The Start of 2019
I was meant to kick things off at Outlaw half, but a badly timed illness a week before the race turned my training camp into a holiday and derailed my body from being ready for a half ironman distance smash fest.
So I’m start 2019 in a similar style to 2018 with an Otillo race. This time in the Silly Isles. This swim run type race has been a breath of fresh air to the yearly activities. There are no expectations of time or performance. It feels part race, part adventure and takes place in the most amazing locations. None of this multiple lap courses round a generic part of some city that feels like you are part of a farm production line. Otillo takes you to places that make you want to stop and take mental pictures to keep forever.
I’ve come back this year with a different approach. Last year using the traditional pull buoy and paddles technique I was about as fast as a dismembered jellyfish. During the first swim my race partner Rich Sales was looking at me with worry, wondering if he needed to call international rescue to save me from being consumed by the sea. We had to deploy the unused tow rope mid race just to stop him getting too cold waiting for me. Turns out my legs are quite a fundamental part of my swim speed, cut them off with a pull buoy and shoes and I’m reliant on the current for propulsion.
So after careful reading of the rules I’m approaching this year with a new approach. FLIPPERS!
Negatives; There is much more faff between each swim and run getting them on and off; There is more to carry on each run with them being more cumbersome; Im leaning on my legs for the whole race risking burn out and massive leg cramps. Also Increased engagement with the bigger lower limb muscles seem to massively crank up the pressure on my CV system and fuel economy.
Positives; I’m fast again! I gave them a thorough test against a solid bench mark in James ‘Faster than a Shark’ Gill at Jesus Green’s 91m pool. Now they don’t make me faster than GillyQuads (just), but they do let me play in the same league.
It will also be my first major race racing for my new club Race Hub. Tom Davis has been carrying the flag so far. Think he has done more 70.3’s than I’ve done park runs this year.
Tomorrow it all begins, Hope Poseidon is feeling happy and content, although it would be epic if we get an angry sea.