End of crash week and National 100 Mile Time Trial

Last Thursday was my last hard day of training. I think by the end of Thursday morning the lady that lives in the flat above must have thought I was going mad as I did a multiple brick session. 5km run, 20km bike, 5km run, 40km bike, 3km run. Really love this type of session. Maintaining the intensity thought out the session, without the mental fatigue that might occur otherwise. Gives me confidence that I might do okay in some duathlons, which I'd like to dip my toes into next year. Long pool swim in the evening rounded off my training week.

Friday as rest day - travelled to Stroud and stayed the night at one of Simon's school friends - Rachel and her two children. They were kind enough to let us crash on their floor to break up the journey to Llandovery, Wales. Venue of the National 100 Mile Time Trial.

In Llandovery we had booked a cute bed and breakfast, which was also a lovely coffee shop, to stay at.
http://www.penygawse.com/
Lynne and Allan the owner's were fantastic, even getting up early on Sunday morning to provide us with breakfast. Not just cereals and toast, but go faster for longer, scrambled eggs.

Feeling full, head off 1/2 mile down the road to race HQ. Simon also racing but starting almost 90 minutes after me, so had someone to organise me.

Race report - Race to my wattage plan. Very tough rolling course, some long drags and some steep sections also. But very Pretty! Had a very embarrassing moment at 60 miles in. Had hidden some bottles at the exit of a lay by. Car belonging to David Collard Berry of A3crg was parked right in front. Slowed down, but but not enough. Back wheel slid on some loose stone and I landed on my right lower back and bum, Ouchh! Moments of flustering. Made DCB's day i think as he had to rescue a lady in distress - pick me up, sort out my brakes and put me back on my bike. Shouts out to the A3crg ladies (and men) out in force supporting their riders and anyone else that happened to pass. Enjoyed the last 25 the most. At this point being passed by the really fast men - Prebble and the likes. Also had stuck with my wattage plan, and something left to pick up the pace in the last 25 miles and gave it my all. Finished in 9th place 4:43:53. Beat my previous PB by almost 1 minute, on a much tougher course, after a heavy training week. Pleased. Simon also had a good ride PB beaten by 51 seconds for a 4:22:08.

Now looking for a flat 100mile TT, to really compare my previous 100 mile Time to !!!

This weeks been a recovery week, good job as my right hip, both knees and left elbow are all very bruised and tender. Not quite sure how I landed to sustain that pattern of bruises.

Very excited as I've received the new Zoot 2009 Catalogue and been told to put together my wish list!! I'd recommend anyone looking for new training or racing kit takes at look at their products. Great fabrics, innovations, colours and styling. Very excited!! It' like putting your christmas list together!