It is the start of 2018.
One week before the Cambridge Half Marathon. For which my prep has been slightly / completely derailed with a two week illness that seems to be clearing only a few days from the event. Not to worry as this year is about more than the Cambridge half. Its looks to be an exciting one.
I managed to get an entry to one of the most desirable ironman races on the planet. Challenge Roth. I thought i missed the boat when it sold out in seconds, but i somehow got to the front of the waiting list and when the ticket was offered i stamped it as quick as i could without a thought.
In my view Challenge Roth is taking over as the true heart of triathlon. Kona may have the history and status as the home of triathlon but under its current governance is slowly selling its soul. The substantial costs in racing Kona have made it unfeasible for many (me included). It is still a incredible achievement to qualify, but the first hurdle you need to take on is the big ££££
Roth looks incredible. It has its own illustrious history as one of the old classic races that has survived the test of time, but one of the very few that has done so outside the I-Dot branding. in Race week 200,000+ people descent on a small 20,000 person town in Germany. It has possibly the greatest sideline spectators out of any triathlon to the point that in places it looks like the Tour de France. The atmosphere must be electric. It is also the home of the fastest time ever recorded for an Iron Distance race (Jan Frodeno, 7:35:39). From what I've read the main reason the times are so fast is the roads are so immaculate (trust the Germans).
With this being a fast course with amazing support my goal going into the race is Sub 9hrs. I am aiming for a 55 Swim, <5hrs Bike, <3hrs Run. To keep myself accountable I'm going to keep a weekly blog of my training for the 16 week build up starting March 11th. I don't care if only 5.3 people read it as its for for my own benefit. Ive also invested in a crank based power meter so i can take my Zwift numbers outside and help me pace out a perfectly executed bike split with no explosions!
One week before the Cambridge Half Marathon. For which my prep has been slightly / completely derailed with a two week illness that seems to be clearing only a few days from the event. Not to worry as this year is about more than the Cambridge half. Its looks to be an exciting one.
I managed to get an entry to one of the most desirable ironman races on the planet. Challenge Roth. I thought i missed the boat when it sold out in seconds, but i somehow got to the front of the waiting list and when the ticket was offered i stamped it as quick as i could without a thought.
In my view Challenge Roth is taking over as the true heart of triathlon. Kona may have the history and status as the home of triathlon but under its current governance is slowly selling its soul. The substantial costs in racing Kona have made it unfeasible for many (me included). It is still a incredible achievement to qualify, but the first hurdle you need to take on is the big ££££
Roth looks incredible. It has its own illustrious history as one of the old classic races that has survived the test of time, but one of the very few that has done so outside the I-Dot branding. in Race week 200,000+ people descent on a small 20,000 person town in Germany. It has possibly the greatest sideline spectators out of any triathlon to the point that in places it looks like the Tour de France. The atmosphere must be electric. It is also the home of the fastest time ever recorded for an Iron Distance race (Jan Frodeno, 7:35:39). From what I've read the main reason the times are so fast is the roads are so immaculate (trust the Germans).
With this being a fast course with amazing support my goal going into the race is Sub 9hrs. I am aiming for a 55 Swim, <5hrs Bike, <3hrs Run. To keep myself accountable I'm going to keep a weekly blog of my training for the 16 week build up starting March 11th. I don't care if only 5.3 people read it as its for for my own benefit. Ive also invested in a crank based power meter so i can take my Zwift numbers outside and help me pace out a perfectly executed bike split with no explosions!