I forgot how hard Saturday morning races can be. It really through the pattern out of sync. After last Sunday’s race at the nationals (silver medal) knocking out another race six days later can go one of two ways.

One mass wave meant it’s easier to see where you are and what you have to do. I looked to press hard on the swim to use my advantage early. However, I could see that someone else had the same idea – race on. I was only a few seconds behind exiting the swim and in T1 I could see that it was 20 year old pro from Australia’s Sam Mileham. On the bike I caught up and pushed on to get some extra time for the run as I was going to need it. I came into T2 with around 90seconds lead.

Mid way onto the run the sound of feet came and he cruised pass me. Not to give in I looked to give chase but he was just too fast. The gap back to 3rd was huge so I was able to relax into my run.

2nd over all and 2nd fastest swim, bike and run time see me hit 58mins for the race. When you run 18mins and the winner runs 16.20 there’s not much anyone can do.

Couple weeks work before racing one more.

As raced and reported by Mark Yeoman

Of course finishing is the goal, but to feel the way I felt wasn’t nice.
A month ago I’d already decided that I wouldn’t take part. It was too late to get a refund or swap to another race. I’d done absolutely minimum training, to be honest, I believe I’ve only exercised! There was a lot going on in my life and I just couldn’t focus how I wanted. I had a new bike which I only rode 40km on before the race (Mistake number 1).A terrifying sea swim which was scaring me since the day I’ve signed up. So, I wake up and it’s race day.

It was a freezing morning.
2.500 athletes on the beach ready to go. Just standing there with bare feet on that freezing sand was taking my energy away. Nearly 30 minutes until my wave got in the water. 2 min I’m the water and my head started to hurt so much. After 5 min I’ve stopped and nearly put my hands up for them to get me out of there. Waves were so high I couldn’t see!! I was swimming and there was no water under me! I was so petrified and couldn’t imagine myself lasting in there for 45…50 min. Then somehow I carried on and swam in 37min! survival mode: get me out of here quick!!!!
Went to transition and I couldn’t open my bag from shivering. Was already feeling very weak and low energy and talking to myself trying to make a decision. I sat in there for nearly 5 min thinking and analysing how I was feeling and what I could do. Got changed and went to my bike to tell Bijan I was going to stop. I was determined to go home and didn’t care.

When I saw his face everything changed and he shouted: you go and do this for me!
Got on my bike and I froze! I had that headache for hours. Got sick twice so literally everything went. Never felt so cold like this before.

Then the battle began. Very technical course with forever climbs and sharp bends descending. It was windy and my bike is a crazy machine. I didn’t know how to handle from not practicing and I was scared about the way it behave. Well, that’s what a tt bike it’s meant to do. To be honest I don’t know if I would do any better on my road bike, maybe I would go down faster as I know how to handle it, but it’s those things I will never know. At the end it was a good experience, I love the bike I just need to make friends with it. It’s a beast!

I was eating as much as I could to have some energy for the run but nothing was working. My mind just wasn’t agreeing and I was exhausted and unwell. Beautiful bike course, one of the nicest I’ve done. It was a shame I was feeling so bad because the run, it is a lovely flat one. My legs were fine just had no juice. Nothing could make me jog for more than 300m without feeling like: am I dying or something? I was on auto mode just like a zombie trying to get to that finish line. Very close shave but I’ve made it. I just couldn’t let it go.

It’s not that I regret racing, as it’s always awesome and makes you stronger like hell, but I don’t ever want to feel this way again. Yes you can finish with minimum training but why? Lesson learned.  I’m back next year to face it all properly.  #nevershowweakness

As raced and reported by Lilly Morgado

After a long, dark, wet and at times snowy winter, the recent sunny weather has kicked off the season. I look to use Easter & April as the final hard block prior to the lakes opening in mid May. With a good winter behind I was looking forward to two back to back races to gauge early form ahead.

Last week I raced at Bicester which saw a huge field and in part due to the weather and Oxford University Sprint Champs. Racing was fast from the go with the fastest swimmers going last. Happy to crush the swim with the fastest split of the day before heading out onto the manic mid day bike course. I struggled to get into a rhythm with only 30’ in it, I had the third fastest bike. The run was a quick affair and as much as I tried to hang on, two younger guys ran through me. 4th overall and only a minute between all four us of us I was happy.

Another monster week post race and today I raced in Uckfield, Sussex. The swim was, how should I put it politely…. a real mess and as a result I had to stand at one point to wait for the swimmer in front to stop drowning – I mean, to get out of the way.  This lost me time, but 2nd fastest will do. Onto the undulating bike course, I pressed hard and looked to open up some time for the hard run course. Coming off the bike, it took me a while to find my pace which was soon crushed by the Hill. On the second lap I pushed on the flat and gladly set the fastest run split and 1st place overall. Times up on last season so a great result.

Two weeks until the first open water, so another monster week before a well deserved taper.

COACH PROFILE in her own words…

I’m Lilly Morgado and I will be one of the club track coaches for this season.

I’ve been a member of the Viceroys for the last 3 years – when I started my triathlon life, but I’ve been a personal trainer and nutrition advisor for over 7 years.

My passion for triathlon started when I first met a group of triathletes at the gym I used to work and used to think they were nutters. I didn’t know anything about it and literally started from zero, bought myself a bike and joined the club. Like everyone else, I’ve got hooked. Improving month by month and really enjoying the new challenges, I decided to sign up for a 70.3 and in 3 years I’ve completed 5 races, winning 3rd place on my age group at my last 70.3 Lanzarote.

The club was key to my achievements, from coached sessions, to a bunch of amazing supportive members who changed my life for better. So I’ve decided to take that path more seriously and became a Level 2 qualified British triathlon coach.

My coach Mark Yeoman was a very important part on this journey. I was following his programme and he guided me all the way. So much knowledge and dedication inspired me so much, and that’s why I’m here, to help every athlete achieve their goals. It’s a long process and I can guarantee that the team spirit is key in this type of environment.
I’m very looking forward to help you all, sprint or iron distance, the homework has to be done.

I will guide and coach you all the way to the podium.