When the going gets tough....

Well it's been a while since I last posted...apologies I've had a lot on my plate with events and training over the last few months. I'll update you in chronological order.

Great North Bike Ride - Sunday 25th August.
Well under normal circumstances this would have been a breeze, but unfortunately after the Druridge triathlon my body seemed to become a breeding ground for bugs - I didn't manage to get a coke afterwards and was consequently off training for a fortnight with a bad stomach and very low energy levels. After this I managed to get in a few days training before another flu bug hit and a bad cough - however I was not going to let this beat me. I filled myself with drugs and rested up so I was ready as I could be for the ride.

I was apprehensive to say the least as to whether my legs were up to the 57 miles ahead. Although I did have one weapon against the tarmac - my new bike!

Bought through the cycle to work scheme thanks to my bosses at Countylife! I had only managed a few  test rides on the run up to the GNBR due to feeling so rough, but the time off had allowed me to spend some hours customising my new flying machine. Full carbon fibre, tri-bars and now suitably pink and 'very lottie'. A roll of vinyl costing £4.50 covered up all the red decals making it exactly what I wanted - 4hrs of tracing, transferring and delicate cutting later and I had my dream machine!

Back to the race - So I had my faithful steed and I was dropped just around the corner by my boyfriend Scotty's lovely mum who saw me off with multiple hugs and good luck messages. I was feeling positive but slightly alone, despite the hundreds of cyclists milling around Seahouses. I had a text from a friend (Thanks Claire) asking if I wanted to cycle in a group, but I just didn't want the pressure of holding others up if I needed to drop my speed.

 I reached the start line and couldn't believe my luck when I saw a familiar sight - the red and gold of my club - Tri Northumberland. Chris Birch was sporting his club cycling gear and I headed over for a natter before the race started. All I can say is thank god for this chance meeting... We started in the same group and decided that cycling together was a much more appealing idea than cycling alone. I knew Chris' ability was much greater than mine, but in true club spirit he stayed with me the whole race...he endured my insistent chatter, constant coughing and the two accidents which occurred during the race.

The first accident happened whilst travelling up a reasonably steep bank in Warkworth. An angry wasp decided to fly full belt into the side of my jaw - which I can tell you smarted somewhat! I let out a huge and loud blast of expletives, much to the confusion of a female spectator standing at the side of the road - I must have looked like a mad women. I took my dad's advice from a childhood spent playing outside with the boys in our village 'give it a good rub and it will feel better soon' - Thanks dad.

The second altercation a was mechanical error (possibly caused by user ) going up another bank in Amble. I was still getting used to the gearing on the new bike and this resulted in a slip of the gear, leading to a sideways fall. Chris and I were right in the middle of a conversation - he said he got about 400meters down the road before he realised I was gone. It was quite a spectacular dismount - thankfully I have plenty of padding around the backside/thigh area. I was picked up off the ground by a very kind chap and after a dust off and another 'word with myself' Chris and I were reunited and carried on our merry way.

I am pleased to say that there were no more accidents after Amble. The remainder of the ride was relatively pain-free and we finished in a time of around 3 1/2 hours. I'm quite sure it would have been more like 3hrs had I not been quite so unlucky and my normal energetic self.

I was pleased with our time but I was glad it was over - some good training miles in the legs and a morale boost from a great team mate got me round. Not my finest hour, but many positives to be taken.


Newbiggin Triathlon - Sunday 1st September.

With a week to recover and build myself up again (normally not a problem) I had another triathlon the following weekend. This time it was Newbiggen  - A lovely 750m Sea swim, followed by a fast 23k on the bike and a 5.3k run along the promenade. It's a popular race and sold out so quickly they had to add some more entries which also sold out within 24hrs - Testament to the organisation and execution  V02 Max racing events and Tri Northumberland.

Still not feeling 100% (this bug was taking some shifting) I resolved to undertake the race as another training exercise. I knew I wasn't going to get any PB's but I'd give it my best shot and use it as a chance to see my fellow team mates and spy on some pro bikes (The race was a European qualifier so there was some quality bike perving to be done).

The race was in 4 waves and I was in wave 3 with all the other lovely ladies. It was a later start than the norm, which gave me plenty of time to set up my space in transition and have some crack with the guys from Tri Club. I was also approached by the lovely Kerry Gowland (Coalfields racing) who said she had read my blog and asked how I was getting on...I'd never met her before but she gave me some advice and encouragement that made me feel a lot better about my recent lack of training. She was recovering after months out due to injury and it was her first race back - it made me think that sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. I know I will get there eventually. Thanks Kerry.

10.45 saw the start of our wave. The sea was cold and I was worried about cramping up, but thankfully the airhorn sounded and my worries disappeared as the race concentration started and I 'got in the zone'.
I had a great swim and despite the wind the sea wasn't too choppy...I felt relaxed (well as relaxed as you can be whilst running and ragging a wetsuit from your body) - I ran/wobbled up the ramp and into transition.

I went straight to my bike and had a convenient spot on the end which made locating my trusty steed very easy. A quick change and I was off on the bike - This is where the fun really started. 23k's on the bike. Wow - it was a hard 23k...probably harder than Druridge that was twice the distance. My legs felt tired cycling into the wind and it was cold, but I wasn't giving up...everybody else was doing it and I was being negative - keep at it Woodcock. The second half of the 3 lap bike course offered slightly more respite and was less windy which was reassuring. Amazing support as always...Thanks to 'The Mooneys" and "The Singletons' for their cheers on the bike course helping to keep me going.

After a gruelling and slow 23k I arrived back in transition to more cheers from my team mates as I went  down the ramp and out onto the run (Thanks Iain and sorry you got in trouble).

The run was as always - slow and hard...when I started my energy felt so low that I just couldn't imagine getting through to the finish - These bugs had really taken it out of me. So I did what I always do when things get really tough and thought of dad. I'd done double the distance before and what he is going through on a weekly basis is way harder...keep going Triathlotte keep going...Ironwomen NEVER give up.

I heard so many cheers from familiar voices spurring me on - fantastic team mates and friends making me determined to not give in to the devil on my shoulder telling me to stop and walk. Chipping away at the miles, it was a game of cat and mouse with another runner for the final 2miles, and I resolved to grit my teeth about 400m from the end...I gave everything I had left in the tank and didn't look back (Something my Grandpa always told my mum to do when she is racing). For the first time ever I managed a running first - I overtook another runner! HA HA HA! It wasn't exactly Usain Bolt, but it was a minor victory for a very, very tired runner.

I finished and it had been excellent mental training for Ironman.

Thanks again to all my teammates for their fantastic support and morale boosting cheering skills!

I have a huge amount of training ahead, but I must remember Ironman is not a sprint, it's a marathon and you have to start somewhere...I am slowly getting strong again and undertaking some seriously hilly training rides as well as trying to improve my running. Also altering my nutrition to try and help boost my immune system so I don't get beaten by the bugs! I WILL be an IRONWOMAN!!!!

Dad is still managing to get out on his bike and for some short runs - he continues his fight and we even managed to get out together for a ride last weekend. This was an amazing feeling - it's been nearly a year since our last ride together. He is a true Ironman and continues to be an inspiration for my training.

I don't have anymore events now until 2014, but I will keep you all updated with my training progress - there is much to do!

Back again soon.

Love Triathlotte xxx

One for the bike pervs...my trusty steed. Still waiting for the pink tyres to complete the 'pink bullet' - copywrite Lee Baker.

Another first - Olympic distance at Druridge.

Sunday 7th July.

A rude awakening at 5.30am signalled the start of my first Olympic distance triathlon. Shovelling weetabix and banana down at that time in the morning, at break neck speed was challenging in itself...All washed down with a strong cup of coffee, which definitely helped get the engine running! Car had been packed the night before and all energy drinks were chilled ready, all that remained was to slick on a streak of my pink lipstick (starting to become my triathlon trademark)and I was off.

I was nervous for sure even though I'd done numerous sprint triathlons, this was different and a lot harder than anything I'd  done - ever. Druridge visitor centre was a buzz of excitement with loads of triathletes milling about and making their final race preparations. Nerves building I started to queue for my race number and in no time at all I was joined by a friendly face from Tri Northumberland..my team mate Karen Singleton also waiting in line. The great thing about race day is that everyone is always nervous for different reasons...we chatted and discussed our worries and I certainly left the queue feeling a lot less anxious - I hope she did too. 

8am was race start - 30mins to get my bike racked, wetsuit on and ready for the off. Sporting my new tri-northumberland tri-suit under my wetsuit I was ready to go...joining more of my team mates on the start line. The Olympic distance competitors were off first and the sprint distance second...meaning we got a head start on our two lap course. We moved into the water and had a few minutes to acclimatise before the air horn went and the race began! 

The water was lovely - so still (unlike the chop of Lake Windemere) the swim section was a joy and went over so quickly...before I knew it I'd done my two laps and it was time to get out.

Next was the wetsuit wrestle - a really fun part of the race for the spectators, but not so much fun for the competitors. Try taking a sodden wetsuit off while running and at high speed, I can tell you it is not easy. Reluctantly the suit hit the floor revealing the gold and red colours of Tri-Northumberland...an honour to be part of such a fantastic club! Helmet - check, Tri-belt - check, Bike shoes - check, lets get going! The run/hobble to the mount line began and at last I was off on the bike section. 

The course was long and flat...The type of course which I love...I was in my element. My only concern was the rapidly increasing temperature and the final run section where I always struggle and the mental battle begins. I put it out of my head and concentrated on the matter in hand, hammer down and do the best I could on the bike. It was over in no time and my legs felt pretty good - the hard hill training had paid off when it came to cycling on the flat.

The greatest challenge was about to begin - the part of the race I think most triathletes dread - The bike to run - I went as close to the dismount line as humanly possible so I had less distance to run...time to get off the bike and start the run in - and out- of transition. 

Bike racked, helmet off, trainers on - let the torture begin. Legs are always like jelly for the first half mile - I slammed them down hard on the ground to get the blood flowing and before long I was in a comfortable (all be it slow) stride. First lap of the four was fine - by this time all my team mates had finished and were cheering me on, along with some friends (thanks for that guys!)

The second lap began and I was starting to get a little pink in the face. It was getting warm and I was slowing down. I figure it was a case of giving up and walking a bit (over my dead body!) or plod on and battle my demons. I still had three laps to go and I did not want to walk - I had a word with myself (and thought about Dad and his fight). I broke each lap down into sections and told myself it was only one hour out of my life  - imagine how good I would feel when I crossed the finish and completed my first olympic distance triathlon. If I could do it without stopping I'd be well set up for Ironman next year which was just over double the distance of Olympic. 

I dug my heels in and slowly chipped off each mental marker on the way round - I was very hot and I was very red but I was still running/shuffling along my last lap - I told the marshals (politely) that I was thankful for their support, but I would be pleased not to see them again today! 

At last the finish line was in my sights - I'd almost done it...a few more hundred metres and I'd be there. Just keep running Triathlotte...and I did.

I finished in a respectable 3hrs 15mins - I was VERY hot and VERY red, but VERY VERY happy! 

Another milestone ticked off and another step on the road to Ironman Mallorca 2014! 

Thanks to all my team mates for their fantastic support - great guys - great team! Also welldone to Karen who completed her first ever open water triathlon despite her fear of the open water - no mean feat.

Dad has been progressing with his treatment and continues to amaze us all getting out on his bike and even doing a little running recently. He's amazing and a great inspiration as always - my hero.

More updates coming soon - I start a proper Ironman training programme at the beginning of August. Very excited about this and hopefully more positive news about dad to come :-)

Triathlotte x

Speeding along on the old Jo Waugh bike in my new Tri Northumberland Tri-Suit. Thanks to Brain Singleton for the photo.

Friday 14th June - Great North Swim

And so to the swim....

Friday morning began carbo-loading in preparation for my 3pm start.

Myself and my coach/support team/general all round good egg (mum that's you) set off around 11.30 to head to lake Windemere...powering up on flapjack and sandwiches on the way.

We arrived in Ambleside to be greeted by the traditional lakes welcome - A torrential downpour of rain. Mum was less than happy about this but I had my mind on other things, like the fact that in just over an hour I would be up to my eyeballs in lake Windemere fighting my way through a load of other swimmers (this turned out to be highly accurate).

We arrived on the Swim site (Low Wood Bay Hotel, Ambleside) and it was a quick change into my kit, including newly purchased swim booties (a great buy for anyone considering open water swimming)after a quick warm-up with the GNS team, the red wave set off into the lake bright eyed and bushy tailed! 

The first 1/2 mile was somewhat tricky and I experienced my first ever 'swim rage' when a slightly rotund male swimmer was swimming on top of me about every 10 strokes. After suffering for about a quarter mile enough was enough...We had words, a few expletives were exchanged and needless to say he did NOT do it again! I was able to continue on without any more irritation, sighting my way around the buoys for 2 laps towards the finish line. Conditions were fairly good; although the lake was somewhat choppy compared to the previous year meaning quite a few gulps of Windemere water went down the hatch!

Despite the tricky conditions and rogue swimmer, I managed to finish in a respectable time of 1hr 12mins and 41secs. Not a PB but excellent training for Ironman and a lesson learned to practice my bilateral breathing (breathing both sides for those not in the know) and also how to deal with male chauvinist swimmers.

In other positive news my dad continues to improve and was even able to have a short walk/run up at Simonside at the weekend, which must feel like Ironman to him at the moment. He is an inspiration and his unwavering strength and positivity makes me more determined than ever to complete this challenge and train like a demon to do so.

My next event will be 7th July - An Olympic distance triathlon at Druridge Bay.

1.5k Swim  .  40k Bike  .  10k Run - This is approx. half of what I will complete at Ironman so it's a good test for my stamina and mental strength.

Next update coming soon.

Triathlotte x

The Journey begins....

334 days to go until I take on my biggest challenge so far....

In January of this year, after months of uncertainty we found out that my dad had developed cancer of the Pancreas. It hit us all pretty hard as he has always been so fit and strong and has a very healthy lifestyle (supplemented by a few glasses of red wine here and there of course).

The hardest thing about it all is being powerless to help - Watching dad and also my mum suffer, is the most difficult thing I've had to deal with in my lifetime. 

When faced with the prospect of loosing a loved one it makes you focus on what is most important in life - family and friends. It got me thinking about how I could channel some of my energy into doing something to help dad in another way.

Alongside his Chemotherapy, dad has been undergoing a trial drug treatment at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials research Centre. The overwhelming message in all of this, is the level of care he receives on his weekly visits to undergo his treatment. The staff have been amazing and make what is a very difficult time, much more bearable for dad.

My Challenge - after completing several endurance events last year - (great north swim, run and bike ride) I had been toying with the idea of entering Ironman 70.3 but was very daunted at the thought of the sheer distance and mental strength required. I  had a word with myself! I figured If dad can undergo all of this energy draining treatment and keep fighting then I can push myself harder and complete this event - most importantly raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and also Hospice Care Northumberland whom I have fundraised for over the last few years - both charities provide invaluable support for people and their families who are facing cancer.

So it begins...The company I work for, Countylife Homes - Have sponsored my entry into Ironman Mallorca 70.3. 10th May 2014. So I can't back out now. Not only that, but news has spread around my Triathlon club (Tri Northumberland) and 3 other guys I train with have entered...so now we have a team of supporters and fundraisers! 

 Time to start the training...this friday 2 miles in Lake Windemere...Here goes nothing!

I will be setting up a just giving page very soon for donations...I know it's a long way off, but please give what you can. Most of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime, and these charities rely on donations to keep going and keep researching.

Updates coming each week, Thanks for reading.

Love Triathlotte x (copyright - Claire Forsythe)