6 weeks in hell -Abu Dhabi to Conn via Donadea

Izoard

pgibbo wrote: »

Saw that alright and was tempted to open a seperate thread on it. I see Miranda agreed but Leanda called him on BS!!!

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Laziness is my only excuse - would be worth opening a thread - I'm sure it would generate some discussion!

Izoard

Poor state of readiness, but a shot at some time predictions:

Swim:
Total lottery, depending on conditions. I've done 28 - 58mins for a HIM and everything in between.
Swimming tends to be much the same, no matter how much or little I do, so I'll go with:
43 mins.

T1 5 mins

Bike: Have never broken 3 hours in a HIM, but have set my 2 fastest 90km times in IM races
Course seems straight forward enough, but sub-3 won't happen on Sunday.
3hr 12min

T2: 4 mins

Run:
Flat route, should be good enough for 1.50 or thereabouts.
1hr 49m

Total: 5 53 - ugh!

handangeo

Izoard wrote: »

Poor state of readiness, but a shot at some time predictions:

Swim:
Total lottery, depending on conditions. I've done 28 - 58mins for a HIM and everything in between.
Swimming tends to be much the same, no matter how much or little I do, so I'll go with:
43 mins.

T1 5 mins

Bike: Have never broken 3 hours in a HIM, but have set my 2 fastest 90km times in IM races
Course seems straight forward enough, but sub-3 won't happen on Sunday.
3hr 12min

T2: 4 mins

Run:
Flat route, should be good enough for 1.50 or thereabouts.
1hr 49m

Total: 5 53 - ugh!

Yea right, take 30 mins off that total, bit of a buffer being built in there

Izoard

handangeo wrote: »

Yea right, take 30 mins off that total, bit of a buffer being built in there

You haven't seen me in the flesh in a while...:)

Izoard

Saturday:
Arriving in Galway, the weather is standard fare – lashing rain and gale force winds. Staring out of the coffee shop in Salthill, this was weather you wouldn’t put a dog out in, never mind do a HIM.

The locals were relaxed – “It will be grand tomorrow, don’t worry” – I was cacking it.

Was staying with The Salesman and his marginally younger brother, The American, at their family home, around the corner from the race site. We’d normally be about the same ability, but The American has lost about 3 stone since I last saw him – life in LA on some crazy diet is suiting him. This also doubled as his stag weekend as he’s getting married in 2 weeks – A HIM for a stag – madness.

Still pi$$ing rain by the time we retire for the night – the 2 boys are tranquillo, while I’m thinking up excuses not to start.

Sunday:
Sure enough, the rain and wind are gone – the race now has a completely different complexion.

Taking a look at the course profile, it has a decent probability of delivering a PB in these conditions, although the bad news, is that the bike course is perfectly suited to The Salesman and his cartoon Popeye quads. Normally, if I’m within a reasonable distance coming off the bike, I can run him down, but on this course, I could easily be 20-30mins down.

Swim:
The sea looks fantastic and this is perfectly set up for me. As a left-sided breather, swimming mostly parallel to the shore and it seemed that the current was in our favour until the final turn.

The Salesman and myself are in the 2nd last wave and I bump into handangeo at the swim start. He’s looking even skinnier than usual and we laugh about his prophetic choice of the disc wheel now that the weather has dramatically improved.

Off we go and it is the full washing machine until the first turn. Things spread out a little after that and I’m feeling great. Lots of kayaks and bouys to sight off, so this is all going fine. Make the final turn and the flow turns, so a bit more effort required for the home leg. Hit the beach with a big smile on my face…that must be in the mid-30’s, I’m thinking.
Look down at the Garmin – 47.xx – WTF???

No idea, what happened there – what a way to kill the PB attempt L
47.35

T1:
In my confusion over the time, I hit “stop” on the Garmin, and didn’t realize until well into the bike, so timing was now out the window. Long transition both in and out and eventually on my way.
7:39

Bike:
Quite technical at the beginning, but once out of the University, it was down on the tri bars for extended periods. Suddenly hit a pot hole and “bang”, the water bottle hops off.
With only one bottle, I had to turn around. Once I got there, I saw the last drops draining from the bottle, as the lid had come off as well – Grrrrrr!

A this point, I needed to clear my head of the swim and poor start to the bike, or this was just not going to be enjoyable. Decided to ignore the Garmin for the rest of the bike, as I couldn’t make sense of the timing. Head down, and started to steadily catch a number of people ahead of ahead of me. By now, the drafting was a major issue – mostly people on road bikes riding as a group. At one point, a guy over took me and said “fair play to you, I’ll do my turn at the front now”

The leading pros came flying by on the way back – they didn’t get those tans in Galway!

Once we hit Oughterard, the decent road evaporated and more typically Connemara roads emerged. It was a bike-bottle grave yard and quite a few cages also on the ground.
Heading to Maam Cross, I spotted The Salesman on the way back with a healthy lead already.
2 more bottles hit the deck on the return, but didn’t have a material impact.

Hit transition not knowing the time, but it turned out I’d come in at 2:52.

2:52:14

T2
Had decided to use chamois crème on the bike, which didn’t do the job, so spent an extra minute applying industrial quantities of Vaseline, to dim the pain.
4:51

Run:
3 laps around Salthill. Started well, and saw The Salesman on the other side of the loop. Grand – he’s only about 5 mins ahead of me. Turns out I had no idea of the course, so by the time I eventually got to the top of the loop, I reckoned I was 15 mins behind him.
Once your turned around in South Park, you realized that the wind had picked up and it was a stiff headwind all the way back.

Spotted handangeo who was taking a walking break, so let him know that he needed to get his ar$e in gear J

Also spotted the lovely Rosanna D, who fills a tri suit particularly well. Comical scenes behind her, as guys are falling over each other to get the best view. Her celeb mate, Keith D, was having a hard time on the run and was probably wishing he could go incognito for a while.

2nd time around, I’m gaining on The Salesman, but nowhere near fast enough – he’s on for a strong finish.

Generally feeling good, but by the 3rd loop and the headwind, I was slowing dramatically. Last water stop at the top of the loop and then a strong finish required.

Great atmosphere at the finish and nice touch of having your personal chip time on the scoreboard as you cross.

I presumed Mike Reilly was going to greet me with:
“Congratulations, Izoard, you are ½ an Ironman!”
-He must have been on his tea break.

Run ended up as a shocking 1:54. And total time of 5:47.

Highlights:
Great course, but totally dependent on the weather.
PB bike split of 2.52 – finally a HIM under 3hrs.
Rosanna D.

Summary:
Really enjoyed the day, but pretty disappointed with the time, as I’ll never have a better opportunity to get a PB.

pgibbo

Congrats. A lot of the swim times are slower than expected with bike times being around 10mins faster than last year. The course change and weather made a huge difference. Congrats on going sub 3 on the bike! :cool:

handangeo

Hey, I'm glad it wasn't windy as I nearly got blown into the Atlantic avec la disc just racking the day before!

Agree with you on Rosanna, just couldn't catch up with her, she was always going the other way :mad:

Well done and thanks again for the kick in the ass, I thought nobody would see me taking a little walk break - you had me spotted in 10 secs :rolleyes:

claralara

Well done in Galway Izoard. Sounds like a good tough 'un! Not that I have a rashers about this multi-sport world. :rolleyes:

Did Rosanna actually take part in the whole event or did she pull a Kip Litton or a classic Rosanna-gate move?!

Izoard

claralara wrote: »

Well done in Galway Izoard. Sounds like a good tough 'un! Not that I have a rashers about this multi-sport world. :rolleyes:

Did Rosanna actually take part in the whole event or did she pull a Kip Litton or a classic Rosanna-gate move?!

Poor 'ol Rosie, the mini-marathon farce will haunt her for a while yet.

AFAIK, she was doing the run as part of a relay - now, whether she did the full 21.1km....

RacoonQueen

Izoard wrote: »

Poor 'ol Rosie, the mini-marathon farce will haunt her for a while yet.

AFAIK, she was doing the run as part of a relay - now, whether she did the full 21.1km....

Took her 1:55 - not quite in line with her 43 minute 10k time in the congested womens mini marathon. Maybe she had a bad day.

Abhainn

Mighty stuff on going sub 3. At least something went well for you on the day

Izoard

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Took her 1:55 - not quite in line with her 43 minute 10k time in the congested womens mini marathon. Maybe she had a bad day.

Phew!, just got in ahead of her - always knew she was a talented runner.

Izoard

Cracking day for a run - decided to incorporate some speed work in the session, (for the first time this season:)) after the shambles of Galway last week.

I won't bother making any predictions for the OLY on Saturday, as the swim in Brittas Bay is a total lottery - when the current is against you, it turns into an IM swim...

Anyways, the weather looks good for it and the beers at the finish line are always worth the trip.

Dory Dory

Best of luck to you Izoard. And enjoy the beer!

Izoard

This event has been running for 15 years, and #12 for me, so you would think I’d know my way around the (swim) course at this point…

Pre- race
Big numbers this year, thanks largely to the 2 charities involved, gathering the troops. As such, the sprint distance proved by far the most popular, so only 45 of us + 6 relays, hit the start line for the Olympic distance.

This is a tough Olympic race – I’d be at 2.40 level for Athy/DCT, but lucky to break 3 hours here.

The hard core who show up every year, has dwindled over time, as age, injury and weight takes it’s toll. I was trying to figure out who would be providing the competition, when I bumped into Mr. Amphibian King (AK) and his Side Kick (SK). AK was recovering from a wedding the night before, but I wasn’t fooled – he looked in good shape and had turned in a good performance in Galway last week.
I had never see the SK race, but the word was, he could move.

A stunning day (a rarity in the past few years), meant that everyone was in good spirits and ready to rock.

Swim:
The swim is 1.5km parallel to the shore, so requires a 1.5km walk to the start area. Instructions were that the wind and flow were against us, but staying in closer to the shore will reduce the flow issue somewhat.
However, my problem in this swim, is that I’m a left sided breather only.
So, looking out towards Wales for 1.5km means I am taking a severe face-bashing and taking on gallons of sea water. To reduce this, I need to get out of the chop and head for deeper water.

At one point, I looked up and the Garda boat is right along side me – never a good sign. Nevertheless, as with Galway last week, I was feeling good and thinking that my gamble to “go deep” was paying off.

For some reason I had only lubed-up the back of my neck, so already was feeling the irritation on the front.

Today, my neck looks like a 14 year old after a successful night at a teenage disco.

Rounding the bouy and heading to shore, I had cautious optimism that I had exorcized the Galway swim demons.

Not so – 49.xx on the Garmin.

This was so bad, that all I could do was laugh – chuckling to myself as I headed up the dunes to transition – must have looked like I’d completely lost it.

Swim 49.28

T1
Scanning transition, it was hard to pick out who was left from the Oly race, as there were many sprint guys also milling around.
2:40

Bike
This is a tough-ish course. Slightly long at 44km, wind in your face down the N11, very technical return to transition along the coast road and a ramp straight out of transition, make this a handful.
I was steadily passing guys and gals on mountain bikes etc., but no sign of anyone who looks like they are doing the full Olympic.

Am I actually last???

Out on the N11 and I catch one of the 3 Amigos who are famed for “walking the swim” every year. So, I now know I’m not last, but the swim walkers beat me by 8 mins or so this year- comical!

N11 was a challenge, as the wind was stiff and some of the novices were struggling. Still hoovering up bikers, but very few numbered 1-45, the guys I really needed to catch.
Caught the 3rd of the 3 Amigos on the 2nd lap, but no sign of AK or SK.
The last 5km of the bike allows you to see where the competition is on the run – still no sign of the boys – am I ahead of them?

Coming into transition, I see AK reclining on the grass verge – excellent!

The wedding hangover must have taken him out of tackling a 10km run in hot conditions.

Bike 1.24.32 (44km)

T2 1.01

Run
Back out into a stiff headwind, I have 2 guys right behind me. Crazy hill after 800m is a real leg crusher, but no sign of my 2 friends coming along side or taking up the pace.
I see SK flying in on the bike – he’s behind me and I’ve about 3 mins in hand.

I start running the bends (i.e crossing the road to keep the racing line), to see if I can encourage my 2 friends to join in – no luck.
One hits the 2.5km marker and turns around as he’s doing the sprint, so I now have just the one shadow.

By 4km, I turn to him and jokingly said “tell me you are not going to sprint past me at the finish?”
He was full of apologies and I could see he was grimly hanging on. He was a relative novice and I felt bad that he thought I was serious…

At the 5km turnaround I grab a water and head back up the hill only to see AK and SK hot on my heels – what? Looks like AK is pacing SK to a fast run in the hope of catching me, but more importantly, another Wicklow Tri victim a little further up the road.

With the wind behind me, I was feeling good and I could see that some of those around me were going to suffer in the heat for the return trip.

I quickly dropped The Shadow and concentrated on keeping the pace below 5min/km which should be enough to catch the chap a few hundred meters ahead and keep the twosome behind at bay.

Heard some heavy breathing from behind, but was relieved to see it was one of the relay runners – tried to stay with him, but he was going like a train.

Caught a few more heat victims before crossing the line while the 2 boys rolled in 3 mins down. Turns out AK had a mechanical on the bike after a great swim...

Run 50.45 (10.5km)

Overall 3.08.30 pos:11/45

As ever a cracking day out – post race beers and BBQ always a welcome bonus.

The swim is becoming a worry – I’ve only been in the open water 3 times this year (all races) and been terrible twice.

Starting to plot for next year – Ms.I wasn’t totally against the idea of an IM – the next conversation will be crucial:)

handangeo

Izoard wrote: »

FONT=Calibri]Today, my neck looks like a 14 year old after a successful night at a teenage disco.[/FONT]

Kurt Godel

Very entertaining report Izoard! Wished I had the power of bilocation, would have liked to do this one, especially with the day that was in it. Love your Schadenfreude at passing other competitors!:D

griffin100

At one point, I looked up and the Garda boat is right along side me – never a good sign.

Swim 49.28

Are you sure it was a Garda boat and not a West Wales Constabulary boat?

Starting to plot for next year – Ms.I wasn’t totally against the idea of an IM – the next conversation will be crucial

Oh the dreaded annual IM conversation. I'm still at the I promise that next year I will not do an IM stage with the wife and any suggestions otherwise have been met with a somewhat colorful response.

Abhainn

As comical as ever Izoard. Really enjoyed reading that.
Is that the end of your exploits for 2012 ?

catweazle

Izoard wrote: »

Also spotted the lovely Rosanna D, who fills a tri suit particularly well. Comical scenes behind her, as guys are falling over each other to get the best view.

I remember that blonde coming whilst spectating and using my only perving pass for the day.

Catweazle to Mrs C - "christ look at the hot blonde coming here".

This always gives me licence to ogle as much as I want to as I was honest and told her i would be doing so very soon, this usually sends Mrs C off into seeing if she agrees with me or not on the womans looks. (she did)

Forgot it was Rosanna until I read your report

griffin100

catweazle wrote: »

I remember that blonde coming whilst spectating and using my only perving pass for the day.

Catweazle to Mrs C - "christ look at the hot blonde coming here".

This always gives me licence to ogle as much as I want to as I was honest and told her i would be doing so very soon, this usually sends Mrs C off into seeing if she agrees with me or not on the womans looks. (she did)

Forgot it was Rosanna until I read your report

They showed a quick glimpse of her on the TV as part of the IM coverage on Channel 4 over the weekend and she did look good. Keith Duffy on the other hand was a different story, he even managed to make me look slim

handangeo

griffin100 wrote: »

They showed a quick glimpse of her on the TV as part of the IM coverage on Channel 4 over the weekend and she did look good. Keith Duffy on the other hand was a different story, he even managed to make me look slim

As with last years Galway IM coverage it was just a Keith Duffy show :mad:.

Izoard

catweazle wrote: »

I remember that blonde coming whilst spectating and using my only perving pass for the day.

Catweazle to Mrs C - "christ look at the hot blonde coming here".

This always gives me licence to ogle as much as I want to as I was honest and told her i would be doing so very soon, this usually sends Mrs C off into seeing if she agrees with me or not on the womans looks. (she did)

Forgot it was Rosanna until I read your report

Nice work CW - the simple strategies are often the most effective.

griffin100 wrote: »

They showed a quick glimpse of her on the TV as part of the IM coverage on Channel 4 over the weekend and she did look good. Keith Duffy on the other hand was a different story, he even managed to make me look slim

Mrs I. had been boring me with tales of how great shape he was in, but the tri suit never lies.
Looks like he was spending way too much time in the gym when he should have been out hitting the roads.

Izoard

Abhainn wrote: »

As comical as ever Izoard. Really enjoyed reading that.
Is that the end of your exploits for 2012 ?

Down to pace DCM, but that's it for 2012.

The bucket list for next year is IM, Lost Sheep and maybe actually run a marathon properly:)

Izoard

Just weighed myself for the first time in 5 months - Yikes - heaviest weight in 18 years:)

Probably goes some way to explain the poor run in Galway.

It starts now....

RacoonQueen

Izoard wrote: »

It starts now....

...just after you finish that bag of crisps and 4 pack of mars bars?

griffin100

Izoard wrote: »

Just weighed myself for the first time in 5 months - Yikes - heaviest weight in 18 years:)

Probably goes some way to explain the poor run in Galway.

It starts now....

Jaysus I thought I'd wandered into Tunney's log reading that

If it makes you feel any better I'm at my lightest in about 15-16 years (actually I know it wont make you feel any better but I like typing it )

Izoard

RacoonQueen wrote: »

...just after you finish that bag of crisps and 4 pack of mars bars?

It is that 4-pack of Double Deckers you were recommending, that tipped me over the edge...

griffin100 wrote: »

Jaysus I thought I'd wandered into Tunney's log reading that

If it makes you feel any better I'm at my lightest in about 15-16 years (actually I know it wont make you feel any better but I like typing it )

Your right - it doesn't make me feel any better...I prefered it when you were fat:)

This isn't quite the car crash* that it might sound though - I've been more or less the same weight for the past decade or so.
18 years ago, I moved back from New York after 2 years of rugby, beer and chinese food - no one recognized me:)

*actually, it probably is - deal with it, fat boy...

Izoard

Meh...the one IM I had a free pass for in 2013, get's cancelled:mad:

Probably no harm, it looked like a race that was a complete irritation to NY/NJ (at ridiculous prices, even for WTC).

Izoard

Moscow - Lovely morning run along the river to the Olympic Stadium and back.

I take back some of what I've said about this place in the past.

Travel is back with a vengence until mid November, so marathon prep will be much more miss than hit....

Izoard

Given my terrible swims in the last 2 outings, decided to do a little test.

3 x 500m TT, interspersed with 1,500m easy.

9m 56
9m 35 (this was slightly artificial as I had a good draft for a few lengths)
9m 48

All slightly better than previous efforts (10m+), so I've got to put it down to lack of OW training...simples.

3,000m total.

Izoard

Just had to endure the "walk of shame" at the blood donation clinic - apparently I was "pale and looked unwell", so was hauled out of the canteen and they were pushing little old ladies out of the way, to get me onto a bed.

Decided not to tell them I was an eh, Ironman...

Morto.

catweazle

Happens me both times I tried it a few years back.

After much argument last year I was sent into get my bloods done, told the doctor what would happen, he laughed and said he would keep me occupied. Alas woke up a few minutes later on the chair again, me and giving blood don't agree

Izoard

Dubai - if it is humanly possible, this place is actually getting worse for pedestrians/ runners/waddlers.

In the blind panic to build the biggest, tallest, shinyest structures, they have now figured out that the access roads are totally inadequate and starting to tear them up, removing the few footpaths that were around.

Madness.

13km in 75mins - lots of stopping, vaulting over roadworks signs etc..

Still, great to be running in the heat:)