The OSB Outlaw brand races are really world class quality events. They have really got on top of their business. Just as good as any IRONMAN brand race, if not better! Their events have certainly been highlights of my racing year over the past few seasons.
Straight off the back of racing last week at the Monster Mojito Olympic race. I was hoping to race myself into some form. The race line up looked absolutely stacked with a number of guys looking at the course record.
Swim 27:51
With me now being 30! I found myself in a different wave to all the rapid young gun swimmers. This new wave seems a lot more civilized and relaxed. After a nice chat with Andy Sloan in the water whilst waiting for the gun (which must have inspired him as he went on to have a cracking race. The bastard!) the race kicked off. There was no massive bum fight and I just quickly settled into swimming my own pace which proved vastly better than whatever I was doing a week ago.
Bike 2:29:41
This started with a bit of a disaster. Long story short I ended up having a 2nd T1 3km into the leg. I had to stop to put my shoes and watch on (I don’t like swimming with it, but like it on for the ride and the run). The cold water had rendered my hands useless, so after spending a few km faffing around I just stopped to get it done.
The positive thing about starting in the 2nd wave is that you have a constant stream of people to overtake from the 1st wave, so there is no loneliness in getting stuck by yourself in no mans land. However, this didn’t seem to energise my body. I just felt flat. I couldn’t turn the engine on, just chugged along. My 3 lowest points:
No horsepower, just donkey power!
Run 1:15:27
Turns out that all the horses that used to power my bike have not been lost! They have just migrated to my run. I felt great straight away and just kept my foot down for the whole run. This has to be my best run in a triathlon ever. I think I set the run course record for the event (excluding relay teams). And If it wasn’t for all the weaving and overtaking I’m sure there was a sub 1:15 to be had (Sorry to a couple of guys that I crashed into the back of). My legs have never felt so good. I managed to claw back the 20min lost to Matt Bottrill (just) and completely saved what would have been a disappointing day.
The Outlaw Half showed some promising things, but also some areas that need extra work. If I can find some bike form (Tour of Wessex please be nice to me), whilst maintaining this run speed. I will be stronger than ever when it comes to Outlaw Holkham and the Full Outlaw later in the year.
P.s
Well done to Team Lewis (Ed and Penny) . Who both had great races over the weekend in Nottingham. Its a pleasure to help guide you on your triathlon journeys.
Straight off the back of racing last week at the Monster Mojito Olympic race. I was hoping to race myself into some form. The race line up looked absolutely stacked with a number of guys looking at the course record.
Swim 27:51
With me now being 30! I found myself in a different wave to all the rapid young gun swimmers. This new wave seems a lot more civilized and relaxed. After a nice chat with Andy Sloan in the water whilst waiting for the gun (which must have inspired him as he went on to have a cracking race. The bastard!) the race kicked off. There was no massive bum fight and I just quickly settled into swimming my own pace which proved vastly better than whatever I was doing a week ago.
Bike 2:29:41
This started with a bit of a disaster. Long story short I ended up having a 2nd T1 3km into the leg. I had to stop to put my shoes and watch on (I don’t like swimming with it, but like it on for the ride and the run). The cold water had rendered my hands useless, so after spending a few km faffing around I just stopped to get it done.
The positive thing about starting in the 2nd wave is that you have a constant stream of people to overtake from the 1st wave, so there is no loneliness in getting stuck by yourself in no mans land. However, this didn’t seem to energise my body. I just felt flat. I couldn’t turn the engine on, just chugged along. My 3 lowest points:
- Matt Bottrill rocketed past me. This was to be expected, but it happened so early into the bike leg that I thought that would be the last I would see of him. Ended up giving up almost 20min in!
- Towards the end of the bike Craig Twigg Blasted past at a similar humbling speed as Bottrill. This was also not a great sign as he started in the 3rd Wave 15min back.
- The worst moment though was when a chap came past me on a road bike! He looked strong, but he was on a road bike!! It had me looking down at my little twig legs asking for more, but there was no more to be had.
No horsepower, just donkey power!
Run 1:15:27
Turns out that all the horses that used to power my bike have not been lost! They have just migrated to my run. I felt great straight away and just kept my foot down for the whole run. This has to be my best run in a triathlon ever. I think I set the run course record for the event (excluding relay teams). And If it wasn’t for all the weaving and overtaking I’m sure there was a sub 1:15 to be had (Sorry to a couple of guys that I crashed into the back of). My legs have never felt so good. I managed to claw back the 20min lost to Matt Bottrill (just) and completely saved what would have been a disappointing day.
The Outlaw Half showed some promising things, but also some areas that need extra work. If I can find some bike form (Tour of Wessex please be nice to me), whilst maintaining this run speed. I will be stronger than ever when it comes to Outlaw Holkham and the Full Outlaw later in the year.
P.s
Well done to Team Lewis (Ed and Penny) . Who both had great races over the weekend in Nottingham. Its a pleasure to help guide you on your triathlon journeys.