Bala 2011

T2 was very slow.  Had to get a marshall to help take off my helmet and shoes although I managed to do up my laces ok.  Changed socks too and never have clean dry socks ever felt so good. Made a pit stop too and then out on the run after about 8 mins.  Of the three guys that came in at the same time as me off the bike, none of them went out on the run as decided it was too cold and wet. Wasn't sure at the time if this was a good or bad omen... 

Had planned to do run/walk on the run in prep for IMR and stuck to it religiously, walking for a minute at each mile marker.  Kept a steady 10 min mile average pace throughout and saw loads of pirates coming the other way which was good to see most had made it through the hell of the bike and carried on.

Tried out new nutritional plan on the run using Shotbloks, trying to have one each mile (instead of a gel every 3 miles which is about the same).  Worked much better - not sure if it was the fact I was looking forward to every mile marker so I could eat another one or because of constantly topping up reserves at each mile rather than the more lumpy 3 mile top ups but another plus for the IMR plan.

Can honestly say this was one of my favourite runs.  I didn't really notice the hills too much except the one at the turn and actually quite enjoyed plodding up the big one.  Thanked each marshall I saw on the run as thought they were awesome being out in the crap conditions and made it back in 2:06.  Even put in a sprint finish down the mud path to beat some guy on the line.

Overall time was 6:43.  A bit disappointed as did the Vit in 6:05 last year and thought even if I worked at IM pace, I was aiming for 6:15 but then I guess the extra half hour can be attributed to the conditions?  Plus having seen the number of DNFs, I am happy just to have gotten through it safely and worked on nutrition in race conditions before August.

Unfortunately, had to miss the post race party as had client meetings Monday morning to get back for so happed straight in the car and headed back to London.  Stopped at first services and got a BK meal and then stopped at the next for a KFC!!!  Eventually made it home a little before 11pm - a reasonably long day and fairly tired.

Fab report Mandel, and well done on surviving the carnage!  Interesting to hear your nutrition strategy worked well too   Shame you couldn't stay on, but sadly the weather put paid to one massive get-together, and we were all in various tents, trying to keep dry!  Fingers crossed for a return to a sunny Bala for 2012.

See you in Regensburg!

    What a day ;  I wouldn't have put my dog out in that.

    It was a horrendous day weather wise and the toughest race I have done by far.

    Big Head & Cross winds on the bike, the downhills (with wheel wobble) was the most scared I have ever been on a bike and one lasted long enough for me to recite the whole of the Lord's prayer. Saw Ridgeback Max in the swim and as he is my brother decided to swin over and duck him, but got totally wiped out by another guy we know who came straight over me (he said his goggles were misted up). serves me right I suppose.    Waves in a lake? and both legs totally cramped up with the cold as I got out so I had to sit in the water for about 5 minutes. Doh!!

Met with my bruv in run transition and we set off together as he was totally suffering with cramp. Then the g*t sped off and took 12 minutes out of me on the run. He was in the wave before and in the end beat me by 2 minutes. Brothers - who'd have them.

Got through though and made it to the pub for a pint afterwards and after reflection, it was the toughest but to get through it was probably one of the best  feelings ever, and I never once stopped except to get rid of those cramps and to pop 2 painkillers on the bike and stretch the old back, just kept on going and all that training and stupidity just kicked in

Now for 2 weeks in Florida from Saturday... Hooray.

p.s. Big thanks to all the supporters and marshalls to.

At least we were moving.......

Aaaaarrrrrrrrrr.

Probably pushed to hard on the run

Mandel wrote (see)

Endured the banter from Kanga shouting "It's not a bloody beauty parade mate" as he waited for Rio

It was horrible weather and everyones times were slower than previously.  I wouldn't be feeling down at acheiving slow times.  An awful lot didn't make it at all.  Everyone who finished deserved a massive well done

And those that didn't can't be blamed for not battling through and risking injury with other races planned.

I was disappointed with my swim time til I learnt that the average swim was 7-8mins down on previous years so in reality I should have been up by 3 mins on last year. 

Keep smiling