Flitwick 10k, April 2011

Overall Position : 8th out of 821
Overall Time : 35:48

In a busy weekend of sport that included the Grand National, I ended up running in the Flitwick 10k. I managed to run a PB on the course and distance of 35:48. In my first race over the distance, I finished a superb 8th overall out of more than 800 competitors in what is just the beginning of a series of 10k events that I’ll be entering over the coming weeks and months, including races in Manchester and Hatfield. The weather was fantastic and I managed to run at a pace that was comftable for me, the terrain was hilly and not flat but I enjoyed the odd hill. I was joined by the family and Beca and Catrin enjoyed their breakfast of Candy Floss !

We started our trip to Worthing with a extra hour stuck on the M25. When we arrived at Worthing we did a quick investigation of the area. As I had already booked a table at fishworks for 7pm I registered early to enable me to get another valued 20 mins in bed on Sunday morning. our meal was fantastic and Delyth and I shared a fish platter that was great value for money. The children also had fish although Catrin preferred her potatoes.

The race morning was an early Sunday morning start at 6:30am so I had to get out by 5:15am to rack my bike and have the usual toilet stop. The race started with a run into the sea followed by a dive. I got to the first buoy in good time and then lost my way a bit and even had to do some breast stroke as I took a huge gulp of water. Luckily the sea was calmer than on Saturday where the coast experienced 30 mph winds. The exit was a relief and the added bonus of chants of “c’mon daddy” from Catrin and Beca.

The bike got off to a slow start as I decided to build into the course as I was aware it was tough. Some good fast sections exist on the course as it uses sections that are regularly used for a time trialing course but also some challenging gradients. The route follows the A280 and the A24 that were pleasantly quiet in the morning. The end was a added bonus of overtaking 3 people at the dismount so that training and preparation paid off. Although my transition time lost 15 seconds with my poor identification of my transition area.

The run was on the promenade and was one of the most enjoyable flat courses with some wind. I really enjoy flat courses and can relate them to the track. The overall result was satisfying with what appears an improvement on past races. 40th overall and 8th in my age group.

Overall Time : 02:12:50
Swim : 00:22:59
T1 : 00:00:54
Bike : 01:10:24
T2 : 00:00:44
Run : 00:37:46

The performance also helped with my rankins on the BTF National Rankings Series. My latest age group position is below:

Age Group : MF
Total Points : 215.13
Place : 8
Little Beaver : 106.02
Shropshire : 0.00
Worthing : 109.11

Well the first triathlon of the season and a very cold start. The weather was 10 degrees celcius but apparently the water was 14 degrees – what a bonus. The swim was not the best and although I picked a good line I got beaten up a bit and didn’t swim to plan. My stroke was a bit of a mess, the exit was good and I managed a quick change and run to the bike. Here again I wasn’t comftable and it’s obvious where I need to improve. The cycle was tough but I felt quite good and managed  a good leg. I was supported by Del, Beca and Catrin and they tried to hide away but came out to support me on the run.

Beca and Catrin In the flowers.

The final section was a run and by then my feet felt like two chunks of Ice. I even struggled to get into my shoes. But this time the run was easy and I managed to run without any issues. I was greeted by the family at the end and it was a cuddle worth waiting for !!!

Final push to the line at Grendon Sprint Triathlon.

My provisional results are below. For full results go to Just Racing Website:

Position : 46

Overall Time : 01:12:52

Swim : 00:12:48

T1 : 00:00:48

Run : 00:39:32

T2 : 0:00:57

Run : 00:18:45

We had an interesting day with Beca where she wanted to put on all of her outfits, from Batman to Fairies. But my favourite was Beca in my FVS trisuit, helmet and sun glassed. Does she look like the real deal ?

What better way to celebrate the new year than a game of bowling with the girls. I managed to win being the class act and Beca was beaten by Catrin that made her very upset. I think she follows after me with her competitiveness. I asked if she enjoyed and she replied I would have had I won !!!!

Well how better to get over Christmas Day than spending it running. The race was sponsored by Buff and Beca got one as soon as she picked it her number. It was Beca first ever race and receiving the buff made her day. Beca was racing in the under 5 race and I started my race as she was racing so i missed her. Looking at the pictures and chatting to del it appears that she loved her race. It was funny as she pointed out who she passed at the end.

I managed to come 11th in the race but was beaten in the sprint finish by fellow team member, Dill.

When the summer comes what better opportunity than to get the girls out on the bikes.  Hopefully they’ll grow to love the bikes and compete like their Dad. I can only hope !!! We do a local loop of the area , approx 8km but i’ve never measured it on the Garmin (okay just don’t tell Del).  Beca loves cycling but not downhill anymore after a small crash (me driving like a nutter after Del called to say beca crashed into a bridge).

Watch out has google van passed your house. Well it hasn’t passed mine but it has passed my parents house in Cardiff. I was amazed to see the detail of the pictures.

View Larger Map

Been looking for a Bag for work for Del that achieves the following

• Easy to carry on Scotter
• Looks formal
• Can carry files and lunch box

Have narrowed it down to a Hama Notebook Messenger Bag. I hope Del will like it. Will get a review from Del once tested. But which colour will she get ?

On our way to Butlins we had some things we needed from Boots and Halfords before heading to Minehead. We visited Boots and got Catrin a swim costume, we then proceeded to Halfords to get some Tyre Levers for the bike as I had left my bike bag in Trisports.  My thought was that I could pick these up quicker than going to Letchworth. Big Bad Mistake, Del was driving and I was in the passenger seat. As she drove to halfords, she took the ramp that I thought I never go this way. I now know why !!!

“Bang” a noise echoed.

“Was that under the car” said Del

“No that wasn’t under the car how about behind the  car , my BIKE!!!!!” Said Me…

To say my blood was boiling would be an understatement. I was livid but I consoled del as she was upset at her mistake of driving under a low barrier. We took the bike back to trisports and they fixed the bike within the week, although it still has a dent.

We proceeded to Butlins and meet the crew. The apartment was nice and we viewed the shows. Beca and Catrin had a fab time and really enjoyed the swimming and the shows. I managed a few training runs and found myself falling down a trail.