Leybourne Lakes Sprint 2005

Posted on May 4, 2005 by lord_lordy

1 Steven Lord Tri London 00:06:45 00:39:57 00:19:06 01:05:48 G

Five Tri Londoners turned up for the first of the midweek series: myself, Morag, the ginger bullet, Mike Morris and Mark Wharram. John and I arrived early to find that the swim course had changed from straight across the lake to a triangular course… we were both disappointed as the swim was quite unique to this race. Also, due to road works the bike course was now going to require mental arithmetic (Jim be warned) – u had to count 4 laps.

We used the time we had well – John taught me to jump onto my bike in the car park before the race – at last I can do it !

The water was cold ! We had to get out after an initial warmup so they could count us in. I could hardly stand up and was shivering uncontrollably. It was a pleasure to get back in.

My swim didn’t go well – it felt like I was wearing a wet sweatshirt on the tops of my arms … I think my wetsuit no longer fits that well. The swim was hard work, my lips were numb from the cold. I managed to exit the swim in first place. John was only about 15 seconds behind me out of the swim and was well pleased with it.

I was so cold from the swim I couldn’t jump on the bike and was all over the road trying to get my feet in my shoes as I was shivering so much. Two people went by whilst I tried this but once buckled in I put my head down and had repassed them by the first roundabout and was in the lead. I could see John and it was soon clear we were 1 and 2 on the course.

Into T2 and numb feet and hands meant I had to sit to get my shoes on. Into the run I was feeling good and cruised to the halfway point, at the turnaround I could see that John had just been passed and this guy (Emmeric) was moving fast. I put my foot down and managed to win by 16 seconds. John was passed by another couple but managed a sprint finish to keep ahead of the fast closing 6th place guy and came in first VET.

Full Tri London Results:

1 Steven Lord Tri London 00:06:45 00:39:57 00:19:06 01:05:48 G

2 Emmeric Hurault Team

Outrageous 00:08:54 00:39:38 00:17:32 01:06:04 G

3 Des Adkinson Ingarfield

Condor 00:07:58 00:40:33 00:19:15 01:07:46 G

5 John Griffin Tri London 00:00:00 00:47:32 00:20:40 01:08:12

16 Mike Morris 00:09:30 00:40:58 00:21:29 01:11:57

29 Mark Wharram Tri London 00:00:00 00:52:59 00:21:39 01:14:38

85 Morag Duff Tri London 00:09:48 00:47:04 00:34:48 01:31:40

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London Marathon 2005

Posted on April 17, 2005 by lord_lordy

Short Report:

2.44.47 – managed my target of sub 2.45

Long Report:

What a beautiful day for the marathon. At least this time is was warm at the start and being on the good for age start meant shorter queues for the loos. Was alot more careful about hydration after last year’s cramp episode.

Got into the start pen about 30 mins before the start – still ended up half a dozen rows back and then all the celebs were put in front. The start was alot slower than last year – on this start the road isn’t so wide and you have all the slow celebs blocking it in the first few miles.

6.57 first mile nice and conservative, second mile 6.09 (on target) then third mile 5.45 – always a quick mile as it’s mostly downhill. My left quad started to twinge on this mile just like last year and progressively got worse until I had to stop in mile 4 to stretch it. I couldn’t believe it – not convinced it’s cramp, more like the quad is full of lactic, like you’d expect it to feel in mile 25. I decided to ease off slightly and run through it. A gel and water and it started to improve. By mile 6 I was back to consistently miling between 6.10 and 6.15 – in my target range for 2.40 – 2.45.

Funny – u feel so good approaching halfway. Across tower bridge with the crowds then u hit halfway (in about 1.21.30) and then within a mile it starts to hurt. Struggle to keep the miles in the high 6:teens and low twenties – conscious that this was eating into my buffer for 2.45 and a championship start next year. With four miles to go I was able to push it along and get some strong sub 6.20 miles but it was going to be close. The last 2.2 miles were torture – finished in 2.44.47 by my watch, official time hopefully a little quicker.

Well chuffed – next year no standing around in a crowd for 30 minutes before the start – perhaps that will stop the tight quad in mile 3!!

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Eastleigh 10k 2005

Posted on March 13, 2005 by lord_lordy

Having raced Eastleigh last year I knew this was a fast course and this year there was no wind to speak of so John and I were hopeful of PBs and getting under 37 minutes and 34 minutes respectively.

It’s a well organised event and got underway almost bang on time at 2.30pm – a very respectable time for a race to start giving time for a sunday morning lie in and a proper breakie.

I managed the first km in 3.23 – bang on my target pace and cruised the second in 3.17 giving me a little cushion for the 4th uphill km. I passed lots of people up this hill and then flew down the next downhill km. This meant I hit the 5km point in 17mins – this was gonna be painful and take concentration to get under 34 minutes. The next 3 km were 3.25/6 meaning with 2km to go I was 5 seconds off pace … this will now start to hurt. KM 9 – 3.21 … now 2 seconds behind pace. I was in a group of 3 all now running our arses off to get under 34 minutes. Jeez it hurt… I could see the clock at the finish from 33.30 onwards which helped me push. Almost dieing I crossed the line in 33.58.1 !

I’m sure john will give a more detailed report in good time but he had a storming race building a big cushion and finishing in 36.22 !

Two PBs ! Fast course to remember for next year. Ever searching for the perfect race … this is almost pan flat other than km 4 & 5 – based on my splits for the past two years reckon the uphill and downhill section cost me about 8 seconds (ie the uphill section was 12 seconds slower than 34 min pace and the downhill km was 4 seconds quicker).

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Woking Half Marathon 2005

Posted on February 19, 2005 by lord_lordy

This Sunday I did the Wokingham Half Marathon. Like last year it was well organised and again it was very windy. At least the wind was generally a headwind on the way out and a tail wind back.

Aim this year was to head off at 5.45 min/mile pace and see how I went. I got right to the front for the start and got my photo taken with the Mayor, so should be on the website soon in my Tri London running kit ! Managed the first two miles in a little under that pace and then the third slightly slower – for some reason I’d failed to remember there are two motorway bridges to cross on the way out and the way back. Felt really strong and after the first few miles started to work through the field. My pace was pretty steady, mile 5 and 6 were 6.04 and 5.31 which I put down to a misplaced mile marker. Last year when I hit the bridges on the way back I tired severely this year I was able to push on and pick off more runners. Ended up finishing in 8th place in 1.15.31 – a pb by over 2 minutes and average 5.46 min/miles so bang on my target.

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Cambridge Triathlon 2004

Posted on August 15, 2004 by lord_lordy

Time: 1.57.04

Swim (include T1) 22.03

Bike (~37km) 57.01

Run (include T2) 38.00

Following last years rave reviews of this event from Gaelle and Derek several Tri Londoners got up very early to get to Cambridge for the 6am registration opening time. All probably had fingers crossed that it would be worth there while. It was rumoured to be a fast course (due to flat and short bike section) so most would be aiming for a PB … I certainly was.

This was to be my last race of the season and had gone as far as doing a proper taper for it ! I even continued my theme of the season of having a stupid accident the night before a race. This time I managed to chop off a chunk of my thumb whilst chopping a pepper.

The race briefing only served to confuse the already complicated (ish) ‘M’ shaped swim. Thank god I wasn’t in the first wave. The water was beautiful ( 21c and crystal clear), this combined with small waves (~60 in each) made for a fantastic swim.

I got a good start and found myself leading a group about 15m down on the lead pair. I decided to push it and managed to bridge the gap to get on the 2nd place guys feet. I had a comfortable tow to the next turn buoy when I decided he was too slow and I went by him. I exited the swim in 2nd. The helpers at the exit were awesome they literally lifted straight out and onto my feet.

T1 went smoothly and then I got into my rhythm on the bike. It was going well and the people I caught I passed so quickly I assumed they had to be from the previous wave. Thus coming into T2 I didn’t realise I was actually leading my wave. I looked at my watch and realised all I needed was a sub 40 min 10k to go sub 2hours.

I hit the run and felt good ( other than the fact that my thumb was bleeding again ). I was running well, feeling alot smoother than even a week ago. At about 2km I looked back to see if there was anyone coming up that looked like they may be in my wave – there was one guy. He caught me at about 3km, I listened to his breathing as he went by and he sounded to be working alot harder than me. He also was a big built bloke so I thought you’ve gotta be able to sort him out on the run. I stuck with him for the next 1.5km but he was running the legs off me and I started to get dropped. He then passed a guy going fairly well who stuck with him. I thought this must be the leader so I picked up my pace as best I could to try and catch him. Then at the turn point for the second loop this guy turned and I realised I must be in second.

I couldn’t make any inroads on the leader and finished about 40 seconds behind him in 1.57.04. I’d done a sub 37 minute (just) 10k split which I can’t complain about so I was well pleased. Turned out he was my age group so I was second in my age group. No other wave managed to go sub 2 hours so I was also second overall. (3rd place was also in my age group and the only other person to go under 2 hours).

Yet another 2nd place – it’s been a season of second places, every race I’ve been 2nd other than last week (smile creeps across face…. National Champions … sorry … getting sidetracked).

I think most Tri Londoners were happy with the race. Matt found it tough after ‘bonking’ a few KM into the run. The Ginger Bullet was well pleased to be leading after the bike and only got passed some 7km into the run ending in 2nd in his age. His kind heartedness had got the better of him – the only reason the guy that beat him was in the race is because John offered him John Poynters place at the last minute. From now on he must be much more hard nosed and selective about who he helps to enter a race.

The results aren’t posted yet (I will post the Tri Londoners results when they are available). My splits for those that are interested:

Swim (include T1) 22.03

Bike (~37km) 57.01

Run (include T2) 38.00

I think the general view was that the swim and run were pretty much bang on distance but the bike was 3km short. It’s ashame they couldn’t extend the loop a little cause this would be a fast course even if the bike was a full 40km.

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National Club Relays 2004

Posted on August 8, 2004 by lord_lordy

Happy to oblige with a race report. More than willing to relive Saturday for anyone that cares to listen. This is fairly long … but I don’t care cause we’re NATIONAL CHAMPIONS ! (smile appears on face ;o)).

I had the honour (drew the short straw ?) of being opening leg on the team and thus get to be involved in the argie bargie that is a triathlon start. I was expecting this to be bad as most teams probably put their strongest swimmer first. The starter gave us a 10 second warning… so in my head ‘…9…8…7..’ BANG – we’re off. I sprint hard and have clear water very quickly – I look across and see alot of swimmers up with me or ahead so I ease across to get on someones feet. I ease into my pace and following the turn buoy find I’m starting to pass one or two people. For once on standing up from the swim I don’t feel too dizzy – I run and find Ali immediately – he’d done well to get such a good spot. I believe we were in the top 10 at this point.

All the remaining change overs went smoothly and we ended the swim section in 17th place some 3.39 behind Sheffield Tri. This didn’t worry us as we felt the swim would definitely be our weak section.

Bens hand over to me from the swim was flawless which cannot be said about my mounting of the bike. All I can say in my defence is that I was aiming to take it steady and not totally f**k it up. Ali was heard to comment “There’s room for improvement there”. Thankgod we won by 21 seconds (sorry if I’ve spoilt the story) rather than lost by that. My slow bike mounting made me determined to push as hard as I could. Over the past few weeks I’d been doing loads of cycling due to the cut on my foot preventing me running and I felt strong on the bike. I pushed hard and I have to admit that the 15km bike was absolutely brutal. I had the pleasure of passing loads of the teams that had got ahead of us on the swim. I’m told I handed over to Ali in 5th place. My bike dismount I felt I nailed – jumping off at a decent speed … in my haste I managed to take out another competitors bike that was already racked ;o(

Ali headed off on the bike – he was easy to spot with his white rear disc. Though I didn’t see it I was told Ali’s mounting of the bike was super slick and a joy to see. (I know what I’ll be practising this winter). Going down the back straight it looked like Ali was flying. Cadence looked awesome and he was passing everyone. Same has got to be said for Phil and Ben – again easily spotted by there rear discs – they looked to be flying.

By the time Ben handed over to me we were still in 5th mere seconds behind the 4th place guys but sitting reasonable pretty as we felt the run would be our best bit. At this point we were about 1.40 behind the leaders. We reckon that if we were within a minute of the leaders when Ben took over we’d win and even with a 2 minute deficit we had a chance but that was probably the maximum deficit he could make up over 5km.

I set off using the 4th place guy as a target but found he was pulling away slightly. I decided to look ahead as it wasn’t just the 4th place guy I need to close in on but the ones in front. It felt like i was catching 3rd even though the 4th place guy was pulling away slightly. That course was tough and I hurt like hell. With about 1km to go I had Ben screaming at me “The fourth place guy is hurting !” “Lengthen your stride, use those legs’ “Relax your shoulders” – it helped and I found that little extra – utter agony. God was I pleased to hand over to Ali. Unfortunately the deficit over first had risen to somewhere around the 2 minute zone.

Ben’s shouting was so good I headed out to do the same for Ali. He looked in pain also. I screamed “Go go go”. He handed over to Phil and the deficit I’d timed at 3.57 and we were still in 5th. Now my mind went to perhaps a podium finish was the best to hope for. The first place guy came by and Ali and I set our watches. We looked down the field and there’s Phil – cruising !! He was in 3rd catching the 2nd place guy and made up some 2 minutes on the leader. I screamed “Go go go !!”, Phil put every ounce in and took out the 2nd place guy with a couple of hundred metres to go. Absolutely awesome run from Phil which put Ben in with a fighting chance of overhauling the leader. Now to Ben – a mere 1.57 behind the leader. Could he do it ?

We saw the leader go by on the other side of the Lake – he looked to be running well. Ben was easy to spot – he looked like he was sprinting and he was passing people like they were on a Sunday stroll – it was an impressive sight. We timed him as he pased opposite us – he’d made up 20 seconds in just over 3 minutes. Shit this was gonna be close. Phil ran up the course so he could motivate Ben when it really mattered. Ali went to get the rest of the Tri London.

I was stood by the Thames Turbo guys when the cyclist in front of the leader came along. This must of been somewhere between 500m and 1km to go. I could see the opposition guy about 10m behind the bike. The Thames Turbo guys were saying ‘Your guy needs to be in sight if he’s gonna catch them’ – i look beyond and couldn’t see Ben. Then I looked right behind the bike and I erupted ‘GOOOOOOOOO BEEEEEEEEEN !!” he was already the leader and flying like a man possessed. I did my utmost to run along the bank screaming at him. Ali did the same and it felt like the whole of tri london was there screaming. He was flying, looking back he could see the 2nd place guy was broken. Ali and I continued runnning round and managed to get through to the finish and partake in a lovely sweaty team tri hug. The commentator could be heard to say “They look pretty happy”.

Awesome. I’m still smiling.

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Helvellyn 2004

Posted on July 17, 2004 by lord_lordy

Time: 3:51 2nd M30-39, 3rd overall

Swim: 23 mins (including T1)

Bike: 1.55

Run: 1.33 (including T2)

1m swim, 38 mile bike and 8 mile run.

This report has to start the evening before the race just before registration when Tilly and I decide to swim the race course to sort out sighting of the route. A little over halfway round the course and next to the second buoy I stop to let Tilly catch up and tread water – immediately I feel a sharp pain in my foot, I take a look at it and see what appears a pretty deep cut though difficult to tell as the water washes away all the blood. I look under the water and see lots of scrap metal on the bottom. We swim straight back to shore and within seconds of getting out my foot is covered in blood. I sit applying pressure to the two main cuts to try and get the bleeding to stop (sods law my comprehensive first aid kit is at the hotel not in the car!). Several other triathletes have wandered over to look at the route and not noticing all the blood ask about the course. When I get to the point of telling them be careful of that buoy the blood is noticed and one of the guys girlfriends springs into action. I’m laid on my back, foot in the air, she’s got tissues out and is applying loads of pressure and more and more tissues. 30 minutes pass and it’s still not really stopping so they take Tillys towel and tie it tightly around my foot. Then three of my fellow competitors carry me to my car (a cunning ploy to tire out the opposition !). In the car we find some masking tape – I wrap this tightly around my foot and the plaster that has been applied and it seems to pretty much stop the bleeding.

I go to register and point out this danger. At which point we find out that when the race instructions said keep the buoy to your right – they didn’t mean immediately to your right but WELL to your right !!

Having got my final race preparations nailed so perfectly I head back to the hotel for some food.

Next morning it’s pissing down, the cloud is down to about 1,000 feet and it’s not really clear whether I will be able to run on my foot.

The swim route is great with at least 400m to the first turn and loads of space so no argie bargie at all. I settled into a comfortable pace and sat in in 4th place which is how I exited the swim. My improvements at removing my wetsuit seem to be continuing – this time it felt pretty slick :O). The weather had improved a little as I headed out onto the bike. The first hill was welcomed as it warmed me up but there was then a very long fast descent that saw me spinning out my top gear and as a result I started shivering. Once the hill ended I pushed hard to warm up and soon caught and passed the 3rd place guy. The bike route is wonderful and the middle section was no where near as tough as I was expecting – unfortunately this meant the early arrival of the final climb to Kirkstone Pass (‘The Struggle’). This is a 3 mile ascent to 1,500 feet with several sections of 20-25% including the final 500m and 3 or 4 stretches early on with a small reprieve in the 3rd quarter. This climb is brutal. I was immediately in my bottom (39-26) gear and working out of the saddle at my threshold for huge stretches of the climb. The final 100m to the top was lined with spectators making me feel like Richard Virenque on Bastille day :o).

The descent was awesome – reaching a max of 47.2 mph – limited by the fact I was held up by a car ;o( Not a safe road to pass.

I entered T2 in 3rd place. I took time to put socks on carefully (cause of my cuts) and fell shoes, grabbed my rucksack for the ascent of Helvellyn. This is a climb of about 3,000 feet – initially there’s an unrelenting climb of 2,000 feet, then a couple of miles of flat(ish) running and then the final 1,000 feet before descending to the finish. I set off on the run knowing the two in front were within reach and started pushing up the climb. The foot is bearing up well – painful when a rock presses directly against either cut but otherwise ok – certainly nothing that will slow me down. These guys were clearly not fell runners as I passed them early on on the first climb. I enjoyed about a minute leading the race before a local bloke (from Lakeland Triathletes) came past me. It’s not often I have someone pass me uphill but he went by and by the top had made 3 minutes on me. Looking back it seemed I had a good advantage over 3rd place.

I set off on the descent – not my strongest part of fell running but I was going really well and was thinking the winter of quad strengthening and balance work was paying off. Then heading down to the zig zags I went over on my right ankle but managed to catch it. Mental note to take it easier – a twisted ankle would see huge chunks of the field go by. A few minutes later BANG ! right over on it – my usual abuse targeted at my ankle ‘Your b***ard ! you f***er” etc… came out. I then saw two guys by the path and apologised for my language. They said ‘Don’t worry. You’ll run it off and the next guy is no where near you’ The support on the fells had been awesome from everyone I’d met. I eased off the pace a little, then went over on it again so eased off some more. Still no sign of anyone catching. Then with about two miles to go I see some guy whizzing down the path. I push the pace but am still wary, hoping for some tarmac so I can push real hard. This guy goes by and I can’t stick with him. I hang on to 3rd place. The guy in second was about 3 mins ahead and the winner 14 minutes !! (he took 11 minutes out of me on the descent). Unfortunately the guy that passed me in the final miles was also in the 30-39 age group so I was 2nd in my age.

Awesome race, very well run, great scenery, loads of support on the route and a super friendly set of fellow competitors.

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LAMM 2004

Posted on June 19, 2004 by lord_lordy

Whilst everyone else was enjoying the Club Sprint Champs I was up in (Bonnie) Scotland for the LAMM. This was based in Glen Carron just south of Torridon. Over dinner on the Friday night my partner (Alan) and I agreed to move up a class to A as we’d both been running well recently and reckoned a longer course would be more fun !

Saturday morning the A Class and Elite were all put on a train to the start. There was a river crossing prior to getting to the start so that everyone had wet feet right from the off. We were one of the last start times by which time it was raining and we were unable to mark our map so we just headed off planning to mark up as we went. Throughout the day the weather got worse and worse. Turns out it was some of the worst weather they’d had on the LAMM. Route choices were influenced by this – trying to avoid ridges and exposed places but on our course this wasn’t always possible. The wind was extremely strong and the rain hitting us almost horizontally. My hands were losing function when we decided we need to cover up more. I couldn’t get gloves on properly so initially wore them as mitts. As we crossed a plateau it was a blizzard, I was running in tights, thermal top, fleece, fleece lined waterproof cap, gloves and full waterproofs and I was still cold. We were glad to get down off there and finally to the overnight camp.

We finished in 7hours 37 mins in 11th place some 57 minutes behind the leaders on the course. We quickly got the tent up and spent the next hour in sleeping bags shivering doing situps to warm up before we could face cooking. I spent a pretty cold night waking regularly and having to move my legs / do sit-ups to keep warm.

The bagpiper next morning was a welcome sound as it indicated getting up and warming up. The weather had improved and improved throughout the next day. We set off aiming to pick up a top 10 finish and soon were passing 9th place. Then we had a major cock-up and spent 20-30 minutes searching a hillside for a checkpoint … we’re still not sure what went wrong … but looking at the splits it cost us 30 minutes at least. The rest of the course was great and we were flying. We repassed 9th place guys but our combined time ended up 7 seconds slower so we were 10th overall. The second day despite our mess up on checkpoint two saw us only 33 minutes behind the best time for the day so we were very pleased.

The approximate distances and ascents we did were:

Day 1 40km 1,850m ascent, 7 hours 37 minutes running

Day 2 32km 1,050m ascent, 5 hours 24 minutes running

Been buzzing every since ;o)

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Leybourne Lakes Triathlon, 2004

Posted on May 5, 2004 by lord_lordy

1 Alistair Brown Tri London 00:07:28 00:30:31 00:18:51 00:56:51 MO

2 Steven Lord Tri London 00:06:55 00:32:00 00:18:23 00:57:18 MO

I heard alot about this race and it lived up to expectations. Definitely will try to do one later in the year but will leave 30 mins earlier and attempt to avoid the A13.

Yes… time was tight, Gaelle and I arrived at 6.40pm for a 7pm race… better than Morag who arrived as the race was starting. For someone that hates rushing this was not the best preparation though it did keep my mind off the race.

As it turned out we had plenty of time to rack and listen to the race briefing before swimming across the Lake with the other Tri Londoners to the start. The zip on Ali’s wetsuit broke so he braved the water without one arriving at the other side for the start with a nose bleed – another non ideal pre race prep.

Sighting for the swim to the start was very easy as the beach is pretty obvious, sighting back to the finish of the swim is not so easy as it blends into the background. Only after the race was the top tip for sighting given to me. You first timers for the club sprint champs may want to buy someone a few beers and get them to explain. This explains why at the start I managed a good decent speed but in the wrong direction – probably about 45 degrees off the ideal line. I could see Ali and noticed that I was moving away from him sideways so headed back towards him. About halfway across a guy was catching me so I eased up, let him by and caught a rather nice lift to the finish. I felt rather pleased with myself at such tactical maturity.

I exited the swim second in 6:55, with Ali not far behind in 7:28. The Ginger Bullet had a top swim ducking under 8 minutes and exiting only 30 seconds behind Ali. Gaelle also swam well exiting the water 3rd lady.

The further shortening of my wetsuit legs did the trick with my wetsuit coming off with only one lift of each leg. One of my best transitions but as I stopped to mount my bike Ali went by and I had a prime view of him running and hopping on (mental note to self – must learn to do that). Now my aim was to keep Ali as close as possible (no drafting mind u ;o)) to give me a chance of closing him down on the run.

Minutes into the bike both Ali and I had passed the lead guy so Tri London was in first and second. Soon the Ginger Bullet had also moved up into third place so we were sitting pretty in the top three places. Gaelle took great glee in cheering each of us on as we passed on opposite sides of the road. Despite her using valuable energy cheering us on she was having a good ride passing the top two ladies on the bike to enter T2 as leading lady.

Meanwhile in the mens Tri London entered T2 in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I headed off on the run feeling pretty good about a minute behind with the Ginger Bullet a further 40 seconds back. The aim was to get as close to Ali as possible. It was a nice course and in places I could see him ahead and could see I was closing slowly. Unfortunately not quick enough. Ali came in first, I came in second about 27 seconds back. John was passed by a few runners dropping to second vet and 6th overal.

Gaelle set off on the run leading lady but soon was passed by Jenny Gowans (Serpentines) and Ailbhe Healey. Gaelle felt her legs were stuffed following last nights time trials and though her mind was screaming ‘GO GO GO !’ her legs and lungs were not responding even so she was maintaing contact with Jenny. Soon Jenny stopped due to a hurting back, Gaelle again used valuable energy encouraging her ( great sportwomanship but she’s the competition ). Soon Gaelle was able to relax as she knew she had 2nd lady in the bag.

So a pretty good night for Tri London

Ali – 1st

Steven – 2nd

John – 2nd Vet and 6th overal

Mike – 5th Vet and 19th overal

Gaelle – 2nd Lady and 24th overal

Here are the times for each Tri Londoner. Bike include T1 and run include T2

Name Team Swim Bike Run Total Category Position

1 Alistair Brown Tri London 00:07:28 00:30:31 00:18:51 00:56:51 MO

2 Steven Lord Tri London 00:06:55 00:32:00 00:18:23 00:57:18 MO

5 John Griffin Tri London 00:07:58 00:31:38 00:20:44 01:00:23 MV

16 Mike Morris Tri London 00:09:03 00:34:52 00:20:41 01:04:37 MV

21 Gaelle Lebray Tri London 00:08:45 00:35:20 00:21:44 01:05:51 FO

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London Marathon 2004

Posted on April 18, 2004 by lord_lordy

I managed 2:54:39 – slightly disappointed but first marathon so respectable and at least I’m walking normally and have no problems with stairs today

Long Report:

My biggest concern prior to the race was getting a good start and being able to get into my running. My start was no problems – luckily I was in the front pen and started about 20 rows back from the Elite guys so it took me no time to cross the line and get into my running. A first mile in 6.28 was a good start, my second mile of 6.10 saw me at the sort of race pace I was hoping for.

Then mile 3…

I started feeling my left quad tighten up a little from the start but felt I could run through thinking it was only down to the cold. As I entered mile 3 it tightened up sufficiently to slow me down and I decided to stop and stretch. I started running again and then had to stop as it was too painful to run. My language was rather bad as I stretched (I apologised to the crowd near me). I felt gutted and was certain I would have to pull out. No public transport or St Johns Ambulance anywhere near prompted me to run on.

I started to think what to do. I had some gels and I knew water was available at 3 miles and Lucozade Sport at 5 miles. I felt the cramp had to be due to lack of minerals etc.. / dehydration in the leg and thus if I could get water and minerals in I’d be set. As I approached the 3 mile water I necked a gel and then got some water. Ran on abit, cramp again – stopped, stretched… lady in crowd told me Vitamin E was what I needed but unfortunately she didn’t have any to hand.

I ran on and things got a little better. Got to the Lucozade Sport stand, gussled a whole container of the stuff – quite unusual at that part of the race !! From there it started to improve.

I hit the 5 mile marker about 5 minutes down on my original plan and started to re-assess my race. I thought – there’s no reason I can’t get sub 3 hours still and that will guarantee me a place for next year. I started to increase the pace and was hitting miles at between 6.25 and 6.30 – slower than my planned pace but it felt really comfortable and I was passing people all the time which made for a real pleasure. I continued like this through halfway.

Tower Bridge was amazing – so many friends turned out to cheer – it was such a spur and certainly I will turn out in future to support anyone I know thats running (if I’m not running).

I hit halfway in 1.27 and my thoughts started to turn to perhaps sub 2.55 if I could even split it. I also wondered whether I could still sneak in under the top end of my target range – ie 2.50 – this would require a solid negative split so I picked up the pace and put in a 6.19 mile (the pace needed to duck under 2.50) – unfortunately increasing the pace to his level resulted in me feeling the quad again and I felt I’d not finish if I continued like that – so instead I continued to run within myself purely targetting sub 3.

As I got onto Embankment I started to really concentrate on sub 2.55 – I’d managed to maintain the pace well through docklands and maintaining sub 7min miles along embankment was all that was needed. As I entered the last mile I pushed a little and put in another sub 6.30 mile and got across the line in 2.54.39.

Considering the start I had I’ve gotta be happy with that. The cramp may have been a blessing in disguise as ultimately I got a respectable time, I ran within myself, spent most of the race passing people and today I can walk normally and can cope with stairs.

It was a totally fantastic experience. I’m determined to work out the mistakes in my final preparations (ie race morning preps) and learn from them. I already have plans to run it again next year. I now understand why people get hooked on running The London Marathon.

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