Monday, December 11, 2006
The real shite starts now
Having talked to a host of people about Coast to Coast (first-timers and veterans, support crew, my coach, my coach's coach) i can honestly say that i am in for an even tougher time than what i experienced at WA.
Logistically, C2C is far more complex to begin with - a frenzy of non-stop activity for crews traversing the breadth of the South Island in a day. Then there is the specialized demands of the course and discipline sequence (the mountain run being a killer in itself already; with the squashed-legs-in-kayak the icing on the cake of pain; of yeas, and you need to be comfy in Grade 2 water at the same time). More demanding cut-offs on the Longest Day event (compared to a typical Ironman) - where just 20% of the field consists of 1-Day individuals.
But one thing that Simon mentioned that i find particularly appealing is the fact that the event is run with typical Kiwi aplomb - that is to say, in a very grassroots-style, down-to-earth manner. None of the showy, rah-rah back-patting that is the norm for big-budget triathlons... but at the same time, top-notch safety conteingencies are ready to go at the drop of a hat. This is due to the nature of the course... the elements dictate the tempo of the race, and even organisers have to work around what Mother Nature dishes out. In this case: in classic Kiwi fashion and good humour.
I'm looking forward to it.
Logistically, C2C is far more complex to begin with - a frenzy of non-stop activity for crews traversing the breadth of the South Island in a day. Then there is the specialized demands of the course and discipline sequence (the mountain run being a killer in itself already; with the squashed-legs-in-kayak the icing on the cake of pain; of yeas, and you need to be comfy in Grade 2 water at the same time). More demanding cut-offs on the Longest Day event (compared to a typical Ironman) - where just 20% of the field consists of 1-Day individuals.
But one thing that Simon mentioned that i find particularly appealing is the fact that the event is run with typical Kiwi aplomb - that is to say, in a very grassroots-style, down-to-earth manner. None of the showy, rah-rah back-patting that is the norm for big-budget triathlons... but at the same time, top-notch safety conteingencies are ready to go at the drop of a hat. This is due to the nature of the course... the elements dictate the tempo of the race, and even organisers have to work around what Mother Nature dishes out. In this case: in classic Kiwi fashion and good humour.
I'm looking forward to it.
Ironmn WA Post-Mortem
Post-race evaluation
Pre-race
- Very relaxed lead-in. Probably the most beneficial… not really used to such an extended taper
- In future, willing to pull a longer taper if conditioning and preparation are on track
Swim
- Amazed with swim timing thanks to good race-day conditions and consistent training. Thought I’d clock 1:10 at best – 1:02+ is really a pleasant surprise
- Warm-up was as per normal pool warm-up: backstrokes + dog paddle + easy freestyle to loosen muscles
T1
- Fumbled a bit pushing bike out. Cut my ankle on the big chainring – next time would be better if I left the chain on the big chainring to be safe
- Did not wear socks – felt ok as I practiced during training
Bike
- Rode very conservatively for whole ride
- Pushed a bit after special needs bag (100km), but still very conservative – felt could have gone a bit harder
- Jelly snakes melted and fell off in the sun!
- Concerned about limiting my losses on the run
- Perhaps got a bit dehydrated as I felt a bit thirsty on the last loop – drank a lot before pulling into T2
- Peed on bike. Must remember to use wet lube for derailler pulleys next time I decide to do this!
T2
- No problems in general. Used lace-up shoes
Run
- Hot!!!
- Happy with run as I did not stop to walk at any point, but felt I could have gone under 4 hours with more awareness of how to approach a marathon, as well as more consistent training and conditioning
- Pacing was on track for first 20km, but started to drop the pace as I felt hotter and hotter
- Unknown territory on the last lap (28km completed) – haven’ done runs longer than 30km prior to this – first-ever marathon after all!
- Started to hurt on last lap (14km to go) – inner quads sore, but rest of body feeling OK from ample nutrition and electrolytes on the bike
- Tried to run backwards a couple of times to work out soreness
- Tried to sip Gatorade for additional electrolytes, but that was out of desperation really
- Caffeine really works towards last 10km: Cola + caffeine gels are the go for me
- Things I regretted not having with me: Electrolytes, hat!!! Hot!!!
Post-race
- Regretted not getting that post-race massage
- Sore ankle from chainring cut – blood clotting and bruising has gone down after a couple of days
Pre-race
- Very relaxed lead-in. Probably the most beneficial… not really used to such an extended taper
- In future, willing to pull a longer taper if conditioning and preparation are on track
Swim
- Amazed with swim timing thanks to good race-day conditions and consistent training. Thought I’d clock 1:10 at best – 1:02+ is really a pleasant surprise
- Warm-up was as per normal pool warm-up: backstrokes + dog paddle + easy freestyle to loosen muscles
T1
- Fumbled a bit pushing bike out. Cut my ankle on the big chainring – next time would be better if I left the chain on the big chainring to be safe
- Did not wear socks – felt ok as I practiced during training
Bike
- Rode very conservatively for whole ride
- Pushed a bit after special needs bag (100km), but still very conservative – felt could have gone a bit harder
- Jelly snakes melted and fell off in the sun!
- Concerned about limiting my losses on the run
- Perhaps got a bit dehydrated as I felt a bit thirsty on the last loop – drank a lot before pulling into T2
- Peed on bike. Must remember to use wet lube for derailler pulleys next time I decide to do this!
T2
- No problems in general. Used lace-up shoes
Run
- Hot!!!
- Happy with run as I did not stop to walk at any point, but felt I could have gone under 4 hours with more awareness of how to approach a marathon, as well as more consistent training and conditioning
- Pacing was on track for first 20km, but started to drop the pace as I felt hotter and hotter
- Unknown territory on the last lap (28km completed) – haven’ done runs longer than 30km prior to this – first-ever marathon after all!
- Started to hurt on last lap (14km to go) – inner quads sore, but rest of body feeling OK from ample nutrition and electrolytes on the bike
- Tried to run backwards a couple of times to work out soreness
- Tried to sip Gatorade for additional electrolytes, but that was out of desperation really
- Caffeine really works towards last 10km: Cola + caffeine gels are the go for me
- Things I regretted not having with me: Electrolytes, hat!!! Hot!!!
Post-race
- Regretted not getting that post-race massage
- Sore ankle from chainring cut – blood clotting and bruising has gone down after a couple of days
