The Road to the European Championships 2010
Its been a long season and I have felt my enthusiasm wane in my last few outings however Kay planted a seed in my head and let it germinate - 'wouldn't it be good if we both qualified to represent Ireland at the European Championships in Athlone next year'. That was enough - I had been thinking of my winter training but suddenly there was to be an indian summer to my current season. We both entered Dublin City Triathlon as it was to be the last qualifier for the European Championships to be hosted in Athlone in 2010. The top 5 age groupers in each category would be eligible for selection. I was not at all confident about finishing in the top 5 in my age group and was hoping that most guys would have qualified at earlier events and would have already submitted a claim for selection on that basis (i.e. what counted was the top 5 guys in my age group who would put in a claim based on the Dublin event. Guys could finish ahead of me if they were not intending to use Dublin to claim their European spot). Kay was confident about finishing in the top 5 in her agegroup - no gambling for her, excepting for her claim to be Irish!!
We stayed in Dublin on the Saturday night, I had been alocated a start in wave 2 which started at 8:15 am the following morning and Kay was in wave 3 which started some 15 minutes later.
The swim was in the Liffey and as we entered the river at UCD boat club I was reminded that the last time I had been on the river was when I had rowed there some 25 years ago. Given the time that elapsed and the amount we drank in celebration after we won it was all definitely a blurred memory. The atheletes in my wave were asked to get into the river for the start and I duly lowered myself into the water. It was a lot colder that I expected and unfortunatley I let my mind think 'Gary, what the hell are you doing in the Liffey at 8 am on a Sunday morning'. It was a perfectly sane thought but one that I should not have let in, because I could not get it out again. Most of my wave stood on the pontoon and did not get in. The problem was that there was not enough room in the river to warm up. By the time the race officials had herded all the competitors into the river I was freezing. That thought (what the hell are you doing Gary)resonated loudly in my head as I swam up river on the outward leg. I just couldn't get my race head on and only started to warm to the task when I got half way down the homeward leg. I was hauled out of the water and staggered off in the general direction of transition. As I fumbled about in transition I heard one of my competitors bemoan '29 fekking minutes' Don't the Dubliners have a way with words, all I could think of in response was 'fecking european, fecking championships, my fecking arse' - not a good frame of mind I concede.
Onto the bike, not in any hope for speed, more in hope to get warmed up a bit, but bear in mind that it was still only 8:45 and drizzling in Dublin! The cycle was 5 laps of Phoenix Park. Kay and I had not had the chance to check out the course so the first lap had to be a bit cautious. I finished the first lap still feeling chilly but at the start of the second lap there was a drag up a hill that finished in an out and back flat section. I had just got onto the flat section when it finally happened: warmth, regular breathing, power, afterburner on, systems are go ... and I went slightly faster. At least I finally felt as though I was racing.
The course was quite technical and I was able to pick up positions just by keeping the gas on longer than most into corners and by taking a decent line through the corners. It was only in the second half of the cycle, when other waves joined the circuit, that I had to be more cautious to avoid other competitors. I was trying not to push it on the bike as my run off the bike has been so poor.
When I got off the bike my legs were unresponsive. I had only myself to blame as I went to the Springwell Running Club Family Fun Evening on Friday. Unfortunately I ended up running against my eldest son in a relay race. Obviously I should have let him win and took things easy citing the Dublin City Triathlon as an excuse - but you can guess what I did. My hamstrings were screaming at me when I got off the bike: no sprinting for 20 years and then resuming 2 days before a triathlon - duh! The run course was over 2 laps and a mixture of road and cross country. The cross country section of the first lap was tough, particularly as the guys from the first wave were on their second lap and seemed to be coming past like trains. I tried to gather resolve and focus on a rythym. I started to overtake some guys from my wave. By the time I got to 4k I was actually running in a reasonably fluid way for me. Off onto the second lap and I just tried to keep it going. usually it is at about 4 miles that I start to fade but I didn't have to dig too hard to find the necessary resolve and kept it going to the line.
I stood watching for Kay to finish. She was 5th woman overall and second in her agegroup - surely selection assured. Given that we started in waves I didn't have a clue what position I finished in.
Because of all the waves of competitors (I think there was 7) we were not allowed back into transition to get our kit for ages but that is my only complaint about the race. It was extremely well run and marshalled and the course was technical but first class for a city based event.
Once we finally got our car packed up we journeyed up to Groomsport to watch and help marshall at the Ireman. To be honest I was tired and didn't feel like going near the event but was glad I did. The event looked absolutely superb - a credit to Conal and the club. It was great to see the performance of club members who showed the club colours with distinction: Alison, Julian, Rodney, Ronnie, Anthony and of course William. There may have been others from the club competing who I didn't recognise or don't know but all the competitors seemed to be relishing the event and I found their spirit and efforts inspirational.
We eventually got home and after catching up with the kids and emptying the car it was straight onto the provisional results website for Dublin. Kay completed the course in 2:24:42 to come 91 overall, 5th woman overall and second in her age group. I completd the course in 2:26:34 to come 95 overall and second in my age group. So, despite my misgivings, it looks like we may both be heading for the European Championships to represent Ireland next year - now that will be one for the family album!
Monday, 31 August 2009
Friday, 14 August 2009
Lisburn Sprint Plus
It’s been a busy week for the members of the triangle triathlon club. On the 26th of July 7 members traveled to Lisburn to compete in Lisburn sprint distance triathlon and aquathlon. The triathlon was over a distance of 30 length pool swim, a 12 mile cycle and then a 3 mile run. With 4 athletes taking part in the triathlon, the first home was Bernie Gribben in a time of 1 hr 13 mins. Bernie is training hard with her sights set on qualifying for the European triathlon championships being held in Athlone next year in July and then the world championships a few months later. Next home for the triangle club was Dougy Finlay with a fantastic time of 1hr 16mins. This is Dougys’ first year in triathlon, and considering he only learnt to do the front crawl a few months ago he started of with a brilliant time for his first event in Lisburn. Setting a new personal best time was Teresa Hastings with 1 hr 27mins taking over 6 mins off her time from last year. Also taking part was John O’ Neil with a blistering time if 1 hr 28mins. John has also taking part in quite a few other events this year, shorter distance triathlons and even competed in the Irish aquathlon championships earlier this year. John has really taken to triathlon like a duck to water and will certainly be one to watch in the future.
Along side the triathlon there was also an aquathlon which consisted in swimming 8 lengths of the pool and then running 1500 meters. We had three athletes taking part in this. The youngest was Patrick O Neil taking part in the male under 10s with a time of 12min 23 sec. Like his brother john, Patrick has also taken part in loads of other events this year and is really enjoying every minute of it. Tori Hastings competing in the female under 12s finished in a time of 12 min 58 sec. While older sister Robyn Hastings taking part in the female under 14s finished with a time of 13 min 54 sec. While being reluctantly entered into the aquathlon by their mum Teresa Tori and Robyn told me that they really enjoyed the event and can’t wait to compete next year again.
Meanwhile on the 29th of July in the ski resort of l'Alpe d’Huez in france Anne Paul and Kay hack were preparing to take part in the Alpe d’Huez long distance triathlon. The event started of with a 2.2km swim in Lac du Vernay, followed with 115km cycle and then a 21km run to finish. As it turned out the swim was the easy part. The cycle had 2 monstrous climbs on it long before they even went near the slopes up to Alpe d’Huez. The climb up to Alpe d'Huez is approximately 12 mile long and regularly features in the Tour de France and its steep slopes can strike fear into the hearts of even professional cyclists like Lance Armstrong. After the cycle there was still a 21km half marathon to do at 1800 meters above sea level. All this to be done in 30 plus degree heat but both women finished strong with Anne finishing first in a time of 9 hrs 9 mins and Kay finishing in a time of 9 hrs 18 mins.
With the world’s largest triathlon being held in London last Sunday we only had 2 triangle triathletes taking part. Darren Cheevers competing in his second only triathlon decided to take on the 1 mile swim, 25mile cycle and the 6 mile run around London. He had hoped to finish the race in less than 3 hours but with having a disastrous swim and getting kicked several times during the swim he finished in a time of 3 hr 15 min. Also competing was Gabriel Muldoon. This was Gabriel’s first time racing at this distance and he finished in a blistering time of 2 hr 32mins.
Last but not least our very own club chairman Peter Jack was in Kalmar in Sweden to race in what he says is his 10th and final Ironman. In all the weeks and months leading up the event Peter has been plagued with injury after injury. But he still managed to complete the 2.5 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and the 26.2 mile run in an amazing time of 13 hrs 24 mins. Peter you continue to inspire us all and the day you retire from competing in the ironman is the day the Irish cricket team win the ashes.
Along side the triathlon there was also an aquathlon which consisted in swimming 8 lengths of the pool and then running 1500 meters. We had three athletes taking part in this. The youngest was Patrick O Neil taking part in the male under 10s with a time of 12min 23 sec. Like his brother john, Patrick has also taken part in loads of other events this year and is really enjoying every minute of it. Tori Hastings competing in the female under 12s finished in a time of 12 min 58 sec. While older sister Robyn Hastings taking part in the female under 14s finished with a time of 13 min 54 sec. While being reluctantly entered into the aquathlon by their mum Teresa Tori and Robyn told me that they really enjoyed the event and can’t wait to compete next year again.
Meanwhile on the 29th of July in the ski resort of l'Alpe d’Huez in france Anne Paul and Kay hack were preparing to take part in the Alpe d’Huez long distance triathlon. The event started of with a 2.2km swim in Lac du Vernay, followed with 115km cycle and then a 21km run to finish. As it turned out the swim was the easy part. The cycle had 2 monstrous climbs on it long before they even went near the slopes up to Alpe d’Huez. The climb up to Alpe d'Huez is approximately 12 mile long and regularly features in the Tour de France and its steep slopes can strike fear into the hearts of even professional cyclists like Lance Armstrong. After the cycle there was still a 21km half marathon to do at 1800 meters above sea level. All this to be done in 30 plus degree heat but both women finished strong with Anne finishing first in a time of 9 hrs 9 mins and Kay finishing in a time of 9 hrs 18 mins.
With the world’s largest triathlon being held in London last Sunday we only had 2 triangle triathletes taking part. Darren Cheevers competing in his second only triathlon decided to take on the 1 mile swim, 25mile cycle and the 6 mile run around London. He had hoped to finish the race in less than 3 hours but with having a disastrous swim and getting kicked several times during the swim he finished in a time of 3 hr 15 min. Also competing was Gabriel Muldoon. This was Gabriel’s first time racing at this distance and he finished in a blistering time of 2 hr 32mins.
Last but not least our very own club chairman Peter Jack was in Kalmar in Sweden to race in what he says is his 10th and final Ironman. In all the weeks and months leading up the event Peter has been plagued with injury after injury. But he still managed to complete the 2.5 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and the 26.2 mile run in an amazing time of 13 hrs 24 mins. Peter you continue to inspire us all and the day you retire from competing in the ironman is the day the Irish cricket team win the ashes.
Monday, 10 August 2009
IRON MAN-FRANCE-NICE JUNE 28TH 09
On 25th of June 09 five “want to be’s” , (along with Artie who has four ironman medals and Kevin who has one), from Magherafelt took off on a flight to Nice in France in the hope they would be IRON MEN on their return!
On the flight over you could sense the nervousness and excitement, some were reading triathlon magazines looking for last minute tips others reading papers and doing cross words. Chris and Raymond however had the pleasure of sitting with none other than Pamela Ballentine and judging from the laughter coming from the reserved seats at the front I think it was more of an enlightening experience for Pamela who was keen on meeting up with Chris in Nice, but, unfortunately for Pamela, Chris had other things planned for the weekend!
On the Friday we visited the expo and got registered. It was quite something to see the physical shape of other competitors and it started to hit home if hadn’t before the magnitude of what we were taking on. This was helped however with the arrival of John Joe Muldoon (fellow member of Triangle) who had arrived to support us all, something that cannot be underestimated in how it would keep us going.
That evening we built our bikes up, Anne (my wife) was amazed at my technical expertise when it came to my bike as DIY would not be a strong point of mine at home! Artie and Anthony were first to take their bikes out to test everything was in working order, but, as it turned out the bikes were fine, but, staying on them was a different matter, well, for Anthony any way who took a tumble trying to avoid sailing over somebody’s car bonnet. So when Anthony came back thankfully, in one piece and told us what had happened we thought, forearmed is forewarned, so Kevin and I headed out on our bikes being extra careful, feeling pretty good about ourselves but then bang, I hit a kerb from the wrong angle and crashed to the ground , not satisfied with that I brought Kevin down on top of me in front of a crowded café who tried very hard to contain their laughter. For a split second I thought “was this the end of my iron man even before I start or even worse I am responsible for ending someone else’s even if it was only Kevin?”, but I knew he would be forgiving! However not to be out done Chris and John Joe had similar falls that evening as well. So 4 out of 7 want to be iron men had fallen from the bikes before a ball was kicked so to speak. Hopefully this would not be a sign of things to come.
On Saturday nobody travelled too far saving our energy.
You could sense the nerves and anticipation of what lay ahead among everyone. It was interesting listening to what strategy the boys were going to use on Sunday except for Kevin who wasn’t sharing anything with any one but we’re used to Kevin not sharing anything with any one! While most of us had planned to hold back and hopefully make the finish line, Chris thought he would stop off and have “a wee cup of coffee” along the cycle route but I am not sure this strategy would be applied on the day.
IRON MAN SUNDAY
The big day was finally here, months of hard work would finally be put to the ultimate test. Up at 3.45am a light breakfast was had by all and then it was down to Promenade des Anglais. It was a very quiet walk although Artie was telling every one that the training had been done and we would all make it to the finish line which was reassuring from some one with Artie’s experience. As we arrived at transition everyone went to check on their bikes, as we were doing this there was a loud bang, for a second I thought it was Chris but no some unfortunate soul had blown up one of their tyres! Thankfully it was none of the Magherafelt Mafia. Wet suit on we headed down to the start which we just about made as some of the boys had a last minute toilet stop to make, won’t mention any names this time. The atmosphere was electric everyone anticipating the starters horn, then over 2,500 triathletes charged into the sea well most of them anyway, I, personally took a more casual approach, usually when you do a triathlon at home it’s the cold water that catches your breathe but no such problems here, only difficulty here was making sure you were heading in the right direction. Swimming is my weakest event and I found the first loop of the swim quite difficult not physically but mentally, I just kept thinking of all the training I had put in and the support I have had from Anne and the kids etc, if I could just get over the swim! So when I got out of the first loop and heard John Joe shouting at me to keep it going I suddenly got a new lease of life, thankfully the second loop seemed that bit easier although I felt a bit sea sick when I got out of the water but again I could hear my name being shouted, Anne, Conor, Siobhan and Cormac (Kevin’s son) were cheering me on which gave me a real lift. On hind sight, Anne, knowing how worried I was about the swim before hand said to me when I came out of the water “you’ve done the swim you’ll finish it now”, ultimately she was right, but, post event to think that I had over 13 hours to go, I can smile to myself. Slowly into transition I was thinking all the boys would be well on their way I was surprised to see Raymond looking as bad as I felt, he actually suffered worse from sea sickness than I did however as the day would go on Raymond came into his own. Once out on the bike I felt elated even more so when I looked over towards the sea and there were still swimmers in the water, it was reassuring to know I am not the slowest swimmer in an event like this. My strategy on the bike was to cycle within myself and save energy for the run. The first steep hill we had to go up was challenging and some cyclist were even walking up it which was surprising, shortly after I caught up with Raymond, we met on the cycle back and forward all day.
We wondered how every one was getting on but not sure we would catch any of the other boys , we wondered had Chris that wee cup of coffee yet! At the top of the 21km climb we saw someone spread eagled at the side of the road, bike abandoned, a little closer look revealed it was our Chris taking in a few rays of sun before moving on, a prospect Chris wasn’t that eager to embrace. So when Raymond and myself thought we had him up and running again Chris thought it was a good idea to meet some of the other competitors finding out everything apart from their inside leg measurements. Needless to say we left Chris to his socialising, I wanted to wait but Raymond was having none of it! Afraid of dehydrating I drank on a regular basis which as a side affect meant stopping quite a lot for loo visits. Up hill was tough but the views were fantastic at the top. However what you go up you must come down, this was really enjoyable if not tricky and dangerous, put it like this if you went over the edge only a parachute would suffice! Our Rodney or Roger as his friends like to call him, well me anyway, thankfully only nearly found this out to his cost as while negotiating one of these tricky hair pins, his back wheel locked and only stopped inches from the edge. A passing car wound down the window in their car and told Rodney he must have an angel in the sky, so thankfully there was no need for the sandwiches and jammy joeys or the china cups! As Raymond and I cycled to the finish together as it was all for one and one for all, BULL….! I heard someone who sounded very like Simpson shout “come on Mackers , Rinty” 112 miles of hills, hair pin bends and it was the only time I nearly fell off the bike, and, yes it was Simpson who had flown out for the day, yes, for the day. It gave us a massive lift at that time taking our minds off what lay ahead. Help from the volunteers is 2nd to none as they helped us get out onto the run. Nothing prepared me for how hard it would be to get my head round having to do a marathon after what we had just done even though you know and prepare in training as best you can. The heat was stifling reportedly 32degrees. Raymond and I started out on the run together with a run 8 minute walk 2 minute strategy sound advice we had got from veteran ironman Peter Jack. I told Raymond to go on as I could sense he was strong and I was not feeling well and slowed down hoping I would come around. The most frightening thing was on the first lap when we saw 3 competitors being treated by paramedics on the side of the road and the ambulance seemed to be going up and down that road more often than I was, certainly faster! The only thing about the marathon is because its laps you met all the other guys and realised that every one had made it this far plus we were able to encourage each other. Conal gave me a great tip to drink coke and water, this helped settle my stomach which meant I was able to concentrate on how I was going to get around this course. I adopted a new plan of 5 minute run 2 minute walk which thankfully I was able to keep up. The showers they had on the run were a life saver, I never missed one, as they kept me alert. As time went by I met each of the mafia on their last lap and this was actually quite emotional! As I congratulated each one of them it inspired me to make sure I would join them at the finish. As I made my way wearily round each lap right to the last Anne, Siobhan, Fiona, John Joe, Simpson, Conor, Cormac, Jay, Jody, Jessica, Stephanie plus boyfriend and Conal’s wife and sister were there to give a much needed lift each lap and I know ALL the boys really appreciated their support, this support can not be underestimated on the day or more importantly through weeks and months previous especially from families of all the boys you are all legends! Also amazingly there were 4 or 5 different groups of people who had stood for every lap, it felt like we knew each other and by the last lap they were out high fiveing and hugging me, unbelieveable. When I eventually hit the 40k mark there was no stopping me, the only good thing about finishing in the last hour is that they really crank up the support so coming down through the packed grand stand is something I will never forget, my son Conor was waiting half way down, we ran slowly through the finish line together 15 HOURS AND 10 MINUTES 59 SECONDS LATER!!!! Worth every minute or should that be penny!
A big congratulations to all 8 triangle members, you did the club proud, but a special mention to the magnificent Magherafelt Mafia 7, a great achievement from one town.
A big thank you to all those who gave us advice, coaching and support through the months of the hard slog that is iron man training.
REGARDS
Paul Mc Erlain
On the flight over you could sense the nervousness and excitement, some were reading triathlon magazines looking for last minute tips others reading papers and doing cross words. Chris and Raymond however had the pleasure of sitting with none other than Pamela Ballentine and judging from the laughter coming from the reserved seats at the front I think it was more of an enlightening experience for Pamela who was keen on meeting up with Chris in Nice, but, unfortunately for Pamela, Chris had other things planned for the weekend!
On the Friday we visited the expo and got registered. It was quite something to see the physical shape of other competitors and it started to hit home if hadn’t before the magnitude of what we were taking on. This was helped however with the arrival of John Joe Muldoon (fellow member of Triangle) who had arrived to support us all, something that cannot be underestimated in how it would keep us going.
That evening we built our bikes up, Anne (my wife) was amazed at my technical expertise when it came to my bike as DIY would not be a strong point of mine at home! Artie and Anthony were first to take their bikes out to test everything was in working order, but, as it turned out the bikes were fine, but, staying on them was a different matter, well, for Anthony any way who took a tumble trying to avoid sailing over somebody’s car bonnet. So when Anthony came back thankfully, in one piece and told us what had happened we thought, forearmed is forewarned, so Kevin and I headed out on our bikes being extra careful, feeling pretty good about ourselves but then bang, I hit a kerb from the wrong angle and crashed to the ground , not satisfied with that I brought Kevin down on top of me in front of a crowded café who tried very hard to contain their laughter. For a split second I thought “was this the end of my iron man even before I start or even worse I am responsible for ending someone else’s even if it was only Kevin?”, but I knew he would be forgiving! However not to be out done Chris and John Joe had similar falls that evening as well. So 4 out of 7 want to be iron men had fallen from the bikes before a ball was kicked so to speak. Hopefully this would not be a sign of things to come.
On Saturday nobody travelled too far saving our energy.
You could sense the nerves and anticipation of what lay ahead among everyone. It was interesting listening to what strategy the boys were going to use on Sunday except for Kevin who wasn’t sharing anything with any one but we’re used to Kevin not sharing anything with any one! While most of us had planned to hold back and hopefully make the finish line, Chris thought he would stop off and have “a wee cup of coffee” along the cycle route but I am not sure this strategy would be applied on the day.
IRON MAN SUNDAY
The big day was finally here, months of hard work would finally be put to the ultimate test. Up at 3.45am a light breakfast was had by all and then it was down to Promenade des Anglais. It was a very quiet walk although Artie was telling every one that the training had been done and we would all make it to the finish line which was reassuring from some one with Artie’s experience. As we arrived at transition everyone went to check on their bikes, as we were doing this there was a loud bang, for a second I thought it was Chris but no some unfortunate soul had blown up one of their tyres! Thankfully it was none of the Magherafelt Mafia. Wet suit on we headed down to the start which we just about made as some of the boys had a last minute toilet stop to make, won’t mention any names this time. The atmosphere was electric everyone anticipating the starters horn, then over 2,500 triathletes charged into the sea well most of them anyway, I, personally took a more casual approach, usually when you do a triathlon at home it’s the cold water that catches your breathe but no such problems here, only difficulty here was making sure you were heading in the right direction. Swimming is my weakest event and I found the first loop of the swim quite difficult not physically but mentally, I just kept thinking of all the training I had put in and the support I have had from Anne and the kids etc, if I could just get over the swim! So when I got out of the first loop and heard John Joe shouting at me to keep it going I suddenly got a new lease of life, thankfully the second loop seemed that bit easier although I felt a bit sea sick when I got out of the water but again I could hear my name being shouted, Anne, Conor, Siobhan and Cormac (Kevin’s son) were cheering me on which gave me a real lift. On hind sight, Anne, knowing how worried I was about the swim before hand said to me when I came out of the water “you’ve done the swim you’ll finish it now”, ultimately she was right, but, post event to think that I had over 13 hours to go, I can smile to myself. Slowly into transition I was thinking all the boys would be well on their way I was surprised to see Raymond looking as bad as I felt, he actually suffered worse from sea sickness than I did however as the day would go on Raymond came into his own. Once out on the bike I felt elated even more so when I looked over towards the sea and there were still swimmers in the water, it was reassuring to know I am not the slowest swimmer in an event like this. My strategy on the bike was to cycle within myself and save energy for the run. The first steep hill we had to go up was challenging and some cyclist were even walking up it which was surprising, shortly after I caught up with Raymond, we met on the cycle back and forward all day.
We wondered how every one was getting on but not sure we would catch any of the other boys , we wondered had Chris that wee cup of coffee yet! At the top of the 21km climb we saw someone spread eagled at the side of the road, bike abandoned, a little closer look revealed it was our Chris taking in a few rays of sun before moving on, a prospect Chris wasn’t that eager to embrace. So when Raymond and myself thought we had him up and running again Chris thought it was a good idea to meet some of the other competitors finding out everything apart from their inside leg measurements. Needless to say we left Chris to his socialising, I wanted to wait but Raymond was having none of it! Afraid of dehydrating I drank on a regular basis which as a side affect meant stopping quite a lot for loo visits. Up hill was tough but the views were fantastic at the top. However what you go up you must come down, this was really enjoyable if not tricky and dangerous, put it like this if you went over the edge only a parachute would suffice! Our Rodney or Roger as his friends like to call him, well me anyway, thankfully only nearly found this out to his cost as while negotiating one of these tricky hair pins, his back wheel locked and only stopped inches from the edge. A passing car wound down the window in their car and told Rodney he must have an angel in the sky, so thankfully there was no need for the sandwiches and jammy joeys or the china cups! As Raymond and I cycled to the finish together as it was all for one and one for all, BULL….! I heard someone who sounded very like Simpson shout “come on Mackers , Rinty” 112 miles of hills, hair pin bends and it was the only time I nearly fell off the bike, and, yes it was Simpson who had flown out for the day, yes, for the day. It gave us a massive lift at that time taking our minds off what lay ahead. Help from the volunteers is 2nd to none as they helped us get out onto the run. Nothing prepared me for how hard it would be to get my head round having to do a marathon after what we had just done even though you know and prepare in training as best you can. The heat was stifling reportedly 32degrees. Raymond and I started out on the run together with a run 8 minute walk 2 minute strategy sound advice we had got from veteran ironman Peter Jack. I told Raymond to go on as I could sense he was strong and I was not feeling well and slowed down hoping I would come around. The most frightening thing was on the first lap when we saw 3 competitors being treated by paramedics on the side of the road and the ambulance seemed to be going up and down that road more often than I was, certainly faster! The only thing about the marathon is because its laps you met all the other guys and realised that every one had made it this far plus we were able to encourage each other. Conal gave me a great tip to drink coke and water, this helped settle my stomach which meant I was able to concentrate on how I was going to get around this course. I adopted a new plan of 5 minute run 2 minute walk which thankfully I was able to keep up. The showers they had on the run were a life saver, I never missed one, as they kept me alert. As time went by I met each of the mafia on their last lap and this was actually quite emotional! As I congratulated each one of them it inspired me to make sure I would join them at the finish. As I made my way wearily round each lap right to the last Anne, Siobhan, Fiona, John Joe, Simpson, Conor, Cormac, Jay, Jody, Jessica, Stephanie plus boyfriend and Conal’s wife and sister were there to give a much needed lift each lap and I know ALL the boys really appreciated their support, this support can not be underestimated on the day or more importantly through weeks and months previous especially from families of all the boys you are all legends! Also amazingly there were 4 or 5 different groups of people who had stood for every lap, it felt like we knew each other and by the last lap they were out high fiveing and hugging me, unbelieveable. When I eventually hit the 40k mark there was no stopping me, the only good thing about finishing in the last hour is that they really crank up the support so coming down through the packed grand stand is something I will never forget, my son Conor was waiting half way down, we ran slowly through the finish line together 15 HOURS AND 10 MINUTES 59 SECONDS LATER!!!! Worth every minute or should that be penny!
A big congratulations to all 8 triangle members, you did the club proud, but a special mention to the magnificent Magherafelt Mafia 7, a great achievement from one town.
A big thank you to all those who gave us advice, coaching and support through the months of the hard slog that is iron man training.
REGARDS
Paul Mc Erlain
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Mourne Triathlon 01 August 2009
The weather threatened to break all week – with wind and rain forecast for Saturday 01 August. Adam and I had agreed to meet at my house at 8.45. When Adam pulled up, I had the car packed, my bike racked, and was set to go. Adam announced that he had borrowed Paul (Fletcher’s) Crevelo Time Trial bike, so with this precious cargo, we decided that my bike would be racked on Adam’s car, and Adam’s bike (Paul’s) would be securely wrapped up inside – we’re off! As we drove to Castlewellan, I could not help thinking about Peter attacking his tenth Ironman, and felt like a bit of a fake, even feeling one bit nervous about the plunge into the lake in County Down.
Castlewellan Country Park is the ideal setting for an open - water triathlon. The lake looked a little rough but the walk out to the swim start along the lakeside was quite calming, as we chatted and compared stories of previous years, and previous events.
The swim start was strange for me, as we spread out across the lake behind a row of canoeists and treaded water waiting on the hooter to blow. Those who had prior knowledge of the race choose a perfect race line by starting far out in the lake, but without the local knowledge, I opted to stay on the far right nearer to the bank. Anyone who was not wildly confident in open water would like this start, because with the participants being spread out, there was less chance of a kick in the head, or worse.
The bike course was an out and back 33K towards Rathfriland. I like out and back, as it affords me the opportunity to see the other members of the Team Triangle, and shout a few words of encouragement, but with battling the hills, wind and rain, the words were short and sweet on Saturday.
I did manage to spot Adam, whizzing in the opposite direction, giving Paul’s bike a good run for it’s money.
The run leg could not be better – two laps of a trail path around the lake. Perfect underfoot conditions, and ideal scenery, if you had a chance to look around you. I knew coming into T2 that I had a lot of work to do to catch some of the ladies up ahead. Adam was finished when I came around for my second lap, and in true team spirit, shouted “Come on Al”, which spurred me on out through the second lap. I had cut my toe on glass on the slipway as I exited the swim, but brave woman that I am, (hardy soul,); I did not notice the pain until I crossed the line, and when removing my chip noticed the blood pouring (well seeping) through my trainers.
The Castlewellan event, now 20 years on the scene, consisted of a 1km swim, a 33km cycle and an 8km, 2-lap trail run around the lake. Ulster's most successful triathletes, and former National Champions, overcame challenging conditions and a competitive field.
Trudy Brown from the host Club and Brian Campbell from Hi Elbow, added to their season's tally as they produced top class performances on the testing Castlewellan course.
We had five athletes out in the black and red, with another top ten finish from Adam Wilson (1.37), followed by Gavin O’Kane in 1.53, I was next (1.57 and 2nd VET, or second old woman as my husband calls it). Conal Heatley put in another sterling performance (2.05), having competed in the Riada 5 mile road race the previous night, and Johnny Graham completed the team in 2.09. Group hug, lots of well wishing, and we began to plot and plan the next big event - Groomsport.
Now, how was Peter getting on in Sweden, and Kay and Anne in Alpe d’Huez?
What about Castlewellan for a Club race next year? It’s close, it’s an ideal setting, and the goody bag was reasonable.
Castlewellan Country Park is the ideal setting for an open - water triathlon. The lake looked a little rough but the walk out to the swim start along the lakeside was quite calming, as we chatted and compared stories of previous years, and previous events.
The swim start was strange for me, as we spread out across the lake behind a row of canoeists and treaded water waiting on the hooter to blow. Those who had prior knowledge of the race choose a perfect race line by starting far out in the lake, but without the local knowledge, I opted to stay on the far right nearer to the bank. Anyone who was not wildly confident in open water would like this start, because with the participants being spread out, there was less chance of a kick in the head, or worse.
The bike course was an out and back 33K towards Rathfriland. I like out and back, as it affords me the opportunity to see the other members of the Team Triangle, and shout a few words of encouragement, but with battling the hills, wind and rain, the words were short and sweet on Saturday.
I did manage to spot Adam, whizzing in the opposite direction, giving Paul’s bike a good run for it’s money.
The run leg could not be better – two laps of a trail path around the lake. Perfect underfoot conditions, and ideal scenery, if you had a chance to look around you. I knew coming into T2 that I had a lot of work to do to catch some of the ladies up ahead. Adam was finished when I came around for my second lap, and in true team spirit, shouted “Come on Al”, which spurred me on out through the second lap. I had cut my toe on glass on the slipway as I exited the swim, but brave woman that I am, (hardy soul,); I did not notice the pain until I crossed the line, and when removing my chip noticed the blood pouring (well seeping) through my trainers.
The Castlewellan event, now 20 years on the scene, consisted of a 1km swim, a 33km cycle and an 8km, 2-lap trail run around the lake. Ulster's most successful triathletes, and former National Champions, overcame challenging conditions and a competitive field.
Trudy Brown from the host Club and Brian Campbell from Hi Elbow, added to their season's tally as they produced top class performances on the testing Castlewellan course.
We had five athletes out in the black and red, with another top ten finish from Adam Wilson (1.37), followed by Gavin O’Kane in 1.53, I was next (1.57 and 2nd VET, or second old woman as my husband calls it). Conal Heatley put in another sterling performance (2.05), having competed in the Riada 5 mile road race the previous night, and Johnny Graham completed the team in 2.09. Group hug, lots of well wishing, and we began to plot and plan the next big event - Groomsport.
Now, how was Peter getting on in Sweden, and Kay and Anne in Alpe d’Huez?
What about Castlewellan for a Club race next year? It’s close, it’s an ideal setting, and the goody bag was reasonable.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Alpe D’Huez Triathlon 29th July 09, Long Course
You can imagine who had the idea to do this one!! An intrepid group of four went forth – two competitors, Kay and Anne plus support crew, myself and Ailbhe – our 12 year old son. We arrived at Grenoble Airport and after the obligatory dispute with the car hire firm we squeezed our kit plus four bikes into the car (Ailbhe and I had taken our bikes too!).
The long course race consisted of a 2.2k swim in Lac Du Verny, a 115k cycle including 2 cols and finishing up Alpe D’Huez and then a half marathon at the top of the mountain (i.e. above 1800m).
Kay and Anne were first unnerved when we drove up to the Alpe from the airport. At the bottom of the climb somebody had painted ‘and so it begins’ and immediately the road rises never to level out again. On the Tuesday morning I headed out on the bike and rode up the Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer. On my way back up the Alpe, I bonked ‘big style’ and had to phone Anne and Kay to come and get me (I was only half way up). Of course they laughed at me but they also were concerned about how severe the climb would be during their race. I had only taken water plus 2 gels for my ride, so re-assured them that they would be OK as long as they kept eating and drinking, and were not as stupid as I had been. I decided not to tell them that our bikes needed a lower gear – the climbs were ridable but would rip the legs off you (well what else should I have done – the race was the next day and they weren’t going to be able to change their gearing).
I took Kay and Anne down to Lac du Verney for the race start. There was an awful lot of lithe, fit bodies of all nationalities (about 700 in all) and both Anne and Kay resolved that they were going to pace themselves to get around the course (it had dawned on them that the race was more akin to an ironman than a long course Olympic). Both Kay and Anne swam well coming out of the water in the front third, but they knew that the swim was insignificant to their overall performance.
Some six and a half hours later, I was standing at the transition in the village of Alpe d’huez getting progressively more worried. I knew that the course was murder and the temperature was 2 degrees higher than when I had bonked on the Alpe. I saw riders falling off their bikes with exhaustion as they came into transition. Most competitors walked into transition, spent a long time recovering during transition and then walked out of transition to the first drinks station. Anne was first of the pair to arrive. The toll the bike had taken on her was obvious as she sat down to change into her running shoes. I shouted some encouragement and she mouthed ‘that was brutal’. Finally she shuffled out onto the run course and I was now panicking just thinking how Kay might be faring. Anne had punctured on the second climb and had taken 15 minutes to change her tub.
Thankfully Kay came into transition not too long later. I called to her and she smiled across to me (much to my relief). I knew that, if the pair of them had hauled themselves up the Alpe, there was no way that these two ladies were not going to finish. At that moment I had very mixed feelings – I was incredulous about what they were doing as I knew it was beyond me but part of me also wanted them to stop as the event was taking so much out of them. I knew that this wasn’t going to happen so out I went onto the three lap run course to show support and take photos!! Later Kay confessed to stopping on the Alpe for 15 mins after she passed out, suffering from heat stroke. She decided to sneak away from the race marshalls in case they would not let her start again.
As if the bike course was not tough enough, the race organisers took the triathletes up every hill they could find with a suitable running surface, and some hills that did not. It was hot, dusty and windy. Needless to say both Anne and Kay both finished the race after a total of 3,280 metres of climbing in 9:09 (Anne) and 9:18(Kay), and two scary women are now (in my eyes anyway) scarier still. Seldom will you come across better examples of training, racing and resolve, and more resolve.
If you are tempted by the Alpe D’Huez Long Course Triathlon – invest in your resolve (and a compact chain set), you will need both.
The long course race consisted of a 2.2k swim in Lac Du Verny, a 115k cycle including 2 cols and finishing up Alpe D’Huez and then a half marathon at the top of the mountain (i.e. above 1800m).
Kay and Anne were first unnerved when we drove up to the Alpe from the airport. At the bottom of the climb somebody had painted ‘and so it begins’ and immediately the road rises never to level out again. On the Tuesday morning I headed out on the bike and rode up the Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer. On my way back up the Alpe, I bonked ‘big style’ and had to phone Anne and Kay to come and get me (I was only half way up). Of course they laughed at me but they also were concerned about how severe the climb would be during their race. I had only taken water plus 2 gels for my ride, so re-assured them that they would be OK as long as they kept eating and drinking, and were not as stupid as I had been. I decided not to tell them that our bikes needed a lower gear – the climbs were ridable but would rip the legs off you (well what else should I have done – the race was the next day and they weren’t going to be able to change their gearing).
I took Kay and Anne down to Lac du Verney for the race start. There was an awful lot of lithe, fit bodies of all nationalities (about 700 in all) and both Anne and Kay resolved that they were going to pace themselves to get around the course (it had dawned on them that the race was more akin to an ironman than a long course Olympic). Both Kay and Anne swam well coming out of the water in the front third, but they knew that the swim was insignificant to their overall performance.
Some six and a half hours later, I was standing at the transition in the village of Alpe d’huez getting progressively more worried. I knew that the course was murder and the temperature was 2 degrees higher than when I had bonked on the Alpe. I saw riders falling off their bikes with exhaustion as they came into transition. Most competitors walked into transition, spent a long time recovering during transition and then walked out of transition to the first drinks station. Anne was first of the pair to arrive. The toll the bike had taken on her was obvious as she sat down to change into her running shoes. I shouted some encouragement and she mouthed ‘that was brutal’. Finally she shuffled out onto the run course and I was now panicking just thinking how Kay might be faring. Anne had punctured on the second climb and had taken 15 minutes to change her tub.
Thankfully Kay came into transition not too long later. I called to her and she smiled across to me (much to my relief). I knew that, if the pair of them had hauled themselves up the Alpe, there was no way that these two ladies were not going to finish. At that moment I had very mixed feelings – I was incredulous about what they were doing as I knew it was beyond me but part of me also wanted them to stop as the event was taking so much out of them. I knew that this wasn’t going to happen so out I went onto the three lap run course to show support and take photos!! Later Kay confessed to stopping on the Alpe for 15 mins after she passed out, suffering from heat stroke. She decided to sneak away from the race marshalls in case they would not let her start again.
As if the bike course was not tough enough, the race organisers took the triathletes up every hill they could find with a suitable running surface, and some hills that did not. It was hot, dusty and windy. Needless to say both Anne and Kay both finished the race after a total of 3,280 metres of climbing in 9:09 (Anne) and 9:18(Kay), and two scary women are now (in my eyes anyway) scarier still. Seldom will you come across better examples of training, racing and resolve, and more resolve.
If you are tempted by the Alpe D’Huez Long Course Triathlon – invest in your resolve (and a compact chain set), you will need both.
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