Andy's Day

My race went pretty much as planned. The swim was 'an experience' to say the least; 900 swimmers thrashing off into the fog must have been some sight!
I've never been in such a mass start before and i can see why they call it the ' washing machine'. It was such a s@@t fight where i was that i actually got the hysterical giggles at one point!. I got calf cramps in the last 10mins; that's pretty normal for my Oly OW swims because i'm a leg dragger so i just have to ignore it and it goes away eventually. I followed James out of T1 (dont think he saw me; i certainly didn't see him again until he appeared at the side of the run course!)

I had hoped that the bike was overrated (hill wise), unfortunately i was disappointed, however the fast flat bits more than made up for the grinding hills after wilsons farm. I especially liked the fast descent with the 'no overtaking' section; gained lots of places there (i'm a bit of a crash test dummy on the bike!). Went a bit mad on the gels (never could resist anything free) and actually thought that i was going to see them all again at one point!

The run was a bit more of a slog than i would have liked; The hills were a lot less severe than i'm used to and i hadn't intended to speed walk them but quad cramps meant that i didn't dare push too much, so i just paced it to get under my 7h target. I accidentally left T2 with my cycle top still on, over my tri top but managed to offload it after the first lap.

Emma's story

One of the first things that strikes me at BIG events like this is the preparation and planning. The Saturday Racking and Expo got to me in a way that made me both really excited AND really nervous. And then on race day it's the little things that make the difference - the commentator telling us all to make sure the chip is on our left leg so if the velcro comes loose it won't get caught in your chain - I'd NEVER have thought of that! Then chatting to everyone on the way down to the lake. SWIM: Wonderful. Perfect - could quite happily have done another two laps of that instead of the bike! The water was cool, but only until the layer under my wetsuit warmed it up and the only mild panic I had was when I looked up to realise I was veering off to the right a bit, but the mist had come down so it looked really eerie. Got myself back on course then followed everyone else since I had nothing to 'sight' on. It was great as it meant I kept my head down and swum without having to look up! T1 - saw Fiona but didn't have the lungs to get her attention, but then I was stripped of my wetsuit by a lovely lady who then went through my bag helping me dress! Realised I'd left my gloves in my helmet in the cottage....... still got on the bike and wobbled over the mount line into a patch of stinging nettles. The stings only started annoying me on Monday! BIKE.: UGH!!!! I knew what was in store, and took it easy up the hill, then hit that first short sharp one and thought "what on EARTH am I doing?". But just kept the gears low to start with and did what I could. Everyone went past me, but I tried to switch off to them and ride my own ride. Walked up the big hills (wilsons farm & the 14%-er) with #355 - a lovely girl called Lisa - then heard the cheering at the top of Haddon Hill, where I knew my family were going to be. Saw the banner and got out of the saddle to get to the top, then had a little emotional cry! That was when the hail struck. 2nd lap was tougher but I thought I was doing OK. then just after the 14%-er I realised I'd ruined the left cleat on my shoe on the tarmac - it wouldn't clip in for the rest of the lap which made standing up impossible. Then just after the causeway my chain came off at the bottom of the hill. I charged down to the dismount line, saw the marshals and realised I'd missed it. They told me it was by 5 mins. I was absolutely gutted. Ultimately I still did a LOT more than most other people in my address book would even attempt, so I have to be proud of that! Final thoughts: Its been emotional......! What's next? Well, I'm off to the gym now - London Oly tri in 5 1/2 weeks so started speedwork training & WeightWatchers again! Will let you know how I get on. I'll do the distance again, but not one that hilly, so it hasn't scared me off for good. I'll come and support next year!

Rob romps home

Our most successful team member was Rob Dunford. He came in third in his age group and in the top 50 finishers overall. He's his story:

Well the swim was pretty normal - no space, everyone climbing over everyone. I just remember initially not being able to see the buoys because of the mist then later being unable to see the buoys because the sun was so bright I couldn't see through the mist in my goggles. It just seemed such a contrast.

Anyway finished the swim then the run to T1. As I ran up the slope I saw Jo and the girls so gave them a wave then immediately stubbed my toe and fell flat on my face. Picked myself up and continued to T1. As I put my socks on (I like a bit of comfort) I noticed my right big toe was bleeding and the nail had lifted so pushed the nail back and onto the bike. My feet were so cold on the bike I had no feeling in them. It was useful knowing the course from the training weekend. As I finished the bike I was feeling good and was looking forward to a good run - normally the strongest leg for me.

The run course was hilly and largely off road - just like running over the Cornish cliff paths. After about the first mile or so my feet began to warm up and feelings returned. I suddenley realised that I did in fact have quite a sore right foot. Initially I wasn't sure if I would be able to continue running and it looked like it could be a long, slow walk to the finish. I managed to adjust my running style to reduce the discomfort. I seemed to manage ok until the final lap when the results of my different running style were beginning to tell. My ankle, knee and the outside of my right foot were beginning to feel the strain so it was good to see the finish line. So I think what I have learned from this is if you stub your toe it's probably best not to cycle 56 miles and run a 1/2 marathon. I think overall it was a good day and I'm sorry I was unable to see everyone at the end although I heard the announcement as the rest of the team finished. I have enjoyed the experiences, the training, meeting the team, seeing how generous some people can be with their donations and feeling that the race was not just for my benefit but to hopefully help a lot of others.

race report, use what ever you need from it. Well the swim was pretty normal - no space, everyone climbing over everyone. I just remember initially not being able to see the buoys because of the mist then later being unable to see the buoys because the sun was so bright I couldn't see through the mist in my goggles. It just seemed such a contrast.Anyway finished the swim then the run to T1. As I ran up the slope I saw Jo and the girls so gave them a wave then immediately stubbed my toe and fell flat on my face. Picked myself up and continued to T1. As I put my socks on (I like a bit of comfort) I noticed my R big toe was bleeding and the nail had lifted so pushed the nail back and onto the bike. My feet were so cold on the bike I had no feeling in them. It was useful knowing the course from the training weekend. As I finished the bike I was feeling good and was looking forward to a good run - normally the strongest leg for me. The run course was hilly and largely off road - just like running over the Cornish cliff paths. After about the first mile or so my feet began to warm up and feelings returned. I suddenley realised that I did in fact have quite a sore right foot. Initially I wasn't sure if I would be able to continue running and it looked like it could be a long, slow walk to the finish. I managed to adjust my running style to reduce the discomfort. I seemed to manage ok until the final lap when the results of my different running style were beginning to tell. My ankle, knee and the outside of my right foot were beginning to feel the strain so it was good to see the finish line. So I think what I have learned from this is if you stub your toe it's probably best not to cycle 56 miles and run a 1/2 marathon. I think overall it was a good day and I'm sorry I was unable to see everyone at the end although I heard the announcement as the rest of the team finished. I have enjoyed the experiences, the training, meeting the team, seeing how generous some people can be with their donations and feeling that the race was not just for my benefit but to hopefully help a lot of others. Thanks once again for your invitation to join the team. Hope you had a good restful week with the kids! Cheers,Rob

To see Rob's toe go to separate post. NB. It's not nice.

Fiona's race

I was still tired and jet lagged from Vancouver with sore legs so was a bit worried the day before the race.

On the day itself the swim, after Vancouver, was like getting in the bath! – apart from the initial fight.

Uphill to T1 – not nice

Bike – wish I put a jacket on – absolutely freezing for most of the race goose bumps, couldn’t feel arms /hands or feet. Had a battle through the bike with a group of approx 2 girls. in the last 5-8k early signs of cramping so I had to make a decision to slow down/spin or be scuppered for the run – the other chick got away then!

T2 very quick as I couldn’t wait to get running to warm the feet.

Run -- The 1st half of lap 1 was not nice on the legs at all, the quads and hamstring screaming especially with the first hill. Thought I was never going to make the 13.1m (friends/family etc yelling was truely a reason to contiune). Had a 2nd wind for 2nd lap and the third lap was completely mind over matter with the hills it mean't frog marching. (esp after 52 hills in 56miles on the bike).

The support of friends and families was second to none again and thanks soo much. Well done everyone and look forward the OPTICIAN relay next year…….. Whats it called again Emma?……….have you told chris about it? Count me in x
PS Rob u look like Arny in the 70.3 photo gallery but will u be back?

Me first

With the spectre of a school trip ( on the Monday) I always wanted to finish in good shape. Most of me, little right toe aside, did.

I had a fun race. The swim was very Camelot with mist on the water. Quite busy and chilly but fun nonetheless. Finding the right line in the mist was interesting so I just made sure I had people to the right and left ogf me.

My T1 was tough with numb fingers fumbling with all the catches and straps. I almost walked off with someone else's number and helmet -- he wasn't amused.

The first circuit of the bike was great and much easier than I remembered. Unfortunaltely the rain arrived for lap two and things got a little chilly. I felt strong on the bike and had put on a second jersey so I was still happy and glad of the uphills to warm me up. In retriospect I wished I had pushed harder as I had plenty left in the tank for the run.
I wasn't looking forward to the run but with the crowds cheering us on it wasn't too bad. My major problem was, once again my feet, but they felt good. I kept things easy and enjoyed ( almost) the run. Rob passed me early on and I also spent a lot of time near Fiona and Andrew not realising he was on a different lap. I finished in a respectable 6hr 19.

The real result for me was finishing in such good shape. I can honestly say I didn't have an ache, pain or stiff muscle following the race. The only casualy was one toe.

On Sunday afternoon I drove the family home to Surrey and then on Monday morning headed off to Dorset with 60 11 year olds. As I was the official lifeguard for the week I took the wetsuit ( number still attached) and relived the glory while floating in the Swanage sunshine.

Let's do it again!

All present and correct

Sorry for the delay folks but I've been away. The Optician team took part in the UK 70.3 on the 15th. Unfortunately three didn't finish but all tried their best and a great day was had by all. A full report will follow in Optician but for the web I will upload everyone's day in their own words.

The cruel sea

Hey everyone - i'm alive !! - i have to say, although it may sound very dramatic, i really did think i was going to die during the swim section of the w champs!

I'm not sure how much has been filtered back to the uk but the sea was choppy/cold (its thought 10.5deg at times!) and even the canoeists and rescue boats were struggling! Infact rumour has it that whilst someone was being rescued for hypothermia they were actually knocked out by the boating 'bobbing' in the waves!!?? My wave (35-39) was the penultimate wave before the TRI athlon was transformed to a DU athlon...... so the older ladies and all the men competing in olympic distance were changed to a duathlon (3k 40k 10k).........the reaction to this was astounding and many age groupers threw their teddies ...... the winers are not tri winners nor duathlon winner ................the controversy is phenominal and it has already caused a stir and posted on many websites, i believe it will continue for sometime! Anyway, i actually wish it was a duathlon as my swimming isn't the best (infact it very much sorted the men from the boys as it were), i couldn't even see the rescue boats (due to huge waves), i couldn't see the buoys very often and i couldn't even see any one else in my wave around me! i was petrified, even if i turned on my back to raise my hand, noone would have seen. This left me with two choices - 'do or die'! So my race began in t1 (cause i did finally get there although it took so long i'm sure i was bordering hypo 'T'!) relieved to be on land but trying to function was very difficult from loosing balance, not being able to undo the wet suit to fumbling with the helmet strap. I ended up putting on a cyling jacket as people were shouting that some cyclists had been rescued onthe bike due to the temps! The cycle was fantastic - around prospect park 4 times, i had so much frustration and pent up energy to channel - i felt like i was going at 100m/hr, i was brave and took corners strong and fought the repetitive hill with agression. By the time i came to the run i was feeling good and started off far too hard and then i had cramps in both the front and backs of my legs within the first 1-2km! the whole of the 10k was spent in pain, in and out of cramp, i was so relieved to have fininshed the race - it seems i made up aprox 10 places from the swim to the finish and although the results say i was 60th in my age i think some people missed out laps on the run and so i think i was 58th (tbc). Our age group started with 83 i think it dwindled quite quickly though. (disappointed with my time of 2.31 but under the circumstances and against some true top class chicks i feel very pleased, i guess that it does mean 58th in the world! (in my age group!) ..........i have to say chris at least i didn't have a puncture or a blow out! Although saturday night we had blow as described by rob - champagne n wine, i was positively quite sick on sunday!

Tyred and emotional

This is beginning to freak me out.
After the blowout on Thursday I bought new tyres and tubes. I fitted them on Saturday and on Sunday went out for 3 hr hill-fest. No problems.
This morning I decided to cycle to work in the new cycling shorts ( the top is a little brief for commuting).

When I got to work I noticed that my front tyre was soft again. Not so much of a bang as a whimper.

Bang!

Not very exciting to look at I know but it didn't half make a noise when it went.
Since Fiona has dubded me the puncture king I have to come clean on this one.
I had a blowout this morning. A full force tyre sidewall cracker.
I blame it on the new track pump I bought on Monday. My Lidl £4.99 special gave up the ghost after Florida ( I must have used it at least 6 times) so I decided to buy a decent one.
Whacked the tyres upto 110psi this morning and off I set. About a mile down the road I noticed a bit of lumpiness in the ride, then, bang.
I had to call Mrs Optician Editor and plead for a rescue.
So this lunch time it was yet another trip to the bike shop. Treated myself to a new set of tyres, and, Fiona you'll be glad to hear this, some new tubes. I explained to the bloke in the bike shop that I still mend punctures and he couldn't believe it. In fact he thought at those pressures a patch may even cause a blowout.
So much for frugality.

Don't forget your wetsuit

There I was with all my kit, in the rain at the Guildford Lido. Put on my cycling shorts, HR belt and cycle top to get a feel for what swimming with all that lot on would be like with a wetsuit......aahh wetsuit.

That's hanging up at home in the bedroom. What a plonker.

Decided to press on without a wetsuit. After 2km I was freezing. I won't forget it again.