06/2008 12:58:00

2008 Weymouth Middle Distance

Glyde, Jon MAD Tri 44 M 40-44
Swim 42:28 113
Bike 2:32:30 63
Run 1:26:27 10
Total 4:41:25 32 6th in age category

Hebbard, Abigail MAD Tri 32 F 30-34
Swim 41:25 88
Bike 2:39:52 115
Run 1:40:47 83
Total 5:02:04 82 1st Women 30 - 34 yrs

2008 South Cerney Tri Ferris Womens only Triathlon

09/06/2008 12:55:00

2008 South Cerney Tri Ferris Womens only Triathlon

Sprint Distance: 750m, 20k, 5k

Sian James MAD tri F I
Swim 20:01 81
Bike 44:06 64
Run 24:10 49
Total 1:28:17 63

Margo George MAD tri F G
Swim 20:16 87
Bike 45:35 72
Run 24:43 58
Total 1:30:34 69

Julie Jackson MAD tri F G
Swim 19:18 75
Bike 45:40 73
Run 25:54 69
Total 1:30:52 72

Penny Smith MAD Tri F I
Swim 20:06 83
Bike 45:12 69
Run 26:29 74
Total 1:31:47 76

Went really well! Weather was great and it was all very amicable with a bunch of ladies! Swim was manic at the start – I don’t think anything can prepare you for your first open water mass start – I think I probably did a good drowning impression for the first 300m! I was really giddy getting out – I got out of the water just before Penny so I don’t know what I was doing on the way to the table where you hand in your chip – falling around I think!!

Good practice of transition using cleats. I was pleased with my run time. We all raced separately but amazingly came in around the same time. Overall, a good first for open water triathlon but definitely need a lot more practice in the lake. We managed to get ourselves into the Swindon Advertiser so look out for us!!! --- Margo

SuperSprint Triathlon: 400m, 20k, 2.5k

Rosalind Eyles MAD Tri F H
Swim 09:44 23
Bike 46:10 25
Run 14:42 44
Total 1:10:36 32

My race was a 400m swim, 20k bike and 2.5k run at Cotswold - although we were spotted tucking into our panini fairly early on this morning at the cafe back at the Outdoor shop, and then back home by 10.30 am to start the day - it's amazing how long a day is when you get up at 6am, do a bit of a short distance, and then are too tired to contemplate much else - am ready for the sofa with the greatest of respect for you guys. Also hugely impressed by my fellow ladies who tackled the grown-ups distance at S Cerney, unlike myself - although I was hugely impressed to now be a Vet and so took it easy as my age required.... ...am now planning my Marlborough strategy and wondering whether a disguise will help to keep incognito on my walking shuffle for the 5 mile run......... .

See you all at Marlborough. Ros

Wantage Ultra tri

08/06/2008 17:20:00

*Position*	*Name*	*Swim time*	*Cycle time*	*Run time*	*Total time*	*King of the hill*
20	Steve Scammell	0.32.19	2.21.38	1.33.13	4.30.48	6.55
25	Sarah Hobbs	0.27.39	2.29.37	1.44.01	4.46.14	9.49
37	Philip Hobbs	0.30.47	2.44.06	1.58.17	5.19.27	??

It's 4:30 Sunday afternoon and we are in bed - no prospect of anything unpublishable. Sarah is snoring
so I think she is in recovery and I am descimating a tin of cold rice pudding. This morning was the Wantage Ultra event and we are now suffering big time from it. Steve Scammell took it in his stride and is probably back out for a few extra miles this afternoon.

The fellow competitors were ripped! I guess you don't go for the 'ultra' option unless you are up for it or
you are a bit daft. The weather was the best we have had this year if you want to get a suntan - breezy,
sunny and hot.

The swim was good. Sarah and I were in the same lane and Sarah passed me a couple of times within the 64 laps with avengence. I was cruising so as to not use up too much energy before the main event. I glimsed Steve a few times over in another lane and he looked to be enjoying himself.

The cycle route is very undulating and in places hilly. The first climb is right outside the leisure
centre and is a shock to the legs after the pool. It is also where Steve makes up for his leisurely swim by
bombing past. The first 10 miles we had the breeze behind us and having climbed the first hill the
descent was thrilling at 44 mph. One cyclist failed to take the corner at the bottom and his head wound
was being patched up when I passed. Turning to climb back to Wantage a 15 miles was a shock as the breeze had significantly increased. 10 miles of uphill headwind before getting back to the leisure centre for lap two. I was having a few problems with my hydration and food. I couldn't get the power bar down or much water as my system had put up a no entry sign. Not a good situation for a 5 hour event. Lap two was draining on the legs but eventualy put us back at the start.

Getting off the bike is always a shock but this morning was something special. I made the mistake of
sitting to switch my socks/shoes and was very tempted to stay recumbant rather than take on the 10 mile run. Once I started running my system decided it would reject its contents which left me dehydrated and very slow. The run started around 11:30 with full on sunburn potential. My plan was to run 3 miles to the start of a massive hill, walk the hill, run 3 miles back to the start of the hill, walk the hill and then
run 3 miles home. This approach proved very productive and I eventualy turned up at the end after 5 hours 20 minutes. I put my ability to reach the finish line down to wearing the compression socks. From 4 hours on my calfs were trying to cramp at every undulation but luckily it never happened. Sarah had used the same run strategy and was back in 4:45 to pick up the vet lady medal. Steve came past me at the end of my first run lap on his way home and looked very comfortable and .

We are both somewhat battered by the effort with big sunburn and very sore bits and pieces.

Time for a kip. Photos on the website soon.

Phil

South Cerney Fashion Show

07/06/2008 17:40:00

Something strange is to be found in the lake this weekend.

Hayle Middle Distance, 18th May 2008

03/06/2008 17:16:00

Hi All,

Hayle was an enjoyable weekend (18th May), weather wasn't brilliant and it's still
early so finding a campsite open was initially a challenge. The one we
eventually found was compact but facilities were very good and it was
quiet, most of the other campers appeared to be doing the race so there
was no issue with us being up at 5am on race morning.

Weather wasn't brilliant, rained from the moment we arrived in Cornwall
and through the night, we were lucky there was a dry spell whilst we
cooked and eat our pasta, the rain eventually stopped as we drove to the
race start - very lucky as it then stayed dry all day.

It was windy though - on the out route of the bike to Land's End I was
flying up and down the hills and then I realised why when I turn back at
Land's End, bloody wind was blowing a hooly.
Tough bike on this course so happy with 19 mph average.

Swim was ok by the way, basically an out to sea and back, sea was smooth
inshore, but a bit choppy 1/2 a mile out! Not one for the faint hearted!
Exited water at 32 mins so really pleased with that, not too keen on the
trog across the pebbles and sand dune to transition - and struggled a
bit with cold hands and feet in transition - all felt a bit clumsy and
uncoordinated.

Run was good, out and back route, I was wearing my Garmin so challenged
myself to do sub 7 min miles, easy on the way out with the wind behind
me, more difficult on the way back into the wind, finished run with
average pace of 6:50 mins/mile and run time of 1:27 so pleased with
that.

Overall finish time of 4:57, bit slower than last year (4:46), but
weather was a lot colder and wind was strong. Also run course was
slightly longer.

All in all an enjoyable weekend.

Here are mine and Lawrence's results

Me, 13th Overall, 3rd Vet, 1st Sth West Championship
Swim 00:34:16
T1 3:20
Bike 2:46:08
T2 0:00 (No time recorded)
Run 1:27:00
Overall 4:53:31

Lawrence
Swim 00:35:16
T1 4:15
Bike 2:49:19
T2 2:13
Run 1:50:12
Overall 5:21:18

Jon G

Ello! Ello! Ello! - Mr Glyde gets nicked.

18/04/2008 11:35:00

Hi MAD law abiding triathlettes

I thought you might be interested in this, could save you a fine and points on your licence.

On Monday night I was cycling through the one way system in Chippenham, as I came down New Road to the railway arches, the traffic lights turned red. Being the care free urban cycling hooligan I am, I looked through the pedestrian arch, saw there was no one walking through, cycled up the dropped kerb, through the arch and back onto the road.

You all know what happens next, suddenly there are sirens and flashing lights behind me, yes one of British's finest crime catcher, sees my little trick, and chases after me, driving through the red light against the oncoming traffic and skids to a halt besides me - all very unnecessary!

Anyway out jumps the most aggressive Copper you could ever meet, I swear that if my tires had looked a bit flat, he would have had his hand cuffs on me. Then proceeds to read me the riot act. I was very apologetic and grovelling like you wouldn't think possible.

The Copper was having none of it, clearly down on his quota of criminal convictions for the month.
So he tells me he is going to fine me £80 and take three points off my licence.

Just as he got his note book out, I was saved - down the road, through the traffic arch, this time, against the red light came another cyclist - Chippenham must be full of criminals!

The Copper jumped out into the road and stopped the guy. This guy wasn't at all happy and started F'ing and Blinding the Copper, he was extremely aggressive and going for it big time with his hale of abuse.

The guy on the bike was trying to cycle off and the Copper was holding onto his handle bars, I though any minute now I'm going to be on Police Camera Action.

The Copper obvious thought he had his first arrest of the evening brewing nicely and decided I was a small fry criminal compared to his new captive - so great news for me, he gave me the ' on your way sonny Jim, nothing to see here', I didn't need to be told twice and shot off - keeping within the speed limit of course.

Motto of story - check for Coppers first before breaking the law. Maybe I missed the point! Open to other's views on that.

Jon G

Mel runs London Marathon

16/04/2008 21:03:00

Well, the deed is done and I survived. Thank you so much for your kind donations and support. The important thing is that in total over £800 has been raised for the British Heart Foundation thanks for your support.

Yesterday's run was a fantastic experience with great highs and lows. I was running well until about mile 16, on target for around 4 hours and 25 min. Then, it all went down hill from there and I slowed down and the last 8-10 miles was a really struggle. The worst bit was coming towards the finish in The Mall when I thought the finish line was just there but a sign said it was 800m away. This last 800m left like another 3 miles!

It was a real mental as well as physical challenge especially as we got soaked twice by heavy rain. It was good to see Mark cheering me on at Tower Bridge and to know that he was getting wet too.

The atmosphere and crowds were amazing and really helped me get around the course. There were great displays of courage from other runners young and old, running with disabilities or with crazy outfits to raise extra funds for charity.

All in all a great experience, but not one I am keen to repeat in the near future! I got up to some things which I wouldn't usually do such as peeing in bushes and accepting offers of Vaseline and jelly babies from strangers in the street!

Thanks again for your support. All the very best, Mel

April 2008 Burnham Aquathon

15/04/2008 18:31:00

Colin Eyles Swim 18:54 Run 46.52
Ros Eyles Swim 10:30 Run 38:48

Full results : http://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=3466&p=0

Local article : http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2008/aquathon-review-12-04-08.shtml

photos courtesy of www.burnham-on-sea.com

Sunny and not too cold or windy. The kids and I arrived to see Colin manfully counting off his 40 lengths and then making a dash for the great outdoors. He was in the first wave and so as he exited the pool about third it was a very lonely course - another couple had got out earlier but the pool was half empty with those who stayed in bed, and so most of his run was on his own. I did what I had to and managed to run the whole way (!) well except for the sand dunes but no-one runs those, and even managed a sprint for the hordes on my triumphant run back to the finish. Numbers noticeable very much down, very relaxed lots of chat in transition and some fantastic fish and chips afterwards. colin now waiting for the AA man to recover his car which borke down whilts I was trying to do some retail therapy on the way off the motorway going to Cribbs Causeway - has saved us a fortune. His ETA home is not for some time to come.

Oh, and I managed to fall off a pavement into the road and really hurt my knee - well my pride mostly! It looked rather a comic sight to see grown woman plus 2 dogs sprawled in the road!

Have a look at the Brunham on Sea town website - Colin features on most of the photos including the front page one - thank god none of me. Sunny day, blue sky - I even ran the whole way - other than uphill through the sand dunes - a great early season event with plenty of chat in transition and 'Good mornings' all around the run route!

Ros

As I type, Colin still waiting for AA man to recover him and his car somewhere near Cribbs Causeway - been waiting since 3pm - bit p****d off now.

Triathlon is not a winter activity.

08/04/2008 06:35:00

Due to snow on the roads Hungerford was cut down to a Duathlon of 400m swim, blow dry the hair and a 2+ mile run. I think most time was spent in transition putting the snow boots on. Well done all that survived.

Name               Swim   Run       Overall
Aspinall, Jason 10:28 15:41    26:09
Duthoit, Ant       8:54   18:21    27:15
Pash, Lucy        8:02    23:01   31:03

Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon

06/04/2008 13:45:00

Distance: 2.4 mi. swim • 112 mi. bike • 26.2 mi. run

Official Website: http://www.ironmanoz.com/

Jeannie FRY    10 hrs 51 minutes
SWIM    BIKE      RUN         OVERALL     POSITION
1:09:48 5:54:23 10:51:33  10:51:33     330

Abi HEBBARD    12hrs, 20 minutes
SWIM        BIKE          RUN      OVERALL  POSITION
1:11:39     6:37:26      4:23    12:20:06   841

Lawrence WOOD    12 hrs, 27 minutes
SWIM         BIKE      RUN     OVERALL     POSITION
1:19:41     6:19:10   4:33    12:27:19     880

Junior events for 2008

21/03/2008 11:30:00

Junior events for 2008 from Lucy Lassiter,

I have put together some local junior events. Swindon tri juniors have split from Faringdon junior tri and are our 2 closest junior clubs. The other is Chapel tristars. Elliot really enjoyed the Thruxton Duathlon last year, but the junior event does not seem to be happening. I have sent emails to various people and am awaiting an answer. I enclose a picture of him winning 1st place in the under 9 event.
Entry forms are not yet available for the Faringdon events. I have some entry forms for the other events.

Faringdon Duathlon 3/5/2008 wwwc.fourcampre@soll-leisure.co.uk or www.valetriathlon.co.uk
Chapel tri Hamble Aquathlon 4/5/2008 www.chapeltri.co.uk
Bicester Tri 18/5/2008 www.bluefinstri.org
Gloucester Tri 1/6/2008 www.glostristars.co.uk/modules/06race/
Dorcan Aquathlon 8/6/2008 www.swindonjuniortriathlon.co.uk
Tewkesbury triathlon 14/6/2008 www.tewkesburytri.co.uk/
New Forest children's triathlon 6/7/2008 www.nfct.org.uk/entry.php
Dorcan Triathlon 20/7/2008 www.swindonjuniortriathlon.co.uk
Faringdon Aquathlon 27/7/2008 www.valetriathlon.co.uk
Fareham Aquathlon 31/8/2008 www.chapeltri.co.uk
Faringdon triathlon 7/9/2008 www.cfourcampre@soll-leisure.co.uk
Thruxton Duathlon ? www.chapeltri.co.uk
County ground swindon duathlon 19/10/2008 www.swindonjuniortriathlon.co.uk

Newbury ?/9/2008 Tri Swim 300m / Bike 22k / Run 5k
www.teamkennet. com

Andover triathlon 13/7/2008 - 88m swim, 2.5Km off-road
bike www.andovertriathlo n.org.uk

I think Elliot will do:
    Faringdon Duathlon 3/5/08
    ?Bicester Tri
    ?New Forest Tri
    ?Dorcan Tri
    Faringdon Tri 7/9/08
    Thruxton duathlon if it happens
    County ground duathlon 19/10/08
Let me know if any juniors are interested. It is more fun if several of us go.

We have avoided aquathlon's in Elliot's race plans as swimming is not a family strength! There are however a lot more of these.

Lucy Lassiter

Devizes 10k road race

09/03/2008 10:00:00

Lovely morning for a run

131

0:49:45

AVERY, Brian

MAD TRI

MV40

Was Bryan the only runner in this great event?
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Devizes 10k road race
Find more Runs in Devizes, United Kingdom

Reading Half Marathon

05/03/2008 10:05:00

Well done all that competed in the Reading Half Marathon.

8241 Margo George 2:05:27
8278 Sian James 2:05:41
7926 Penny Smith 2:07:28

http://www.marathon-photos.com/index.html

2008 Feb - Mad cycling (-3 degrees)

17/02/2008 16:45:00

A small hardy contingent for this Sunday cycle. At 10 a.m. it was still -3 degrees and frosty hence the stylish head gear and whimpy foot warmers. The long spin up Hackpen Hill was glorious in the sunshine and the descent was taken very cautiously, by some... The journey down to Broad Town, Lower Compton, Cherhill and home via the A4 added up to 33 miles and took a casual 2 hours 20. Long enough to justify an afternoon by the fire watching the footy.

Annual General Meeting - Mad Tri Club

12/01/2008 07:09:00

12 January, 2008. ( for 2007)

1. Present:- Chair Jon Glyde, Vice Chair Ian Merrington, Treasurer Phil Hobbs, Secretary Sarah Hobbs, Welfare officer Dave Geddes, Social Secretary Abi Hebbard, Members: -Jacquie Cole, Mel Pomeroy-Kellinger, Billy Dyer, Steve Scammell, Lucy Lassiter, Sian James.

2. Treasurer’s Report – Phil Hobbs

The club account is in the black with £2635 in the current account. Pool sessions expenditure was the biggest expense throughout 2007 which came to £1035. The club T-shirts ordered and received in December will be paid out from 2008 expenditure.

Click Here for the Accounts

3. Secretary’s report – Sarah Hobbs

We had 43 adult members during 2007 with 15 juniors, an increase of 3 adults and 7 junior. 6 adults joined in October once we had resumed winter swim sessions. The club generated £767 of its funds from membership.

4. Election of Officers: Elections for committee positions as follows:

Chair Jon Glyde : Vice Chair Ian Merrington : Treasurer Phil Hobbs : Secretary Abi Hebbard : Welfare officer Lucy Lassiter : Other committee members: Sian James, Jacquie Cole.

5. Chairman’s report.

During 2007, Turbo sessions were held by Dave during the colder months. There was good interest in the outdoor lake swims at Couth Cerney. The club would welcome ideas and input from the all club members and particularly, novices and new comers as to what support would be helpful and motivating.

Thanks to Phil, Sarah, Abi, Ian and Dave for their input during 2007. We now have club t-shirts which will be issued with full memberships paid up by 17 Feb 2008. Many thanks to Dave for his input and time in organising events days and coaching sessions.

A.O. B.

Training courses for more in club coaches. This could include BTF options, British cycling courses and UK Athletics options.

Jon is taking back ups of the club website.

A club spinning session at MLC was suggested by Sian – to be covered in more detail at the next committee meeting.

Lucy has offered to look into what is available for the junior members in reference to events and will notify the families as to what is on.

Mel thanked Jon for his contribution as chairman during the year.

Jon to send out date for a committee meeting.

2008 - Race Planning.

04/01/2008 17:13:00

Happy New Year!

Another year and another set of races to challenge us.

I have tried to list all the races that Mad-Tri members may be interested in along with contact details at this link -- http://www.mad-tri.com/content/races.aspx

Let me know of anything I should correct or add. hobbs_email@yahoo.com.

Phil.

End of 2007 AGM, Membership Renewals and Club T-Shirts

13/12/2007 09:50:00

Hi MAD Tri'ers,

The end of 2007 is upon us as is the AGM, Membership Renewals and new Club T-Shirts.

Bryan is right we have been working as a Committee to organise new MAD Tri Tee shirts for the 2008 season. In fact Ian Merrington has been working very hard with various suppliers to get the Club a great deal.

For those of you that haven't seen the new tee shirts on the website, they are red with the MAD Tri logo on the front and details of the website address on the back, picture on the web site www.mad-tri. com.

As you will know, membership fees are due on the 1st January 2008, for those members paying their fees promptly, before the 17th February, we intend to give you one of the new look club tee shirts for free!!!

Membership fees are as followed:

Annual membership costs just £20 Adult, or £40 Family. Individual junior membership at £5 is only available for children of adult members. Membership fee pro-rated from January.

For family membership if you pay your membership fee by 17th February, you will get two adult and two child tee shirt free.

Additional tee shirts may be purchased at a subsidised price of £5 each.

Please find attached a 2008 membership form.

We can accept payment in the form of a cheque or cash to Sarah or Phil, unfortunately we do not offer
payment by Paypal, Credit Card, or Carrot Cake.

Don't forget it is the last swim session of 2007 this weekend.

Thanks, Jon Glyde

New forest race

26/09/2007 19:50:00

Name                Swim    Bike          Run        Total
Glyde, Jon           33:09   2:59:18    1:42:47 5:15:13
Hebbard, Abigail 32:53    3:10:23   1:58:10 5:41:26
Dyer, Billy           37:55    3:01:43   2:04:20 5:43:57
Scammell, Steve 38:33    3:06:44   2:08:41 5:53:58
Hobbs, Sarah      31:45    3:20:15   2:05:29 5:57:29
Duthoit, Anthony 38:23    3:03:56   2:21:17   6:03:35
Cole, Jacquie      37:37    3:12:13   2:20:44   6:10:33
Merrington, Ian    40:11    3:33:43   2:27:01 6:40:54

John - Great race yesterday, really enjoyed it, the only sore bits I have today are my arse cheeks - spent too long sat on those hard benches in the sports hall after the race - Dave and I were making the most of the free tea and cakes the WI were severing up - Dave should have exploded the amount he tucked away, I think he must have been on a bet, maybe he thought cake eating is the fourth discipline (I was saving myself for Abi's flapjack but none was offered!)

Anyway back to the race, great challenge, but extremely hard, the new bike course is much harder than last year.

I was pleased with my swim, I guess these times include the transition as I was 29 mins out of the water, 4 mins in transition messing around with wetsuit, trying to get arm warmers on wet arms and doing my hair etc before setting out sounds about right.

Bike was tough, although I was glad I had recced the route so new the hilly bits etc, the wind was strong on the top exposed section of the course. I had a couple of incidents, one cow and one deer, both had death wishes. And some stupid woman in a four wheel drive who tried to kill me by pulling out right in front of me. Felt comfortable on the run, although had had enough by the end.

Some great results from the team, awesome bike by Dave, must have spent even longer than me doing his hair in T1 judging by his swim split. Great Cat positions for Abi and Sarah, 4th and 5th in their categories, well done girls.

Much better run than last year Steve, I recon that you were 30 mins quicker this year - obviously got your eating and drinking right on the bike this year, your definitely ready for IM now!!!

Well done to Jacqs, Billy and Ian all doing their first Middle Distance, this race is a baptism of fire, by far the hardest Middle Distance I have done. So well done to you all, maybe an easy one next, Hayle if you fancy a fairly tough bike, or Weymouth if you want to set a fast time overall. Ant hell of a good result coming just two weeks after Vitruviant.

Ian - Being as I had the longest time for the day I'll try to give the longest report as well!!!!?
Camping the night before certainly saved lots of driving - but not sure I got much more sleep. However breakfast under the star3s was a calm moment before the final faffing around - and make no mistake - I did plenty of faffing in getting me, my bike, the gear and kitchen sink to the various transition areas.

Getting ready for the swim we were certainly relaxed - so much that I wasn't in the water when Richard shouted 1 minute to go.... I was at full speed when the hooter went and didn't stop!!! All in all a good swim - I did stuff up the turn around the top - I was trying to relax and pee while swimming - not something I had previously practiced [sorry for those easily offended] not having had time to 'relax' in the water before the start. By the time I had stopped concentrating on relaxing I had overshot the turn by about 10m, so took a very wide turn indeed!!!! The final section in was hard as the sun was right in my line of sight, so all I could do was follow feet and before I knew it there was the exit slope!!!! swim plus more faffing was 40min - so I think it must have been short, either that or I swam like a rocket [for me].

T1 - so relaxed! Milk and sugar please.

The bike - I loved it. Very hard going in the wind at times, lots of loud whoops of delight on some of the decents. 1 stop for a pee, so fluids were going well. rider no.1 [Hywel Davies, 2 overall on the day] went past on his second lap while I was on my first... oh my god,I felt very slow after seeing how quick he went past and off into the distance! Food and drinks went ok - I did have a bit of tummy ache, so perhaps too much drink? Took a gel about 15 mins before the finish which couldn't come soon enough as I needed another pee... Really pleased to get round without any mishaps, I found it tough going, I think it took more out of me than i expected [probably the wind], but in 3hr 30 I was ok with that.

t2 - hmmm clean comfy socks with lots of talc. No rushing going on for me!!!

The run - well I planned to walk up the first hill - madness to run up it!!! and was ready for the long needed pee!!!! The run went really well - up to mile 6 [8min 30 miles] and then my legs stuck two fingers up at me. Not sure what went wrong, maybe needed more fuel on the run? but I'm not sure I could have kep[t much down to be honest. Maybe not enough long runs off the bike? From mile 6 on all I could do was walk, jog, walk, shuffle, jog, walk some more. The end took forever, the weather went from brilliant sun to rain, I got cold, fed up, overtaken by every man and his dog and trudged to mile 12 where I set about a devastating come back - that old donkey ambling along was not going to beat me.... so 2hr 30 for the run and I feel pretty dissapointed in that.

Overall it was 6hr 40. A bit flat now, really chuffed to have got round, dissapointed to have failed on the run, but lessons to learn. Am pleased that I want to get back at it - I did worry that I might want to chuck my bike in the lake - but keen to get back on, after some tea & cakes for most of Oct & Nov!!!

Would I do it again - oh yes, bring it on!!!!! I'm looking at maybe 2 x 1/2 IM next year - I want to finish feeling like I did myself justice. Maybe an early and late season... but will need to check with Symone first! Certainly a big step up from an Oly and my hat is really off to those IM folk.

Well done all - a cracking w/e. Bring on the winter training.

Steve - Well, that's it! The seasons over for me. I'm happy with what I've accomplished and now I can kick back on the Doritos, Dip and Lager diet. Had a great day at the Middle Distance, managed to get round in fairly good shape, and under my target time. The improvement from last year came from
better nutrition on the cycle, and more specific "brick" training. I don't think it was a result of more training hours (training smarter?). Thanks for all the advice and training company in the last 6 months (you know who you are). Looking forward to having a couple of easy weeks before Swindon Half, Great
South Run and who knows from there. I hope everyone is happy and achieved what they wanted to this season. See you all soon. Steve

Billy - really enjoyed the pain and pleasure of my first Middle Distance. It has given me a insight into how much more pain I will have to endure when I do Iron-man Switzerland!

extra photos click here

Cotswold tri

14/09/2007 07:22:00

I did the Cotswold tri at the weekend, however, only just got around to writing a report about the event, mainly because I felt fairly disappointed in the position I finished.

It was a well organised race with a big field, 400 entries I believe. There was no repeat of last year's fog, you may remember the swim was cut short last year due to practically zero visibility, this year we had beautiful weather with no wind, couldn't have asked for better conditions.

Swim was organised in age group waves, women and elites first, then 45 + men and I started in the next wave 40 - 45.

Amazing to see some people actually breast stroked the 750m swim, that's got to be hard work in a wetsuit!

Fairly happy with my swim, I started on the inside line, but it was a good 250m to the first turn so the field had thinned out by the time we reached the first turn.

The turning points were boats with their mast up so really easy to sight.

100m run from the lake to T1 so no problem stripping wetsuit off to waist by the time I reached my bike.

Bike went really well, just got my head down and worked really hard, the last couple of miles were really close racing with my mate Dave Moxham from Corsham Running Club and a group of guys he was racing against.

Really please with bike split at an average speed of 24.5 mph.

T2 went well, very quick, but still beaten out onto the run by Dave. I chased Dave down and really dug in thinking that he was just behind me all the way around, as it was nobody passed me and I finished the 5k in 17 mins, not bad although I did do 16 mins last year, however, I've not done any speed work this year.

So finish time was 1:04 Hrs, it felt like I had raced really hard and it felt very quick. However, the reason I felt so dejected was that despite all this, I finished 10th Vet and 37th overall - I know it was a high class field, but I would have liked a better finish position for what felt like my best performance at a Sprint race so far - maybe I need to concentrate on the longer events.

Jon G

Northampton Sprint Race Report

14/09/2007 07:21:00

Sometime during the winter and in a rush of athletic enthusiasm and self delusion I entered the Northampton Standard Distance Triathlon and, registered as a hopeful qualifier for the World Championships 2008.

I reinforced my intent by doing very little training. Reality dawned at the third Bournemouth Aquathlon when I came in a spectacular last.

I reassessed my fitness, ‘downgraded’ to the sprint, did a deal with Peeps – encouragement and support for a night at The Northampton Hilton, and set off with renewed enthusiasm

Northamptonshire is rather pretty, and the venue- Grendon Lakes - is lovely. There’s a huge car park close to a spacious, well laid out and very well marked transition. Registration was painless, efficient and friendly and the local club house welcoming with a nice bar, big telly (rugby!) and showers.

The Race – swim in a nice clear lake. I departed from my default setting of starting, rather apologetically, from one of the flanks and got right in the middle of the pack, prepared to swim over anybody who got in the way and not whinge if anybody swam over me. It was a great swim, a very useful draft to the first turn and a smooth last leg to the slippy exit – big helpful hands heave you out and propel you down a long (400mt’ish) run to transition.

T1 helped by the long run in as I was now used to the vertical again, feet all but dry and wetsuit more than half off.

Out on my sort of bike ride – lovely scenery, only short hills (and not too many of them), no difficult corners and superb marshalling (competent, helpful cheerful and encouraging – each one was firm in pointing the direction and had an encouraging remark and a clap as we passed); uncharacteristicall y, I worked quite hard and spent more time on the tri bars than off them.

My best ever T2 – I sped up to the dismount point with my feet out of the shoes, did a rather neat ‘step-through- and-run’ dismount and rushed into transition with all the pose and grace of hippo in ballet shoes.

The run is a dream – flat (like in pancake), off road with spectators and cheerleaders (complete with pom-poms and ‘Whooies’ to speed you round the two laps.

Good fast finish down a tunnel for High Five and Bananas.

A Great day – and for those who don’t have any faith in my philosophy of a surfeit of optimism and body fat, check out the BTA web site for the Vancouver Qualifiers (Sprint 60 – 64)!!

Farringdon

04/09/2007 18:01:00

1Farringdon Results 2007

Name                  Swim    Bike        Run       Finish
Dyer Billy             16:11   1:34:22 40:46   2:33:03
Scammell Steve   18:11   1:30:24   42:47   2:33:19
Hobbs Sarah        13:26 1:38:46 42:33   2:36:54
Cole Jacquie        15:00   1:38:42 43:50 2:39:35
Hobbs Philip        14:21   1:40:57 46:34    2:44:52

This does not take into account any adjustments for stopping (or not stopping) at traffic lights.

A small and tough event. Just 100 athletes.

Great to be able to park almost next to the pool, decide for yourself when you want to start swimming
and if you were lucky you has a lane to yourself. Also a very relaxed 'park where you like' transition area.

Being set off just as the two swimmers already in my lane turned in front of me necessitated a fast getaway up the wrong side of the lane. This was quickly regretted as I don't usually do over taking. Half way through a set of fresh legs arrived in the lane and mowed me down but slowed up rapidly and meant another overtaking manoeuvre. 800 mtrs seems like a long way when you have spent most of your summer in a lake. The knock on the head from the lady with the kick board was a relief.

The bike is an out and back 33 miles with no big hills. Going out is into a big wind and coming back is
into a little wind. When I set off Steve, Billy and Jacqui were all miles ahead but Sarah had started her
swim a few minutes after me and I knew I was being hunted down. Apart from the bumpy road for the first 6 miles the novelty of the ride is three sets of traffic lights and the one way traffic through Fairford. If
you are lucky everything works to let you through. If you are unlucky you stop and someone take your number promising a time adjustment that will never happen. If you are Steve Scammell you just go through anyway. The turn was poorly marked for those that had not competed in this before and the marshall played little part in improving the situation. I turned and measured a 1/2 mile before passing Sarah snorting fire on the other side of the road. The next few miles passes in a haze as I calculated how fast I had to do 15 miles if Sarah was going to do 16 miles at 20 miles an hour. The answer is around 18 3/4 miles per hour which is at the top end of my options. At first I was looking around
so often that I might as well have been on the bike backwards. In the end I just put my head down and
waited for the inevitable.. .... and it never came. After some manic pedalling I reached transition and was back out on the run just before Sarah came in.

The run is undulating starting on the road and goes off road for a bit before back to the road for the 1:8
hill. To start with I felt like my legs had been tied together at the knees and a waddle was the most effective form of propulsion. A bit of down hill eased things into a jog and by the time I approached the
hill I was almost running. The hill put pay to that and when I was not making any headway on the walker in front I had a bit of a walk myself. With a mile to go to home I allowed myself a peep behind and saw Sarah 100 meter away and motoring. For the next 8 minutes my heart rate went into areas it has not been for a while and the line eventually saved me from exploding just in font of the wife.

The Good bag, t-shirt and a long lay on the grass cured most of the immediate aches and pains.

Phil.

Swanage - how was it?

13/08/2007 08:35:00

Name   Swim Bike    Run   Total   pos 2006    pos
Jon    28:27 1:12:50 40:39 2:24:17 9th 2:19:16 12th
Abi    28:31 1:12:50 45:26 2:29:27 2nd 2:26:26 5th
Hugh   31:10 1:22:43 49:24 2:47:03
Ant    34:25 1:18:31 52:05 2:47:40
Colin 31:28 1:22:14 58:00 2:56:20 5th 2:51:49 6th

The race at Swanage was excellent thanks (well from my perspective anyway).

Flat sea swim (apart from the run around the pole half way thru and the rest of it - well, wasn't flat!!!

My swim hat came off after 400m and my hair turned into seaweed which stuck to my face which rather reduced my visibility - glad I'd practised swimming with my face covered in strands at Lake 32!  Got a few kicks in the face which were entirely my fault as I was basically swimming into people inbetween scraping my fringe away from my goggles.  Seem to have a recurring hair problem at races!!!

After that everything went really well for me - got into a "I can't draft so I'll have to pass you" cycle with 2 guys which sped us all up no end as the draft busters were out in force.  About 10 people got done - plus another 5 who were DQ for drafting twice.  I was not one of them.

The course is lovely but I'd forgotten how hilly the last 1/3 is and used up my legs too much on the first bit.

The run was cool - passed 4 girls going up Ballard's down and figured I then wasn't far off a placing so that spurred me on so that none of them flew back past me.

....and I came third!  Really really pleased.   Jon dragged himself off the beach to come and clap at the presentation (and sneak a guinness) and I think he got a photo too.   Great to have other MAD crew and
family there as well - Theresa and Theo watching on the wall and Viv shouting encouragement in transition.

I said that the RACE at Swanage was excellent - the rest of the trip was a bit of a shocker - no offence Ant because it was marvellous to see you and catch up and goodness knows where I'd be now if you werent there - still locked in the loo on the camp-site I think!

So the low points

1.  Took 4 hours in a car with no air-con to get from Hungerford to Swanage because the traffic was so terrible (but luckily Ant was there and registered me - Thanks Ant)

2.  All the campsites were full but Ant saved me a spot at his (Thanks Ant???!!!)

3.  It was perched on an uneven mound in a field full of ravers (but thanks Ant)

4.  We went to a pub for supper at seven, ordered and had a drink and got served after 1 hour 45 minutes.  Plenty of time to catch up with Theo and Ant (thanks Ant)

5.  At 1am a drunk and high piece of scum who sounded like he was from south london started screaming abuse at people across the campsite, started 2 fights as I could make out, mentioned shooting someone's effing face off with a gun whilst standing between my tent and Ants and
continued for about half an hour berating some poor sod for not showing him respect on his patch and not standing up to fight him (blah blah blah).  If I'd been wearing dark clothing I'd have crawled into Ant and Theo's awning to sleep.  Glad you were there Ant (thanks Ant).

6.  As a result of "5" having to wait an hour for my heart to stop banging out of my chest so I could go to sleep.

I don't think I'll be doing THAT again folks.

Right - I'm off now to look at B&B in Rutland on the internet!!!

Abs

==========================================

Yes it was great fun, I am particularly good at picking places to stay before events. I was thinking of heading over to Abs tent for safety, I figured no one would mess with a fully qualified HR specialist. Its times like this you wish Abba was around.

The race was pretty good, definitely perfect swim conditions, I almost cracked that drafting thing until someone put a pole in the way to run round. Bike was ok, maybe could have tried harder and the run was better than expected, especially once I started running. The climb was no great probs and the views were rather special. Finished in 2-47 which wasn’t too special. Overall cracking race marred by the need to go to Swanage to register. Seem to have spent the whole weekend in the car.

If any one need any top travel arrangements just let me know…. Cheers, Ant

==========================================

MAD Crew,

Yes Swanage is always a great race and one I would recommend for people to do for their first Olympic sea swim race (interested to know what Hugh thought) - the course follows the bay between the boats moored in the bay and the beach so you never really feel you are too far out to sea.

Also the bike and run are tough so a great race for all abilities.

I cocked up my swim strategy at the begin, started to the right of the group, after about 200m the course turns 90 degrees right around a buoy, so I got completely punched kicked and swum over, phased me a bit and ended up treading walking whilst I pulled my goggles back out of my eye sockets and checked all my teeth were still complete.

Anyway lesson learnt there!

The swim is an out and back course and on the way back I managed to get
onto the toes of a really quick guy who pulled me alone, we passed
dozens of other swimmers, it worked really well for me so thanks Phil
and Sarah as we have been practising this in our lake swims.

Bike was great, clouds turned black at one point and I thought it was
going to cluck it down, but it stayed dry and was nice and cool.
I never really got on top of my bike legs, they felt tired and didn't
seem to be able to push as high a gear as normal. Got passed by six or
eight people which is never good. Normally if I keep them in sight, I'm
confident I will catch them on the run. However, I've had a calf injury
since the previous Sunday so I wasn't quite sure how it would cope with
the hilly run.

Major event on the bike was some farmer bringing his cows across the
road, unbelievable! I was racing against Mike Cox at the time and he had
about 50m lead on me, he went through the herd of cows like he was
trying to catch one for his tea - there were cows stampeding in all
directions - so I just avoided the meddle of galloping cattle and cow
sh*t coming from all direction and cycled on through. Good job there
wasn't a Marshal around, drafting a galloping cow would definitely been
a DQ for Mike.

Run was better than I expected, I was well within my pace and still
passing people. My calf was tight but never painful, I took the climb
easy and the decent at a control speed. I was passed by one guy which
doesn't normally happen and made me decide to throw caution to the wind
and just go for it.

Calf wasn't too bad and as soon as I had finished I had a massage.

Today, my calf feels great, definitely the best it's felt in a week so
on it's way to full recovery.

Vet cat position of seventh so room for improvement there.

Enjoyed watching Abi get her award at the prize giving, third place was
superb, well done Abi. Shame about the actual prize of a radio alarm
clock! Perhaps race organisers have missed the point somewhat with
Rodger handing out radio alarm clocks and Bath Amphibians their boxes of
breakfast cereal, how about sporty prizes for sporty people!

Anyway great event, no issue with camping, I went to a site I had used
before, stick with what you know works well, boring but reliable I know!

Jon G

=========================================

Hi All

I’m back. Swanage was fantastic and my most enjoyable tri to date. The B&B was excellent (We’ve booked for next year), beach great, weather great, a good little 4 day holiday which the whole family enjoyed. We should all do Swanage next year!

For a first open water it was ideal and Jon’s advice to take some Lucozade after the swim worked well at getting rid of the sea water taste. The bike was most enjoyable and like Wantage I fell off into the grass bank near the end with the bike connected to my feet. Luckily I got off unscathed (and I don’t think anyone saw me). My top speed was 42.2mph and average 15.5.

The run was a bit like the terminator but I think my 2 gels, 3 jelly beans and 1L of water on the bike made it feel ok. Thanks Abi for the dining on the bike advice.

I beat my Bath Olympic time of 3:03 by 13 mins which I feel good about even though it’s hard to compare the two races.

Well, it’s Vitruvian next or more likely for me Waterloo !

Best wishes team.

Hugh

London Olympic

06/08/2007 20:17:00

Name Swim T1 Bike 1 Bke 2 T2 Run 1 Run 2
Chris 19:57 1:44 40:41 15:59 0:31 19:17 18:32
Ian 32:33 4:42 33:56 35:18 1:21 23:48 23:46

Race report from the London Oly - Phew what a scorcher!!!!

I was in the very last wave of two days racing at london - so keen not to be last overall!!!! My off time was 3:40 pm on sunday so lucky to avoid the real mid day sun; but it was still hot hot hot. I did get to see Tim Don 'cruise' to a win and taking on tips from the 'don' I went on to give it a bash myself!!!

Swim was 32:33 - it just felt really nice and easy, didn't push and I would have been so much quicker if all those others weren't in my way!!!! Mind you I did get a few drafts - and a few kicks as well, so it all evens out in the end I guess. Was very, very happy with my time.

T1 - a great long run to the bike - I mean a big run, and up some stairs. Seriously - a long run!!!

Bike - two loops - riding into the wind in both directions!! !! Went hardish on the first loop and then easier on the second - saving it for the run? Closed roads is nice - you get to go under a tunnel with a 30mph speed trap - I got to 37 and couldn;t get it to flash - pah. Bike is where I think I have the most to gain, but was happy with a 1hr 09

T2 - quick off the bike and ready to go - have to admit to not feeling so good going out - lunch may make a second showing.....

Run - again two laps, mostly very flat - but there is a ramp into the building which you have to run down and up [each lap] and it felt hot, really hot. I felt sick from the off; I had a gel which I carried all the way as I just couldn't stomache taking it, and I am too tight to chuck it away!!! I saw a bloke in an orange tri suit heading off and thought he looked like a real fast runner, try to stay with him, but off he goes - oh well pold on. To my amazement I went past him, and lots of others on the first lap!!! I could only manage a sip of water at each station and I felt as tho I was just hanging on... Second lap especially - god it was hard going - I stopped at one water station to try to drink properly - not doing well tkaing it on the run - but no good, just couldn't get it down me - and it was really hard to get going again. So pleased to get towards the finihs and still going. The bloke in orange reapperaed at 50m on the slope up to the finish - I could have put a spurt on to hold him off - but to be frank I was knackered and just didn;t care. I was amazed with a run time of 47:33, it felt like I was runnig slower than that!!!

Overall time was 2hr 35:19, which i'm delighted with.

Best bits
Getting out the swim and seeing my time!!!
Swimming with other people this year, rather than at the back
Hanging on in the run - I so wanted to walk
The run into the finish and seeing the time
The finish
Getting back to my bike in transistion to find a flat tyre - I was so lucky to puncture in transition than in the race!!!!!

Worse bits
I kick on the goggle in the swim - it created a suction on my eye, making it feel like my eyeball was popping out!!!
end of the first run lap - looking at the finish line and thinking I have to run round again - looking at people finish when you have to run again...
Running with a gel that is getting warmer and warmer and more and more unappealing
The finish - I was so hot and felt absolutely rotten for about 15 mins.

So a great day, and thrilled with my time. Need to check from last year, but I think I'm down from 2hr 57ish - so a big improvement.

Sorry for the length of report!

Ian

The Bumpy Lumpy

16/07/2007 16:43:00

Position    Name
70           Ian Merrington    1:26:19
134         Phil Hobbs          1:37:21
141         Louise Painting    1:38:01
208 finishers

The Bumpy Lumpy was magnificent. Wonderful setting, no rain and thankfully not much mud! A vast improvement for me this time than the rough & tumble, training is obviously the key!!!! Legs are tired after some big hills, but still smiling. Not sure what happened to Phil's time - but I can confirm that he did do it. Am hoping to be able to make the bike ride on Sat around the New Forest - but 50:50 at the moment - let me know what plans folk have.

Ian

Yes I can confirm that the inability to get off my
seat today is due to the Lumpy Bumpy run yesterday.

It was a great shock to find myself on the starting
line since I had left it to 'enter on the day' usualy
a euphemism for 'staying in bed'. My watch shows a
spread of speeds between 8 and 14 minutes per mile
which brought me in about 1:37. Miles 3 - 5 sorted out
the hill runners from the tourists with the remainder
being a bit of a splash in the mud. A great well
organised run with loads of room for improvement in my
performance.

Unfortunately I learned something new about my car
after the run. With no bag drop I decided to leave all
my stuff including keys in the car. It turn our my car
has a feature that sulks and locks the doors & boot if
left alone for too long. So after a 10 mile run and
dressed only in a wet tri suit I had no access to my
clothes, money, transport, etc... Thanks for the lift
home Louise. Sarah had the other car and house keys
in Bath and the only way into the house was to drag my
tired bones up through the upstairs window (removing
and dropping muddy trainers whilst perched on the
window sill) and backward roll onto the bed.

Phil.