Allie races Tri again….and about time too!

Boxend Sprint Tri (National champs)

My first race as a ‘Tri-Forcer’ (my local tri club) having had 3 years of not really training myself properly (launching RedAlert as a Ltd company, managing my existing client base, building my studio, get married, have a baby, then build 2 storey extension) not surprisingly it’s been difficult to fit enough training in during recent years! 

Charlie turned 1 in Dec so I decided, enough is enough, 2019 is my comeback year…….

Then illness struck: January – glandular fever, February – bronchitis, March – shingles, April – MRI scans diagnose knee pain due no cartilage left in either knee……OK then; so cancel Ironman, cancel 70.3’s book a couple sprints – let’s be realistic about my lack of current fitness and my knackered knees.           

So, my first tri of 2019. Feeling very relaxed about racing, because I’m not fit enough to be competitive so knew it was going be a race for completion not placing.  Didn’t even get the TT out, raced on my roadie with winter tyres as didn’t feel comfortable or confident on my TT through lack of riding so thought just go for comfort and at least enjoy it.

Swim – comfortable, no issues or drama, 15min – not my best by a long shot, but best (post baby swim) in a while.

Bike – now this is what I’m most proud of from this race, cycled on my old bike, no tri bars or anything, I haven’t been able to cycle much due to my knees killing me for several days after every bike ride or turbo, so I’ve literally been on the road 3 times this year and attempt a turbo or two each week when knees allow. 38mins is not going to win me any medals but it’s not too shabby for my current circumstances.

Run – disappointing, set off strong hitting 4:30/km pace and was happy with that thinking a 22.30 5km is about where I should be at right now bearing in mind, I run 5km with the buggy in around 23-24mins currently. I’m not sure whether it was the hills, or the fact I was out at a festival Saturday and drank too much Malbec and Raspberry Gin but I left a little of my soul out on that run today!

Really happy with overall time, it was within the 120% of winner criteria as needed for Euro AG qualification for Malmo next year, but at 117% it will take a LOT of rolls downs in the 40-44 AG to get a slot, and I don’t feel I actually deserve to don the GB kit next year but it has given me a baseline for where I am at currently.  A good winter of XC racing, maybe some mountain bike duathlons and hopefully less illness and maybe I’ll get to sub 1:15 next year if I can focus on short course for a season and do more than 1 race a year!  That’s unless my knee surgery goes ahead next year – in which case, I’ll be going the long course swim route – channel relay anyone???

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