Originally from Cape Town, now living in Chertsey, I’m a newbie to VCT and a relative newbie to cycling!
I began this time last year for Ride London, and doing it again this year!
Looking forward to meeting you all.
Monthly Archives: May 2015
Perfect Cadence
Today’s coaches corner is very unique as its a topic that covers all three disciplines: Perfect cadence.
What’s is cadence?
Cadence is simply the number of actions taken during the course of a minute. This will either be pedal strokes on the bike, strokes taken in the pool over a certain distance or number of steps per minute running.
Race Report – Little Beaver
Little Beaver Olympic Distance Race report for Carl Fisher
There was more than one age group in my wave so swim was a bit mental at the start. It’s a weird feeling being carried along by the force of those swimming around you and I found myself clawing my way over a mass of neoprene into clear water (actually not so clear as the water was black with silt) to find my rhythm. After the mayhem of the start, the swim was pretty uneventful.
T1 is about 400m run up a slope from the lake and on my way there I assisted a guy who had got his zip stuck. Not sure if that’s against the rules but couldn’t ignore him as there wasn’t anyone else around. T1 for me went pretty well and I was being cheered on by Simon Tack who was taking a half time orange break at the side line.
I hit the bike course feeling ok until the first little incline and my legs said no! I then realised my rear break was locked onto the wheel and after a bit of roadside mechanics and a good talking to, miraculously the legs started working again. There was a horrible energy sapping headwind on the long undulating straight road section. I couldn’t quite believe the tiny number displayed on my speedo but the situation wasn’t going to change and it was the same for everyone so it was head down and tuck in. Taking the turn at the end of the road the wind dropped and the pace started to climb. Second lap felt better and my bike dismount at the end was as good as it’s ever going to be.
T2 was solid and off onto the run without any dramas until the course started rising upward and it sunk in that this was going to be a killer. To my surprise the first hill run was ok and flying down was great fun, but then around 5K, the blisters formed and I couldn’t ignore the pain. I crossed the line and felt pretty deflated with a poor bike time and even worse run time.
I loved being out there racing and part of a great event even if my result wasn’t great. Seeing my fellow Viceroys at the race and hearing shouts of encouragement on each lap was fantastic.
It’s now Monday morning as I write this report and I’ve checked my AG result. 23rd of around 63 on the start list so lower than I’d hoped but a true reflection of how it all went. It’s on to Eaton Dorney for a nice short flat race.
New Member – Louisa Bell
I did my first triathlon a couple of years ago after I began open water swimming at Shepperton (beating Peter Bell in my first, and now last, swimming race against him!). For the past 6 years I had been focussing on running – more of a plodder than anything else – and thought it would be nice to branch out. I have worked to conquer my fear of cycling but still don’t spend enough time on it since I much prefer running and swimming. Over the past 2 seasons I have done a total of 9 triathlons and worked up to a standard distance one last September. This season I am keen to actually start improving rather than simply being pleased to get round so have been working on my swimming and had a video swimming lesson a couple of weeks ago and have also being doing spin classes to work on the muscles without quite so much of the fear. Hoping the club sessions will help push me a bit harder. Next race is the 5km swim at Eton Dorney at the end of the month.
Welcome to the Viceroys Louisa.
Race Report – St Neots – British Sprint Championships
With over 900 people descending on St Neots and the river Ouse for a triple header for British Championship honours and world & European qualifiers, the best of the best where looking to set a marker at the beginning of the season. I was off in the fourth wave with over 170 across two age groups. In 13.5 degrees the swim was hectic and cold. I struggled over the first 375m to find any rhythm and unfortunately gave away a little distance to a couple of strong swimmers. Not phased I turned back upstream and closed the gap.
With a fast T1 I moved into third place and throughout the course of the ride I could see the top two in the distance. Over the final 5km I closed the gap and moved into second but the overall winner had also pushed on. As we came into T2 I was side by side to the other athlete. A solid transition I looked to exit transition and focus on my run. The other guy flew out and got a small gap. I wasn’t concerned as I was moving well off a hard bike so I was confident I would catch him. Which I did at the end of lap 1. I looked to maintain the pace knowing it was good enough to catch him and save some for the final 1km. I pushed hard and set my best run split to date and came on in 2nd place and AG Silver medalist. I’ve beaten the winner before but on this day he was the better man and well deserved – I will get him next time.
Although I’d already qualified for the worlds, it was nice gain a silver medal and also my European place for Lisbon 2016. The season now can progress with everything nicely in place
Thanks for your support and I will be back in touch after my next race at Eton Dorney
Mark
Post Race Reflections
Thought today’s coaches corner would be very appropriate to all those who have raced recently and help aid those racing soon. Today’s coaches corner is about Post Race Reflection.
It’s very easy straight after a race to over analyse your performance and reflect in a negative way. We are all competitive in our own ways, whether with with outcome goals such as winning you age group, event or performance based such as looking to improve on your previous race splits or looking to set a PB at a given race. Taking a step back and a few hours, even days will help you better to reflect upon your performance.
