Trying Times
I used to be quite a good triathlete – But that was 20 years ago now and thing shave changed since then. I’m older, fatter, have less time to train and much much slower.
Despite this somehow my sister (Trudi) has talked me into doing a triathlon in May in order to raise money for her childrens’s school and a local swimming pool. It isn’t just me, she has talked Jay and Brad (my brothers) into it, along with a few others too.
It is only a short triathlon. The swim which should be my strong point is a little odd as the pool is only 15m long so I don’t think I’ll be able to gain any time on that part. At 450m in total it would normally take me around 6 minutes in a normal pool… 20 years ago that would have been 5 minutes.
The cycle is 21km (13 miles) and is apparently quite hilly. I didn’t really have a suitable bike for this as my road bikes date from the time when I was doing triathlons so they are 20 years old too and almost antiques. No carbon fibre, no indexed gearing or anything like that. I’ll have to see what I can get to replace them!.. New toys, don’t you just love it! Again, there was a time when I would have been able to do 13 miles on a bike in around 30 minutes, this time I think it will be around 45 minutes, especially if its really hilly.
And then there’s the run. 7km (4.3 miles) and once again hilly. Once upon a time that would have been easy and would have taken me somewhere around 25-27 minutes. I’ve been for an experimental run here just to see how I’ll cope now. I did a 4.2 mile run, completely flat. It took me 40 minutes and what’s more it hurt for a week afterwards!
Why did I agree to do this? Only a month to go until the big day, I have the Dyfi Enduro to do a couple of weeks before hand and there just isn’t enough time to make any improvements.
Jay, Brad, Matt and the others doing it are all younger than me and seem to be training hard with the sole intention of beating me… No matter what everyone says about taking it easy and not worrying about where they come in the race, the competition is hot!
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Training hard…I’ve not been out running for 37 years, and I’m 36! I did go on a treadmill the other day and covered 1km, yes only 1. This took be 8 min and hurt. The swim might be easy, although I’ve not been swimming for 20 years. I’ve been in a pool, but only splashing around with the kids. The bike park is my strongest, I’m on a borrowed bike at the moment, but hope to have a new one but the event. Currently training in the area only, covering 20 miles in 1:20, 20 years ago this would have been only 50 min, but looking to shave at least another 15 mins off this before the triathlon. Triathlon, splash around – bike – walk. Then back to Trudi’s for bacon rolls. Trudi?
Oh, and I forgot to say, if you want to sponsor me then let me know or click here to donate via PayPal.
The money raised will go to KLB School and Wotton Pool in Wotton Under Edge.
Al.
Well i hit the MTB for a road ride this morning. I only Managed 10 Miles and did it in 59 minutes. I’d like to say it was hilly, but it really isnt.
Well i hit the MTB for a road ride this morning. I only Managed 10 Miles and did it in 59 minutes. I’d like to say it was hilly, but it really isnt.
My bike is an antique, I’m working 14 hour days so training is pratically nil.
after 4 1/2 marathons legs don’t work
Did 6 miles on a bike took me about 25 mins, then 1 1/2 mile run took 11 mins
sun is shining so off to the pub to do more training