How did you feel going into the event?
Relaxed. Very relaxed. We spent Saturday at a food fair and then went to the Derby County match. I did not get home on the Sat night until 1900. By the time I had eaten it was 2100 and I still wasn’t certain which bike I would ride. I decided to use my winter bike as it was far comfier than my TT bike. I also decided to take the C17 Cambium saddle off and put my B17 leather saddle on. Comfy yes!
How did each leg go? (What went well? – to take with you for the next race, what could’ve you done better? – what did you learn?)
Swim – the swim was a big improvement from when I did the race in 2020. For starters I was comfortable with the distance, I knew I could do this. I settled into a 2:50/100m rhythm and before I knew it I had completed the lengths. Getting out of the pool I found my flip-flops that I had left and got into transition.
Bike – well the obvious here is that I was comfy, for despite being fitter than 2020 I was 8 min slower than my previous effort. I started climbing out of Etwall and saw Linda on the side of the road. This then dropped onto Heage Lane, which was a steady uphill to Radbourne lane. There are what I call “chatting roads” and roads that I know really well. But today was all about enjoying myself and that is what I did.
Run – the run starts off with a brutal climb up to the village church. From there it was through Etwall Village and up to the old railway line. The run was simply enjoyable, tough but enjoyable. When I came to the finish line I saw Linda again and got a really nice medal.
Nutrition (pre, during and post-race)
Breakfast was 40g rolled oats and homemade fruit compote. High-5 Caffeine drink and a pint of water.
In T1 and T2 I had a banana.
Hydration
Bike 1 x 750ml high 5 Energy Drink
On the run I had an active root drink
General feeling after the event
Great. Today wasn’t about trying to set PB’s it was an opportunity to test what I’d learnt this year and enjoy myself.
Bipolar Ironman 