Ironman UK- I finished!

Well no-one is really reading but thought I would let the world know that I finished Ironman UK a few weeks back and had a great day.

12hours47 was the time and it wasn't my fastest and it wasn't my slowest although next time (I think there will be one) I might be able to move a little quicker!

Had a slowish swim after a twinge in my groin slowed me down...then for the first time in 8 IM's was able to ride continuously for the 180k without stomach issues or mechanicals! I was beside myself with happiness!

The run felt great and by taking more salt and racing in the cool I was able to feel quite good for most of the day.

Only one blip just before the aid station at about half way were I felt tired and walked to the aid station then got it together ...but ran the rest of the way.

All in all very happy with the day and am actually keen to do another one maybe next year!

Alpine Running

Cool running again at Lake Annecy..Pretty special running at altitude amongst the Alps! Annecy is a beautiful lake where Paragliders use the sheer cliffs to get their thrills! (check the photos very carefully)

Makes for beautiful running as well! We stayed in Dourset at the south end of the lake and I used the bike path to good advantage for some great runs!

Ash came along on a mountain bike and took some cool pics...My shuffling technique has been duly noted and I am now pulled into line whenever I am overly harsh on my 'critique' of random joggers!

Cool runnings

One advantage of prioritising travel is that you get to run in different places. Couple weeks back I was visiting family in Brighton and needed to run for 2 hours...I had already run west to Hove a few months back so decided to run east and see where that led.

It led along the sea front and to the 'Cliff walk' just past the Brighton Marina. A 4 1/2 mile sunday morning feast of blue sea white cliff walls and Brightonians out for their Sunday morning constitutional!

Just a magic kind of run! I almost ended up in Eastbourne and thought I might eventually find the white cliffs of Dover!

Maybe next time....

Nike Naked running

I've alwasy liked Nike running ads...Using John lennon's 'Instant Karma' with images of runners from around the world always got me motivated (love the images of Japanese runing in snow with white gloves!).

The latest ad is really pretty funny.

Click here for 'free' running

Recovery, Recovery, Recovery!

So I have hit 40 (ouch ) and my program has intensified some what! double Ouch ...which had me googling for recovery suggestions.

Found quite a technical article with a few gems in there for the 'mature gentlemen' athlete! The list of 'recovery' techniques require about 4 hours a day!!! Although it does realise most of us can only do this after our biggest session once a week! Aaaahhh to be a pro...sigh.

Take a read though it does makes sense...now I just have to find enough hours in the day!

Another possible Kona contender?

Rasmus Henning blasted the field at Ironman China winning by a mile even with some reported walking during the run. He seems to like the heat and along with Tjoborn Sindballe gives Denmark a big chance of 2 in the top 5 for Kona this year.

The mens field is looking very strong this year...with lots of new contenders...a bit like the ladies field last year. Should be interesting to see if any new ladies step up this year...although Mirinda Carfrae springs very much to mind!

Ironman OZ preview

Should be interesting to see who comes out on top this weekend at IM OZ.

1. Patrick Vernay starts favourite but a couple of dark horses could make things interesting.

2. Mathias Hect - Placed 3rd last year & 8th in Hawaii can he win?

3. Mitch Anderson - Has won IM WA and placed 3rd at OZ but a serious bike accident last month resulting in emergency facial surgery might have set him back too much?

4. Simon Thompson - Athens olympian could spring a suprise?

5. Tim Berkel - A Port Mac local and recent IM WA champ at 24. Sky's the limit here and the local's would go crazy! (Now that's a finishing shot!)

6. Pete Jacobs...has raced well at Roth - Can he put it together?

7.Jason Shortis lucky 14th? Can he finally win?