To many of you at NiceTri you’ll be wondering who I am or maybe why you’ve never seem me! In answer I live very far away And I’m very far in terms of ability too.
A quick intro; I’ve a long history of playing “big boy” sports, ruby in my youth and American Football in the last 3-4 years but this only gave me the excuse to put on weight! Something I really didn’t need!
Now, people who know me and know I’ve lost a few lbs ask why, why triathlons? The answer is a great mate Niel Johnson surprised me a while back and lost lots of weight and looked great for it. I now know this is a common story, do triathlon, get hooked, lose weight, become obsessed…so I was sold after seeing Niel and how excited he was about racing.
This all happened at the same time I saw a quote from the Dalai Lama combined it was enough to make me question my lifestyle choices and probable life expectancy!
You may have noticed a lack of race detail in this blog, that kind of continues, for me, I’m still in the early days, seeing what I can achieve in terms of distance. Doing triathlons is a challenge but not in a race others type of way (mostly because I’m usually last!).
History; A year ago (June actually) I decided to go for a run, I was enthused after reading my first issue of Tri220 magazine and talking to anybody who runs, swims or bikes! I got half a mile from home, was almost sick and walked home thinking, this is hard. So, terrible start and a rude awakening but in the weeks that followed everything got easier as I discovered running slowly meant running further, 2 miles, 4 miles, 5, 6, even 9 one cold winters night (in the dark coz that’s when “bigger people” feel more comfortable)! So now I’m a plodder, running is OK but I’d rather have a bigger challenge.
So in September last year I found a local race, the Nicetrisuper sprint. I bought a bike from ebay (my first ever road bike) read every magazine and book I could for newbies and decided to go for it.
I rented a wetsuit from a shop in Huntingdon that was a funny experience “what size do you want?” Not sure, can I try on a big one please. “err try this one” It feels tight.
“Well it’s the biggest one we’ve got. OK I’ll take it!Race Day. ..Towel organised exactly as the books described. Wetsuit on with the assistance of another helpful racer, also their first time! Briefing done, time to get into the water, oh my god it was cold. Can’t breathe, goggles steamed…air horn, GO.
So after 100 meters I found myself hanging onto a canoe after almost pulling the canoeist out of the thing in panic. The next 10 seconds felt like minutes but I’m proud I decided to carry on and not give up. The rest of the swim was honestly the hardest physical thing I’d ever done. Lots of people say that don’t they but I mean it. Story goes I finished, I was close to last but (and this makes no sense to someone who doesn’t challenge themselves) I wanted to do it again but better. I’m sure I could do better.
So in the off season I took swimming lessons, I entered half marathon races and started a collection of medals. While I’m usually last, I’ll take it over sitting on the sofa doing nothing and feeling miserable and fat.
Races so far:
NiceTri Super sprint 1hr 12 minutes – September 2012
NiceTri Super sprint 53 minutes – May 2013
Speedy Beaver Sprint – 1 hr 59 – June 2013
Bedford Box end Olympic 4hrs 7 mins – 7th July
NiceTri Super sprint 53 minutes – May 2013
Speedy Beaver Sprint – 1 hr 59 – June 2013
Bedford Box end Olympic 4hrs 7 mins – 7th July
Virgin London Olympic I’ll let you know how it goes!
So last Sundays race was hot and I was slow (no surprise there) but I managed it and felt like there was more left in the tank.
Positive things:
I learnt to listen to my body and slow down more (if that is possible) when I got too hot.
I didn’t panic while swimming I concentrated on form and tried to keep momentum.
I dint push too hard on the bike, keeping something back for the run.
Managed to take on some gels and a drink, I also did a Brownlee and poured quite a few waters over myself.
I learnt to listen to my body and slow down more (if that is possible) when I got too hot.
I didn’t panic while swimming I concentrated on form and tried to keep momentum.
I dint push too hard on the bike, keeping something back for the run.
Managed to take on some gels and a drink, I also did a Brownlee and poured quite a few waters over myself.
Mistakes:
Not look where I’m swimming often enough, I have a habit or going right, a lot.
Don’t raise the seat by 10mm and expect it to be as easy to get into the saddle!
Don’t look at big potholes as you usually end up going where you’re looking.
Don’t raise the seat by 10mm and expect it to be as easy to get into the saddle!
Don’t look at big potholes as you usually end up going where you’re looking.
I’m now looking forward to going faster in London in a few weeks! If I manage to knock a good chunk of time off and lose another 14lbs, I might just enter the Ely half in August (Maybe).
I’d also like to say congratulations to the clubs new Ironmen and podium peeps. Inspirational stuff!
Tony Orfeo