Some photos:
Sunday 30 November 2008
143 mile bike ride
Yesterday was the B-Roads Audax. 209km as two separate loops from the John Inness Centre, Norwich. Riding there and riding back took it 143.1miles.
Some photos:
Some photos:
Thursday 27 November 2008
Shirtless in November
As I was putting my lunch into my backpack this morning I couldn't help put notice that it seemed very empty. Got to the office and realised that was due to the fact I'd forgotten my shirt. I ride in cycling gear and change into my suit once here. First time I've done that in the 5+ years I've been cycling into work.
Decided against going home to fetch one and opted to wait for the shops to open. My manager's never had an excuse for lateness of "Got to buy a shirt before our meeting."
Decided against going home to fetch one and opted to wait for the shops to open. My manager's never had an excuse for lateness of "Got to buy a shirt before our meeting."
Monday 24 November 2008
Hereward Relay
Yesterday was the Hereward Relay. A four person relay from Peterborough Cathedral to Ely Cathedral, a total of 40 miles broken down into 6miles Peterbrough to Whittlesy, 12 miles to March, 10 miles to Welney and 12 miles to Ely.
I was in a team from Tri-Anglia and had landed the first stage. The short leg, so I volunteered to drive the four of us. Up at 5am to pick up Katy at 6am, Rose soon after that then Simon at 6.30am to allow plenty of time to get across to Peterborough for the 9am start.
I'd cleared the snow off my car for the second time that weekend and was on route to Katy's when I received a text from Simon. He'd been up all night. A bug had brought on diahorria and vomitting. Where were we going to get a replacement runner for stage 4 at 6am on a Sunday morning. No where was the answer. By the time I got to Katy's Simon had been sick again. There was no way I was going to let him sit in my car for two hours.
The roads out to Attleborough were heavy with snow, but once beyond Snetterton there was nothing.
I started the race in Peterborough. Not sure if I should pace myself for 6miles or 18miles. As I'd got the shortest stage of the 3 us I felt it was down to me to make up the final stage. I'd dug out my trail shoes as previous experiences on stage 2 and stage 4 of the Hereward had told me that trail shoes was a smart move. Not so, for stage 1, which is all on tarmac with the exception of 200m across a park. 6 miles of inappropriate footwear took a toll. The wind, rain and sleet also had an effect. Despite two long sleeve layers and gloves my hands and arms felt cold.
My run was okay. Not the blistering pace I'd hoped for, but okay. Need to map the route to work out the exact distance. Was halfway down the list of finishers and only 11 minutes off the fastest and 20 minutes ahead of the tail-enders.
I didn't fancy putting on wet kit ahead of stage 4, so stayed in wet kit as Katy drove me to the start of stage 3 for her run. It was now snowing heavily and settling on the roads. The conditions were really quite horrid. Felt sorry for Rose running. By the time we made March, I was too cold to remain in wet gear any longer, so knocked the idea of personal sacrifice on the head. By the time Katy had changed into her running gear and I'd changed out of mine, Rose had finished her stage and been waiting 4minutes for us.
Of the 3 of us Katy definately had the best weather and finished in sunshine. If we'd had a fourth runner they'd have had the best of all the stages, but we weren't the only team lacking a full compliment.
This is the third time I've run the Hereward Relay and now only have stage 3 remaining to complete my set. I did notice for the first time that the relay is available as an Ultra marathon for those runners who wish to do the whole thing. Maybe one year.
Full Results = http://www.marchathleticclub.co.uk/results_20081.htm
I was in a team from Tri-Anglia and had landed the first stage. The short leg, so I volunteered to drive the four of us. Up at 5am to pick up Katy at 6am, Rose soon after that then Simon at 6.30am to allow plenty of time to get across to Peterborough for the 9am start.
I'd cleared the snow off my car for the second time that weekend and was on route to Katy's when I received a text from Simon. He'd been up all night. A bug had brought on diahorria and vomitting. Where were we going to get a replacement runner for stage 4 at 6am on a Sunday morning. No where was the answer. By the time I got to Katy's Simon had been sick again. There was no way I was going to let him sit in my car for two hours.
The roads out to Attleborough were heavy with snow, but once beyond Snetterton there was nothing.
I started the race in Peterborough. Not sure if I should pace myself for 6miles or 18miles. As I'd got the shortest stage of the 3 us I felt it was down to me to make up the final stage. I'd dug out my trail shoes as previous experiences on stage 2 and stage 4 of the Hereward had told me that trail shoes was a smart move. Not so, for stage 1, which is all on tarmac with the exception of 200m across a park. 6 miles of inappropriate footwear took a toll. The wind, rain and sleet also had an effect. Despite two long sleeve layers and gloves my hands and arms felt cold.
My run was okay. Not the blistering pace I'd hoped for, but okay. Need to map the route to work out the exact distance. Was halfway down the list of finishers and only 11 minutes off the fastest and 20 minutes ahead of the tail-enders.
I didn't fancy putting on wet kit ahead of stage 4, so stayed in wet kit as Katy drove me to the start of stage 3 for her run. It was now snowing heavily and settling on the roads. The conditions were really quite horrid. Felt sorry for Rose running. By the time we made March, I was too cold to remain in wet gear any longer, so knocked the idea of personal sacrifice on the head. By the time Katy had changed into her running gear and I'd changed out of mine, Rose had finished her stage and been waiting 4minutes for us.
Of the 3 of us Katy definately had the best weather and finished in sunshine. If we'd had a fourth runner they'd have had the best of all the stages, but we weren't the only team lacking a full compliment.
This is the third time I've run the Hereward Relay and now only have stage 3 remaining to complete my set. I did notice for the first time that the relay is available as an Ultra marathon for those runners who wish to do the whole thing. Maybe one year.
Full Results = http://www.marchathleticclub.co.uk/results_20081.htm
Thursday 20 November 2008
Friendly?
Ever wondered how friendly we are in the UK? Ever pondered why we seem defencive when a stranger talks to us?
Other countries seem to be far more comfortable in conversing with stranger. We tend to think that if someone approaches us that they are after something and have ulteria motives.
I've noticed that London is particularly bad. If you go running there and wave, smile or acknowledge another runner in anyway you get blanked. It's as if you are invisible.
Norwich isn't that bad, I make a point of talking to all the runners I see.There was one leaving my office yesterday evening. A pretty lady. I spoke to her 3 times before I got any response, which was "are you talking to me?" as she took out her earphones.
Guess she thinks I'm a weirdo or a stalker or something now.
Other countries seem to be far more comfortable in conversing with stranger. We tend to think that if someone approaches us that they are after something and have ulteria motives.
I've noticed that London is particularly bad. If you go running there and wave, smile or acknowledge another runner in anyway you get blanked. It's as if you are invisible.
Norwich isn't that bad, I make a point of talking to all the runners I see.There was one leaving my office yesterday evening. A pretty lady. I spoke to her 3 times before I got any response, which was "are you talking to me?" as she took out her earphones.
Guess she thinks I'm a weirdo or a stalker or something now.
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Application to Wiggle
Wiggle, the online Sports Shop for Cyclists, Runners and Triathletes are currently looking for a number of athletes to sponsor in 2009.
I've applied and here is my application:
Competition Entry
Race for Team Wiggle and Become a Wiggle-Sponsored Athlete
Race for Team Wiggle and Become a Wiggle-Sponsored Athlete
Entrant
Name: Rob Lines
Age: 40
Discipline: Triathlon, particularly Ironman Triathlon, but also swim, bike and run. Bike wise both time trials and the occasional road race.
Age: 40
Discipline: Triathlon, particularly Ironman Triathlon, but also swim, bike and run. Bike wise both time trials and the occasional road race.
Current Bike(s): Giant OCR2, Specialized Tri-Cross single speed, Scott CR1.
Results to date:
Ironman Triathlons
Ironman UK 2008, 7th September 2008, 528th overall, 12:41:00. £400 raised for Meningitis Trust
Ironman South Africa 2008, 13th April 2008, 292nd overall, 11:12:25. £1,200 raised for Spinal Injuries Association
Ironman Triathlons
Ironman UK 2008, 7th September 2008, 528th overall, 12:41:00. £400 raised for Meningitis Trust
Ironman South Africa 2008, 13th April 2008, 292nd overall, 11:12:25. £1,200 raised for Spinal Injuries Association
Ironman Switzerland 2007, 24th June 2007, 947th overall, 12:10:53. £1,400 raised for Action Medical Research
Other Triathlons
Enduroman Double Iron, 2nd-3rd August 2008, 1st finishers as a Tri-Anglia relay team.
Enduroman Double Iron, 2nd-3rd August 2008, 1st finishers as a Tri-Anglia relay team.
Windsor Triathlon, 15th June 2008, 228th overall, 2:28:46,
Vitruvian Triathlon, 9th September 2007, 171st overall, 4:55:36
Waveney Triathlon, May 2007
Vitruvian Triathlon, September 2006
London Olympic Triathlon, August 2006
London Olympic Triathlon, August 2005
Norwich Olympic Triathlon, July 2005
Crystal Palace Sprint Triathlon, May 2005
Waveney Valley Triathlon, May 2005.
Waveney Triathlon, May 2007
Vitruvian Triathlon, September 2006
London Olympic Triathlon, August 2006
London Olympic Triathlon, August 2005
Norwich Olympic Triathlon, July 2005
Crystal Palace Sprint Triathlon, May 2005
Waveney Valley Triathlon, May 2005.
Duathlons
Ballbuster Duathlon, 8th November 2008
Ballbuster Duathlon, November 2006
Ipswich Duathlon, September 2004
Ballbuster Duathlon, 8th November 2008
Ballbuster Duathlon, November 2006
Ipswich Duathlon, September 2004
Marathons
Bungay Marathon, April 2007, 3:39:15
London Marathon, April 2003, 4:43:42. £1,600 raised for RNLI
Running Races 2008
Club 10k, 19th October, 0:41:21
Round Norfolk Relay, 20-21st September 2008, Stage 2, 14.06 miles in 1:51:57 a club record
Wroxham 5k, 20th August, 0:20:23
Worsted Festival 5M, 25th July, 0:34:18
Wroxham 5k, 25th June, 0:20:52
Guy Fawkes 10k, 6th June, 0:43:11
Wroxham 5k, 28th May, 0:20:35
Great Yarmouth 5M, 21st May, 0:33:50
Great Yarmouth 5M, 7th May, 0:34:56
Great Yarmouth 5M, 23rd April, 0:36:28
Milton Keynes Half, 2nd March, 1:37:15
Great East Run (20k), 17th February, 1:29:22, a PB
Wymondham New Years Day 10k, 1st January, 0:44:47
Cycle Events 2008
Lotus Cars Cycle Race League, 14th May, 4th June, 18th June, 2nd July
Eastern Region 100M Time Trial, 22nd June
Ketteringham 10M Time Trial, 26th June, 10th July, 24th July, 7th August,
Bungay 10M Time Trial, 4th October
Other events Historic
2006 National Hasler Championships, Kayak Marathon, Div 5 K2 1st
2006 l’Etape du Tour
2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 Action Medical Research London to Paris Charity bike ride.
2004 Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race. A four day 125 mile single kayak race, finished 9th overall.
2001 National Kayak Marthon Championships, 1st Div 7 K1
1997 World Surf Kayak Championships, Thurso, Scotland, member of the winning England Team
1997 Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival, 4th Overall.
1997 Llangennith Surf Championships, 1st
1997 Surf Kayak Season ranked 3rd in UK as highest English competitor.
1995 World Surf Kayak Championships, Costa Rica, member of the winning England Team
1982 Bedfordshire County Swim Squad.
Contribution to Sport
2008 – now, Member of Tri-Anglia Triathlon Club Committee
2007, Set up website for Velo Club Norwich
2007, Marshalled Tour de France in Kent
2006 - now, Website Editor + Press Officer Tri-Anglia Triathlon Club
2006 – now, results officer Waveney Triathlon and Waveney2 Triathlon,
2006 – 2008, Swim officer Norwich Triathlon
2004 - 2006, Team Manager Norwich Canoe Club, taking them from 4th in Region to 2nd in Region and 4th Nationally.
2000 – 2006, Website Editor + Press Officer Norwich Canoe Club.
1994 – 1998, Website Editor + Press Officer BCU Surf
1989 – 1990, President Brighton Polytechnic Canoe Club
What is your favourite piece of kit and why?
My favourite piece of kit would have to be my Polar heart rate monitor as I never leave home without it. I’ll hold my hand up to arriving at training sessions without shorts, trainers or socks and scrounged, gone without or missed sessions. Even once managed to travel an hour towards a sportive before returning to collect cycle shorts. But have never forgotten the heart rate monitor. I’ve had an S610i since 2003 and an S725X this year. Within weeks of each purchase I’ve wished I’d made the acquisition earlier.
My favourite piece of kit would have to be my Polar heart rate monitor as I never leave home without it. I’ll hold my hand up to arriving at training sessions without shorts, trainers or socks and scrounged, gone without or missed sessions. Even once managed to travel an hour towards a sportive before returning to collect cycle shorts. But have never forgotten the heart rate monitor. I’ve had an S610i since 2003 and an S725X this year. Within weeks of each purchase I’ve wished I’d made the acquisition earlier.
Describe your most memorable race:
My most memorable race experience is without any doubt Ironman South Africa. And it is memorable for more than the duration of race day.
When you think about what an Ironman involves, you have to admit that it is incredible. Put that in a place known as the “Friendly City’ in an amazing country and the result is an event that exceeds your expectations.
The Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay is a stunningly beautiful yet hard and ruthless place. As old as the earth and yet the youngest country on the planet. At times you think of India, at others of America. Game reserves remind you that man is not naturally at the top of the food chain here.
The welcome to competitors out strips anything I’ve experienced anywhere else. Billboards welcoming you to Ironman South Africa face you arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport. The Ironman here is major news. Not only is the build up constantly on the local radio and in the local press. It’s in the national press and seemingly on everyone’s lips. Take a day out of your preparations to visit a game reserve and you’ll find that you are as much a star in the eye’s of the warden as the animals are to you. You are made to feel like a most welcome celebrity. It is clear that the South African’s want the event there and will do everything to ensure it is a success and for the 2008 edition the excitement for the event was electric days before the event. The event feels like a celebration right from signing on, through the pasta party, the race briefing, race day itself, Hawaii roll down and the awards ceremony.
Come race day seventeen hundred marshals lined the route along with thousands of spectators to cheer along the seventeen hundred competitors. With all that excitement and with all those eyes watching, you feel inspired to a strong performance. The conditions on race day were brilliant. Dry for the 7am start on the beach for the swim. A little bit of drizzle during the first lap of the bike course – some light winds that helped to cool you down in the 22C temperatures which are just perfect for a Brit coming out of a winters training. Warm enough that you don’t need additional layers, warm enough that you don’t get cold or get cramp, but not so warm that you have to worry about heat stroke and cool enough to enable you to wear a wetsuit.
For me, everything came together and I took an hour of my previous Ironman performance. I’d had concerns that the motivation for my second Ironman completion wouldn’t be there, but come the day the motivation was even higher. Being able to celebrate with a club mate and the victories British pairing of Stephen Bayliss and Bella Comerford was the icing on the cake.
I had a good time getting a good time. If you get the chance, go.
My most memorable race experience is without any doubt Ironman South Africa. And it is memorable for more than the duration of race day.
When you think about what an Ironman involves, you have to admit that it is incredible. Put that in a place known as the “Friendly City’ in an amazing country and the result is an event that exceeds your expectations.
The Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay is a stunningly beautiful yet hard and ruthless place. As old as the earth and yet the youngest country on the planet. At times you think of India, at others of America. Game reserves remind you that man is not naturally at the top of the food chain here.
The welcome to competitors out strips anything I’ve experienced anywhere else. Billboards welcoming you to Ironman South Africa face you arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport. The Ironman here is major news. Not only is the build up constantly on the local radio and in the local press. It’s in the national press and seemingly on everyone’s lips. Take a day out of your preparations to visit a game reserve and you’ll find that you are as much a star in the eye’s of the warden as the animals are to you. You are made to feel like a most welcome celebrity. It is clear that the South African’s want the event there and will do everything to ensure it is a success and for the 2008 edition the excitement for the event was electric days before the event. The event feels like a celebration right from signing on, through the pasta party, the race briefing, race day itself, Hawaii roll down and the awards ceremony.
Come race day seventeen hundred marshals lined the route along with thousands of spectators to cheer along the seventeen hundred competitors. With all that excitement and with all those eyes watching, you feel inspired to a strong performance. The conditions on race day were brilliant. Dry for the 7am start on the beach for the swim. A little bit of drizzle during the first lap of the bike course – some light winds that helped to cool you down in the 22C temperatures which are just perfect for a Brit coming out of a winters training. Warm enough that you don’t need additional layers, warm enough that you don’t get cold or get cramp, but not so warm that you have to worry about heat stroke and cool enough to enable you to wear a wetsuit.
For me, everything came together and I took an hour of my previous Ironman performance. I’d had concerns that the motivation for my second Ironman completion wouldn’t be there, but come the day the motivation was even higher. Being able to celebrate with a club mate and the victories British pairing of Stephen Bayliss and Bella Comerford was the icing on the cake.
I had a good time getting a good time. If you get the chance, go.
Why you think you deserve a place in Team Wiggle?
Why do I deserve a place on Team Wiggle? Deserve is such a strong word and in sport, no matter how much work you put in, can anyone truly claim to deserve anything? Why then am I applying?
I’m after a place on team Wiggle as it’s such an incredible opportunity to promote the sports that I love.
I love being active. I love being involved. I love living live to the full and I love seeing others getting the most out of their lives.
I hope that in some small way my activities encourage others to get out their door and be involved in a healthy pastime. I hope that in some small way pursuing my goals will inspire others to chase down their dreams. I’ve already seen my efforts inspire friends, relatives and colleagues to donate thousands of pounds to worthy causes such as Action Medical Research, Spinal Injuries Association, RNLI and Meningitis Trust. It would be a dream come true to be referenced in the future in the autobiography of a sporting legend as someone who unwittingly led to the unleashing of a legend. Just imagine, someone taking up a sport as a result of something you’ve done and then going on to Olympic glory.
I make no claim to being an Olympic hero, or to having an impressive list of victories. Whilst winning would be great the challenge in my eyes is in doing the best I can do. And by not being the all conquering champion I hope that I’m seen by others in a way that makes them think “if he can do it. I can do it”.
So, to me the opportunity of being on Team Wiggle is about encouraging more people into sport, to stay within sport to chase their dreams, to raise the level of their game and to encourage people to help others develop in their sports. Getting more people involved I believe will increase awareness of our sports, increase the support for our sports, increase the opportunities to participate in our sports and make the route easier in the future for our future champions.
By being a member of Team Wiggle in 2009 and contributing to the Bloggle throughout the year as I pursue my aims I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams.
I currently have four main aims for 2009 starting with the Flora London Marathon in April. On my 41st birthday at the end of June I will be completing Ironman France. Three weeks later, I’ll be riding a stage of the 2009 Tour de France where I tackle Mount Ventoux in l’Etape du Tour. Then on Sunday 30th August I will be in Penticton, BC aiming to notch up my fifth Ironman completion at Ironman Canada. If that wasn’t enough I’m also being asked to take on the role of Chairman for Tri-Anglia Triathlon Club.
2009 looks set to be a really exciting year. A year I’d love to share with Wiggle.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
12 mile lunchtime run, Ballbuster + other things
Long Lunchtime Run
Today witnessed my longest ever lunchtime run. A 12 mile (well 11.5 mile) route from the office with company from Lynn Emmett. Managed to get round, with stopages in 1:32:58, makes for an average pace of 8:04 minutes per mile (mpm). Considering the stops for roundabouts, lights, traffic junctions etc isn't bad at all. Jeff Lansdell joined us for the first 3 or so miles and asked why? Reason being it's my last long training run ahead of the Norwich Half Marathon in 2.5 weeks time.
BallBuster
Today was the first time I'd run since the Ballbuster Duathlon on Saturday. The Ballbuster consists of 5x 8mile undulating loop culminating with a 1.5mile ascent of Box Hill. First and last laps are run, the middle 3 biked. The roads are narrow and on Sunday were strewn with leaves and thanks to heavy rain rather wet. On top of that it was cold and windy. I've once previously done the Ballbuster and that was 2 years ago. Pleased to report that I beat my previous Run1 day, my Run2 time and my overall time. Managed to average 7:30mpm for the whole 16miles with very even splits though did suffer from a shin splint on the first run and mild splint and stitch on final run.
l'Etape du Tour
I've now entered the blue ribboned Sportive for 2009. Paul Childerhouse is doing it to commemorate his 40th birthday. Well, seemed rude not to accompany him. Riding a tour stage that finishes at the summit of Mount Ventoux just 3 weeks after finishing Ironman France and 6 weeks ahead of Ironman Canada means next summer is going to be mighty interesting.
Mum's 70th Birthday
Took Mum for a meal on your birthday saturday and got away with springing a surprise on her. Arranged for a couple of her friends who she's known for years to join us. Made for a very special evening.
Today witnessed my longest ever lunchtime run. A 12 mile (well 11.5 mile) route from the office with company from Lynn Emmett. Managed to get round, with stopages in 1:32:58, makes for an average pace of 8:04 minutes per mile (mpm). Considering the stops for roundabouts, lights, traffic junctions etc isn't bad at all. Jeff Lansdell joined us for the first 3 or so miles and asked why? Reason being it's my last long training run ahead of the Norwich Half Marathon in 2.5 weeks time.
BallBuster
Today was the first time I'd run since the Ballbuster Duathlon on Saturday. The Ballbuster consists of 5x 8mile undulating loop culminating with a 1.5mile ascent of Box Hill. First and last laps are run, the middle 3 biked. The roads are narrow and on Sunday were strewn with leaves and thanks to heavy rain rather wet. On top of that it was cold and windy. I've once previously done the Ballbuster and that was 2 years ago. Pleased to report that I beat my previous Run1 day, my Run2 time and my overall time. Managed to average 7:30mpm for the whole 16miles with very even splits though did suffer from a shin splint on the first run and mild splint and stitch on final run.
l'Etape du Tour
I've now entered the blue ribboned Sportive for 2009. Paul Childerhouse is doing it to commemorate his 40th birthday. Well, seemed rude not to accompany him. Riding a tour stage that finishes at the summit of Mount Ventoux just 3 weeks after finishing Ironman France and 6 weeks ahead of Ironman Canada means next summer is going to be mighty interesting.
Mum's 70th Birthday
Took Mum for a meal on your birthday saturday and got away with springing a surprise on her. Arranged for a couple of her friends who she's known for years to join us. Made for a very special evening.
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Overtaken
Got overtaken swimming this morning. Really doesn't happen too often. Guess it's my fault by getting in the same lane as Mike. Youll have to forgive me for not knowing the surname of the other early morning swimmers, at least I know the forenames of the people in this mornings story.
Well, I started off at 7:04 on Mikes heals, I was doing 5x800m with 60seconds rest between each and he was heading off on a 1500m warm up. 3 lengths into the swim and I'm being overtaken by some slim lady who I hadn't even clocked as being in the lane with us, she didn't catch Mike before she paused for a rest, though she did give me a wake to follow in for 200m. Mike later confessed that he'd spotted Claire overtake me and wasn't going to let her catch him.
I was then into my second 800 when Mike then overtook me towards the end of his 1500m, this time with Tom on his heals. I did get my own back on Mike when he went onto kick, but you would expect that.
Nattering with Mike he reckoned that averaging 1:30 per 100m was a good pace for a distance swim. My 4,000m set took me 65mins which included 4mins rest, which means I averaged 1:31 per 100m. So I'm pleased with that.
Well, I started off at 7:04 on Mikes heals, I was doing 5x800m with 60seconds rest between each and he was heading off on a 1500m warm up. 3 lengths into the swim and I'm being overtaken by some slim lady who I hadn't even clocked as being in the lane with us, she didn't catch Mike before she paused for a rest, though she did give me a wake to follow in for 200m. Mike later confessed that he'd spotted Claire overtake me and wasn't going to let her catch him.
I was then into my second 800 when Mike then overtook me towards the end of his 1500m, this time with Tom on his heals. I did get my own back on Mike when he went onto kick, but you would expect that.
Nattering with Mike he reckoned that averaging 1:30 per 100m was a good pace for a distance swim. My 4,000m set took me 65mins which included 4mins rest, which means I averaged 1:31 per 100m. So I'm pleased with that.
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