When my triathlon club
Thames Turbo decided last year to make Challenge Roth the Club Championships race for 2013, my initial thoughts were OMG that would be so cool to do.
However I wasn't prepared to do the full, as I want to make my iron distance debut on my home turf. So whilst I lead a Sunday group ride I suggested to a couple of mates (fellow Turbos) why don't we get together and enter a relay team!
Well blimey crikey mate that is exactly what I did. I managed to convince my two mates to be my swimmer and runner whilst I take on the challenge of 180km bike.
Since November last year I have been swimming, biking and running all in an attempt to build my base fitness not only for this race but also my debut at Ironman Melbourne next March. The last couple of months I have done some big rides, Nove Colli (5 hills), Ride London (100miles) and several long training rides. My biking has really improved in the last 12 months, I am slowly getting stronger.
It is now the night before the race. I'm literally lying on my bed doing nothing but writing this post and then I'm off to bed.
The last couple of.days has included driving from London to Nuremberg which meant passing through 2 countries (France, and Belgium), our original swimmer going back to London due to a family emergency, eating lots of food....too much food and driving countless times to and from Roth.
Highlight has been catching with all the Team MaccaX lads, Chris McCormack, Scott, Fred Willis, Michelle Blackmore and of course the rest of the Turbo crew.
This is a training ride for me in preparation for Ironman Melbourne. I have no idea how long it will take to ride 180kms on smooth closed off roads with 1400m of climbing. I'm looking forward to it.
My aim is to complete the bike leg within 7hrs. Secretly I would like a sub 7hrs.
Anyway enough writing, time for bed.
Good luck to everyone I know who is racing Challenge Roth tomorrow, as I would say:
'SWIM LIKE A FISH, RIDE LIKE THE WIND, AND RUN LIKE ROAD RUNNER (beep beep)'
Till my post race report, see you on the other side!!!
Tarsh