The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

Stress Head · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 55 Location: Benfleet

Good luck to everyone competing this weekend whichever event you are doing.

The Jordan Brothers.........watch out for the spray.rubber and dust when ur in our slipstream!!!!!!!

Sarah

Graham · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 239

Aye good luck all. Let us know the result of the big grudge match. I reckon the Jordans are toast!

spokey42 · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 38

Well done, Sarah. I understand your team gave the Jordans a right pasting on Saturday - and that your running leg was brilliant. Mike Jordan doesn't like losing, but you'd think he'd be used to it by now! Remember - Benfleet RC is a running club! Godfrey

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

Well done to all this weekend competing the the hot, humid conditions.

Great sprint finish by Caroline at the end after a brilliant swim and bike. Well done to Lorna for a strong performance aswell.

A little race report......

Was a day of 'if but only's. Had a decent swim, but couldn't do any proper sightings as the course was very poorly marked compared to the other open water events I've done. Think I swam about 200m as I zig-zagged my way down the course, looking for clear water but still keeping on course. Water wasn't as bad as I expected.

Felt sick when in the first transition, but soon passed and then onto the bike. Went quite well. Just wished I had some higher gears as I spent most of the course in top gear, flat out!! Almost had to stop at one point because I was feeling very sick again.

Unfortuately this sickness blighted my run. When I felt OK, I was running well, but had to walk or do a slow jog when the tummy was having tantrums. Did 2:36 overall, which is better than I expected. Maybe I can try to get under 2:30 next year. If only.......

Mark
_________________
The hills are alive........

Ian J · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 155 Location: Rayleigh

Thanks for all the support on the bike leg, your shouts kept me going in the heat.

If only the race had finished at T2!

Watch out for the Sprint Race next year, I'll be back!!

And well done to everyone on Sunday as it was even hotter than Saturday

hello1

Ian J · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 155 Location: Rayleigh

I keep telling eveybody i'm a sprinter, they say you enter short events, it's not the same. laughing6

mikey · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 12:33 pm Post subject:

Olympic Team Sprint Race Report

At the swim meeting point the pre-race banter was in full swing. Toni was a little bit out numbered, 3 Jordan Boys to 1, but she gave as good as she got, doing her team proud. After a very hot wait in full wetsuits we entered the water after a quick photo shoot. Have to admit, this was one of the biggest mass starts I’ve been in for a few years, I knew what was about to occur, was going to be an eye opening introduction to open water tri’s for Toni. When the hooter went, all hell let loose ! you have to have done a mass start to truly know what its like, try to image being in a washing machine, being hit from all sides, being pushed under nearly as many times as you push those around you under. It’s the scariest place I know, and many people panic ( which just add’s to the mayhem ). After the first leg ( 300m or so) it settled down a bit and you could get into your swim stroke. Apart from the turn around bouys the rest of the swim was uneventful. My plan of tying a bungee to Toni failed miserably, and she exited in 28:19, followed by myself in 31:34.

After a quick transition, it was onto the bike leg, with Brian for team benfleet, and Ian for the Jordans. A hilly bike course, with a cross wind wasn’t easy going, but brain held onto his lead for a little while, until Ian stormed past. I managed to get from transition to the bike leg to support them both, and they both looked strong on the bikes. Due to the 4 lap nature of the course, it was hard to tell from the side of the road, who was leading who. We’d have to wait until the run leg to find out.

Waiting on the side of the run course, it was Pete for the Jordans who emerged first, with a 5 minuet lead over Sarah for team benfleet. Its was scorching hot, not the best conditions for Sarah, but Pete had never run over 7k in his life. How would he cope with a competitive 10k in the heat. By the second lap it was clear Sarah was storming around the course, and had eating into virtually all of the Jordans lead, passing Pete with ease. Sarah’s time of 59 minutes was excellent, but credit must also go to Pete for competing his first ever 10k in 75 minutes.

Eventually team Benfleet finished 10 minuets ahead of the Jordans with a time of 3:6:15
Compared to 3:16:28. But more importantly both had an excellent day out.

Graham · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 239

Sounds to me like Team Jordan never fully recovered from their poor swim leg. compress

mikey · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject:

Yeah .......... Whatever

Personally very pleased with my swim time by the way

Think you should be congratulating Toni, on her excellent swim leg

Ian J · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 155 Location: Rayleigh

Pain is temporary, Quitting is forever - Lance Armstrong

I thought lap three was hard, that’s nothing to the pain in lap four - Me as I fade in the heat during the bike leg

Stress Head · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 55 Location: Benfleet

Brilliant day, gonna tri the whole lot next year!!!

Big thanks to all the supporters, water carriers & team photographers who kept us going in the heat.

mikey · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:01 am Post subject:

Full Olympic Results

..............Swim......T1......Bike.......T2.......Run.............Total

Mark......| 32:29 | 6:35 | 1:06:-- | 2:55 | 48:29 ----- 2:36:48
Caroline.| 31:29 | 4:56 | 1:08:-- | 2:26 | 51:56 ----- 2:39:12
Mike.......| 31:03 | 4:10 | 1:09:-- | 2:03 | 54:37 ----- 2:41:06
Lorna.....| 33:43 | 4:32 | 1:15:-- | 1:49 | 47:21 ----- 2:42:33

mikey · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:09 am Post subject:

Short Bike Leg !!!

For the Sunday races the bike leg had to be shortened due to some road subsidence !!

At the time we were told the bike leg would be 2k short

When we left on Sunday we were allowed to drive out on the part of the bike leg we missed. Would say that the course was short at least 2k per lap ! This would make it approx 4 to 5k short over all.

Looking at my bike split, if it was 3 miles short I'd have averaged 19 MPH (which is about right - if a little fast )

Mark based on a 22 mile bike leg, you would have averaged 20 MPH ( does this sound right ? )

If this is the case, to get a true reflection of our times for the full Olympic distance you need to add the following :

Mark - 9 mins
Caroline & Myself - 9,5 mins
Lorna - 10,25 mins

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news - But this will give you a more realistic target time for next year.

tonibella · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 51

My first post and not even sure if I am doing it properly!

The swim - my god that water is disgusting but Mike is quite right, after being held inside in a fully zipped up wetsuit for 20 mins, I was just pleased to get in to cool down.

Mr Jordan did offer some advice to me, being a novice at this stuff - get to the side, it will be less busy there. Suffice to say, I got myself right in the middle and pushed as much to the front as I could.

What can I say - giant washing machine on spin cycle and lots of nasty salty brown water being forced down into my stomach - no wonder you felt sick Mark!

Being bashed from all sides and unable to see anything really, someone grabbed my leg which worried me because I keep my asthma pump in my wet suit, by my calf so I thought that would get pulled out! Nightmare - you all told me this would be fun!!!!

However, once I had had a good chat with myself and got some space it was all good and I got into my swim.

All was going well until the approach to the exit and I thought I would get as close to the side as possible, to give me the advantage - me and about 25 others!!!

And the hardest part - the run into transition. I hadn't really thought about just how far that was (in reality probably only 500m) and my focus had been the swim, so by the time I reached Brian, I was a pathetic wreck and the language most blue - sorry Brian

So for next year (and I am going to do the lot too, Sarah) go to the side to start (yes Mikey, you are right)! and swim around the outside on the way back in - and although it will be a bit further, at least I will escape without having drunk far more Thames than is good for me. Apparently drinking Coke is best - it kills all the nasty's

My tri suit still stinks despite having been through a real washing machine cycle! So I dread to think how long it will be before the yucky water leaves my system too.

Great support on Saturday - thanks to all who came, it was a great day (even though I managed to lose my passport - don't ask) and well done to Mark, Mike, Caroline and Lorna on Sunday

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

MIke

It does sound a little fast for me, as I looked at my average speed last night and was amazed that I did over 20mph for my bike. I normally average about 17-18mph on bike runs which correspond to what my bike computer says. My computer was playing up on Sunday though so I can't trust it and thus can't double check the speed / distance.

However, I did have a stonking bike. Didn't drop out of top gear very much apart from the 'hills'.

I also didn't cheat by drafting which a number of competitors were doing. Even blatently within sight of the race refs as well!!! I had one bar-steward sit right behind me in the tunnel. He soon shifted when my drink bottle missed my mouth by a few inches blackeye

_________________
The hills are alive........

mikey · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 12:10 pm Post subject:

So Mark

If you normally do 17-18 MPH ---
20 MPH sounds about right for a stonking ride

Does mean you're target time to beat for next year will be approx 2:45

By the way, did you get lost in T1 ? ..... 6:45 !!!!!!!!!!

Mikey

mikey · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 12:18 pm Post subject:

Sarah & Toni

Good news about next year .....
Did you know that the entry list for 2008 is already open ?

If you enter the Olympic distance, go for the "Mixed Olympic" wave, that way we can all be together. Makes it a lot easier for the spectators, and add's a little zest to the compitition.

tonibella · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 51

Just so I don't get second thoughts - I've entered the olympic event for next year - mad!!!!!!!!

Come on Sarah - it'll be fun............

Oh, and photos from saturday sent to Karl

Ian J · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 155 Location: Rayleigh

Sent mine over today as well.

Is Karl away as he usually puts stuff on pretty quick?

Also did you pick up a goody bag, what a load of rubbish, only thing worth having is the cereal bar, that looks ok.

Is the goody bag always so bad?

Ian J · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 155 Location: Rayleigh

Toni,

Re lost passport, I did see something about emailing for lost property on the London Tri website. If you lost it at Excel may be worth a try?

Andy F · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 132 Location: Hullbridge

Mikey
Im thinking of entering next year, looked at the online entry and not sure what you mean by mixed wave. The only options I could find were Olympic 35 - 39 and Mens Open Age Group - Olympic Distance.

Please explain!

Cheers
Andy

tonibella · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 51

Ian

My goodie bag had a bottle of beer and a box of nuts! No cereal bar in sight

And thanks for the tip - but lost property won't be able to help because I chucked my passport in the bin! I know - completely MAD - and given the amount of rubbish that was in those bins on saturday and their swift emptying of, it is lost forever.

Obviously not intentional, it was caught up amongst all of the joining instructions etc. and the remains of the rubbish goody bag!

I don't even drink beer!

mikey · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:58 am Post subject:

Hi Andy

The “Mixed” wave, is a wave where male and female competitors can compete against each other.

I’ve checked out the on-line entry, and you’re right in saying its not an option at the moment.

I’ll get in touch with the race office next week ( they’re not in this week ) to see if they plan to run the mixed wave next year or not. Would think there would be a demand for it, its just a case of working out how to enter !

This was on the 2008 FAQ site :

If you are looking to compete in the Olympic distance race and wish to compete with friends or family that are not the same age group or gender then you all must enter the Mixed Olympic race. There are no mixed gender races in the Sprint and Super Sprint distances but all ages compete together.

Toni --------- Which wave did you enter ?

tonibella · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 51

I've entered the mixed olympic distance

It said something like only open to women online at the moment but you could add a male competitor at a later date - it cost £76

It is showing in my profile so I assume it is the right one!

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

Mikey

My T1 time was so pants because firstly I couldn't get my westsuit off quickly as I had cramp in my toes when getting one of my feet out. A kind spectator helped me balance against the barrier while I struggled. Then I started to have my stomch problems when getting ready on the bike. Had to stand for about a minute breathing slowly while I settled down.

I take my time in transitions anyway as I'm not too bothered with being competitive in tri's. But now as I know I'm within spitting distance of a sub 2:30 olympic, I'm considering doiing more Oly tri's next year to qualify for the sub 2:30 London in 2009.

That means I will actually have to TRAIN for a triathlon director

Haven't decided to do next year yet.

Mark
_________________
The hills are alive........

mikey · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:16 pm Post subject:

Toni

Will definatly be contacting the race office now
How can you have a mixed wave - With only female competitors allowed to register ?
How long will we have to wait before being allowed in ?
Do we have to enter another wave then ask to be transfered ( with all the ossociated hassel )
Why is there no information about this on site ?

Mark

More bad news on the bike leg - Just mapped out the missing section
The loop was 3k short per lap - So bike leg was 3,75 miles short in total !!

looks like you need to add 10 mins to your finish time to get a realistic idea for your time over the Olympic distance - 2:46

So will need to train hard to get down to 2:30
But not impossible, if you work on your Transitions, and swim time

Andy F · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 132 Location: Hullbridge

Mikey
Thanks for the info, let me know if you do contact the Race office and what the outcome is. I will wait until then to enter.

Right then, best I go and Buy a Bike!!! Oh and look for a wetsuit, any suggestions on where to get a good wetsuit deal.

Finally well done to all who competed over the weekend,some really impressive performances. Especially in that heat. I really enjoyed spectating on Saturday. It was tough, but I coped.

Cheers
Andy

tonibella · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 51

Mr Jordan - don't have a go at me - that is what it said. Mind you, I don't seem to be able to get the same information today. It was late last night and I did have a glass of wine!!!

And Andy - yes I too need a bike

Wetsuits - I hired mine through the London Tri site and it was £50 for the season with an option to buy for an extra £119. It is an S1 Orca - so really good quality but it does have the London tri website address on it, but mine fits really well so I am going to buy it.

Until you know whether you are going to do it a lot, worth doing, I think they start to hire about March time.

And yes Mark - now I need to train. To do the swim part only, I really haven't put in much effort apart from turning up at Lakeside lake every few weeks and winding up Mike, but now it's serious!

Andy F · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 132 Location: Hullbridge

Hi Toni
Thanks for the tip on the wetsuit hire, sounds like a good option. That way if I dont survive my first Tri it hasnt cost me much.
Cheers
Andy

mikey · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject:

Toni

Wasn't having a go at you .... But will be at the London Tri Office

Anyway, think you're find it was me winding you up, not the otherway round geek

Andy

As Toni has said the hire for a season then buy option, is a good way to start.

Think Tri And Run @ Hainault do the same service
( they probably provided the suits for the London Tri site )

Check out their website : http://www.triandrun.com

As for bikes -

Richardsons of Leigh is probably the best bike shop in the area
Good knowledge of tri bikes ( most of East Essex Tri Club use him )
Will also give you a discount - Mention Benfleet RC or My name and shouldn’t be a problem.

JD cycles @ Tarpots is also a good shop - Run by an ex-professional cyclist

Les's on Canvey, although geared towards Mountain Bikes as a few good road bikes, usually at a good price too

Andy F · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 132 Location: Hullbridge

Ok Mikey
I will start to shop around soon.
Andy

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

Mikey

Considering I only swim for the cross training benefit and hardly train on the bike, I don't think it will take too much to get down to 2:30. Getting below may be another matter.

I must have swum an extra 200m on Sunday by zig-zagging because I couldn't get a decent sighting (I know for next time). I know I can knock my transition down by quite a bit and with some brick sessions, I know I can get the bike and run times down. With my usual pace on Sunday I could have done a 42min run.

I'm even considering getting a proper bike for next year!!

Andy and Toni

In my view, it's a good idea to take your time and look towards the end of year bargains for tri kit. Last October I bought my wetsuit from triUK for £117 from a full retail price of £179. I had to get shortened though and took it to Bel-Air in Southend. The guy there is great and charged me £15 to shorten the arms and legs and adjust the openings to match. I have wondered about asking him whether he could make a made to measure tri wetsuit.

Andy, there are a number of companies (like SBR for instance) who hire wetsuits at a practice lake, so you can see whether you take to open water swimming or not.

Mark
_________________
The hills are alive........

Andy F · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 132 Location: Hullbridge

Hi Mark
I think that is good advice regarding waiting till the end of the year for wet suits, I will probably train in the pool til then anyway. Then start open water training in the spring, so there is no rush.

Have to put it on my list for Santa!!!
Lorri (hint hint)

Stress Head · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 55 Location: Benfleet

You are all scaring me sh**less.........think I need to drink everyones free bottle of beer and then enter or maybe I'd drunk too many when I said I was gonna tri it!!!!

HEELLLPPPPP!!!!!! puke_r

Andy F · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 132 Location: Hullbridge

Sarah
A: Drinking free beer is always a good idea, regardless of the situation.
and
B:As for being scared sh**less, dont panic. I look at it this way, WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

Answers on a postcard

Go on Enter,You know it makes sense.

Andy

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

Sarah

Being scared sh**less is a good thing.

It means that you can return your hired westsuit and get your deposit (sic) back.......

You're going to have to enter now. It is written in this forum, and witnessed by hundreds of web surfers.

You surely can let them down now? colors

Mark
_________________
The hills are alive........

Stress Head · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 55 Location: Benfleet

Mark, ur right, but I didn't say which distance did I, I actually had the sprint option in mind.........

Still, once I've moved back to my roots and have more time on my hands
( providing Steve Dear doesn't have too much washing scratch

!!! ) I'll be looking for my caring, friendly, tri clubmates to drag me out on training sessions......maybe then I might be persuaded......when do entries close??