A Day in the Lakes - Race Report.

Not just a great 'Day in the Lakes' but a great weekend in the Lakes as Team ATHelite headed over the border to Pooley Bridge by Ullswater to take on one of the hardest Half Ironman distance Triathlons in the Uk. 1.2 mile open water swim in Ullswater, 56 (actually nearly 58) very hilly miles on the bike including the killer Kirkstone Pass & also over Shap summit then onto the gruesome 13 mile Fell run up over Fusedale & back.

Five ATHeliteers took on the full thing (Colin, Genevieve, Dawn, Graeme & Alan Stirling). C & G did the Day in the Lakes last year & said never again but we found ourselves back & were keen to improve on last years results following all the recent Ironman training.

We also had 3 ATHelite Relay Teams in action as follows (in order of Swim, Bike, Run)...

ATHelite - The A Team; Jack Dickson, Michael Martin, Alan Derrick

ATHelite - The Mystery Machine; Sandy Comrie, James Carrigan, Billy Buchanan

ATHelite - Triathlon Club(!?); Martin Duthie, Mandy, Don.

As we all assembled on the camp site just yards from the start line & transition the mood was slightly tense in places (Dawns place) but the sun was shining and the BBQ was sizzling. One or two glasses of wine were taken but generally quite restrained and we all headed to bed at a good hour.

With the alarms going off at 6.30am some of the lighter sleepers had long been awake due to what sounded like the screams of the lambs as they were released from Alan Derricks tent & the noisy circling Crows & Vultures above. It was looking to be another glorious day. Hello sunburn.

The swim start went off in 2 heats 5 mins apart. The water was a great temperature but was pretty choppy making sighting the infrequent buoys difficult for everyone (except Jack). Coming back in both myself & Genevieve went wildly off line sighting on completely the wrong finish line & had to make major adjustments to get back on course. Not clever. Nonetheless we did take 2 mins off last years time & as with last year exited the water side by side. Awww. Swim times as follows....

Jack...........25.34 (awesome swim & 2nd out of the water!)
Martin........29.12 (Great time)
Dawn.........32.58 (You are wonderful!)
Colin..........33.25 (Average)
Genevieve..33.27 (Above Average)   
Alan...........35.36 (Solid)
Sandy.........36.00 (Smooth)
Graeme......38.36 (Showing good improvements)

Onto the bikes and immediately into quite a strong head wind but nice & warm & sunny. A few miles of easier rolling roads as we counted down to the impending doom of Kirkstone Pass. I was torn between doing this ride on my road bike (easier for the climbs) and my TT bike (better for the flatter sections & for running after). As I approached Kirkstone into the head wind I was immediately concerned that my harder geared TT bike laden with 2.5 litres of fluids was already in it's easiest gear before the climb had started! The climb starts off as a real grind, in & out of the saddle, but I managed to keep targetting people ahead & pick them off. It then really kicks up again to the summit but with my quads screaming I managed to push over the top & stay focussed for the traffic laden descent. Pushing on, the next challenge is the long 10 mile climb up over Shap. A long drag but the back wind at this point was a real asset & it didn't present too many problems. A fantastic sweeping descent off Shap then it's just counting down the miles & keeping the speed going to the transition. Bike times as follows....

Michael.......3.06.13 (not as quick as expected but he was vomiting over his speedo & front wheel. Amateurs!)
Colin...........3.10.36 (Loved it & 6 mins quicker than last year)
Graeme.......3.18.02 (Great ride - did he leave enough in the tank for the run...?)
Genevieve....3.19.45 (20 mins up on last year & SECOND fastest female bike split of the day!!)
Alan S.........3.30.43 (Very good)
James..........3.40.56 (Very respectable)
Dawn..........3.44.21 (You are wonderful)
Mandy........4.18.46 (Mission accomplished!!)

And so the run was upon us - 13 miles up in the fells with a long gravelly climb shortly after transition to make your calves scream in pain followed by 4 slightly more enjoyable miles across trails, boggy grass & streams before climing very steeply (so much so you have to walk) up over Fusedale & down the steep & rocky descent before a never ending 3.5 miles on the road to the finish line. This is a TOUGH run!

Alan D........1.36.03 (a storming run & 7th quickest off the day)
Billy............1.55.11 (Descending like a goat)
Colin...........1.55.46 (very pleased - 12 mins up on last year, felt great & overtook almost 40 people in the last 3.5 miles)
Genevieve...2.19.18 (10 mins quicker than last year despite recent running injury)
Dawn..........2.26.48 (This is just wonderful)
Alan S........2.29.45 (Solid all round)
Don........... 2.29.48 (Who is this amazing athlete?)
Graeme.......2.41.41 (Good run - bring on the Ironman!)

Alot of numbers to take in there but the overall finishing times are as follows...

RELAY TEAMS

The A Team.............5.09.36 and 1ST TEAM!!!! WOOHOO - WELL DONE JACK, MICHAEL & ALAN!!!
Mystery Machine.....6.13.32 (Awesome)
A Tri Club...............7.19.17 (Excellent)

INDIVIDUAL

Colin.......................5.42.49 (20 min PB)
Genevieve...............6.15.49 (4th Lady & 25 min PB)
Graeme..................6.41.51 (All.....
Alan.......................6.43.09 ....so close...
Dawn.....................6.48.46 ....together!!)

Huge well done to everyone - this race is a huge challenge & a serious accomplishment. Thanks to Jean & Michelle for your additional support too. We had a good booze up round the BBQ on Sunday night & a lovely relaxing morning lying in the sun on the campsite before the drive home after lunch. Back to reality tomorrow. From our Ironman training point of view we have shown ourselves that we are right on track & fully recovered today as planned. Rest week this week before the final 4 heavy weeks of training before Copenhagen.

LinkToResults
RacePhotos

Plans for ADIL....UPDATE...AGAIN

Has everyone paid BBQ money? We need it by Friday at the latest....or at least tell me and I'll sub you!

I'm putting the lack of comments down to you all being so NERVOUS about the race!

3 days to go and we'll all be down at Ullswater preparing for our big race!

We're leaving Hamilton about 5pm (after work), so we'll see you all there about 7pm
Directions    Campsite

The plan is to have a BBQ both nights. We will do a mass shop at ASDA for burgers, sausages and buns (we've accounted for 3 veggies {Genevieve, Don, Mandy} let me know if we've missed anyone), £5 per head per night payable to Dawn when you next see her.

You will need to bring your own plate, cutlery, drinks, booze, crisps, snacks and breakfast.

Does anyone have a BBQ they can bring we have one that we're taking which can cook about 12 burgers at a time? Don is bringing a BBQ so we're covered

I've booked most of you a pitch and paid your deposit - £5 per head - I'll text you your reference numbers. Make sure you say you are there for the Triathlon when you check in as it's a different field.

There are showers and facilities on the site so don't forget toiletries and a towel and a torch you may also appreciate a chair!!

Does anyone have large COOL BOXES we can borrow?

Please also leave a comment if you are willing to car pool.
Any questions leave a comment here.....

Open water swim

Anyone up for an open water swim tomorrow -Tuesday 21st?
Colin and I will defo be there.
Can't make Friday because of the Calderglen Harriers Trail race which I hope alot of you will be supporting.

Peebles Beltane 10k

A great race report by Alan Derrick on the Harriers Blog for yesterdays excursion to the Borders for the 10k.

http://calderglen.blogspot.com/2010/06/peebles-beltane-10k-trail-race.html

The 2010 GE Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships

We need your help.

As you are no doubt aware the 2010 World Duathlon Championships will take place in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh from 3 – 5 September 2010. The event presents fantastic opportunity for Scotland and Scottish Triathlon. Around 1000 competitors, representing nations worldwide, will descend on Edinburgh over the 3 day event, which will comprise the World Paraduathlon Championships (3rd Sep), the ITU Duathlon Age Group World Championships (4th Sep) and elite competition for seniors, U23 and U18 (5th Sep).

 

The delivery partners for this event include Eventscotland, City of Edinburgh Council, BTF and ITU. The event sponsor is General Electric. triathlonscotland has undertaken to support all field of play activity, including the development a strong event crew to deliver a safe, efficient and exciting event. 

 

Club Involvement

 

In the first instance, we are looking for your support as club squads, to form the experienced core of the volunteer workforce and manage the most important areas on the course. We have zoned the course and have areas available for teams ranging is size from 6 – 12 individuals. Roles vary but will include:-

 

Run Marshals; Bike Marshals; Transition Marshals; Start and Finish Marshals; Water Station Attendants; Rig and de-rig crew

 

To some extent all roles will involve and element of dealing with the public and international competitors.

 

Event timings

 

The non-stop programme is concentrated over three days and we expect to operate a shift pattern on Saturday and Sunday, when race activity will stretch from 8am – 7pm. Friday’s course build will begin in earnest when the road closes at 10am, followed by an opening ceremony at 1pm and paraduathlon start at 2pm.

 

Nominate Now

 

We know that people from your club will be interested, we would be grateful if you would consult your club members and race crew and nominate a volunteer squad. At this stage, this should include:-

 

2 named individuals (leader and deputy)

 

a commitment to provide a stated number of additional helpers, who may be named at a later date

 

the event days your crew will be available – 3rd, 4th, 5th September

 

Would you let us have this information by Friday 2nd July, when we will begin to allocate squads to specific areas of the course.

 

Team leaders will be called to a meeting of key volunteers in August and training will be provided where necessary.

   

What’s in it for you?

 

Sadly we cannot offer a financial reward for your support however the rewards are all about gaining experience and welcoming the world’s duathletes in our capital city, volunteers will receive:-

 

• Event crew clothing
• Team Picture
• On site catering
• A volunteer momento  
• Age Group Event Party 
• A ringside view of the event 
• New experiences (para and elite sport) 
• An opportunity to be involved in the biggest multisport event ever held in Scotland

 

Major event experience in the run up to Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014

If you are a smaller club and feel unable to dedicate a team, there will be plenty of opportunity to volunteer your services on an individual basis. Details of online registration will follow. Equally, if you are keen to be involved, but would prefer a role outside of field of play activity we are happy to hear from you. Through the www.triathlonscotland.org or [World Duathlon Champs website].

 

We cannot run this event without your support and we look forward to hearing from you by 2nd July. Please return completed response forms to Edinburgh2010@triathlonscotland.org. Please call John Whittaker on 07973 866815.

 

5 Ferries....

Our Malcom was given leave from shop duties & then given leave from the housework to get out on tour for a day with cycling buddy Steven. Sounds like a great day out made all the better by the good weather. Here is Malcoms Non-Race Report...........

Five ferries day out.

Take 2 cyclists, add 5 ferries, 50 miles on the road and finish off with 2 fish suppers. We started off on the Ardrossan - Brodick ferry with a Cal Mac breakfast to set us up for the day. See nutrition, see us! Off the ferry and on the road at last. A fast flat ride towards Lochranza (13.8 miles) for the crossing to Claonaig. The terrain soon turned after Sannox, and as we headed inland we were presented with our first incline. No pressure, just get over the hill to meet the noon day ferry. We arrived with a time to spare and on to our 2nd ferry of the day. Over to Claonaig and a picturesque ride to Tarbert (10.3 miles) for the 3rd crossing to Portavadie. With some time to spare we took the opportunity to relax in the Scottish sunshine (yes it does exist!) and take in the peace and tranquillity of the West of Scotland. Over to Portavadie and off on the long stretch to Colintraive for the penultimate ferry to Rhubodach (18.3 miles). The longest ride of the day with a steep incline after Tighnabruaich. Like all inclines, there’s a great decent and on to Rhubodach just in time to catch the boat. Our last stretch was a pleasant flat ride into the island resort of Rothsay (8.1miles). We arrived in time to watch the ferry sail into the bay. Bathed in afternoon sunshine, it almost looked like a holiday resort where you would spend a holiday (I think I’ve been in the sun too long). Onto our last crossing of the day and time to reflect on a great day out. Not too many miles on the road, but a different way to experience our countryside. Highly recommended!

Malcolm

Training Update

So the days are fairly flying by and we just have 7ish weeks to go till Copenhagen. Last week was a pretty rubbish training week, not really sure what happened but I felt very lacking in energy & the poor weather didn't help at all. I only managed 10 training hours which was only slightly more than a recovery week. The best session last week was an Ironman Distance Swim on Friday. I was 1hr 6 mins for 3.8k - a full 6 mins faster than my Ironman time last year & felt ok afterwards. The key to the swim is to finish feeling fresh & ready for the bike. Genevieve was also 6 mins faster than last year.

This week we have both bounced back feeling strong & the week should finish of by being our best training week so far.

Mon;  Am; 75 mile Bke, 1hr Run.
Tues;  Am; Tollcross Swim 2.5k.
Weds; Am; 2 hr steady Run - 15 miles.
           Pm; Club Swim Session 1 hr.
Thurs;  Am; 1 hr Core, 1 hr Tempo Run to work
           Pm; Run Hill Efforts
Fri;      Am; 1hr Core/Stretch
           Pm; 2 hr bike to Loch
           Pm; Open Water Swim
Sat;     REST!!
Sun;    Am; 50 mile Bike to Peebles
           Pm; Straight into Pebbles Beltane 10k Trail Race!

Total 20 hours.

Next week is our second biggest event of the year - The challenging 'Day in the Lakes' Half Ironman in the Lake District (therefore it is very hilly!). We are to still have a full training week so it's going to be a tough one but there are a few of us doing it solo or in relays & we are looking forward to camping & BBQing either side of the race!

Women’s Development Coaching Sessions

As part of the Women and Veterans Series 2010, Scottish Cycling is pleased to announce the 2nd and 3rd Women’s Development Coaching Sessions on:
· 26th June at Caird Park
· 7th August at Ingliston Showground.

These coach led sessions will aim to teach women of all abilities the skills for road racing. Working with Scottish Cycling’s performance development coaches you will have the chance to develop your skills in a positive environment where the focus will be on skill development rather than physical ability.
The sessions will focus on:
· bunch riding skills and confidence,
· cornering,
· accelerations in and out of the saddle

Using coaching sessions that are designed to give riders the maximum amount of time on the bike while focussing on skill development; it will be a great opportunity to learn in a fun environment with like-minded people. A big part of the feedback process is using video analysis, this is only one of the ways the coaches will be able to support your skill development. By creating a beginner friendly environment where it is ok to not know! it’s hoped you will have the opportunity to ask those questions you have always had but never asked!

The session on 26th June will start at 9am. The exact timings and content of the session will be confirmed closer to the time. The cost will be £10 per person for each development session and payable on the day.
This is a fantastic opportunity for women to be part of a specific coaching session before the start of the Women and Veterans Series which take place on the following dates:

3rd July - Women and Veterans’ RR Series 2 – Blairgowrie

22nd August - Women and Veterans’ RR Series 3 – Balfron

We would like to encourage as many women along to these sessions as possible whether experienced or novice riders.
If you would like to book a space on both or one of these sessions and haven’t already done so please contact the Events Coordinator Ruth Volley on 0131 317 9704 or email ruth.volley@scottishcycling.org.uk

Bala Middle Distance

If you swim at Tollcross in the mornings you will know Derek who always accompanies us. Derek is currently training for the same Copenhagen Ironman as us and whilst we chose the ridiculous 'Day in the Lakes' Triathlon as our 'B' race again this year Derek chose the equally ridiculous Bala Half Ironman as his. See Dereks Race Report below & you can also see his daily updates on his 'Mission Ironman' Blog where you can also learn more about Maggies - the great cause that is driving him forwards & the huge amount of £££ that he aiming to raise in the process......

http://www.derekmissionironman.blogspot.com/

It’s me, your lane tart from Tollcross – the slow moving obstacle you politely overtake on a Tuesday & Friday. I thought as you prepare for “a day in the lakes” I would share my Bala experience with you. It’s no wonder it is rated in the top 10 middle distance races in the world – it’s an OMG!

Bala Lake is cold and on race day a wind came through meaning it was choppy. I got off to a good start but at the turning point got a mouth full of wave and ended up being sick – that’s when the cramp started in my hamstrings as I tried to tread water and I thought my race was over. Fortunately I escaped from the water in 42 mins (2km) which was 3 mins under my target, including the 20 yard crawl out of the shallow water. One guy took 2 hours and was then stopped from going on – now that’s what I call perseverance! My transition was dreadful as I think I had an out of body experience but at least the wetsuit came off easily (thanks Gen for the advice)! My lack of shoulder flexibility meant it must have taken me 1 minute to get my gels into my trisuit – I was like a dog going round in circles trying to bite its tail.
The bike is the hardest 81km I’ve ever ridden, especially in the wind. Constant undulating hills and at one stage I thought I’d be the last cyclist as I had gone out in the mid-life crisis wave which was last and there were only 4 cyclists behind me at the turn point. I had a good finish passing many in the last 15 km and was pleased with 3hr 35 mins considering the terrain.

Whoever designed the run course should be tortured then shot. An out in back along undulating hills! Glad I didn’t check it out in advance or I may have given up. I know for every up there is a down but when the legs are gone those downs don’t feel so good. Despite that this was my best part of the race. I had targeted 2 hrs because I hadn’t run 13 miles in 15 years but managed 1hr 48 min and was delighted. My finish time was 6 hr 14 mins.

This was followed by a massage which is probably the only reason I could walk on Monday and was in the pool today for a recovery session. Ironman Copenhagen awaits in 60 days time so there is a lot of work to be done before then – thank god it’s flat!

Derek

Triathlon Conversion Calculators

Triathlon Conversion Calculators

Training W/C 14th June

Monday - RUN, ATHelite EK, 6.15pm

Tuesday - SWIM, Tollcross, 7.00am

Tuesday - BIKE, 7.00pm St Christies TT

Wednesday - SWIM, 5.00pm - 6.45pm Hamilton College

Thursday - RUN, ATHelite, EK, 6.15pm

Friday - SWIM, Open Water 6.15pm

Saturday - BIKE - 9.00am Long Steady about 25 miles avg 12-15mph. Meeting point at the top of Hurlawcrook Road just before the turn off for Langlands golf course. (Leave a comment if you're attending)

Sunday - RUN Long steady. The usual Sunday run will start at 9am, meeting point at the top of Hurlawcrook Road just before the turn off for Langlands golf course.

See you at the sessions!!

Tollcross

Tollcross poll is closed from 15th June until 29th June (incl.)

ADIL

Accommodation is booked for the following peeps;

Alan S, Graeme A, Alan D, Dawn B, Don K, Sandy C, GF and CF

I have reference numbers for you all......

Others are making there own arrangements.

Summer Sale

Sensational Summer Sale!!!!

At Least 25% OFF ALL

Running Clothing

Sale starts

Saturday 12th June 2010 @9.00am

Ends

Friday 25th June 2010

Moorfoot Beltane 10k Trail Race

An announced from our friend Kenny Davidson  who extends an invitation to you all to take part in his home town club Moorfoot Runners' 10k Trail Race on Sunday 20th June, 1200 start, Gytes Leisure Centre, Peebles. Enter on the day or on-line. Further details and a course map here. Looks like a scenic course!

Sunday long ride

Colin, Genevieve, Brian, Dave, George (for a bit) and Michael, went over the Crow Road, Aberfoyle(coffee & empire biscuit), Callendar (coffee, steak pie [for some] & empire biscuit), Kippen, Crow rd and back to Uddingston. 5hrs 39mins, 93mile and 5254ft climbing made it an epic day out. Never rained either and the empire biscuit were good.

ADIL

Finally.......we're all entered for ADIL

There will be Graeme A, Colin, Alan S, Dawn and myself 'completing' the whole event. Then we have 3 teams as follows;

• Jack - Swim, Michael - Bike, Alan - Run
• Martin - Swim, Mandy - Bike, Don - Run
• Sandy - Swim, Neil - Bike, Billy - Run

Leave a comment if you'd like a pitch reserved at the campsite and I'll get on and book that.
I need to know what nights you're staying and how many folks you're taking.

It is £16 per night for a Tent + car + 2 adults (children under 4 Free. Children 4 -15 £2 per night)

Campsite Tariffs

Colin and I are staying Saturday night and Sunday night.

A date for your diary

Wednesday 23rd is the last swim at Hamilton College until 25th August!!! That means 4 swims left - lets make them count.....anyway lets organise a curry night to celebrate 6 months of the year.

Put this in your diary

Date: 23rd June 2010
Time: 7.15pm
Venue: Bombay Cottage (???)

Leave a comment if you're coming and if you're ok with the venue - or leave a new suggestion

ATHelite is recruiting.

Are you crazy about Triathlon / Duathlon or Running and looking for employment, we have a part time position available. Must be available to work weekends.

Please email your CV to mail@athelite.net  or call 01698 422448 for more information

Open Water Swimming

All, we are back on for Open Water Swimming.
Meet at 6.15pm

See you there. Bring your runners (shoes that is!)