Travelled up from Eastbourne to Sawtry, near Cambridge last Saturday morning. Forgot to pick up directions to Race HQ and Hotel, that I'd printed off that morning. Managed to arrive in the correct place and with plenty of time to spare. With my time keeping and directional skills that was a miracle. Anyway why the need to arrive on time? I'd planned to meet fellow Science in Sport team mate Helen Carter and some of the ladies (and guys) Helen coaches from a3crg. The plan being to check out the course. After a back and leg loosening spin, checked into 'home for the night'.
The rest of the afternoon was spent changing brake blocks over and adjusting brakes to make room for the borrowed Zipp Sub 9 Disc (again). Quick check and adjustment of gears required. Very proud that I managed to do this, without a call for help to my boyfriend. Although I can do these sort of bike things myself, Simon does this for a job and is much more efficient. Double check of race kit. I'd purchased some new pink bike mitts from The Tri Store the day before, for the occasion. Do not quite match my kit! But were a must.
Celebrated my new found confidence in brake and gear adjustments with coffee. However, spoiled by the fact I had two journals to read. I said work was getting in the way.
Race morning. Managed to come out of hotel and turn onto A14, not A1. Prime example of my lack of navigational skills. Realised 15 minutes up the road. Therefore, arrived late and flustered. Shorter than I like turbo warm up and spin to start. Customary last minute wee required. Then the off.
Rode well, catching riders ahead and not being caught. Good ride in my mind. Wasn't riding to power (Normally use a PowerTap hub, but as using disc wheel unable to). Had heart rate for feedback, but mainly went off perceived exertion like at the National 10. Feeling strong. As a triathlete, normally riding Time Trials for training, fresh legs racing is a strange sensation. I'd say all was going well, on route to new PB. Until.... Punctured tub on disc wheel on the entry to the Sawtry North roundabout, about 2.5 miles from the finish. So slowed a little to check okay to carry on. Lost focus. Just kept thinking Simon (Boyfriend) will kill me if i damage the disc. Rode like a Granny on an upright around the corners and had to shift my weight to the front of the bike. As the Finish got closer, the bumps I was feeling from the disc wheel got more predominant. Dilemma, do I pull out or carry on. I'm stubborn. Carried on. At the risk of being killed later. Finished 1:04:43. Just 3 seconds outside of PB. Puncture aside feel I rode well. I didn't start off too hard in my usual way, and built up throughout 25 miles. I quote my friend Martyn " Pace and Patience"!
Journey home, was joined by friend and swim coach Jeanne. Made the journey home seem much quicker. Despite missing junction off M25, and taking the scenic route cross country via East Grinstead home! There's a common theme to my driving!
The rest of the week has been work and some light training. Ran steady for the first time this morning, in what seems like ages due to focusing on cycling for 3 weeks. It's a good feeling to be running again.
Finally paid my entry fee for World Long Course Championships. £160 to British Triathlon. Not happy about having to pay a management fee, due to the lack of support we 'self sufficient, non Nirvana' athletes receive.
On a happier note. A package arrived from Zoot sports today. Will post some pictures of my new goodies soon!!!
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