The last race of 2009

The Whinberry Naze Dash held on December 26th in Rossendale was the last race of 2009 and 140 people turned up to run in the snow.. the 4 mile fell race was pretty much 2 miles up and 2 miles down and a large amount of people did the event in fancy dress.. I hadn't realised that was the preferred code and felt like scrooge in normal attire..

Straight up a steep ice covered tarmac lane for the first half mile and the juniors all took off like hares, only to go backwards from that point onwards! I was climbing well and in third place at the summit, I didn't let the fact that a green elf was leading dampen my spirits..

Round the trig point and Santa (the real one) handed me a tube of smarties, as I started the descent I lost a place and dropped to 4th as I fumbled with my zip pocket, trying to get the smarties into a safe place. Running back down I was trying as hard as I could not to give up any more places and as I reached terminal velocity the 118 man came past clinging onto his wig..

This did not dint my confidence as the 118 man is very fast downhill so I continued to let loose through the snow with no thought for personal safety.. suddenly.. I slipped and 'BANG' i'm down.. the pressure of impact blew the lid off my smarties and they exploded into the snow..

Get up.. get up!!! (voice in my head).. I'm on my feet and just about to start running when the Green Cross Code Man roars past.. for some reason I feel as though I have to look both ways before starting off again.. this loses another place!!

Onto the road and the icy descent to the finish.. I come home in 9th.. having lost 6 places on the way down, but I'm happy with the run and a fantastic way to see out the year. As I watch the fancy dress runners complete, one young chap finishes wearing only a leather thong and fell shoes.. he turns his back to me and exhausted, bends over to put his hands on his knees.. that totally ruined my day and potentially scarred me for life..

Here endeth theenduranceblog

Sometimes it feels like I'm flying..

Some days it really does feel as though I'm flying.. hills are no challenge, I'm breathing comfortably and covering the ground at a gallop. When you have spring in your stride and things feel effortless it the greatest feeling ever.. those days when everything seems to come together, the planets are in alignment and your bio-rhythms collide to make things perfect. Unfortunately those days are few and far between and generally the next day feels totally different.. I can't understand it, I wish I could bottle it and I certainly can't guarantee or even predict it!!

Make sure when you get it.. you enjoy it.. don't dismiss it.. appreciate it, could you never know when you'll next get it and you may spend the next month or two trying to find it again. On Saturday.. I had it, by Tuesday it had gone.. but it'll be back, I'm just not sure when.. for now I'll just keep going out and doing my thing, enjoying the scenery, taking silly photos and waiting for the next day when I feel like i'm flying..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Wanna buy a letter 'S'?

Sesame Street is currently celebrating it's 40th birthday. We all remember the various characters that were part of our childhood but did you know that Sesame Street was developed by some of the greatest educational psychologists of that time? It was an experiment which studies how children learn and incredible time and resources were applied to making each series.

Children were studied and eye patterns were mapped.. were they watching the word which was appearing letter by letter or were they too busy watching 'oscar the grouch'?

It was this intricate detail which made the programme so popular and captivated children around the world. You may think that sesame street has nothing at all to do with triathlon training.. you'd be right, but I haven't been thinking about much recently..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

It's a dogs life..

I'm really enjoying being lazy in Autumn.. don't get me wrong.. I'm training but I'm doing what I want to do rather than what I 'have' to do on the other 9 months of the year.. Fantastic running in the Dales and Lakes at this time of year, colours are incredible and just being out there is great.. but inevitably.. I've already started thinking about next year..

The topic of Ironman came up again, I had swore that I wouldn't but I'm tempted. I checked the websites and made sure that my credit card was well hidden beforehand.. the usual argument started in my head.. "it's nearly full.. you'd better enter.." "But I don't want to do it, why would I enter..?" Because it's nearly full stupid..! Get your card.."

I managed to restrain myself.. but Bolton is no yet open and that's home roads..

I did toy with the thought of doing another marathon but I don't know if I can take the mileage! I've only done one which followed yet another 'spur of the credit card moment' booking a trip to chicago a few years ago.. as that was my only real marathon then the 2 hours 36 minutes clocking stands as my pb.. perhaps time to knock that down a bit but I'd need to pick a nice trip..

A friend of mine did 5 marathons this year for charity, he ran Barcelona, London, San Fransisco, Berlin and this weekend runs NY to finish the adventure.. what a great year which has seen his pb tumble from 4:50 ish to 3:40 ish.. now that's improvement, take a look: http://www.fivemarathons.com/

For now myself and Sadie the 105 year old wonder dog are happy with another coffee.. the radiator is on and it's raining outsite.. let's crack open the hob nobs and go wild..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Cream Crackered..

Great weekend in Yorkshire Dales, Saturday was a long run over Whernside and Ingleborough and Sunday a horrendous ride for 4 hours in rain and wind.. on my return I had to sit in the base of the shower for 20 minutes as I really couldn't face standing.. The weather was a bit rough to say the least but when the rain did cease the autumn colours made it all worth while and my thoughts turned inevitably to Basecamps..

In recent years we have encountered a few 'adventures' during Basecamp weekends, mainly involving big hills, snow drifts (and snowball fights), tough routes, long days and all generally followed by large amounts of food.. Things which particularly stick in my mind are Brian Mullan (Man Tri) setting the all comers record for 3 jacobs crackers which still stands today at 1 minute and 13 seconds.. I have to say, the video footage is hilarious.. pure concentration..

Perhaps the best thing about Basecamp is the cameraderie and the social phenomenon which occurs when a group of triathletes descend on Ambleside with 3 specific goals: 1) to train hard 2) to experience great countryside 3) to eat, drink and be merry.. I think that those 3 things combine to make the best weekend you could possibly ever experience.. at least in my mind they do.. but i'm biased

See you at Basecamp

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Winter is approaching..

Is it me or has it suddenly got bloody cold! I'd like to think that my body fat is slightly lowered leading to less insulation but I feel that's unlikely and perhaps the temperature has dropped a few notches.. doesn't help when the boiler breaks down! So.. training for winter.. what to do.. well I'm just back into running and cycling after my argument with a bridleway and already looking forwards to a few winter rides in'th lakes and dales not to mention the lancashire countryside.

Digging into the back bedroom boxes, trying to find mudguards, overshoes.. (found one so far, other must be down back of the shelving), lights.. batteries not great in back one.. not surprising, it's accidentally been flashing since March.. goretex socks which seem to have stretched beyond belief since waching them on hot temperature now don't fit unless I've been on a plane for 43 days.. I'll hang 'em on the fire place at christmas, I could fit 4 tangerines and a bag of wallnuts in them easily..

I found my essential mittens.. gloves are useless, the cold air gets between your fingers but mittens are great. Only problem is I can't pull my brakes.. but my hands are warm when I ride into walls and other obstructions put in my way..

The trusty fixed wheel which it's various creaks and squeeks which somehow appear harmonised has been removed from the shed and once again Sundays will revolve around cafes, coffee and whatever cake is on offer.. see you out there!

Here endeth theenduranceblog

I love fig rolls..

I do.. and I'm not too proud to admit it. Although, I have noticed that the actual taste of fig rolls varies depending upon what I have been doing beforehand. For example, If i'm sitting and watching television before eating one they never seem to taste as nice as they do following a long mountain run or bike. I've just got back, just eaten half a packet.. and they have prompted me to write this blog.

The answer to this quandry is pretty simple, when you do something which is difficult and causes suffering, pain or exposure to cold, wet and miserable weather, it heightens the experience of things as simple as a cup of tea, a warm fire, an embrace and of course.. a fig roll. Exercise reminds us of how it feels to be 'outside' our comfort zone and for that reason we appreciate our comfort zone considerably more (usually when we return to a warm house and close the door behind us).

Appreciating your comfort zone is very important, once you stop appreciating your comfort zone, you stop appreciating all those simple joys (such as fig rolls), many of which we are lucky to have and to some extent we take for granted every day.

I love fig rolls..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Someone pick me up please..

So only 3 weeks after the dreaded crash I've just been out for a 15 minute jog.. oh my lord the back and ribs were not happy.. but how good it felt to be out. It wasn't a training session as such but it was cold, clear and dark and the air smelt pretty fresh and it's times like these which make it clear just why we exercise.. how good it felt. I consider myself pretty lucky to be back so quick and I'm looking forwards to getting back on't hills.

The shoulder may be another matter and it could be several months before I can swim again (not sure I actually ever could swim). If I'm being honest.. keep this to yourself but I don't like swimming anyway.. staring at tiles and chlorinating myself never appealed so given the option, swimming would be the one out of the 3 which I would choose to break from.

Looking forwards to the winter months and some long social rides, long fell runs, cross country and cafe stops.. cold clear days, there really is nothing quite like it.. see you out there!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

It's a fine balance

It's a fine balance indeed, sometimes you feel as though you are running like a whippet and riding like wiggins and the next thing you know it's all taken away..

I'm riding down a relatively tame bridleway in West Yorkshire being 'careful' as Helvellyn triathlon is only 7 days away and by my own standards.. I'm on form. My swimming, cycling and running are stronger than the year previous and to add a little extra zip I've lost 3kg from my already light frame to help deal with the hills.. things couldn't be better.

Then.. I hit something.. I'm up in the air, I fly heels over head (if i'm being precise) and find myself unable to move or see on the floor.. 45 minutes later I'm on gas and air as I'm lifted into the helicopter to be airlifted to the local hospital.. this wasn't part of the taper plan

Shoulder has dislocated but fortunately my suspected broken pelvis is in fact muscle damage and a rather irate sacro illiac joint.. My initial reaction is devastation as my 'Helvellyn triathlon world' collapses in.. but this is soon followed by.. get a bloody grip.. it's a race and you can still walk.. lets put things in prespective.. at least I can marshal!

So a painful lesson to end the year but realistically it has been a very good year for me and my disappointment at not being able to compete this weekend should not over shadow this.. roll on 2010!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

45.. gusting to 55 mph

That was the forecast but it never seems that bad in the car park.. looking up into the mountains we actually couldn't see anywhere close to the Helvellyn Summit.. it was clear from the start that there would be poor visibility (pardon the pun).

As we got to Swirrel Edge we were still sheltered from the strong Westerly winds and it wasn't until we went onto the top that we were blasted with the full force. We headed North to lower man.. "keep the drop on your right or you'll miss the path"..

we'd ran 300m and I shouted against the noise of the wind.. "You've missed it already!!" we corrected our course but visibility was 20 yards at best, the rocky drop off lower man is always reassuring then the horrible drag up Whiteside.. wind now so strong that I'm leaning at almost 45 degrees.

Off lower man and start the zig zag descent, we are now on the East of the ridge and suddenly silence and respite.. it's a different day.. the temperature starts to rise again and we run steadily out past the youth hostel down the long alpine like valley chatting as we go..

We'll all be back again in 3 weeks time to battle it out on the mountain, dragging our aching and burning limbs over the rocky ground and no doubt taking a few tired tumbles on the loose descents.. I think we're ready..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Sit thee doon and put it in'th big chonker...

Did a 25 mile TT at the weekend in Cumbria, good ride I thought until I saw the winners time of 50:49 and that I didn't even make the top 20 with my 58:20.. More to my amazement was the size of the chainring on the bike owned by the chap next to us in the car park. Basically if he cornered too far right his chain would hit the ground, must have been 65-70 teeth!! Interesting that a similar chain ring was chosen by last year's British Best All Rounder competition, Lance's high cadence obviously not the only option for success.

Pure moment of comedy a few weeks back when riding up a steep hill somewhere near Blackburn with a friend, as we passed some old bloke in a flat cap, smoking a cigarette he looked in disgust at the small chain ring I had chosen and shouted..

"Sit thee doon and put it in'th big chonker.."

We laughed so hard we nearly fell off our bikes..

Here endeth theenduranceblog.

Living the dream...

Perhaps one of the great things about triathlon is that you get the opportunity to compete for your country no matter what your age.. Last weekend coach Paul competed in the European Tri Champs as an age group athlete.. here is his story..


Last weekend I got chance to live the dream as a pro triathlete. I tried once before to qualify but didn’t make it finally I qualified to race in Holten, Holland at the European champs and wow! What an experience.

At first I was a bit down about my finishing time, I was hoping to go a bit faster. But when I look at it and think top 20 in my age group in Europe and sixth Brit home in my age group that’s not bad for a first attempt.

I struggled in the swim without the wetsuit having legs like lead, but it made you feel like you were actually racing elite and the dive in half way through was mega and best of all my swim cap and goggles stayed in place. Quick transition without the wetsuit and on to the bike, great bike course, closed roads and although narrow at some places I didn’t get stuck behind anyone but I was nearly taken out at one point by a crazy German dude racing past at 100 mph. Oh and I did do a bit of grass tracking when I took my eye of what I was doing for a second, good job there were no kerbs.

Into T2 and off on the run where I again struggled with the temperature, for some reason the heat seems to really effect me on the run and although tried as hard as I could I just seemed to lose all strength in my legs. The run course itself was great bringing you back into the town on every loop through crowds of partying locals and loads of GB athletes who had all stopped after their earlier races to cheer on the remaining athletes, plus my brother and sister in law who had flown over from the UK for the day to watch the race, a big thanks to them for their support. Water stations where plentiful with even some extra ones where the local families had set up their own station and hose pipes for cooling us down

All in all racing doesn’t get much better living the dream being a pro athlete for the weekend, great race, outstanding organisation superb hotel and country and finally not forgetting two trusty team mates to show me the ropes. Cheers Guys!

Bring on the next GB race I’m hooked now..


*I have to say Paul.. the photo does remind me of 'chips' aka California Highway Patrol (showing my age), but I can't help feeling that if you'd eated less of them you would have finished even higher up the field.. Well done pal! (ml)


Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Everybody.. needs somebody

Due to work commitments and coaching duties I rarely get to train with the club any more and spend most of my time training alone. Swimming has never been a personal strength and I have to admit that staring at the tiles can often lead to me leaving the water after 2000m have been completed.. I just can't take anymore. Needless to say, swimming has suffered somewhat but this week I joined the guys at COLT (City of Lancaster Tri) for a couple of sessions and as I hadn't swam with a group for some time it made me realise just how much easier it is as 3000m cruised by without any thought.

There has to be some sort of social element to training, if not, the end result will surely be burnout and failure to complete the schedule.. as I'm working up that way frequently and they were such a welcoming bunch, I'll definitely be swimming there again!

If you swim alone.. why not make an effort to find a local tri club session and do this once per week.. without any doubt you will feel the benefits!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Never happy..

So I did the Chester triathlon Sunday and finished 3rd overall behind Roger Wilkins and Martin Cain. Both are flying at the moment and as they are both cracking guys I don't think I could have been happier having never finished that high up in the event. However.. as soon as I saw the results I wasn't happy.. the swim could have been a minute quicker, I think I can go 2 minutes faster on the bike when on form and the run could be 1-2 minutes quicker.. and there lies the problem.. I'm never happy.

It should work along the following lines.. I dedicate hours of my life to training and sacrifice a great deal of pain and sweat, I finish a race in the highest position I've ever managed and this is followed by unrivalled satisfaction which makes all the effort worth while.. not so.

I've coached several people to Ironman pbs and their response when I speak to them after the event? I can go much quicker.. I think the bike was too slow.. etc. If you dedicate a large amount of time to training, at some point it is balanced by the satisfaction of performance.. otherwise how long can motivation last?

In the tri world where all your peers are doing the same as you, it's easy to lose touch with normality and realise that what we all do is something special and a sense of achievement and satisfaction should be the reward after every event. If you think that your Ironman time is nothing to brag about.. you're spending too much time with triathletes and not enough time with normal people!! When you hit a target, enjoy it.. rather than instantly brushing it aside and not even recognising it's existence!

Anyway.. I still think I can find 4 minutes next year.. but I'll just relax for a minute today and enjoy yesterday's result.

Thanks to the guys at Chester Tri for yet another exceptional NW Olympic championships, next stop Boundary Breeze - NW Sprint organised by Manchester Tri.. another great race!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Focus Daniel son..

I remember someone telling me about oxford and cambridge competing in the boat race a few years back.. I have no idea who were the favourites but I remember that the underdogs set out to row as close to the favourites as possible and clash oars.. they did this within the first mile and repeatedly continued.. as a result the favourites lost focus and lost the race.

It's interesting that both teams clashed oars yet one lost the plot and the other went on to win.. the reason for this is that for one team is was their game plan, so their race went to plan and they remained focused on their own actions. For the losers (who were the favourites), they did not expect this at all and they spent most of the time focused on what the other team were doing..

This is a perfect example of open water swimming success.. if people bump into you and you switch your attention to them.. or the choppy water, or any one of the other swimmers.. you are not focusing on yoruself! Block everyone else out and focus internally.. pick 2 things which you need to do well.. keep your head down and keep your body long. Focus internally on those 2 things and ignore your surroundings..

Research has shown that elite athletes tend to focus internally rather than externally and we can all learn something from that!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Oop North..

There are some bloody fantastic races up here in Lancashire, just got back from Rossendale Sprint race which is just like triathlon used to be.. £25 to enter, no frills and £1 for pie and peas at the finish.. I've competed in triathlon for 19 years and the changes are incredible, some for better and some for worse but on the whole who cares if more people are triing!

If you fancy a bit of Lancashire racing there are some great events which include Horwich, Brinscall and Rossendale, and more recently.. IMUK who I hear are giving out branded flat caps in the goodie bags.

The NW in general is a great place for racing and in addition to the Cumbrian monster races such as Helvellyn and Coniston Old Man, there are some great club races.. Chester Olympic organised by Chester Tri and Boundary Breeze organised by Manchester Tri are perhaps the best established and amazingly well organised and supported by club members. Everyone tends to know everyone and club members are friendly right across the board towards their local neighbourhood rivals, just how sport should be.

Pie and peas have just settled as I write this.. Chester in 2 weeks and then on to Boundary Breeze.. everything leads to Helvellyn! The summer lies ahead and is structured around these landmarks!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Kids.. god love em..

Good couple of weeks for me, did the Keswick Mountain Festival Triathlon and managed to lead off the bike and hold on for the 5 mile fell run to secure the win. Nice way to start the year and a good confidence boost when I thought that I had been going pretty poor for the early season.. As with everyone else.. too much work, not enough time to train.. blah blah.

Recently been doing some work with kids in local primary schools. Organising a project which involves a childrens triathlon in July and linked with that we are visiting local primary schools over a 5 week period and delivering sessions to help them prepare. British Tri (Rob Bishop - NW Development Officer) have been great and British Cycling are providing the bikes which has been a bonus.

Last week we had transition relays which involved kids running to the end of the sports hall and putting on shoes and socks to deafening screams of team mates. The transitions were far from slick but nevertheless they thought it was the best thing ever and they are now hooked on triathlon! A race involving changing socks! That'll do for us!

So hopefully we can promote health in the schools through the medium of 'swim bike run' (or at least that's the plan).. perhaps the most amazing of all, year 5 were still wearing black plimsolls with elastic tops.. how old are they? I thought they would be long gone!! Now they were fast.. and ideal for quick transitions.. You thinking what i'm thinking..?

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

I bet Linford was good at open water swimming..

Open water swim training is now well under way at Rock and Rive and whilst coaching this week I had some thoughts that i felt compelled to share..

I’d put money on the fact that at some point in your triathlon life you have walked through public changing rooms in the swimming pool, hoping that the pool is empty and you can get the space by the wall to swim uninterrupted up and down the pool.. lane ropes are great.. no idiots getting in your way.. and then you move from that environment to open water...

One of the key things to successful open water swimming is being comfortable in close proximity to others, remember the old Linford Christie technique of tunnel vision? Simply refers to focusing internally on yourself and not focusing on what’s going on around you.. In open water events most people think too much about what’s going on around them... who’s bumping into them.. who is too close.. and if you are thinking about them.. you aren’t thinking about yourself.. the head start lifting and you start to panic.

When you begin your open water swimming this year, change your mental focus and think about your stroke and your breathing (especially exhaling) and ignore others.. Tunnel Vision.. it’s the future.. and there is light at the end of it!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Early season racing

First race of the year out of the way and a lot to learn.. question asked only today.. at the age of 44, is there any point me trying to get better? Am I really going to get any faster?

Myself, I'm still trying to get faster, still exploring new ways to save time, just how long this enthusiasm will last.. I'm not sure. But if you are losing focus, how can you continue to drive yourself fowards? Well, its a cliche but set some specific goals.. entering races are not sufficient. In addition to entering your race, set some specifics regarding to times you want to achieve, the next step is to work out how you will achieve those times. Analyse your swim/bike/run, everything from cornering to hill climbing, aerodynamics to pedal technique and work out where your weaknesses are and put together a personal development plan. Once you have done this.. commit to it and put the plan into action, take all necessary steps to complete the action plan.

Every race is an opportunity to do something new and an opportunity to review and learn from your mistakes and experiences. Don't just slip into the same routine each race and produce the same results.. a little thought goes a long long way.

There is no such thing as 'I can't improve'.. just depends whether you want to or not. Start today.. success guaranteed!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Another winter basecamp season closes...

Special correspondent coach Paul wrote..

Final Basecamp of the winter period and this time there was no snow, well.. just a little at the top of the Farefield Horseshoe. This camp was a little different than all the rest being for both triathletes and cyclo sportive riders a new idea has begun and it could be big. Saturday was the first of the big rides and everyone set off together on a cool misty morning, temperatures soon began to rise though as we all climbed Kirkstone pass, out of the mist and into the sunshine and the groups began to split to all there different levels. First stop Keswick and a much needed refuel at a very nice café, it was then decision time do we complete the full ride and head over Honister and Newlands passes or take the direct route back to Basecamp.

All the cyclists and most of the triathletes headed off on the long route whilst I decided to head back to Basecamp with the Endurance coach to prepare the evening swim session. Little was I to know that this decision was going to lead to a race up and then back down the struggle.. the legs where burning and the lungs bursting but sat at the top of Kirkstone drinking orange juice outside the pub in the sun, was one of the highlights of the year so far..

(It should be noted at this point that whilst coach Paul rode a carbon Giant road bike, endurance coach was in fact on a mountain bike! Just in case coach paul starts spreading rumours of how he kicked endurance coach's ar*e!! Not so on the race down.. smart boy! - Editor)

Day two and the groups go there different ways, cyclists off to ride Whinlatter followed by the mighty Hardknott and Wrynose passes and Triathletes off to run the ten mile Fairfield Horseshoe. A great run with spectacular views of Ambleside, Rydal water and Grasmere. Even a spectacular fall in front of everyone couldn’t spoil the day, although as I walked back up to meet the rebel group (you know who you are) the blood had started to dry and I wasn’t looking forward to taking the compression tights off.. The cyclists arrived back at Basecamp some eight hours later, tired hungry but all with a sense of achievement at completing all the Lakeland passes in one weekend. A great bunch of people, good weather, the stunning Lake District scenery and awesome training, it doesn’t get much better.

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Give me a break..

Spent the whole of last week in Lanzarote sunshine training hard with the training trips.net group and had a fantastic time. I was amazed how well my body held up to the training with an average of 5-7 hours every day.. one thing which it really emphasised was how much more you can do when you are not at work and this sparked 2 thoughts in my mind:

1. You can never compare yourself with pro athletes who only have to think about getting up and riding their bike or going to the pool, for the first time in 6 months I found myself with 30 minutes completely free for a stretch session.. Working people can never imitate pro training volumes and should never try!

2. Training is not the only thing which places stress on your body, by removing work and all other stresses I was able to deal with a lot more training and age group athletes need to take into consideration that family, work and personal pressures all mount up and have a huge impact on your energy levels. Exercise is one form of stress and there are many more.. excessive work and stress can lead to immune disorders which mirror those of overtraining syndrome..

You have 2 options.. either pack in work (which probably isn't possible) or give yourself a break and make sure you set realistic targets! Me.. i'd settle for another week in Lanza.

Here endeth the enduranceblog..

Blowing away the cobwebs..

The first time trial of the year was the circuit of Pendle, only 30 minute drive from home and a great course with some tough hills. Ashurst Bike Club had a decent team considering we are all triathlon competitors and finishing second behind Lancs Road Club was a great start to the season. Time trialling is an odd sport.. it's the only cycling discipline which seems to be dwindling in what is undoubtedly a cycling boom.. the majority of riders are a little older, as are the customs of tea and cakes in the village hall to follow. There is of course something about the yesteryear.. lack of razzmatazz.. low cost events which appeals greatly and it baffles me why more people don't attend. I decided not to shave the legs.. a little early perhaps and also a little cold, the ride was ok, steady all the way just to try out the time trial bike and a good start to the year. I heard on the news that this is going to be a very cold spring and temperatures will struggle to rise, this is not good news when the first event is Keswick triathlon and Derwentwater only just rises above zero in July! No bother.. off to Lanza tomorrow for a week of sunshine and a battery recharge, return for the circuit of Ingleborough time trial on March 14th! Bring on the season! p.s. www.rttc.org.uk come over to the dark side..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Season is here..

My god.. where did the winter go? I have a time trial next weekend round Pendle Hill and then it's the NW Duathlon Championships at Parbold nr Wigan.. 3 time up the hill! Today I booked the lake for our weekly openwater swim sessions near Wigan and hesitated when I spoke to the owners over the phone.. "6th May.. are you sure you want to swim openwater so early?".. err.. hang on... (calendar check).. yep.. let's start on the 6th May, that gives us 2 swims before the Keswick Tri in Derwent Water which is generally hovering just above freezing in July!! So it's booked and we start open water training in 10 weeks.. of course, it's not all cold, there is the trip to Lanza in a couple of weeks just to top up on the tan.. ah well.. better shave the legs then :)

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Yet another basecamp..

Yet aother basecamp and yet again it snowed.. snow seems to follow me wherever I go this winter and looking at my blog pictures you may well think that they were taken on the same day but honestly not, ask the dog. Weather was absolutely great for riding Saturday and then huge snow drifts on Sunday which triggered some kind of regression in maturity as all the adults sledged on their a**es most of the way down the hill.. I, of course, ran and consulted my HR monitor to check the zone.. From every camp there is always a lesson and this is it: If you are going to start a snowball fight you should first ensure that you are on higher ground and with a following wind.. it is far easier to launch a successful assault from this position.

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Another year over and a new one just begun..

Happy new year and I hope that you missed the dreaded lurgy over the festive period. So another year over, another year older and depending upon which side of 30 you are, you may be thinking that you are getting faster or getting slower as the years tick by! Some interesting thoughts regarding age and performance.. being a keen time trial cyclist, i have taken several beating by guys aged close to 60 and recall not too long ago Roger Iddles being the first man to break 20 minutes for 10 miles.. aged 61 (that's over 30mph average..). Take a look at the British Best All Rounder TT competition, dominated by vets.. now I know that TT events are generally ridden by older gentlemen (sorry chaps) but let's not take away credit for how fast they go. By comparison, as a keen runner, I have never been beaten by a 60 year old.. never close. So why in cycling and not running? Maybe as tendons lose elasticity we lose bounce which is more important for run than cycle performance and I have noticed that older runners are a little flatter of foot and less 'springy'. Vo2 max decreases with age and as both cycling and running are 'aerobic' sports you would think that age influences both at the same rate. I have also noticed that older cyclists push large gears, this has been shown to result in lower oxygen consumption and HR which may offset the drop in aerobic efficiency. I have no real answer and I am in fact rambling.. however, it does feel good to be beaten by a vet60, a kind of reassurance that things don't go downhill as rapidly as everyone would have you think.. ride on and ride long!

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

(picture taken on Altura MTB trail at Whinlatter Forest with coach Paul and roadman Steve Burnett, above the clouds during temperature inversion..)