Leicester Marathon 2009 - According to my calculations, Leicester was my 32nd Marathon of 2008. Admittedly, many of those marathons have been in training and obviously I did 8 in a row when I did the 8in8in08. However, Leicester was going to be different….. I had targeted Leicester as the ‘only’ opportunity I would have a go at beating my PB. No doubt I have loads of miles in my legs. No doubt I have run countless marathons. But all of them in the remainder of 2007 and all those preceding Leicester had been based on ‘endurance’; the ability to run big miles day after day. So Leicester was falling quite nicely as an ‘in-between’ race. Post my Ironaman I had run Coventry Trail 40 miler and the 100k on the Thames Path at the end of September, so, with those races out of the way I had a mini taper before re-building my mileage back up at the end of October, beginning of November. Funnily, my marathon PB is not that quick, 3:12 ran at Paris Marathon in 2007. However, I have run lots since then and I know on a good day I can get a good time. My prep for Leicester, although good, was not ideal for a fast run. I had too little time to add any speed work and my mini taper in true marathon terms was not long enough. Give it a go anyway I thought… The weather was perfect; cloudy, with a slight chill. However, after mile 13 the wind really picked up and made the last half tough going. So, the race ! The gun sounded at 9.20am and we were off. Difficult start as the half marathon race started with the marathon runners. It was too easy to start too quick as the ‘halfers’ flew off. My target was to really push myself, throw it all on the line and either come up with a thrashing of my PB and a long desired sub 3 marathon or die in flames. Mile 1 was 5:57, mile 2 - 6:22, mile 3 - 6:23, mile 4 - 6:27 and then I settled. My target was to try and keep 6:30’s going and see what happened. Slight undulations slowed the pace every now and then but in principal I was being consistent. I felt good. Breathing was easy, I was on my toes and the miles were clicking by. I went through 10k in 38min (ish) and then the half marathon at 1:25, so, all good…. Then the wind and a few hills came. It was tough for a while. Then next 4 miles went by at 6:47, 6:46, 6:49 and 6:47. It wasn’t a problem, 6:50’s is sub 3 hr pace aand I had time in the bag from the first 13 miles. At 18 miles I started to suffer a little and then at 19 miles the legs started to twitch. Oh dear, the wheels were coming off. Going long and steady no problem but my legs were just not used to this pace. Mile 19 - 7:09 and then I just had to hold on. My legs were giving me some real stick. If I could have held 7:30’s I would have still gone sub 3 but my legs were not having any of it. Mile 20 - 7:12, mile 21 - 7:31, mile 22 - 7:38.. you can see a pattern forming can’t you!! Grit your teeth and keep running I thought. I was still going to thrash my PB but not going to get that sub 3. I crossed the line in 3:03:18 with bloody sore legs. I had knocked 9 miinutes of my PB but missed the holy grail by just over 3 mins. It will come. I know it’s there. I just need to dedicate a period of running purely for that target and not trying to ‘fit it in’. Next time? Ian
Quick FOD Duathlon report: lovely weather, warm, sunny, a little breeze. Nick went well, but jumped a red light just when the motor bike marshal was behind him so got DQd (number on the front next time, Nick!?), otherwise he would have been 2nd to lee rankin (1.00.02). Some tewks ac runners made the effort and john mansfield was 4th in 1.05.19, and won his cat. stuart dudfield (1.12.26) was a minute ahead of Fran Osbourne(TTC) (1.13.26) (faster runs, slower bike!), stuarts wife cathy was not far back with (1.20.22). Fran was pleased with even run splits and finished 1st in cat, 3rd female overall. Fran
Milly Barnes, Leigh Bichard, Nick Slim, Jon Rawlings and Chris McMahon took on the 1st Glos XC running event held at Cotswold Farm Park.
Milly was first off in the under 15 girls category and just got pipped to the post and finished 2nd - brilliant Milly!
Although someway off the front of the race Nick lead the ttc boys home, Jonny Rawlings was forced out of the race on the 2nd lap with blisters on the really tough 11km course, Chris was next in closely followed by Leigh. All guys were running for Tewks AC on the day, Tewks AC had all the usual suspects running with Jonny Mansfield putting in the best time out of all of us.
Some upcoming events, and remeber to keep checking the web for updates. Thanks to Ian Corless and Steve Darnell for these. Upcoming marathons and trail runs, realize it's not Triathlon but it is endurance and it will benefit so many of the members. A change is as good as a rest..... 19th Oct - Leicester City Marathon 8th Nov - Endurancelife Coastal Series starts. Distances, 10k, half and full marathon on fantastic Coastal trails. One every month for 7 months. 7th Dec - Luton Marathon January has two great 'Ultras'. Thames Path 50 miler and the two day 'Town2Tring - Tring2Town' total distance 80 miles over the two days. March has the 80km Ecotrail in Paris. This is a 50 mile Trail run around Paris and finishes on the first floor of the Eifel Tower. March 27th to April 5th - I will run the 320 miles from London to Paris "Arch2Arc". Plan is to finish with Paris Marathon on April 5th. I am encouraging anyone to join me during the run for any distance they wish, maybe 1 mile, maybe 30....? Again this run is for charity, in particular Cancer Research. If anyone fancies being a 'crew' member or runningvpart of the route, please contact me. Several people have already entered Paris Marathon for the final day. .................... I'd like to suggest a "grand day out" for TTC. As you can see, the cause is more than worthy and whilst the '09 calender is not yet out, I think this would make a great event. Who knows.. perhaps we could use it as a handicap - i.e. different start times to have a synchronised arrival time ? http://www.lincfund.co.uk/docs/cycleride.htm ........................ It’s a while since we last sent out a newsletter so we thought it was about time we gave you an update about developments occurring at kilotogo – the UK’s most experienced organisers of cyclosportive and challenge rides across the UK. We’ve got a brand new web-site currently being designed to work on just about all computer platforms. There will be lots of new functionality to the website over the next month or so. Kilotogo will be updating the web-site regularly with developments and new events. Sunday 29th March 2009 UCI Cheshire Cat - The first big UK cyclosportive for 2009. Judging from the amount of enquiries and interest so far (it’s only October!) we expect participant places to be snapped up rather quickly. There are revised route options to genuinely cater for all abilities – with a much shorter flatter option (40 miles) for those who might be trying challenge rides for the first time, a medium 60 miler and a beefed up 100 mile plus option with tougher climbs. Entries start beginning of November 2008. Click here for details. Sunday 19th April 2009 The 2nd North Cornwall Tor (now UCI approved) promises to be equally as popular with the introduction of a new shorter route. Having ridden tough terrain all over the country, we firmly believe that ‘The Tor’ is one of the toughest, if not the toughest, cyclosportive in the UK. If you’re not familiar with the North Atlantic coast road then you are in for a big surprise – be warned! Click here for details. The Kilotogo Team www.kilotogo.com info 'at' kilotogo.com 0161 408 3222 ........................... thats all folks
not much triathlon news to report this week, but we did have 3 guys contend in the Halesowen xc running relays yesterday. Leigh Bichard, Nick Slim and Jonny Rawlings took on the 6km course and found the going tough but very enjoyable. So on the running front, there is another xc race next saturday at the Cotswold Wildlife park, 11km event is put on my Bourton Road Runners Club. More info here http://www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk/otherraces.htm Then on the sunday its the forest of dean duathlon, entries on the day allowed so if its nice weather worth the trip. Not sure who took on the tewkesbury ac handicapped 5 mile event held this morning, but in the rain not surprised if people dropped out. Steve Darnell has put a request in that if anyone sees a press article mentioning ttc could you please keep and hand to him, so if we go for race sponsorship etc next year these articles will help. Right onto Christmas. We have booked a room at Wetherspoons in tewkesbury 6pm on the 6th December. For menu look here http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/christmas-booking/documents/ChristmasMealAndDrinkOffer.pdf if you can email us to confirm you want a place that will be great. AGM Meeting 2008 - 29th November 2008 any nominations for posts please contact Club Secretary Trish Nash. committe posts will be:- Chairman Treasurer Hon Secretary Club Captain Race Promoter Communication co-ordinators PR Officer Co-opted Member (0-5) Quick note to wish Michelle Parsons a speedy recovery from an achilles operation. Thats all folks.
Hello everyone. Now the effervescence has settled it is time time to consign the weekend to history. I think a good day was had by all and such good results ay the event really helped. We are already planning next year so any feedback would be appreciated. There are few events this weekend including the Cheltenham Sanford race and Ludlow Sprint. Results will be passed on. With the roll we are on I expect nothing else but a clean sweep! I know there is spring training tomorrow at Tewkesbury school. Meet 5.45 for a 6pm start Kev is getting ready for "No Excuses Saturday". Is it almost winter training? Leigh While we were relaxing, watching the sun go down at Harpoon Louie's Ian Corless was elsewhere. Somewhere quite different. Here is his excellent report: 100K ULTRA RUN ON THE THAMES PATH Firstly big congratulations to all involved in the club champs at Newent. Sounded like a superb day and as mentioned, the weather was perfect !!! I had planned months ago to re-run a section of the Thames Path and it is therefore for that reason alone I was unable to attend. So apologies. To re cap. My re-run of the Thames Path section from Henley on Thames to Staines was a distance of 50k (32 miles) and was the run I performed on my 5th day of 8 marathons in 8 days. For those who don't remember, the 5th day was the day after my Dad had major surgery for stomach cancer. In April, when I initially ran I remembered stunning scenery, beautiful trails and great views. However, these memories blurred with the stress and worries of Dads operation. I therefore decided post the 8 marathons that I would re run this day with the addition of running back the next day. So, a total of 100k or 64 miles. I started at Henley on Thames in glorious sunshine and this weather held for the full two days. In-fact, it was a little too hot but I wasn't going to complain. I was running with a multi-day Raidlight running sac, so, the added weight contributed to extra fatigue and heat build up. However, I kept a steady pace and just made sure I hydrated. Obviously, due to limitations in carrying capacity I had to make sure I could re-fuel on route. Not a problem on the path as you pass villages, locks, rowing clubs, ice cream vans etc at regular intervals. So running from Henley I ran east along the Thames passing through Aston, Hurley, Marlow, Little Marlow, Well End, Bourne End, Cookham, Maidenhead, Bray, Eton, Windsor, Datchet, Old Windsor, Egham and finally Staines. Needless to say, the views on such a beautiful weekend are fantastic. In areas of interest, in particular Marlow and Windsor hundreds upon hundreds of people were on the path enjoying the sun. It was a real pleasure to be out there.... Saturdays run took 5 hours 19 mins and Sundays 5 hours 30 mins. I ran at a steady endurance pace and apart from miles 30 and 31 on Sunday, I had no real problems apart from tender legs.... I mention Sunday because without any warning dehydration hit with just a few miles left. I had failed to re-fill a bottle at Marlow, missed vital electrolytes and paid the price. The dehydration hit me like a wall and I was reduced to a walk to recover. It was a fantastic weekend. I loved every minute of the whole two days and I loved the self sufficiency that comes with this sort of running. It's a real buzz and adventure. I strongly recommend it is a variation to your training. Obviously, no need to run such a long way. Ian
what with the sun! race! and bbq I think all would agree it was a great day for the tewkesbury triathlon club champs!? so firstly to recap the ttc category winners.....we had worst shorts/wrestling outfit - Bob Perks must awaited comeback since Lance armstrong annouced he is coming back - Pete Toombs biggest cheer over the finish line - Dave Granger beat Maz by a small decibel margin. best looker in the ttc club kit - Julie Reynolds best race considering the injury/ and post wedding race! - Jason Berry best race considering his taper ws to sleep in the car on friday night - Chris McMahon This all lead nicely into the main prize for the club handicap....... Bob Perks, well done Bob stunning effort. ................................. the race, ttc had over 20 competitors, with the times on the newent web site I wont quote them all. http://www.newenttriathlon.org.uk/2008results.htm But a brief summary, Nick Slim took the overall on the day, with Sam Windless coming in a close second. tewkesbury ac athlete jon mansfield took 3rd place(this meant that 2 of the top 3 on the day came from the same street!!). With no less than 9 ttc atheltes grabbing prizes on the day it was a great day out for ttc. Scooping prizes for either 1st 2nd or 3rd in category was Nick, Sam, Bob, Pete, Roddy, Fran, Meredith, Maz and the club chairman Dave Langley. Bobs performance was so steller he grabbed the much wanted handicap trophy for 2008. A big thanks to all invloved in making the inaugral club champs a great success. Coming up... duathlon in the forest of dean 12th october, 5km/15km/5km stroud half marathon 26th oct.
Great effort on Saturday we completed 1,001 lengths of the sponsored swim. Not sure of the amount we raised but thanks to everyone. Fran did an excellent job at Bala Standard. Here is her report: "Although it was a long way to travel (3h) and a tiring w/end, the venue was superb and weather turned out fantastic after a very misty start and slight delay on the swim waves. Water pretty cold! Fantastic scenery. Fast rolling bike leg on closed roads. Run was slightly rolling on same road. Sun came out, and even I didn't wear another cycling top for the bike! Did ok. Stats: 203/478 finishers; 18th woman, 4th female 40-49 cat (just missed out on prizes!!), 3rd fastest female bike, fastest bike in the 40-49 cat, run 4th in cat, swim time 35mins but included a (probably slow) transition as cold and a bit giddy!. Times: winning male a seriously fast 1:49:59 (L'borough students again!); female 2:04:18; and in my cat times of 2:19:03, 2:25;09, 2:25:23 and (mine) 2:26:17. So I should be pleased with the effort as getting over a bug in the week preceding.......but of course I'm going to get back there next year and kick some a**e again all being well......." Also, it was confirmed this week that Nick and Paul Horsfall both won there age groups in the South West Series. Well done to both of them over the season Final result was for Dave Grainger. His relay team absolutely whipped the competition's butt at the Half Ireman completing the course in 4hr 26mins. Dave tanking the 1.9km swim in 36mins 56secs. Did you see the 3 hunks in the local rag? If not you can enjoy the eye candy here http://www.tewkesburyadmag.co.uk/sport/local/3677432.Tri_Club_members_are_solid_in_sprints/ Now the Tri world's attention turns to Newent... Looks like we may have laid the weather on for Newent this Sunday. If you require a veggie BBQ please let me know ASAP. Details of the day are: Newent race finishes 1:15 ish Presentation 1:30pm Meet at Croft Farm 3pm Presentations 4pm. This includes handicap winner and 5 spot prizes. BBQ 4.30pm Leave when you fancy/bored All welcome
Remember it is a sponsored swim this Saturday. We will be doing relays that will add to the overall lap times for the sponsored swim later in the day.We are keen for a high turnout. 7.30 start as normal.
Afterwards there is a ride planned. You can either drive to Newent and ride the route or ride to Newent and then do the route. The next option is to do the run route. Finally a drink in Newnet somewhere. Find out on Saturday.
The final handicap numbers are now published http://www.tewkesburytriathlon.co.uk/clubChamps/2008/clubchamps.html
The plan is as follows:
Newent race finishes 1:15 ish
Presentation 1:30pm
Meet at Croft Farm 3pm
Presentations 4pm. This includes handicap winner and 5 spot prizes.
BBQ 4.30pm
Leave when you fancy/bored
There will be activities setup
Rounders
Water based events - TBC
We are looking for a volleyball and badminton nets, if you have one please bring it
There is a full bar available but you can bring alcohol at your discretion
It was the last showdown before the big N next Sunday. The conditions were horrible but TTC looked good. Nick led the way with the Elite class. However, his preparation was not as good as it normally is and he was surprised by the cold water. He dived in and realised the temperature had dropped several degrees in the last week. From then on he was playing catchup to the others in his class. However, not confirmed but we think he has won the soth west series age group Roddy was his usual solid self with an excellent time despite a foot injury and Leigh making him get there an hour earlier than he need be there. Leigh was delighted with the swim but was not happy with the rest of the race and blamed some “twilight” zone. The race was lucky to see Steve Darnell. A few spots of rain are normally enough to deprive any event of Steve. However, with the pressure of the big N approaching even Steve pulled the stops out A triathlon is not enough for Maz these days. She rushed around only to head off for a time trial with Roger. Her times are looking great for the championship. As for Trish ?can’t run? Nash. A 20:07 split means that her handicap may well be affected. It was a super performance. Steve Rose was delighted with his first triathlon. The thoughts of celebration were evident even in the murky conditions Final time are: Nick 1:00:32 Roddy 1:06:40 Leigh 1:11:47 Steve D 1:13:15 Maz 1:14:12 Trish 1:17:05 Steve Rose 1:29:14
some new race reports have just gone up! here
First congrats goto James Maude for his ironman uk finish, read more in the reports section!, secondly Ian Corless completed the 40mile coventry run in 3rd place.
Congrats to all the cotswold sprint tri finishers, race report to follow shortly.
Big news in is Rhys Davey and his youth team won the european champs more details here
A new section has been uploaded for ttc athlete profiles. here
Been a while...not alot to report from the club, Nick Slim competed at Swanage Olympic Dist tri and came 4th in the group after leading out the swim and holding off the riders into T2 - but the hilly run saw him drop back to 4th in the wave.
On the local front Maz and Nick took on the mid week aquathon at Cerney. Maz put in a great swim split to come 6th out of the water and put in a solid run for 15th overall. Nick was joint first out of the water and just edged out Andrew Shipton to cross the line first. A 16:05 run split was a PB for nick.
Havent heard back from sundays Top Barn day out, hopefully all went well?
Leigh Bichard and Roddy Gosden also partook in the 5mile running race last wednesday. Leigh PBd not sure how Roddy did.
Rhys Davey also pulled a good race to get 11th in the highly competitive Juniour race at London Tri. Rhys said it wasnt his best race but still a great result in a tough field. Well done Rhys.
National Club Relays, As you know we put two teams into the national club relays held in nottingham 2nd august.
The format for the race is each member of the teams of 4 have to complete the 500m swim, then the 15km bike then the 5km run.
When the dust had settled on the race the first team came away with a win in the open category, completing the course in 3hr 29mins 13secs, coming home27secs ahead of the runners up from Southampton.
The 2nd team had a storming bike leg to show the first team a thing or two. But they raced really well to finish the course in 3hrs 51mins. For more info on times etc go to www.pacesetterevents.com
The team members of Dave Granger, Roddy Gosden, Chris Mcmahon, Nick Slim (1st team) and Sam Windless, Fran Osbourne, Ali Parker and Steve Darnell had a great time at the event. We hope to put the trophy at Cascades on view - if we can get it off the very proud team!! We all agreed that we should aim to get more teams involved in next yearsevent!
The local scene saw the droitwich sprint tri take place and 4 ttc members takeit on. Marianne Day and Lucinda Bates in the female category and Steve Maberand Mark Howe in the mens. Havent heard from the racers yet. Who would like to volunteer for a race report? any pics! The web site has been updated with a Bredon race report and pics, and a report for the aquathon held on wednesday night that Nick Slim managed to squeeze past Jon Rawlings for the win.
Also from last weekend Lucinda Bates took on her first olympic dist tri at Bath. Finishing in 3hrs 25mins. ttc regular Paul Horsfall took 4th overall. And Michelles time trial last week! 25miles in sub 1hr!!!!!!!Fair play Michelle can we have some coaching?
ITS PARTY TIME - CLUB CHAMPS PARTY UPDATE - WE ARE LOOKING TO SECURE CROFTFARM FOR THE POST NEWENT PARTY ON THE 21ST SEPTEMBER. PLEASE CONFIRM BY EMAILSO WE CAN START WORKING ON NUMBERS. I CAN SEE A PEDALO TRIATHLON ALREADY!! Thanks to Roddy for setting up the relay teams.
we put two teams into the national club relays held in nottingham 2nd august. The format for the race is each member of the teams of 4 have to complete the 400m swim, then the 20km bike then the 5km run. When the dust had settled the first team came away with a win in the open category, completing the course in 3hr 29mins 13secs, coming home 27secs ahead of the runners up from Southampton.
the 2nd team raced really well to finish the course in 3hrs 51mins
The team members of Dave Granger, Roddy Gosden, Chris Mcmahon, Nick Slim (1st team) and Sam Windless, Fran Osbourne, Ali Parker and Steve Darnell had a great time at the event.
Lots of action this weekend. The main event was Bredon Tri. With more than 10 TTC members and regulars taking part.
Jon Rawlings 3rd
Phil Parsons(Michelles other half) 4th
Nick Slim 7th - fantastic sunburn!
Sam Windless 10th
Roddy Gosden 23rd
Rachael Hobbs 30th 1st lady home - well done Rachael with very sore blisters!
James Maude 34th
David Granger 39th - Great swim split from Dave.
Leigh Bichard 53rd - took the pee out of Nicks sunburn, only to find his was just as bad!ha
Steve Darnell 60th - keeping his battle with Leigh alive, 1 all boys?
Steve Maber 73rd
Mark Home/Howe 75th - dual identity!
Ali Parker 81st - on zero training well done Ali
Paul Mason 95th
Richard Mason DNF - alright Richard?
Great effort from everyone on a really hot day! Thanks for all the support Chris and photos from Ian! a link to Ians photos are here. A full race report to follow
Meredith Gosden put in a fine performance at Cheltenhams do a du and won the womens category, great racing Meredith.
Michelle Parsons won her time trail on sunday but I dont know the distance, sorry Michelle!? but well done, hope the ankle is getting better.
Roddy Gosden did great at police champs coming in 10th in 1hr 3mins. Rhys did an awesome race for 3rd in the junior european qualifyers. First outof the water as well! Callum/Michelle and Rachel were in action at the banana man relays
Read about and see pictures of Ians ironman effort in austria this year here
I havent heard from our 2 ironman competitors this weekend but looking onironman live it looks like Ian Corless has done a fantastic 10:20ish, and DaveGrangers splits havent come up yet! Worth noting Michelle Ps other half Philhas put in a fantastic race coming in under 10:20. On the local front, Upton sprint and Upton Olympic dist events were staged onsaturday and I think everyone would agree they were excellent. Also worthnoting that next year Leigh would like to Camp the night and make a party ofit. So I wisd him luck with that! Results - sprintRhys did the business in the sprint with a very quick swim and run to beatNick by over 2mins, Rachel Hobbs was next through the finish with a greatresult to take 1st lady and 5th overall. Chris MACMAHON(private joke) wasnext through the finish in 8th, well done chris.Maz Day put in a fine effort for a 1:15:13. well done Maz. Trish Nashsterling work with a 1:18:46, and Julie I cant fid your time? Results - classicA good showing from ttc and ttc regulars saw JOn Rawlings in 2nd overall,James Maude with a ridiculously quick swim took 20th and 2:21:43. Thats thelast time James gets to swim in anything but the fast lane. Callum Tustin inhis first classic dist? did 2:16:11 and was first out of the water. Reallywell done Callum. Leigh continued to PB with a 2:24 and avoided gettingdistracted by floating sheep. Well done leigh. I think everyone who was there would say the new kit went down well!? Well done all. Great support from Roger, Roddy and Family too. All comments on the Club Champs split times welcome, will adjust accordinglyit was only estimates to start with! Bredon and the National Club Relays next!!! With so many competing I hope I havent forgot anyone as im rushing this beforegoing to enjoy the sun and a bbq.
Part 2 : Dave Grangers ironman time was a fantastic 12:22! A fast swim in under 1hr anda 5:47 bike split put him in great stead for the long haul marathon. greatresult Dave. Julie Reynolds Upton time turned up this morning and it was 1:50:31 with asore leg! well done Julie. And i knew I forgot someone, i need to be sacked from this job! Steve Darnell did a great 2:23 at the upton olympic dist, he did enough toedge inside the finish before Leigh, well done Steve. Sorry for missing youout.
9th July 2008 - Club Champs page has been updated, see the handicap system for yourself here.
Tuesday 6th July
Club Kit...
Sunday 6th July
July already!
Sunday
28th June 
++++++++++++++++WINNER++++++++++++++++++
Fran Osbourne is first female home at Eastnor Classic
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was a cracking days racing at the Eastnor Classic triathlon. After the howling winds of last week it was a pleasant morning with only the course's hills to contend with. In fact the only complaint the organisers received was that transition was too flat.
Roddy improved on last year's time and finished 3rd Male Vet. Leigh was gentleman enough 'let' Fran past in the last 1km of the run and finished 20 secs behind her
Roddy 2:36:02
Fran Osbourne 2:48:08
Leigh Bichard 2:48:28
Frans report and some pictures are here
Wednesday 25th June
There was a good turnout by TTC at the June Waterland Aquathlon. The weather was fine and the water temperature had risen so much since May that there were thoughts of no wetsuits. Nick Slim was back on home soil coming in a solid 4th with a time of 28:53. Of particular note was Chris McMahon return to form with a strong 8th postion. All the TTC times were as follows:
Nick Slim 28:53
Chris McMahon 30:12
Roddy Gosden 31:12
Leigh Bichard 34:04
Marianne Day 34:33
Sunday 22nd June
Sunday 22nd June saw six Tewkesbury Triathletes on the start line for the inaugural South Cereny Classic Triathlon. Chris & James McMahon, Leigh Bichard, Les Ellery, James Maude and Roddy Gosden started together with 134 other competitors in the choppy waters of Lake 12, Cotswold Water Park. After 2 laps of the swim course it was the McMahon boys, James then Chris, who exited the water first followed a minute later by Roddy, James and Leigh.
After fighting through a crowded transition area the group headed out on a 40km flat but windy 2 lap bike course, which saw them hit some impressive speeds only to be met by an energy sapping head wind round the next corner. Out on the course they were cheered on by fellow International Tewkesbury Triathletes, Nick Slim and Paul Horsfall (Having just arrived back from the World Duathlon !!!!! Champs in Vancouver). James McMahon maintained his lead, whilst Chris's legs started to suffer on the second lap and the 1 minute lead he gained after T1 was slowly whittled away as Roddy passed him just after the 30km mark.
Into T2 and James McMahon was the first to headed out onto the 2 lap 10km run course, followed by Roddy who was hotly pursued by Chris. Of note was Leigh's impressive T2 transition time of 33 seconds, which as he later pointed out, if you take away the other irrelevant times, puts him up there in the top 10! The winding narrow and uneven run saw James Maude overtake Chris, who by this time was trying to complete the course on legs of jelly. He however soldiered on and all six completed the course in the top half of the table before going for a shandy and debrief post-mortem at the local pub.
Final
Results
James McMahon 2:14:07 - 12th
Roddy Gosden 2:19:13 - 24th
James
Maude 2:22:25 - 30th
Les Ellery 2:27:37 -
41st
Chris
McMahon 2:29:59 - 47th
Leigh Bichard 2:33:08 -
60th
Some photos can be found here
There was good
competition at the Worcester Tris Spring Sprint (isnt it summer?) in the names
of Fran and Maz. Maz had the edge after the swim with a strong
Saturday 14th June
Only one result that I am aware of this week. Yes you guessed; it is Maz. She reports "Just thawing out after competed in the 1k Portrush, Northern Ireland Sea Swim. The North Atlantic was 11 degrees and we weren't allowed to wear wetsuits!!!(It was freezing)". She was the first lady home and second overall beaten by 12 seconds by an Irish International Swimmer. Not sure who is more crazy - the sicko who said no wetsuits or the comeptitors for listening.
Sunday 8th June
++++++ WINNER +++++++
Trish wins this time...first place in Cotswold Women Only Super Sprint. Looking at the splits she was 2nd fastest swim and 1st on the bike. Excellent work after a 2nd last year. You'll need to build a new shelf for all your trophies.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Breaking news from Vancouver. Nick sounded less than impressed "what a shocker!!! the worlds was turned into a duathlon after some chicks had to be rescued from choppy water!!". Maybe they drifted there from the nearby farm. I think I would have been less reserved.
Julie Reynolds finished 3rd in her age group at Blenheim. Well done.
Ian Corless was back to multisporting at the Weymouth Middle distance. He finished 3rd in his age group in a time of 4hrs 33min."Pretty happy with that considering I only got back on the bike and in the pool in the last 6 weeks ;-)"
Maz just keeps on competing. This time she was chuffed at being placed 9th at Cotswold Women Only Sprint.
Michelle Parsons was in action in the less than familiar
territory of the South Cerney Long Swim clocking a decent time of 1:18.10.
Wednesday 4 June
Chris McMahon, Steve Darnell and Leigh Bichard competed in the Midweek Duathlon. Apart from slightly blustery conditions the sun was shining and the going verg good. Chris was first for TTC with a superb 49:53. The run splits of 12mins will have his running trainer twitching. Steve was next with 53:16 followed by Leigh for a pb of 55:06.
Photos to follow...(Steve?)
Looks like it was an all-girl weekend. Lucy Bates was overjoyed with her a performance this weekend "PB today - sprint tri Westonbirt 400, 22, 5 in 1:26:34 Wahoo!!". Maz Day had agreat result at the Leicester Flashman Sprint triathlon coming in as 4th female. 2nd best female swim, 3rd best female bike, finishing with a good run against some quick ladies. "Working hard on the running with just a little improvement will hopefully see an even better result" our correspondant reports (Roger). Finally, Fran Osborne was chuffed with a 1:07 pb over 25 mile time trial. It was a fast course and promised to 'kill' herselff the whole way next time !
Tewkesbury Tri Club hit the waterland aquathon 27th may 2008 - The first race of the 2008 Cotswold Aquathlon Series was cancelled last month because of the water being too cold but after having a little dip before the race yesterday (Wednesday) it was difficult to see how the race was even going ahead. At first they were saying it was 15 degr...read more here
News just in is that Rachel Hobbs has got a gold medal in the 30-34 womens category european duathlon championships held in Greece. Well done Rachel. TTC was very represented at Gloucester Tri with 8 members taking part. Nick Slim got 3rd overall (but for a 2min time penalty would have got 1st) Trish Nash got 3rd in her category closely followed by Cathy Pollard in 5th. Then congrats go to Roddy Gosden for a 2min improvment over last years race. And the other members that did great were Leigh Bichard, Marrianne Day, Lucy Bates and Julie Reynolds.
A big thankyou to all who helped with the tri this weekend, I think you;ll all agree it was a huge success. A few members got to race and top honours go to Jon Rawlings in 2nd place closely followed by Nick Slim in 4th and a great result for Rachael Hobbs in 13th overall! and 1st lady overall. A special mention has to go to Millie Barnes who in her first triathlon did really well and finished in a time of 1:20:05. One to watch for the future!!
a few members were out and about racing this weekend, if I miss anyone pleaselet me know! Congrat to Rachel Hobbs who placed 3rd overall in the 2008 Mazda NationalDuathlon Ranking Series! outstanding performance! Running tewksbury half marathon in slighter warmer than usual conditions were: Ian Corless 1:25:27Michelle Parsons 1:27:32 Trish Nash took on the stratford fun event and won! well done trish. lydney sprint triathlon saw Nick Slim take 2nd overall and Fran Osbourne pull4th lady home. Tewkesbury tri this weekend with 160 entrants we really need support from theclub to marshall in the afternoon and/or help setup in the morning. Tewkesbury Triathlon Club.
A great opportunity for youngsters to get involved in sport and triathlon in particular. Entry form on race page.
look at races page for more info
check out GogglePedalTraining for latest series standings
