Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Triple Challenge Race Report




Triple challenge MultiX
11th overall and 4th in Cat
4h30min

Looking up at yet another challenge/mountain!
(thats the "oh shit" expression)  

 My first Triple Challenge and I will be back to do it again next year. A grueling event that everyone should consider doing in the future, this event raised the bar for me on all levels, physically and psychologically . Plan accordingly and do the mileage, it will offer more enjoyment with the hint of  suffering for that added flavour. 21km trail run, 56km MTB, 7km run or 20km paddle.
Gareth Harrington giving me the Hairy eye ball,
while Raoul smiles for the camera
The start of the run was fast and furious, almost reaching boiling point but just holding back to limit losses. I went into this 21km trail run not having done the full distance during training. I was concerned it would cause havoc in the later part of the run but to my surprise and to boost my confidence I felt GREAT and strong getting onto the bike. My split for the run was 1h33 min. I was aiming for 1h30 but was satisfied with my time. The Mountain bike leg was a real African experience. Literally through the heart of Kwa Zulu Natal, from Pietermaritzburg to Inanda Dam, dodging dogs, goats, cows and even little kids while also sitting wheel behind taxi's. Towards the 4hour mark of the race I could feel a significant drop in energy levels, at this point it became a mental test for me. It pushed me to and beyond my limits but also has paved the way for my future training and racing. I know I am capable of so much more and next season I feel with better planning I am going to achieve so much more on a personal level as well as on my results... Bring on 2011!!!!!
Head down power up


Check my GARMIN stats from the race.... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/56117526

TILL NEXT TIME.....OVER AND OUT!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

BSG Triathlon

The BSG Triathlon this last Sunday posed as the perfect opportunity to gauge my form leading into this years Triple Challenge. During My training over the last few months I have purposely neglected my swimming to provide me with more time for the Running and Riding Disciplines for Triple Challenge. So at the start of the swim I was a little nervous. I went into the water with the main focus of maintaining a perfect stoke technique to minimize my energy loss but maximize my efficiency. There was a time during the 600m swim when I looked up and thought gee that slipway does not seem to be getting closer at all. Stuck my head down again and got back into those long gliding pulls. I exited the water in 9min and in the top 30 elite men. Not bad at all considering I did two quick swim sessions the week before.


 I knew I would make up positions on the bike leg and especially because this was a draft legal race. It meant time to recover and time to work. Anyhow thats how my thought process was leading onto the bike. 10min down the road changed everything for the day. Yup you guessed it, I punctured and lost contact with the top bunch. I was overwhelmed with that same sinking feeling a child experiences when he loses his favorite toy. had I not punctured I was confident of a top 30 placing over all and top 3 in my age group.
 As I entered the Transition (T2) I was greeted by my new mentor and ex Sharks rugby scrum half Hentie Martens, I knew my racing was over for the day and it was time to enjoy the event from a more leisurely comfortable pace.
 Even managed to give the camera a smile amongst the rain and damp conditions...Putting running shoes on in the wet is always a sticky situation but if there is one thing i have learnt about racing, you should always have time for a laugh... Check my garmin data from the race..... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/55346164

Monday, November 1, 2010

MOvember

Hey Guys just a quick blog to support the cause, I have decided to join in on the challenge for the month of 'Movember'. It will be a spectacle im sure especially when my auburn mousatche rocks it out under my nose. 


So if you are keen to join in this world wide statement for mens health issue's and cancer?  Check out the Cansa, Movember website here for more details: http://za.movember.com/ 


Its now or never so take a photo of yourself today clean shaven and post it on your blog, twitter or facebook and update the photo once a week to show the world your 'musties' progress. Dont be afraid to flaunt it even if you only muster up a twizzle. The ONE LIFE motto would apply here..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnNsBz0tTjk


Also checkout my fellow friend http://www.barrylewin.co.za and his progress on the challenge...


I am yet to decide on my designer top lip but as time goes by it will come to me...


                                                                     My week 1 pic.


Here are some radical styles to choose from.. Enjoy.. 


Race report and photos from the BSG triathlon over the past weekend is soon to follow... Be sure to check back.


Ciao for now.