Archive for the ‘VO2 Maximum Racing Team’ Category

Ironman Regensburg

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Regensburg Ironman - Paula’s report

 

1st August 2010

 

This was the inaugural event in Regensburg and my 4th IM start. Regensburg is a historical city, a UNESCO heritage site, set on the Danube river.

 

We arrived on the Monday still in celebratory mood following Jimmy’s great race in Antwerp the day before.

 

The week was spent doing the usual taper sessions, sussing the lake, bike route and good pre race eaterys (I have mentioned before that food is always a priority!).

 

The organisation of the race was superb and it was good to know we were in the hands of German efficiency.

 

The weather had been very mixed during the week but the forecast for race day was hot and sunny and it proved correct.

 

We drove up to the lake on race morning and I felt quite calm as I set out my transition area. I had my race plan and had decided that in this event I was going to do everything I needed to be safe and comfortable during my race, a lesson learnt from Kona.

 

As we were herded to the beach I became aware of just how big this event was….an estimated 2000 or so competitors were lining up for the beach start along with me. It was great having Jim and Karl at the start too, a comforting thought that two team mates would be doing this Ironman too and I started to feel the buzz as we all wished each other well just before the gun went off!

 

It was a beach start so the first few metres were a scrum but I soon found relatively clear water and settled into my stroke for the 3.8km, one loop swim.As we swam along the first long straight I  stayed wide of the field and out of trouble. The swim seemed to be over before I knew it and I was amazed at the noise the crowds were making, they were shouting and encouraging us all as we ran up the beach and into T1. I glanced at my watch…56 mins!!!This was going to be a good day!

 

Got to my bike and methodically ran through my transition. I took time to smother my shoulders in sun screen. As I said earlier, I intended to stay safe on this event. Got everything I needed for the bike section, unracked my lovely TT bike, gave Mum, Dad and Jimmy a big grin before I set off. I was delighted to see them there at T1.

 

The bike route was a two loop course with two very distinct sections; the first 25km of the loop was climbing and the second half of the loop was much flatter but more technical as it wound through lots of villages.The support was great as we climbed up to the high point of the course and the marshalling was fantastic. Mum, Dad and Jimmy had stationed themselves at a point about 45 km into the loop which was perfect – was brilliant to see them and gave them a wave as I pedalled past. My nutrition strategy was working well and I felt good.

The first loop seemed to fly past and I was soon back at the lake ready to start the second loop. The second time up the climbs felt a lot harder than the first time!! At the top of the course Jim came past me with his usual “ hello mate!”. Had a brief chat before he disappeared off ahead, looking very strong indeed!

 

The second loop was slower but with 60km to go I did my sums and worked out that if I maintained a certain average speed through the villages I could get pretty close to 6 hours. Felt abit emotional at this point as I realised I was having the race of my life!  Gave the support team a wave as I went past them a second time and  pushed on for the final section and came to T2 very pleased to get off  my bike(as much as I love it) but jubilant with my time so far.

 

Once again just took my time in T2 making sure I did everything I needed to to feel as comfortable as possible. I have regretted not putting vaselene around the armholes before a long run before and did not want to get sore arms from rubbing seams at this point…so half a tub went round my armpits!

 

Shoes on, hat on and off I trotted onto the run course….it was awesome, the crowds were in party mood and I heard my name being called over and over(we had our names on our numbers).The support all around the 10km loop was fantastic, it is difficult to describe but it really does carry you,keeps you strong and fills you with emotion. Heard my brilliant support crew yelling to me and went over to have a quick word with them, letting them know I was feeling ok. Off I set on the loop which took us through the city centre on cobbles and into a park which undulated up and down on a gravel type path.It was a challenging loop and certainly not flat. The aid stations were excellent and situated at approximately 2km intervals. This made the loop manageable as I knew that water, electrolytes, ice and sponges were never too far away.

 

I ran the first 20km well and my plan was to run the first 26km then see how I felt(26km was my longest training run). Unfortunately I could start to feel knee pain as I approached 25km and had to adopt a run/walk/ice/stretch strategy. I felt very frustrated but did not fall apart and simply re adjusted my finishing goal time.

 

As I went past Mum, Dad and Jimmy the fourth time I explained what was happening but gave them all a hug and grinned as I knew I was nearing the end of an epic day and even with having to walk/run I was going to smash my previous best time.

 

I cannot put into words what I felt as I came round the end of that fourth run loop into the finishers chute. All I  can say is that all the pain and tiredness falls away for those few moments and pure elation carries you across the finish line.

 

Apparently I had a huge smile on my face!

 

My finish time was 11:54, a time I am delighted with!

 

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who sent such lovely messages before and after the race, and to my Mum, Dad and Jimmy for their immense support always.

 

I also want to say a massive well done to Jim and Karl, who both completed their first IM events –  brilliant the both of them!

 

Three days later I am starting to walk normally again……

 

 

Ironman Lanzoarote Lanzarote

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

sv200977.jpg Ironman Lanzarote is said to be the hardest Ironman in the world. The bike course is very tough with a hilly course and very strong winds along with high heat. Our very own Paula Dewar competed on May 23rd winner her age group in just under 13hrs qualifying for Ironman Hawaii in the process. With a fantastic swim, paula worked hard on the bike to stay hydrated and keep her energy high so when the run, a 4 x 10km course, was approaching she knew she could give it everything she has.All the VO2 Maximum crowed is very please for Paula and we can’t wait to see her race in the legendary event in Kona. 

East Grinstead Triathlon

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

cimg0971.JPG  East Grinstead tri is one of our local events. A great event that is very well organized and is fun to race. This year they had a top 12 race, the fastest 12 all started together in the pool with two to a lane. I was lucky enough to be in the race. I have a good swim but then ran outside to be met with a rain storm. I was in 5th place out of the swim and pulled my self in to 3d with 2nd in sight.With the wet conditions I had a machanical where my back wheel slipped in to the frame. This can happen with horizontal drop outs. I had to stop and fix it and found my self well down in 9th place. I ran my heart out to be one of the quickset on the day but was still only good enough for 9th. My bike has now been set up properly! 

Results come in thick and fast on Bank Holiday weekend

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

What a great weekend we have had for the racing team. Tonbridge Triathlon is our local event and one we all enjoy taking part in. Our result was fantastic for the team but for all our athletes.Neil Harris 1st, Jimmy George 3rd, Stefan Stone 7th. Three in the top 10!http://www.tri247.com/results_7191.html Other members raced  in the new forest, a hard olympic event to kick of the season. Keith Brown 18th, Paula Dewar 3rd female 40-49http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/results_NFTRI%20MAY09.htm Another great result was at the Stenying Triathlon  Sian Buckingham 4th female http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/results_NFTRI%20MAY09.htm 

Team VO2 Launch

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008

Launch of Team VO2On Saturday February 9th we launched out triathlon team, Team VO2. The objective of the team is to give our athletes an identity as many were unattached and VO2 was their only link with the triathlon world apart from when at events. We wanted to make a team that would bring all our athletes together and create an environment that motivated and excited the athletes to achieve their personal goals.

We are proud to boast that we have athletes at every major championship including the National Duathlon series, National triathlon series, Duathlon World championships, Triathlon World Championships, World Long course championships. Not bad of an 8 person team. We are looking to be a successful and popular team based at VO2 Towers, The Walled Garden, Hildenborough, Kent.

Team VO2

Sunday, February 3rd, 2008

Team VO2 in their new kitThe team is building nicely and are all looking very cool in the new kit! Most of the team will be on our weekend so come along and meet them!