Well it is almost time for the big dance, but more about that later…
In the last 2 months or so we have had a pretty hectic time competing at everything from “Swamp Triathlons” to our first marathon in the New Forest.
I managed to damage my neck just before the race in Cambridge so was spared the pain that Trinks went through. Not for the first time this season, torrential rain greeted our arrival at a race. Nothing like getting soaked before you even put your wetsuit on. I figured that Trinks would bail after the 40km bike leg but I forgot she has this idea in her head that she is a tough farm chick from Kimberley, so out she went to take on the mud fest that was the run. If you want to know what really gives you blisters, it is mud in your run shoes for 10km’s. The blood was flowing freely by the time she had out sprinted one of the men to finish in 12th place out of 26 women. Maybe Kimberley is a tough place after all, well certainly tougher than Durbs where a sore neck is a good enough excuse to bail.
Next up was our return to Eton where we both posted improved times and results on the excellent short course. All of this was however really looking forward to the marathon which was Keel and Trink’s big goal for the season.
We headed down to Bournemouth on Saturday morning and checked into our hotel, which was straight out of Fawlty Towers. Stew headed off to the beach to kite surf. A note for novices: kite surfing as a half marathon warm up, should only to be used by the most experienced athletes. Steve and Kirst arrived later that day by train claiming that they had just had a quiet lunch, although their laughter and weaving walk suggested otherwise. Just to ensure that no stone was left unturned in the carbo-loading department, Steve and Stew tested several liquid carbo products at the restaurant that evening. The suspicion of pre-race drinking was proved to be true on race morning when Kirst revealed that one of her running shoes had failed to make the trip from London.
Not to be put off, Kirst had a ready replacement in her Donna Karan plimsolls. Basically a thin piece of rubber surrounded by a few delightful pastel shades of nylon. See the photos page for more details. Nerves were very much in evidence before the start as the half marathoners headed off and left us three marathoners to wait for our start. The run went pretty well apart from a few cramps and a prolific nose blower that seemed to enjoy running near Keel for some reason. Kate managed to keep her shoes on throughout the race and finished bravely, despite suffering from severe stomach problems for the few days before and even during the race. The end result being several successful debut half and full marathon runners picking up medals. Thanks to the Hamilton support crew for the cheering section, great photos and assistance for limping runners after the race.
For most of Team Rat that was the season over with and a winter of fattening up to look forward to. For me I have just one more small task to complete, the Ironman. I am currently in the taper stage, which supposedly means that I get to relax, ease off the training and make sure that I am ready for the race. In reality it is time to get emotional, doubt oneself, bounce off the walls due to excess energy and doubt oneself. Oh and did I mention doubt oneself !!
I have had an incredible time training and racing, some of it alone, but a lot of it with my friends and family. Here comes the thank you list:
First to Trinks, my training partner, masseur, nutritionist and biggest supporter. Without you there is no Iron in me and I hope that I can repay you next year if you decide to do the race yourself.
Secondly to the rest of Team Rat, especially my family who define the word support and especially Keel, Doug and Chris who have tested me every time we hit the road together.
Thank you to my non-triathlete friends who have continually supported and not drunk too much beer in front of me----it’s nearly party time guys. Ivy and Matt-- Ironbug is ready to roll.
The Tribe, I look forward to finally meeting all of you in Florida, you are the greatest. If you want to meet the Tribe check out the discussion forum on the GFT website.
Well I warned you it is an emotional time, but more in the post-race report. Think of me on the 20th.
cheers Lab Rat
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