So I didn't deliver on a promise - a race report on Leeds.
In short - I swam really well (21:39), I cycled very fast (2nd fastest bike split across entire field - 57:06) and I ran really well "technically" a 10km PB (35:51 and 4th fastest in AG).
I came out the swim knowing I had swam well, so I told myself GAME ON. After the first dead turn on the bike I knew I was about 7th and by the end of the 1st lap I was 2nd overall in my wave. I knew I was gaining on first but also knew I wouldn't catch them by the end of the bike. After getting off the bike in 2nd (convinced the chap in front was in the AG below) I told myself I was 1st and I wasn't letting anyone go past me.
The run was very very lonely, the 1st km was "slow" uphill and out of Roundhay park, the next 5km was fast, 17:22 to be exact I knew at this point I had to stay strong for 3km as only "elite" runners were really going to put time into me through that 5km. The last 3km is around Leeds, there were some crowds but nothing like whats on TV for when the Pro's race later that day. I had one big cheer of a fellow chasers mother this really got me going as it felt like the best replacement possible for not having my own mother there. With 1km to go I knew I was 2nd in the wave, still convinced I could be 1st in AG I pushed all the way to the line.
Result confirmed after talking to the chap after crossing the line I was 2nd. A little disappointed at first (I like to win) but then I had to pinch myself. When Mike and I first took on the London Olympic triathlon in 2017 I would never have expected to stand on a podium at the British AG Champs within 24 months. In fact sod 24 months, I would have never thought it was possible full stop.
The only picture from my race in Leeds - Poor camera action from the organisers.
Showing off my medal's from Leeds Standard Distance British Age Group Champs
So in October last year I set out my triathlon goals. Only those super close to me know them, in fact I think only Tim and I know all of them. One of those goals I will share is to jump up the ranks in my AG in a full IRONMAN. As a reminder to date my previous two results are; Wales 2017 442nd overall 55th in AG, Wales 2018 108th overall and 15th in AG.
Now as some of you will know IRONMAN Nice was my chosen race originally, but after a small admin error (not entering before it sold out) IRONMAN UK Bolton was selected - it turns out that picking Bolton has been a bit of a blessing in disguise as the race in Nice was stuck by the recent hot weather in Europe and the race was actually shortened on the bike and run. Fingers crossed Bolton stays the full distance.
So where do I start. Things have gone really well, I think even Tim is a little surprised at how things have gone and how well I have adapted to a higher training load over a longer period of time. On race day it will be the end of week 38 of the plan.
Roughly speaking the plan was from Oct-Feb 10-12 hours a week, made up of 3 swims, 2/3 bikes, 4/5 runs and 2 strength/S&C sessions. From March time the volume started to build and from mid May to end of June I have put together 16-20hr training weeks consecutively roughly following the same number of sessions as stated above.
In broad numbers (because I bloody love numbers) the image below shows;
- Number of completed sessions in Green
- Number of skipped/missed sessions in Red
- Roughly the number of Km's for each discipline
My Turbo whiteboard used for a very different purpose for once.
The initial focus was running and swim technique in the pool. By March time we were seeing the fruits of our hard work, I was down in the 5:30's for 400m flat out swimming and low 17mins for 5km. Two things I could only of dreamed of at this earlier stage in my triathlon career.
From March bike fitness then got added in, this has always been my strength but from April we have built it back up and my test scores have increased a smidge on previous years. All good signs.
In May I started racing, I completed the ITU Long Course world champs and a local Olympic in Cornwall (which I won), in early June I also completed the British AG champs for olympic distance as detailed at the start of this page.
So all things look good on paper. So how do I actually feel?
Right now i'm already a little overcome by the amount of support and general nice comments people have made about following my progress. I'm even convinced I have started getting a few stalkers from my AG adding me on Strava etc.... all good things but it does create this sense of expectation.
I genuinely feel ready. Ready in the sense I know Tim isn't going to ask me to do anything I haven't done in training. Ready in sense that the really key sessions over the past 6-8 weeks I have "nailed". Ready in the sense that all the equipment, food, drink and other bits I need I have tested, used multiple times and nothing is going to be left to chance. I have never been able to say that with such confidence before.
What do I think will happen on race day?
Well I haven't had the official race plan from Tim yet - I'm looking forward to our customary Brickwood Banana bread and general pre race chat early in race week.
That said, I expect to swim around 1hr, I will be prepared to sit on the bike for 6hrs and all being well the run should be done in well under 3.5hrs.
In reality, if I have a good day and everything is in my control (very rare in an IM race) - I will come out the swim near the front (by that I mean in the top 100) - Hopefully, unlike Wales I will then start making my way through the field and come off the bike near the pointy end - Finally, if I have nailed the bike (or in the words of Joe Spraggins "kept it in my pants") and the run legs I had in Spain show up - well anything is possible. I expect to still be making my way through what is left of the field on the run and who knows with no Pro's in this race the hunt is going to be even more motivating.
By no means do I think I will win Bolton or even in fact win my AG. But I certainly think I should make a drastic improvement on my 15th in AG and 108th overall in Wales is on the cards.
I have assembled quite the support crew making their way Bolton on the 14th of July. Thankfully, most of those who committed to Nice were enticed still by what the north has to offer (£1.50 Strongbow on my last visit).
My race number is 184 - Let's hope I beat that as a position. If you do intend to spend some of your Sunday tracking me please let me know as it really does motivate you when crossing timing mats on the big day.
You can also follow the race on my instagram as the feedback from Amy's takeover in Spain was great. So if you don't already follow @Triathon_Ross
Thanks for taking the time to read my waffle. See you on the flip side.
Thanks
Triathlon Ross