Long bike ride and sea swimming
Had a good week training this week finished off with the Worthing triathlon.On Weds eve had a cracking chain gang session (thank you Gary for doing the turns with me).Thurs was the 120km ride of the VO2 sportive route which was challenging but gave me confidence that I can still do the longer rides! The route is fantastic, very scenic with all the local hills and rolling country lanes.If the weather on the 27th September is anything like it was on Thursday it will be stunning.On Sunday a few of the VO2 race team competed in the Worthing triathlon. My objectives for this race were to get a sea swim under race conditions, and, having driven the course, to stay on my tribars on all the inclines/hills/upwards drags( as this is what I will need to do in Hawaii). I also wanted to do a faster run than at Bedford.The sea was calm on race morning(which dawned clear,warm and nice!) so the swim went well. I was able to draft well which was useful as the sun blinded us on the return leg. Out of the water into a good T1 and out on the bike. I achieved my objective on the bike and stayed on the bars on the uphills. I didn’t put in a very fast split but felt I had had a steady bike. The run was mentally very tough. It was pan flat but felt like it went on and on forever! It was an out and back on the sea front with a nasty loop halfway along!I was not happy with my run but it was faster than the Bedford split.Next weekend brings a race simulation day, my first for Kona. It will start in Worthing for the Birdman 2km swim then a bike ride home (thanks Rich for riding along and to Jimmy for support car) followed by a long run. It will give me a good indication of where I am.
