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.
No comments:
Post a Comment