I made a late decision and entered the last real Quadrathlon of the year for me. It was a 'middle' distance event, like a standard (Olympic) distance in triathlon but with a 10k kayak leg bolted on after the bike just for good measure. The Awesome foursome, run by Shoreline Extreme Sports in Bude Cornwall. FB Page
It was a particularly hard event due to the hilly bike course, Last week while chatting to Stefan and Lisa, two of Germany's best quadrathletes, I mentioned that part of the course was held on a 30% steep section, they both assumed that something had been lost in translation for they didn't believe me or even think it possible. They both made the long journey over, and competed in the race, they believe me now!
We traveled down on the Friday afternoon and stayed at Willow Valley campsite, I don't normally update my blog on where I stay, but this time am making an exception because of the warm welcome we were given by the owners and of the great facilities of this small site. If we enter the Awesome foursome next year we will stay with them again for sure.
The event was very 'casual' and very well run with around 100 or so competitors racing that day. The race organiser decided that because the weather was so nice, to get the lads in the rescue boat to put the swim turn buoy out as far as they could within the breakwater, it basically meant that the 800m swim ended up nearer double this.
It was a great setting for the race taking full advantage of Bude, it's canal, the sea and the (steep and demanding) coastal road with it's inspiring views.
I had a good race, some 'fun race facts':
- Out of the water in 7th
- Back from the bike course in 2nd (Fastest bike split)
- Had a good kayak for me
- Not unhappy with my run
- Finished the race in 2 hours 52 minutes 59 seconds in 5th
- 1st under 23 (junior)
I also managed for the first time (at last) in over a year to compete against someone my own age (well, he's 2 years older) The 2010 Youth World Quad Champion. This was great because it allowed me to put into perspective my standings and to where I am at the moment.
I have deliberately not listed 1st 2nd 3rd etc that is up to the 'proper sites' to do, needless to say well done to them and to all those that took part, I know what it takes to do this race, well done all.
I have deliberately not listed 1st 2nd 3rd etc that is up to the 'proper sites' to do, needless to say well done to them and to all those that took part, I know what it takes to do this race, well done all.
The Great Britain team Manager from the British Quadrathlon Association and the vice President of the World Quadrathlon Association took the opportunity at the end of the event to dish out some awards. I'm chuffed to say I was presented with:-
- The British Cup Trophy
- The World Cup Trophy
- and I think the best of all, the Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy awarded each year ‘For Endeavor in Quad’
Back row Mat Stephenson, Jean Ashley, Phil Binch Tom Stead (thats me) Stefan Teichert
Front row Lisa Maria Hirschfelder, Alison Deykin
I wanted to know my splits for the event so have worked out all the timings and they are found here
So all in all a great weekend!. and not bad for someone who considers himself 1st and foremost a Triathlete
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Thanks to the guys from booost who this time definitely helped me get through that wall!
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Food diary,
I mentioned in my last post that I am getting help from Insight Nutrition, they have asked me to keep a food diary over 3 days, The thought was to cover a race day, normally a doddle to source 'the right healthy' food, not so easy away from home in a tent when you eat as much as me! I think I'm in trouble.
Pre-race:
Bacon and eggs, bread.
Just as a footnote, I have missed much of the paralympic games,I've been being away competing, I have caught as much footage whenever I have been able to. It's been brilliant, I have just been fortunate to watch the closing ceremony.
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Thanks to the guys from booost who this time definitely helped me get through that wall!
..................................................................
Food diary,
I mentioned in my last post that I am getting help from Insight Nutrition, they have asked me to keep a food diary over 3 days, The thought was to cover a race day, normally a doddle to source 'the right healthy' food, not so easy away from home in a tent when you eat as much as me! I think I'm in trouble.
Pre-race:
Bacon and eggs, bread.
During race
H2pro hydrathion 1000
5 gels
H2pro hydrathion 1000
5 gels
Post-race
H2pro hydrathion 500
A shake recovery drink
large portion of cheesy chips - Hmmmmm...!!
Ice cream
Quark cake (rude not to, it was made by Lisa, thank you; it was delicious!)
Bag of string sweets
Afternoon nibbles French bread cheese, cold meats etc
Evening small Chinese meal
H2pro hydrathion 500
A shake recovery drink
large portion of cheesy chips - Hmmmmm...!!
Ice cream
Quark cake (rude not to, it was made by Lisa, thank you; it was delicious!)
Bag of string sweets
Afternoon nibbles French bread cheese, cold meats etc
Evening small Chinese meal
Two weeks, then it's the London Triathlon..!!
Just as a footnote, I have missed much of the paralympic games,I've been being away competing, I have caught as much footage whenever I have been able to. It's been brilliant, I have just been fortunate to watch the closing ceremony.
Inspire a generation!
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