Clumber park on Saturday was great. I really enjoyed racing again despite the problems of cramp at the bike dismount. Once again a star was amongst the mere mortals as Vanessa Raw raced the sprint distance. Well not to be out done I gave a good first run coming in only 5 secs down and passed her in Transition Mounted the bike and then pushed through the technical section onto the bike course only to be be passed on the first hill.
Pushing on I soon made up the time lost on the descents and passed her just before T2 only to cramp as I dismounted and before I could cross the timing Matt to record my bike time. Cramp is one of those things that I have to say I have had so many problems with and only by playing around with bike positions and nutrition have I eased the problems. The thing really was I didn't race my race but raced the athlete. Shame really as I think I could have given her a race on the final leg. Loosing 2 minutes easing the pain in my legs I managed to start walking only to go to the wrong area in transition..........well everyone is wearing Saucony Fast twich 3's this year. After finding my bearings I was able to begin running again and soon catching up on lost ground only to ease up again as I pushed to hard up the first incline. After a quick drink at the turn my legs were good and soon I was running down a few runners that had passed me.
The problems only made a slight difference to my time and maybe saved face by beating the girls but then as the first race is over I can now sit back and iron out the problems before the Interservices in April and Barcelona.
1:08:21 20th and 13th Cat
20:19 5k
36:45 20K
11:15 2.5k
Good news for the RAF though with Bev Childs taking top spot again in 2:35. Well done Bev, you looked good out there
Good effort Mike, you've got a good position on your bike there so sort your nutrition out. I assume you do lots of stretch and flex aswell?
ReplyDeleteYep, looks like a good position dude. All you need to do now is ride faster! Still a decent result, even with the cramp stuff going on. have you been training on your race bike? I have had probs getting my race bike right after the winter; maybe the lack of race bike action contributed to your cramp?
ReplyDeleteNot been on the race bike really for a few weeks most of the winter rides have been on Spinners. The nutrition is good but if i forget to drink that is normally where the problem lies.
ReplyDeleteHowever stretch and flex does need alot of work so many factors have contributed to the cramp.
Looks like the winters work has paid off Mike, sounds like it was a good day for racing. well done mate.
ReplyDeleteYour doc leaves the room? Mine didn't!
ReplyDelete