Hokori's from warmer climes, Andy. He'll be back to answer for himself, I'm sure, but it got proper cold, wet and blustery on the bike and I think he basically froze over.
You are too kind on me my friend. I struggle in hot races since I moved here to the beautiful Albion due to reverse conditioning and I actually thought an 18C degree race would be the perfect thing for me.
I am not really sure how cold rollercoaster hill biking was better to a couple of moderate hills in mainland europe summer weather like Regens in my mind but that with the extra time to train and the life changing reports from last year I was sold to Wales.
The thing is the race is an absolute perfect match to the ironman dream challenge. Support on the day is the stuff of legend and it greatly distracts from its difficulty. If only the weather was not so changing.
My problems this year all rolled down from underestimating the effect of cold water swimming for 1h30min. I saved my legs a bit too much and I experienced a bit of cold muscle cramping on the second lap. Coming out of the water I did not overdid it on the way to transition in the way of running too hard.
However I never seemed to warm up. I took weather protection with me but no arm warmers as I hated them in my trial rides. I went for warmer base clothing instead but left the rain coat in the bike bag in transition as I thought it would be too hot a combo (tested in 20C no rain trial). I started soon with little leg cramp niggles on my quads, too early to be anything else but cold muscle based. They were never a big issue until Wisemans when I cramped really hard on my quads as I stood up, and to my shame walked it. I powered through Saundersfoot but I was prevented from out of the saddle riding since the start of the ride due to my quad issues.
On my second lap in the rain I started shivering as my effort on the bike lowered due to fatigue and eventually as you say I pretty much froze over. I struggled long before deciding to pull out as I definitely thought I could not go like this on the descents from Narbeth to Tenby.
I spent 10 months exclusively training for this event. I did 100 milers like HHH and beyond that like the Dragon Ride and the Alpe D'Huez triathlon that I also DNF'd due to mechanical issues in preparation for Wales. I not only felt prepared but I also looked forward to the realization of a dream.
It has taken me a bit to realize lining up at an Ironman is a feat on itself and that the array of challenges these races have beyond the endurance test are many and they can derail the day of many a seasoned veteran.
If any of you race Wales for your first Ironman make the most of your day regardless of how long it happens to be on the day as this race is an Ironman exemplar. You will read many people size you up for your bravery as this is not as easy as it looks.
And if you need any hardcore mind tips on how to tackle this race just ask Slag(as seen on TV). The dude was an original IMW finisher on his first IM and has completed the race last year.
See you guys next year!
