Feet are still hurting.
Went sunbathing with the crew on the beach today. Whilst there we went for a dip in the sea. Afraid I wasn't able to stand on the shingle to walk out of the water. I had to shuffle back up the beach backwards on my bum.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Ironman France
Been swept away the last couple of days with the events of Ironman France.
Tried to get an early night Saturday ahead of Sunday's race, but had a terrible night. Was still awake at 1am and was getting up at 3:45am. I was feeling nausious and had tummy aches. Was sure it was just nerves but turns out I wasn't the only one feeling that way.
4am and the porter didn't want to let us in for the pre-arranged breakfast. He was insisting it was 4:30am. So we just sat in the restaurant and ate our own food and left at 4:30 to make it to transition for 5am.
The organisers tried to seed the swim start. There were nine pens set up in the start area. The pros were in the middle. To the immediate right those capable of 55mins, to the left those capable of 62 mins and then progressively slower and slower out to the two sides. That just didn't work. I finished the swim in 1:00:10 in 169th place and there were more than 170 people in front of me in the 55min pen. I'd stood at the back of that pen thinking I'd tag onto the back of those going faster than I but ended up swimming through them. That slowed me down some what.
My pulse at the start was really high. 118bpm just standing on the beach. Matt and Andy's was 80-90. I figured that was nerves and tiredness. Once out on the bike on the flat opening 20km I took it really easy to try and get my pulse back down to 78-80% as 90% was too high for a long ride. I lost a fair few places there. The first climb was the steepest, though shortest after that I was really needing to find somewhere descreet for a comfort stop. I lost more time here whilst I preoccupied seeking laybys. It was at this point that John Roberts came past me. He didn't spot me. Matt had already seen me and patted my back in swim to bike transition. So that meant two team mates ahead of me.
I found a layby climbed the bank sorted myself out. So pleased I'd putted my emergency toilet paper supply in the pocket of my cycle jersey and hoped that was the lot. As I climbed back down to my bike and was heading off Gareth Walker passed. He shouted a greeting and checked I was okay. I caught him, chatted and went ahead for a bit. A little later he caught me and asked if I was aware of the straw hanging out of my shorts. I had a bit of a descent chasing Gareth before hitting the main climb and my area of strength. I wasn't to see Gareth again until my final lap of the run.
The bike course was fabulous. Stunning scenary, great climbs and some wonderful descents. Found I was overtaking lots of people on the ascents and generally keeping up with people on the descents. As the ride progressed I got stronger and stronger. The infinate energy drink being supplied at the aid stations was working well and the pain aux chicken (though we think it might have been veggie chicken substitute) that I'd put into my special needs bag was really pleasent at the 70km point.
I was amazed at the end of the bike to discover I'd managed it in under 6 hours. I was still on target for time around 11 hours, so long as I had a very good run. It was soon very obvious that that wasn't going to happen. I ran to the first aid station took some water and some coke that I tried to drink from cups whilst running and just ended up pouring them down my front. I decided at that point I'd walk through the aid stations whilst drinking. Then into the first shower. The water was so cold when it hit me I couldn't stop myself shuddering. There was an official photographer there and I so hope that he caught that on film. I then found Matt Spillman stood in front of me. He shock my hand, passed on his congratulations and said he was beat due to a tummy bug. What a sportsman. He wasn't down and out and was going to walk the marathon rather then quit and didn't begrudge me or anyone else being able to pass him.
I managed to run the whole of the first of the four laps of the run, but it wasn't long into the second lap that I opted for a walk run approach. I'd speed walk 100 strides and then run 400 strides. Slowed me a little but meant I was keeping a steady pace. I was still opting to run through each and every shower until on the second half of the second lap when the water just wasn't draining from the road. My feet where now socked. Each foot strike squelched. From here on in my feet started hurting. I could feel blisters forming. Then I was sure there were bursting. Running was hurting my thighs and my feet. Walking was really hurting my feet and just drawing out the challenge. My calfs though were good. I'd bought some compression calf guards in the expo before the race that I'd had on from the swim (I'd been wearing them under the wetsuit). I had no problem there and often I'd have twinges in the shins or tightness in the calfs. Wondering if full compression tights would be something to test next time.
The out and back nature of the course meant that you saw each of your team mates twice per lap so long as you could spot them amongst the other competitors. I was the only one wearing the bright read Tri-Anglia colours and with a bright red Diss Duathlon Tube on my head as a bandana made me very obvious. Matt and Andy were always shouting my name and words of encouragement. Hollie, Lynsey and Andy's parents were chearing from the side lines and there was plenty of other support from other spectators.
I was getting concerned that I hadn't seem Simon Edye all day. I'd seen some cyclists laying in the road receiving medical attention, plus there'd been a couple of other ambulances. I'd also not seen Jan, Simon's wife spectating. If I'd spotted Jan I might not have been quite so concerned about Simon. I was really hoping that he hadn't come a cropper on the bike. I was also hoping that as I was slowing that he wasn't about to come breathing down my neck. I know John was still about 20 minutes ahead of me with Matt and Andy about 20 to 30 minutes behind. I found Gareth again on my final lap of the run. He was on his first, though it might have been his second. He'd had a mare on his bike. He'd managed to split a tyre. He fashioned a repair of sorts then went back to a mechanics point that he'd passed two miles earlier and was fortunate that they had a spare tyre to give him due to another competitor dropping it. He then suffered another puncture on his other wheel later in the race.
When I got to cross the finish line I was very relieved to have completed what had been a challenging day, and it was brillient to be greeted by Katie who'd been a volunteer helper all day. I was very happy just to go find somewhere quiet to lay down with my feet up and a couple of bottles of Rego (recovery drink) waiting to find out what had happened to everyone. My feet weren't in as bad a mess as I'd thought - they were shrivelled up as if they'd been soaked in water for ages which they had but they weren't bleeding.
Found I'd received a text from Simon. Due to illness he'd been pulled off the course at 90km and bused back. He clearly wasn't all right but I was so pleased he wasn't injured. Matt had perked up after his second run lap. Andy had vomitted on the bike and I'd had a bad night and some bowel trouble on the bike. John was the only one I didn't hear from. Figure we all ate something bad the previous day. I'm blaming the chinese of Saturday lunchtime which I'd nearly refused to eat. Live and learn.
Results
John Roberts, 686th, 11:23:43 (s=1:05:13, b=5:44:05, r=4:23:01)
Rob Lines, 828th, 11:38:17 (s=1:00:39, b=5:59:55, r=4:23:42)
Matt Spillman, 1213th, 12:18:12 (s=1:00:01, b=5:58:34, r=5:06:16)
Andy Atthowe, 1326th, 12:30:16 (s=1:06:45, b=6:24:42, r=4:47:20)
Gareth Walker, 2125th, 14:40:36 (s=1:03:40, b=7:53:46, r=5:26:33)
Simon Edye, DNF (s=1:13:52)
J
Tried to get an early night Saturday ahead of Sunday's race, but had a terrible night. Was still awake at 1am and was getting up at 3:45am. I was feeling nausious and had tummy aches. Was sure it was just nerves but turns out I wasn't the only one feeling that way.
4am and the porter didn't want to let us in for the pre-arranged breakfast. He was insisting it was 4:30am. So we just sat in the restaurant and ate our own food and left at 4:30 to make it to transition for 5am.
The organisers tried to seed the swim start. There were nine pens set up in the start area. The pros were in the middle. To the immediate right those capable of 55mins, to the left those capable of 62 mins and then progressively slower and slower out to the two sides. That just didn't work. I finished the swim in 1:00:10 in 169th place and there were more than 170 people in front of me in the 55min pen. I'd stood at the back of that pen thinking I'd tag onto the back of those going faster than I but ended up swimming through them. That slowed me down some what.
My pulse at the start was really high. 118bpm just standing on the beach. Matt and Andy's was 80-90. I figured that was nerves and tiredness. Once out on the bike on the flat opening 20km I took it really easy to try and get my pulse back down to 78-80% as 90% was too high for a long ride. I lost a fair few places there. The first climb was the steepest, though shortest after that I was really needing to find somewhere descreet for a comfort stop. I lost more time here whilst I preoccupied seeking laybys. It was at this point that John Roberts came past me. He didn't spot me. Matt had already seen me and patted my back in swim to bike transition. So that meant two team mates ahead of me.
I found a layby climbed the bank sorted myself out. So pleased I'd putted my emergency toilet paper supply in the pocket of my cycle jersey and hoped that was the lot. As I climbed back down to my bike and was heading off Gareth Walker passed. He shouted a greeting and checked I was okay. I caught him, chatted and went ahead for a bit. A little later he caught me and asked if I was aware of the straw hanging out of my shorts. I had a bit of a descent chasing Gareth before hitting the main climb and my area of strength. I wasn't to see Gareth again until my final lap of the run.
The bike course was fabulous. Stunning scenary, great climbs and some wonderful descents. Found I was overtaking lots of people on the ascents and generally keeping up with people on the descents. As the ride progressed I got stronger and stronger. The infinate energy drink being supplied at the aid stations was working well and the pain aux chicken (though we think it might have been veggie chicken substitute) that I'd put into my special needs bag was really pleasent at the 70km point.
I was amazed at the end of the bike to discover I'd managed it in under 6 hours. I was still on target for time around 11 hours, so long as I had a very good run. It was soon very obvious that that wasn't going to happen. I ran to the first aid station took some water and some coke that I tried to drink from cups whilst running and just ended up pouring them down my front. I decided at that point I'd walk through the aid stations whilst drinking. Then into the first shower. The water was so cold when it hit me I couldn't stop myself shuddering. There was an official photographer there and I so hope that he caught that on film. I then found Matt Spillman stood in front of me. He shock my hand, passed on his congratulations and said he was beat due to a tummy bug. What a sportsman. He wasn't down and out and was going to walk the marathon rather then quit and didn't begrudge me or anyone else being able to pass him.
I managed to run the whole of the first of the four laps of the run, but it wasn't long into the second lap that I opted for a walk run approach. I'd speed walk 100 strides and then run 400 strides. Slowed me a little but meant I was keeping a steady pace. I was still opting to run through each and every shower until on the second half of the second lap when the water just wasn't draining from the road. My feet where now socked. Each foot strike squelched. From here on in my feet started hurting. I could feel blisters forming. Then I was sure there were bursting. Running was hurting my thighs and my feet. Walking was really hurting my feet and just drawing out the challenge. My calfs though were good. I'd bought some compression calf guards in the expo before the race that I'd had on from the swim (I'd been wearing them under the wetsuit). I had no problem there and often I'd have twinges in the shins or tightness in the calfs. Wondering if full compression tights would be something to test next time.
The out and back nature of the course meant that you saw each of your team mates twice per lap so long as you could spot them amongst the other competitors. I was the only one wearing the bright read Tri-Anglia colours and with a bright red Diss Duathlon Tube on my head as a bandana made me very obvious. Matt and Andy were always shouting my name and words of encouragement. Hollie, Lynsey and Andy's parents were chearing from the side lines and there was plenty of other support from other spectators.
I was getting concerned that I hadn't seem Simon Edye all day. I'd seen some cyclists laying in the road receiving medical attention, plus there'd been a couple of other ambulances. I'd also not seen Jan, Simon's wife spectating. If I'd spotted Jan I might not have been quite so concerned about Simon. I was really hoping that he hadn't come a cropper on the bike. I was also hoping that as I was slowing that he wasn't about to come breathing down my neck. I know John was still about 20 minutes ahead of me with Matt and Andy about 20 to 30 minutes behind. I found Gareth again on my final lap of the run. He was on his first, though it might have been his second. He'd had a mare on his bike. He'd managed to split a tyre. He fashioned a repair of sorts then went back to a mechanics point that he'd passed two miles earlier and was fortunate that they had a spare tyre to give him due to another competitor dropping it. He then suffered another puncture on his other wheel later in the race.
When I got to cross the finish line I was very relieved to have completed what had been a challenging day, and it was brillient to be greeted by Katie who'd been a volunteer helper all day. I was very happy just to go find somewhere quiet to lay down with my feet up and a couple of bottles of Rego (recovery drink) waiting to find out what had happened to everyone. My feet weren't in as bad a mess as I'd thought - they were shrivelled up as if they'd been soaked in water for ages which they had but they weren't bleeding.
Found I'd received a text from Simon. Due to illness he'd been pulled off the course at 90km and bused back. He clearly wasn't all right but I was so pleased he wasn't injured. Matt had perked up after his second run lap. Andy had vomitted on the bike and I'd had a bad night and some bowel trouble on the bike. John was the only one I didn't hear from. Figure we all ate something bad the previous day. I'm blaming the chinese of Saturday lunchtime which I'd nearly refused to eat. Live and learn.
Results
John Roberts, 686th, 11:23:43 (s=1:05:13, b=5:44:05, r=4:23:01)
Rob Lines, 828th, 11:38:17 (s=1:00:39, b=5:59:55, r=4:23:42)
Matt Spillman, 1213th, 12:18:12 (s=1:00:01, b=5:58:34, r=5:06:16)
Andy Atthowe, 1326th, 12:30:16 (s=1:06:45, b=6:24:42, r=4:47:20)
Gareth Walker, 2125th, 14:40:36 (s=1:03:40, b=7:53:46, r=5:26:33)
Simon Edye, DNF (s=1:13:52)
J
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Follow us at Ironman France tomorrow live
You can follow us on the Ironman Live service - http://ironman.com/ironmanlive
335 - Andy Atthowe
956 - Gareth Walker
1797 - Rob Lines
1829 - John Roberts
2157 - Matt Spillman
2750 - Simon Edye
335 - Andy Atthowe
956 - Gareth Walker
1797 - Rob Lines
1829 - John Roberts
2157 - Matt Spillman
2750 - Simon Edye
Day 7 - Friday 26th - Registration
Up early for a quick spin on the bike before breakfast.
Wandered over to registration to pick up race numbers. Spent a bit too much time and a little bit of money in the expo.
Down to the beach for a quick swim and sun bath. Whilst sitting on the beach Richard Hancock from BBC Radio Norfolk phoned to record an interview to be broadcast later in the day. Matt and I then had a 16 minute run as a loosener and to test the compression calfs we had just purchased. A dip in the sea and a cold shower on the beach to freshen up and then off for lunch in the old part of town.
Back to the beach, but not much sunbathing due to cloud cover. We played cards until the clouds became threatening and managed to get back to the hotel before the thunderstorm started.
The build up for the event is now well and truly underway. The 'Energy Party' was a rather grand affair:
Still no sign of Gareth and Lynsey.
Wandered over to registration to pick up race numbers. Spent a bit too much time and a little bit of money in the expo.
Down to the beach for a quick swim and sun bath. Whilst sitting on the beach Richard Hancock from BBC Radio Norfolk phoned to record an interview to be broadcast later in the day. Matt and I then had a 16 minute run as a loosener and to test the compression calfs we had just purchased. A dip in the sea and a cold shower on the beach to freshen up and then off for lunch in the old part of town.
Back to the beach, but not much sunbathing due to cloud cover. We played cards until the clouds became threatening and managed to get back to the hotel before the thunderstorm started.
The build up for the event is now well and truly underway. The 'Energy Party' was a rather grand affair:
Still no sign of Gareth and Lynsey.Day 6 - Thursday 25th - Rest Day
This was a rest day. No exercise and a day to completely forget the upcoming task. A day to be a tourist.
Started with a lie in. Then off to a Palientology Museum. Cafe in Gariboli Square. Museum of Contempory Art. Lunch. Sun bathing on the beach and an evening picnic in the square.
So being a tourist worked fairly well.
With more and more of the team arriving, trying to keep the mind off the Ironman was rather more difficult. Simon Edye arrived early and met us in the Palientology Museum. John Roberts joined us for the Cafe in Gariboli Sq, the art museum and lunch. Andy Atthowe tracked us down on the beach.
We now have a full contingent, though we've yet to meet up with Gareth Walker and Lynsey.
Started with a lie in. Then off to a Palientology Museum. Cafe in Gariboli Square. Museum of Contempory Art. Lunch. Sun bathing on the beach and an evening picnic in the square.
So being a tourist worked fairly well.With more and more of the team arriving, trying to keep the mind off the Ironman was rather more difficult. Simon Edye arrived early and met us in the Palientology Museum. John Roberts joined us for the Cafe in Gariboli Sq, the art museum and lunch. Andy Atthowe tracked us down on the beach.
We now have a full contingent, though we've yet to meet up with Gareth Walker and Lynsey.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Day 5 - Wednesday 24th - Gareth's Birthday
Three have become 5. Gareth Walker and Lynsey are now also in Nice though we haven't seen them yet. Lynsey had idea's today for Gareth's birthday, so he didn't come out to play.
6:30am Matt and I met in reception for a walk to the beach in new flip flops for a swim. The beach was quiet. Very quiet. There were at most 3 people in the water swimming and not many more moving around on the 3 miles worth of beach front. We headed down to the beach area nearest to the hotel and put our t-shirts and towels on the fencing that delinated the cafe that was hours away from opening. There was a chap milling about amongst the sun loungers in the cafe so I did wonder if our items would be removed from his fence. We walked into the water in our flip flops - so much easier. Then threw them onto the beach - needless to say the four of them spread out a little.
The water was easily warm enough again even that early in the morning not to need wetsuits and we swam 500m along the beach before turning to swim back. Once back to our entry point our flip flops were no longer scattered on the beach but had been neatly put with our items on the cafe fence. People can surprise you at times. The chap, who I presume was a night time security guard, came over to talk to us getting out and two other chaps who were arriving to start their swim. Whilst we were warm in the water, it definately wasn't warm in the air. Matt and I opted to miss the cold water shower on the beach and headed back to the hotel. Despite a warm shower I was still shivering throughout breakfast.
At 10am, Matt and I then went out for a repeat of the Col de Vence reccee ride of the Bike Course. It was still stunning today and we both returned home buzzing and feeling ready for Sunday.
On the route we stopped at the bike shop in Vence were we got chatting to a Norwegian family who were interested in our biking, skiing, running and Ironman exploits. We could have chatted for ages, but Matt I and I had a show down with a hill. The gauntlet from the shop was a 32minute ascent as their record. We did it in 40mins without pushing too hard. There was another rider out on the hill that went past us. He fairly flew past us and was clearly out for a hill rep session. He was descending past us, then caught us about half way then was descending when we got near the top. It was hot, yet he was wearing long sleeve top over a base layer and long legs on too. Suspect he beat the 32mins.
6:30am Matt and I met in reception for a walk to the beach in new flip flops for a swim. The beach was quiet. Very quiet. There were at most 3 people in the water swimming and not many more moving around on the 3 miles worth of beach front. We headed down to the beach area nearest to the hotel and put our t-shirts and towels on the fencing that delinated the cafe that was hours away from opening. There was a chap milling about amongst the sun loungers in the cafe so I did wonder if our items would be removed from his fence. We walked into the water in our flip flops - so much easier. Then threw them onto the beach - needless to say the four of them spread out a little.
The water was easily warm enough again even that early in the morning not to need wetsuits and we swam 500m along the beach before turning to swim back. Once back to our entry point our flip flops were no longer scattered on the beach but had been neatly put with our items on the cafe fence. People can surprise you at times. The chap, who I presume was a night time security guard, came over to talk to us getting out and two other chaps who were arriving to start their swim. Whilst we were warm in the water, it definately wasn't warm in the air. Matt and I opted to miss the cold water shower on the beach and headed back to the hotel. Despite a warm shower I was still shivering throughout breakfast.
At 10am, Matt and I then went out for a repeat of the Col de Vence reccee ride of the Bike Course. It was still stunning today and we both returned home buzzing and feeling ready for Sunday.
On the route we stopped at the bike shop in Vence were we got chatting to a Norwegian family who were interested in our biking, skiing, running and Ironman exploits. We could have chatted for ages, but Matt I and I had a show down with a hill. The gauntlet from the shop was a 32minute ascent as their record. We did it in 40mins without pushing too hard. There was another rider out on the hill that went past us. He fairly flew past us and was clearly out for a hill rep session. He was descending past us, then caught us about half way then was descending when we got near the top. It was hot, yet he was wearing long sleeve top over a base layer and long legs on too. Suspect he beat the 32mins.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Day 4 - Tuesday 23rd June
A much easier day today. And hopefully a shorter blog entry.
Up for a 40 minute run with Matt whilst Katie roller-bladed along Promenade des Anglais, before breakfast.
Down to the beach for a dip and a snooze before lunch. The sea was pleasently warm. Felt cold as you went in, but was then okay once there. Kind of like jumping into the UEA pool. Will probably stick with the wetsuit for race day, but for warm up swims might not bother. Noticed a current moving along the beach. 260 strokes one way, 200 the other. Would actually say that's quite a strong current. The water is really clear. When you float vertically you can easily see your toes. It's very easy seeing swimers beside you and with a tourquise tint to the water it feels like your swimming in an aquarium. The salt taste is strong. Didn't note any taste of diesel, which is what I had been warned about. The issue is the shingle beach. Have now invested in some disposible flip-flops for use during the remainder of the trip.
Had a good lunch - not cheap eating out here. 30Euros. Going to have main meal at lunchtimes now as part of race prep as I don't want to be eating late particularly on race night. Another habbit I'm going to try and get into is getting up early. With a 6:30am race start sunday we're going to be getting up at 4:00. That's not going to be nice, but if I'm used to getting up at 6:00 then it won't be quite such a shock.
After lunch we went upto the Nice Ville grounds and snoozed and read on the grass up there. Far more comfortable than shingle and far more chilled than a busy beach. Discovered more of historic Nice - it is very pretty. And then out for a very very easy 1 hour bike ride with Matt. A mere spin along the prom dodging mobile obstructions.
To save money, and becaused we'd had our main meal mid day, we just bought some Yop, ham, cheese, bread, dried banana and pan du raisin, which we ate in a local park whilst the local residents played boules around us. Washed that down with a beer on the quayside. We asked for a half and got a half a litre. Noticed on another table there were steins so glad we didn't ask for a grande beer.
Up tomorrow for a dip in the sea at 6:30am. Spot of breakfast then off to take Matt round the route I cycled yesterday. A second opportunity to practise the descent. This time I won't got lost in any scenic villages. Katie I think is going sunbathing.
Up for a 40 minute run with Matt whilst Katie roller-bladed along Promenade des Anglais, before breakfast.
Down to the beach for a dip and a snooze before lunch. The sea was pleasently warm. Felt cold as you went in, but was then okay once there. Kind of like jumping into the UEA pool. Will probably stick with the wetsuit for race day, but for warm up swims might not bother. Noticed a current moving along the beach. 260 strokes one way, 200 the other. Would actually say that's quite a strong current. The water is really clear. When you float vertically you can easily see your toes. It's very easy seeing swimers beside you and with a tourquise tint to the water it feels like your swimming in an aquarium. The salt taste is strong. Didn't note any taste of diesel, which is what I had been warned about. The issue is the shingle beach. Have now invested in some disposible flip-flops for use during the remainder of the trip.
Had a good lunch - not cheap eating out here. 30Euros. Going to have main meal at lunchtimes now as part of race prep as I don't want to be eating late particularly on race night. Another habbit I'm going to try and get into is getting up early. With a 6:30am race start sunday we're going to be getting up at 4:00. That's not going to be nice, but if I'm used to getting up at 6:00 then it won't be quite such a shock.
After lunch we went upto the Nice Ville grounds and snoozed and read on the grass up there. Far more comfortable than shingle and far more chilled than a busy beach. Discovered more of historic Nice - it is very pretty. And then out for a very very easy 1 hour bike ride with Matt. A mere spin along the prom dodging mobile obstructions.
To save money, and becaused we'd had our main meal mid day, we just bought some Yop, ham, cheese, bread, dried banana and pan du raisin, which we ate in a local park whilst the local residents played boules around us. Washed that down with a beer on the quayside. We asked for a half and got a half a litre. Noticed on another table there were steins so glad we didn't ask for a grande beer.
Up tomorrow for a dip in the sea at 6:30am. Spot of breakfast then off to take Matt round the route I cycled yesterday. A second opportunity to practise the descent. This time I won't got lost in any scenic villages. Katie I think is going sunbathing.
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