Ironman Triathlon - How fast can I go?

Ironman Hawaii 2011

2011-11-01T23:38:00.001-07:00

What's the first question you get asked when folks first find out you do triathlon?

Have you been to the Hawaiian Ironman?

Well, I have and you what the first question they asked after finding it was the first time I was going there after trying to qualify for 4 years was?

How are you going to feel after finishing Ironman Hawaii?

The answer now is easy - I feel empty, but satisfied. Why such mixed emotions? To be honest, as a race this was possibly my worst ever but as an experience this was up there with the best I have ever had. I met so many amazing people from so many different walks of life and countries. Hawaii, as a place, is simple stunning ...magical. It feels almost like a mystical home. Life moves so slowly there, people seem to be so easy going and their bodies tick to a different clock there compared to the rest of the world, especially the clock that we from Dubai beat to on a daily basis.

It was great to see so many stars from the Ironman and ITU world. Crowie, Macca, Norman Stadler, Dave Scott, Mark Allen, Chrissie Wellington, Mirinda Carfrae, Jan Frodeno, Gomez, Tim Don, Simon Whitfield, Emma Snowsill, all world champions or gold medalists. It was simply amazing to be rubbing shoulders with them down on the legendary sands of Dig Me beach.

The race itself is hard, that's it ... hard. It's hot, it's windy and it's never ending and unforgiving. There were a number of times where I could simply have just sat down by the side of the road, relaxed, chilled and watched the day go by. I was not in a happy place for the majority of the day, in fact from when the canon went off, but it was the world championships, the Ironman World Championships. I had chased this dream for at least 4 years to be where I was right now. Sarah and I had made many sacrifices to get to the start line. I did not want to waste the opportunity or be disrespectful by not finishing. I aimed to finish in the day light.

The swim was one of the hardest I have done to be fair and the bit I was most nervous about. It seemed to go on and on, you know what it is like. It was physical too, it was just so difficult to get a rhythm. For the first four hundred meters I do not think I put my face in the water and equally there was one or two athletes that had their fair tries at trying to either borrow my goggles, speed suit or timing chip, which was nice, but again we all know what it is like. The biggest bonus of the swim is the view you get. The ocean was so stunning and clear. It was a real honour to be able to swim that far out into the Pacific Ocean, you would never do that on your own. A couple of guys I spoke to said they saw dolphins, I didn't but it would not surprise me. The ocean is so full of life, it is so different to the Arabian Gulf, it is like the Disney film Finding Nemo.

The bike course was the first race I had done where it was one single lap. I was not too sure how I felt about this, it was the unknown and you always hear about the infamous trade winds of Hawaii. At first it was not too bad and I was almost enjoying being passed by countless drafters, until about 20km from Hawi. I saw Crowie and the pros through. Then boom! There she was ... Hawaii reminding us we were there and the winds could blow, ouch, it was hard, but it was the same for everyone. Once at the turn around in Hawi, the wind was with us for a stretch and it was great, 65kmph, flying for a while. We hit the turn onto the Queen Ka and I was thinking I was almost home, nah, there was still legs in this ride. There was at least another 50km and the wind had turned. This was going to be a hard one all the way home. Suck it up this is why we're here.

The run was ok. It was hot, but nothing I really noticed until my back started to hurt due to the sunburn. The hardest part was the mid section out on the Queen Ka at 21km in. It seemed to be so far and mentally I was really struggling. I was going from aid station to aid station, just surviving. I met up with Flanners at the bottom of the Natural Energy Lab and chatted to him for about 10 minutes. I thought he looked good as he had all day, but he told me otherwise. We both decided we were going to cross the line together and celebrate, that was until we saw Aya and we both thought there was no way we wanted to get chicked by her as we would never hear the end of it.

The rest of the race was just as hard, run, puke, run, aid station, walk, run, puke, run, aid station, run, there was a type of rhythm going and in any normal race it wouldn't have been that enjoyable, but this was Kona, Ironman Hawaii, so it really was a case of sucking it up and enjoying it, as these opportunities do not come knocking everyday. Finishing was great, as always, you get a surge of energy from somewhere that you wished you had throughout the run. Going down the chute and over the line to Mike Reilly's chorus of ...."Edward Hawkins, a teacher from the UK, now living in Dubai. You're an Ironman" , was great and something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was great to take the Union Jack over the line, something I have never done before. I'm proud to be British and I am proud to have had this opportunity, like Jay says it'll be one to tell the kids and grandkids about.

This isn't the Oscars and even if it was, I didn't win anything in Hawaii except my dream but there are a few people who need to be acknowledged for their help and support over the last 4 years in getting me to Hawaii. As always thank you to T2A. Guys when it looked like I was not going to be able to go the Hawaii, you all clubbed round and offered. I was so humbled. Once Sarah and I sat in our apartment in tears due to the kindness of you all. Jason has built an amazing team here and much credit goes to him for that, but it is you who day in day out are T2A. We welcome new members into the team and see old ones move on and then welcome some back. As a group we are without a doubt and race results aside, the best triathlon group in the Middle East. You are all infectious and we all work off each other to improve, develop and get faster. I take my hat off to you all from the fastest to the slowest you are all equal in my eyes.

An extra special mention must go to my training buddies, Ben and Neil especially, cheers lads. Not long for you now Benny, you know where I am mate. Goowie, Mr National, simple mate ... thank you, you were brill! Jason, two years ago we sat having a coffee and Hawaii was the goal, we reached that and publicly thank you coach and friend. Thank you to my sponsors (Adrian at Probike, Richard at Sport in Life Dubai, Toby at Bike Fit Asia, Mike at Newton UK and Julie at Blue Seventy UK) as it have would been so much harder to have got where I did without you. Thank you to work and the guys in the PE Dept for being understanding especially Simon Gray. I really appreciate your work and without you I would not be able to do what I have done, so thank you. Equally, I have worked for a boss in the past that does not appreciate what you do outside of the office and I can tell you now it makes a huge difference, thank you Jason, Mark and Jonathan.

Mine and Sarah's (my) family in the UK, all those times we had get togethers planned during holidays only for me to 'pop' out for a short 2 hour run or ride, thank you!

Lastly, and most importantly, thanks Sarah, we did it didn't we babe, love you ;-)

To be honest this is actually a pretty crap race report. Why? Because I can't explain my feelings well enough, I can't put them in to words. My main feelings in retrospect about the race is that I'm so disappointed with the performance, as I didn't perform. I was sick a number of times and all day long I felt tired, no strength and deeply fatigued. It was five Ironmans in 18 months done, it's got to take it's toll. However, as an experience the day, it was amazing and I loved every minute. Did the performance detract from the experience, possibly, maybe, but not to the point that I am going to dwell upon it. At the end of the day I really am an Ironman, a Hawaiian Ironman finisher in Kona.

On a side note, I understand that the WTC are in the process of changing the rules regarding the lottery system and they are looking into rewarding those who have completed 12 or more WTC Ironman races. An interesting move and one that on face value seems to reward the athlete that is loyal to the WTC. What do I think? Let them do it, if it works it works, it certainly means money in the bank for them. Interestingly, would I have taken a slot if I had qualified through the old lottery system or the new proposed one. The answer is simple, no. It's not for me and I urge you to take time and think why do you compete in the sport of triathlon and moreover Ironman. Is it for the easy success? If it is then walk on by and get your goal of a lottery slot in Hawaii. You will go there and have the best time ever. I'm pretty sure however, that in a couple of years I'll see you taking part in a different pastime away from the office. If something is worth working towards, it's got to be worth doing properly. No disrespect to the guys who qualified to race Hawaii in a 70.3 this time round, but I truly believe to race in Hawaii you should qualify in an Ironman distance race. Jonny Brownlee does not rock up at the Olympics for a medal, having only done a sprint event. Equally with that thought in mind, if you want to do Hawaii, I urge you to work at it. Please don't take the easy option and just settle for a lottery slot to collect your ticket. Train, put the effort in, put the time in, make the many sacrifices and qualify. Now, I'm hearing you say, what if I can't do that? Well, my answer to that is simple, that's life. I know there are many things in life that you can do that I can't and I possibly will never able to do. It's simple, it's a hard lesson in life, but it's true. However, how will you ever know if you didn't try first, don't just settle for the easy option. Put it out there, make a statement, put your balls on the line and if it doesn't work out then learn from it. That's how we develop as people, that's how we grow. It's all a life experience, you only get one shot at it. As i said before many know I disagree with the WTC for offering Hawaii slots in a 70.3 race, but putting it on the line is exactly what Neil and Marshie did. They put it out there and went for it. Look where it got them and you've got to respect them for it.

Don't ever go for the easy option, it's not an easy sport, take pride in what you've done and what you going to do. That way you can hold your head up high, when you get to where you want to be. You'll be able to walk as tall as everyone else because you have earned the right, you've not ultimately been given it by someone else. It will taste so much sweeter.

If you have a dream, go for it and never give up. Its better to regret something you did rather than something you didn't.

Where do I go from here? I don't know really there are many things I'd like to do and I'm going to have a crack at them. A sub 3 hour marathon, a 1 hour 20 half marathon, a sub 9.30 ironman, the Norseman sounds good too! I will continue to represent my sponsors in the best way I can. Hell, even have a crack at going for an ITU age group title one day maybe, all the above are possibilities.

However, you know what really does sound appealing to me and that is to be a Dad. That's got to be the best prize of all, hasn't it?

Ed Hawkins
T2A

Thanks to:
www.probike.ae
www.blueseventy.com
www.guenergy.com
www.2xu.com
www.bikefitasia.com

Summer 2011 - Naturally Run Better?!

2011-08-27T02:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the Summer has been and almost gone. In the space of 7 weeks Sarah and I have been to South Korea (well I did that), the UK, a Take That concert at Wembley (well Sarah did that!), Paris to see my best mate ride from London to Paris, North Wales to see the Evans Clan, London and then back to the UAE and Dubai.

Training for Kona was a little difficult to be honest for a number of reasons in the UK. The main one being around people who want to train and encourage you to train by their example too. Don't get me wrong back in the UK our friends and family are super encouraging as to what I am trying to achieve, but and it's a big 'but' it has really displayed to me that in order to get the best out of your training you need to surround yourself with like minded people who are also trying achieve similar goals. Its really motivating and something I will never take for granted.

Another reason for a drop off in my training was the general public and their use of the local swimming pool. OML I'd forgotten how many times the 'fast' wasn't really the fast lane. This is fine and I can understand that we are all of different standards and we all started somewhere, but tbf people need to honest with what they can achieve and if someone is faster than they believe they are its far more complimentary to be asked to more up a group than it is to move down one to slow lane. Also what a shame no Masters swim groups in the Grimsby area where we were based, surely they are missing a trick there? Or maybe there just isnt the call for it.

I was super lucky to borrow a bike Paul Thompson Double UK/Triple European Ironman Champion (well it was actually his brothers Les Thompson) while I was back in Grimsby so I able to get some biking in around the Lincolnshire Wolds and it was great to ride in cool weather, stopping for coffee etc. In fact I only got caught in rain once, the first time in two years!

My running has been good and I was able to get in around 100km a week at a very steady state pace. This was good as it will all add to a good base and another plus was it kept my weight down, which in the past has increased in the UK, I feel due to the increase in carb based foods, the temperature (a slowing of metabolic rate) and a lack of good honest training.

So all in all I feel quite good now we've headed back to the desert. It was great to spend some time with my family. It was decent time too, not sat in front TV which everyone seems to do back home (only because TV here is pants!). My Dad and I built a greenhouse. It was bloody brilliant and I really enjoyed it, just like old times when I was a kid and it was great to share a beer with my Dad while their and our dogs played in the garden. Magic stuff, in this day and age you don't get much chance to do that sort of thing, as we're normally so busy, I loved it.

Sarah has also been busy she has once again done herself proud, sorting all of the flights and the condo for Kona. We are about 500m from Lava java the famous cafe that everyone goes to when they race Hawaii. Well done Sarah again!

I have been quite lucky too with regards to sponsors over the Summer. I've picked up GU and 2XU in Dubai via www.sportinlife.ae and I must say a big thanks to Richard there. GU is great, I've been using for a few years and they are now really pushing the research to develop some great products for endurance especially the roctane series. Mike Trees at TCL sports in the UK has also offered me deals with regards to Newton Running shoes and 2XU, so a huge thanks to him also. Newton are in my opinion the best trainers in the world. They promote a 'natural' running style and if you'd like any more info please shot me an email. Please believe the hype around these trainers and don't believe the disbelievers, as they really are so good that Mike offers a 29 day return policy if you're not happy with the shoes. There arent too many suppliers/retailers that offer that trust!

I'm also now a Newton Natural Running Coach, so I've got a couple of things I'm looking into doing here in the UAE. Maybe a website, maybe some free running sessions, maybe some technique sessions with Jason at our camps we do just to get the name out there - Naturally Run Better.

Let me know what you think as I'm always open to feedback and if you have any idea too, thanks.

So there you do go just the run into Kona, Hawaii and the Ironman World Championships now.

Bring it on as Bev on IMtalk would say like donkey kong.

Be safe,

Ed and Sarah

Hawaii here I come!!!

2011-07-08T09:05:00.001-07:00

Race report - Ironman South Korea, 3/7/2011

Race reports are funny things I think. I always enjoy reading them when other people write them, but I always struggle to write them myself (maybe it's because I'm just a PE teacher). So, here's my effort, sorry if it's crap, but as per normal I'm writing from the heart. Oh and sorry if it's long and I waffle on, I didn't know I knew so many words, let alone how to put them together like this.

I am now sat on the plane on my way home from South Korea, yes South Korea. I never thought I would ever have gone to South Korea. In the space of 7 months I have been to the UK, South Africa, South Korea and then to the UK again. I understand that for some of the people on the team this sort of traveling is the norm, but for Sarah and I, teachers, this is mind blowing and I never want to take it granted. I enjoy traveling, but I haven't really had, what I would consider, too much opportunity compared to many others, so to have visited to South Korea with my wetsuit, bike and running shoes is just amazing.

My flights early on with Air China had been cancelled, so Sarah had rearranged for me to fly with Korean Air. This was a master stroke from her, as it meant that I would be travelling with Capt Carl, Noel and Marshie. We only had one stop off too, which was a real bonus, as I had two stops with Air China and if I am honest, I wasn't really looking forward to traveling on my own, as it's always more fun with friends and I was worried about losing my bike or bags if I had more than one stop too.

After being raped in the backside by Korean Air in Dubai for traveling with a bike (top tip always try and agree a price with the airline before you travel if you can for your bike) we boarded for Seoul. The journey to the resort Seogwipo, where the Ironman was held, was pretty uneventful, apart from sleeping, chatting to the guys and watching movies, all the normal things you get up to whilst flying.

We arrived in the early evening, got to our rooms, explored the wonder of the 'electric toilet' and then we popped out for something to eat. We chose a traditional Korean restaurant, which if I'm honest I wasn't too convinced with. However, it turned out to be a great choice by Carl, Noel and Marshie, as the food was good and it was a great experience if a little worrying one, as I wasn't too sure what the meat was we were eating. Later that evening, my room mate Benny arrived and I was pretty happy to be getting some shut eye, as I was feeling quite tired by this time, even if we did both commence our epic iPad game sessions that evening!

In the morning we woke to rain, yes rain. It was amazing, as I haven't see or felt it since Christmas. It was still quite warm and humid, but it was just so good to feel the rain again. We chatted as a group and decided that we would register, expo it and swim today, as we didn't really fancy the idea of riding in the rain for a number of reasons. The group quite rightly didn't like the idea, because the roads were greasy, but to be honest I just didn't want to get my bike dirty. Later that day, we registered and popped to the expo to spend some cash. The Bike Boutique were in charge of the main stand, where we met Alex Bok who is the manager of the business side of things for TBB. He seemed a nice guy and he was very welcoming to the team who had been and raced in Phuket. The swim practice was interesting to say the least, it was like a very choppy JBR day. We walked down to the beach underneath the hotel, this was not where the official start was going to be, as it was the open sea, but it was near to the hotel, so we were happy. After about 20minutes or so of fighting with the waves, or should I say swimming, we went back to the hotel to relax. Some of the group including myself weren't hugely happy at the thought of the swim being like that, but I kept telling myself it'll be the same for everyone racing.

The next two days were spent getting ready for the race. A small ride on the bikes, which resulted in one of the more sweatiest sessions I've had at such low temperatures due to the humidity. Getting the bike and bags packed and in T1, a recce of the bike course (via a very slow bus, where the wheels on the bus go round and round) and a small run on the course. All the normal things you do on taper pre race week.

As the race day rolled around, I was becoming nervous. It seems that there had been lots of athletes switch across from when IMChina was cancelled to Korea and while the race had been awarded an extra 25 Hawaii slots making it 75 in total, the most an Asian race has ever had, it also meant that the standard had also been raised, as it had in China last year. I was a little worried. I got a good nights sleep the penultimate night, however, the night before was no go. Sleep didn't really happen and instead the iPad got a bit of a smashing, either Facebook, Twitter, emails or this driving game that Benny and I had downloaded. All good fun and it took our minds off the race ahead the next day.

I woke about 3am and I did all the normal things I do on race morning. Breakie was made up of Frosties (they're grrrrrrreat!), Starbucks cold coffee (!?) and orange juice. Everything was pretty standard to be fair, apart from one thing, I really struggled to have a good number two!! It's one of my nightmares racing and needed to go. A wee is fine, as you all know (well, Didge and Janey do), I'll pee myself any day of the week especially in my wetsuit when training and racing. The thought of pooing on the course isn't something I really like to do, hence I was a little worried.

My lucky number is 8. I believe in fate and without sounding silly if you add my race numbers together 233 - it totals 8. I like the number 8, my sporting hero,Ian Wright, the Arsenal footballer always played in the number 8 and it's also like 0 that like me has lost weight and can now wear smaller jeans ;-) (think about it!) It's also regarded a lucky number in the Far East .... so things were looking good.

Carl, Noel, Suz, Marshie and I took the bus to the start and got ourselves ready early. I like getting to the start early doors, as it means if anything has gone tits up you've got time to sort it. I checked the bike, everything was fine and then I sat ready to get myself sorted and ready to race. Poor Marshie was having a mare with his bike and I really felt for him. This is also my complete nightmare on the morning of a race and I have to say I was so impressed with the way in which he dealt with the situation. I know I would not be as calm or forgiving, what a T2A legend!

I felt a bit over this race at the start to be honest. You guys all know how I wear my heart on the sleeve. You see how I'm feeling whether I'm happy, sad, tired or on form etc. I was finding it difficult to really get up for it, I really felt I had a devil on my back and I wanted rid of him big stylie! I also had a headache, bang goes the pain killers down my throat and I crossed my fingers that it would disappear, fortunately they did the job- it must have just been nerves.

The swim was two laps out and back in the sea. To my relief it was calm, not like the other day, think JBR on those beautiful days when you know you're going to get beasted by Coach, but at least you know that the sea is on your side as it's as calm as a pond. I started way across to the left hand side away from the pros and away from, in my experience, is normally the fighting area.The gun or fireworks went off and we were on, as I always say 'like donkey kong!'

The first lap of the swim was a breeze, nice long strokes and I felt like I was moving pretty well. I got out and saw Benny and Noel in the crowd shouting. My garmin had cocked up, so I wasn't too sure what my time was for the first lap, but I had Benny shouting 28mins.....oh my god, that went well, I thought. I ran round and onto the second lap. In South Africa I read in the race magazine that as an age grouper you always tend to swim 2minutes slower on your second half of an Ironman swim and I did that there. Potentially in Korea then I was looking at a 58min swim for an ironman and I'd take that any day of the week, as it would be the pb I was looking for. But it turns out I was faster. It felt faster, but I've been in the same position before where I'd got out of the swim only to be disappointed with my time so I wasn't going to get excited until I saw the clock when I got out the water. The second lap I pretty much swam on my own apart from the very beginning and the final 200m, it felt fast. Exiting the second lap I ran into T1, got my stuff and headed out for my bike. Benny was stood with Noel and Jordo, he was shouting something out at me and I assumed it was to do with my swim time. After two or three shouts from him I understood what he was saying..56mins for the swim Ed! 56mins swim mate! Wow I was blown away, not 2mins slower as I thought might happen, but 2mins faster?! I knew I was swimming well in training, but I have always wondered about putting it together in a race, I'd never done it before. This time I had and it had set me up for the day ahead (in fact in turns out I did a 55.40 swim on a course that I thought was short, but was pretty accurate on Benny's Garmin).

I got out on the bike and I had one word on my mind, control, control, control. All day long I had to control my efforts, control my power. I sat the whole of the first lap under 200watts and I can tell you it was hard to just sit there while watching others who I felt and knew were no way near as strong on the bike were riding away from me. I wasn't really enjoying it, but it was nice to see different things other than the 'White Walls of Longtoot.' There were some long climbs on the course, which due to the areas where we ride we hadn't really had too much of a chance to train on, so limiting my power output on the bike made it even more important for later on in the race. The first lap I was again pretty much alone as I watched many guys ride past me. "Control" I kept telling myself, "control." On the first turn around point of the second lap I hit a stone in the road (a great tip if you don't want to hit something don't look at it as you generally end up moving in that direction on the bike if you're looking at it, that is unless your name is Craig Jordan, then probably not looking where you going anyhow and either adjusting your brakes or actually aiming for bushes/road work signs, hey mate?). On the Crowie camp back in November the same thing happened and it resulted in a flat, damn, I couldn't believe it, I thought I'd got a flat! I quickly stopped and checked the tyre, spinning the wheel, listening, nothing, mmmmm maybe not, I'd chance it and carry on before I started the rigmarole of changing it. I carried on nice and steady, no sign of the flat, thank you to the Ironman gods!

On the second lap I started to ride a little more like I know I can and I upped my power by 10watts and I completely smashed the downhills, my top speed on the bike computer was 85kmph. I'd noticed on the bike that there some big packs forming and there was a fair bit of legal drafting taking place, with 50km to go on the second lap I found myself in between two packs that had formed. I made the decision to join one of the packs and work with a group. I dropped the hammer in order to catch up with the pack in front. After about 15mins or so I was with them, but sat at 7m as I didn't want to get a penalty. Once with this pack, I hoped my watts would drop, as too my heart rate and if I was able to stay with them then it would nice and easy for the last 45km home to T2. This is exactly what happened and I rode with the group dropping off the bike into T2 feeling pretty fresh and actually really looking forward to the marathon. My Garmin was still screwed, so I dumped it in my run bag and decided to run on feel, 'Coach would be so proud', I thought to myself.

Heading out onto run I could instantly feel the heat way more than I did on the bike. There was no wind as I was heading out to the World Cup stadium and because of this I took the first kms of the run steady. Control was what I kept telling myself on the bike, slow and steady was what I was going to tell myself on the run. I had decided to run with a Camelbak, because in past races I have become bloated and struggled to keep fluid down, because at the aid stations I tried to consume too much too quickly. A Camelbak allowed me to sip away throughout the run so hopefully I wasn't going to bloat and start to feel sick again. I was over taken by a couple of athletes on my way out on the first lap, but I was also overtaking a number, however most of the athletes I was overtaking were 70.3 ones with a green number and it was starting to frustrate me. I held my pace and kept saying my mantra, slow and steady, slow and steady. I saw Benny, who was on his way to the finish, he looked like he was flying and very comfortable. Next up was Jordo, who also looked very much in control and was smashing it, get running from the both of them and even better biking from Craig I thought to myself. I hit the World Cup stadium and the turn around. Back the way we came and into the wind....ah, that was better, there was a bit of a head wind and it did make a different, not much, but a difference. For the first time in an Ironman race, I wasn't holding out for the aid stations thanks to my camelbak. The aid stations were good to see as it meant that I was getting closer to the finish line and I enjoyed the coke (magical, wonderful stuff) and the ice down my pants (the Korean old ladies thought that was 'fery fery phunny, wuff you wong time, 15 dollar!!!! So the aid stations weren't the be all and end all in the race whereas they had been in past. I saw Milan and Aja a couple of times. Aja was having a monster race, really tearing up the run course and Milan was looking really strong too. Then there was Marshie, poor bloke, what with all his problems at the start he then told me that his Di2 had packed in and he'd ridden for 175km with one gear, what else could go wring for the guy! Well, as it turned out he also got really burnt! All I can say is again, respect Marshie, plain and simple respect to you, I know I could not have done that.

I was hoping to see Benny as I came onto the second run lap, so I could find out where I was in my age group from Ironmanlive.com after he had finished his race. However, due to the course not being like what we thought it was I thought that I'd missed him. But then came the cavalry, 10minutes into starting the second lap I heard a bike coming up from behind me, BOOM.....here's Benny! Great, some news from either ironmanlive.com or from coach via text/email/chat room. Ok, mmmmm maybe not, the bloody website was down and there were no live timing splits, so Benny told me he didn't know anything, but I was looking strong and to keep going at the pace I was working to. Running blind without a garmin, running blind without timings, well done WTC, hey good job! Still it was probably doing me favour, I just had to get on with it and enjoy the day, it was the same for everyone. I kept on trucking, slow and steady I kept telling myself, slow and steady then I hit the turn around again for the second and last time. At this moment, I was in a pretty dark place and I was struggling to be honest. For the first time in an Ironman I took in some gels on the run and as if by magic within 10mins I'd perked up and I felt so much better. It was back on and I was running well, picking the pace up to 13kmph in places. I had about 5km to go and one aid station left. I had to just keep putting one foot in front of the other, keep the turn over going and I'd be done, my 7th Ironman finish, but there were still a few hills to climb first. These hills seemed as though they were going on forever and I really started to doubt where the last aid station was. Just as I started to wonder whether I'd able to either carry on at the pace I was running at or even carry on for that matter.... I saw the last aid station. Approaching it I remembered what Macca had done in Kona last year, where he had missed it in order to smash the last few kms in order to grab the win. While I obviously wasn't in that position, I knew I wanted to finish strongly and I had a renewed spring in my step knowing I was so close to the finish, so I grabbed a coke without stopping, threw it down my face and top, missing my mouth completely (even if it is big) and picked up my pace again. Suddenly, there in front of me was the left turn down to the finish area. Looking ahead I could see a group of runners making their way to the finish also, one of them was in my age group, however I didn't know if they were on their first or second lap. I could hear Benny shouting encouragement and I knew I had to go for it. All I could do was to throw my Camelbak, '400m' he said, '400 bloody metres' I replied! I had a wee sense of humour failure, 400m wasn't that far obviously,but still I wasn't too happy as I was really moving and my thighs were cramping up. I'd already traveled 225.6km, but 400m seemed just a little too far, what a dickhead Hawkins step back into reality! Turning into the finish area I was sprinting as fast as I could (not as fast Marshie's sprint finish, mind that was awesome), right up on my forefoot, Newton Running would have been well proud. I felt like Usain Bolt. Crossing the line, arms up in the air, I'd done it again, another Ironman finish in the bag!

Once I'd got my finishers medal, tee shirt, drink etc I walked across to where Benny and Noel were sat down. I was mostly happy with the performance I'd given. I'd raced hard, but more importantly for the first time I felt I'd raced intelligently. There was nothing more I could do, it was now in the hands of the Ironman gods, however as there was no live public timing splits, there was no way of finding out how I had done. Benny and Jordo had qualified for Vegas and I was over the moon for them. It was awesome. Benny went and got some local Cass beer and I was on it, ka boom! Oh, how it tasted good, I loved every minute of that beer it had been over 3 months since I'd had a beer I really loved that first one. Aja was next in, she'd smashed it, winning her Age Group, 3rd Age Group chick overall and in turn qualifying for Kona, amazing and good for her, as I said she'd really torn up that course. Next up, Milan was in and straight into the medical tent, he was in a bad place, but as right as rain after an IV drip. Then Suz finished, who also had a stormer of a race......... but Carl was still out there and we were all getting a little worried, as he should have been home some time ago. News filtered through that Carl had struggled during the run due to a lack of energy, but he only had 2km to go. He had kept on trucking all the way home to the finish. Let me tell you, he is a warrior and a real star of T2A. He has his own story to tell, but let me say just how easy would it have been for him, one of the best 55-59 age group athletes in the world to have dropped out, but no - this guy just kept on going, he was amazing and in that single race he epitomised everything that we as Ironman Age Group athletes stand for. He is such an awesome role model for all in the team and to everyone he meets. It is people like Carl who inspire me to train, to race and I hope that when I get to Carl's age I am as active as he is. He is simply an inspiration to all. Thank you Carl.

By now it was getting late and I still didn't know how I had done, so I popped up to the race office by the finish area to have a word. I spoke to the Head of WTC Asia, Murphy and he pulled me into the office to have a look at the unofficial results with the Race Director. As they opened them up on the laptop screen, it seemed to take forever for the excel spreadsheet to boot up. Firstly, the programme was there, then the results. They scrolled down towards my age group...it all took forever....18-24 males, come on!......25-29 males, come on!.....30-34 males, come on!........35-39 males, right here we go.......

There it was:

Edward Hawkins -
Swim - 55:40
Bike - 5.17.43
Run - 3.55.35
Total - 10.16.38
Age Group place: ?????

Murphy asked, "How many Hawaii slots in your age group, Ed?"
"9", I said.
"Yep, 9", confirmed the Race Director!
"Well you can go and have another beer Ed ...... you are definitely going to Kona, you came 8th in you age group."

OMG, OMG, OMG OMG! Stay calm, stay calm, I walked over to Benny and Suz not knowing what to say, at first I was quite chilled, but then suddenly ..... Kona, Kona, Kona, Kona just came out! I was off to bloody Hawaii!!!!

Unbelievable, just unbelievable.

As I said I believe in fate. My race number added up to 8, I came 8th in my Age Group and the Hawaii Ironman will be my 8th race, it takes place on the 8th October (which also comes from the old Roman latin word, 'octo' meaning 8 and October was their 8th month in their calendar, rather then their tenth as we now know it ), 8....8....8......8 it must have been fate, pure and simple!

Well, from this race what have I taken from it that in turn I hope that maybe you will learn from it too? That's easy.......planning, preparation, patience and pleasure!

Plan your race down to the very smallest detail, but remember if things don't go your way be prepared to be flexible and have a back up plan. Be patient, Ironman racing is a long old day and you have to be prepared for that. Embrace it, pace yourself early on, as so many people go hell for leather and blow 'BIG' style either in the second half of the bike or in the last 15km of the run, because they didn't eat enough on the bike or because they pushed the pace too early. You won't have to force it. Enjoy the race, you're doing it for fun, you're not a pro, none of us are going to be, so remember to take time out and enjoy the people around you, the location and the fact that you are so fit compared to the general population. We forget this as we surround ourselves with people who think it's also normal to get up and ride 150km on a Friday morning at 4am, run 20km after work or swim 4km in the pool before breakie! Well, I'm sorry to break this news to everyone, but IT IS NOT NORMAL, so enjoy that fact you're amazing for doing what you're doing and where you've come from in terms of starting out in this crazy sport. Enjoy the moment, it's special and priceless!

Marshall sit down at the back and stop taking the piss out of me please ;-)

Where could I have improved on this performance......? Well that's simple, while I'm happy to have qualified for Hawaii, I still have never nailed an Ironman run in my opinion. I'm owed a sub 3.20 marathon at some point off a controlled bike leg. Maybe it's a nutrition aspect - not enough gels going in to my body therefore I still struggle at 20/25km into run or is it just self belief in my abilities? I'm not sure, but you can bet it's something I'll strive to correct? I'd still love to go sub 9.30 one day (sub 60 swim, 5.05 bike and then a 3.20 run making sub a 9.30 ironman, fast course anyone? I've heard Austria is pretty fast, hey Marino?).

Right so onto the Oscar style thank yous......

Thank you to my sponsors, Naomi and Guy (who had a stormer of a race in the 70.3 coming second pro) at www.blueseventy.com, Adrian at www.probike.ae and Toby at www.asiabikefit.com. Without your help over the past months I wouldn't have got to the start line, let alone race as well or as comfortably as I did.

Thank you to my colleagues, you have supported me at work, covered for me when I've not been there and also listened to me go on and on about Kona and Ironman. I know, I'm boring.

Thank you to my bosses at work. Without their support and understanding I would not be able travel, train and then race. It simply wouldn't work or happen without your support.

Thank you to all the team. I understand that the team has been there for me, to support me, to help when things have been difficult and when results in the past haven't gone my way. You my team have been my cradle to catch me and pick me up when it's been hard. Sessions like 2.30 on a Friday morning and I've got 200km to ride down in Longtoot with a run off it or we've another lap of those pissing boats to do at JBR and I've swallowed so much bloody sea water I feel like a desalination plant, or a Coach dirt on Saturday evening and we had to smash the last 5km at sub 4min per km. Ouch! I thank you all for that. I also understand, so I've been told, that at times I'm 'not very approachable' and if this is the case and I'm a moody git, then I'm truly sorry, I don't mean to be and thank you all for putting up with me. Maybe I need more sleep, maybe I just need to be nicer to people, but thank you again for all your patience.

In particular there have been a number guys who have been there for me when I've had specific sessions, either in the pool, in the sea, on the bike or on the many, many runs I have done over the past two years, you know who you are and I thank you. I simply could not have qualified last Sunday without you and your efforts over the last months. I'm so glad that I can repay the faith you have shown in me by getting to Hawaii.

Jason is my coach and my triathlon master. I hear at times from within the team occasional moans about him with reference to this and that and this can be fully understandable and more importantly justifiable. However, I'm not entirely sure that the team fully understands just how much he cares that we all do well in our races and in our lives outside of triathlon. Almost three years ago, when I found that Sarah and I might be moving to Dubai I emailed Jason with a load of questions just after the first Crowie camp and he emailed back a slightly odd email where he used my original text and answered the questions underneath in red so he didn't have to write a full email. Mmmmm I thought, fair enough, slightly economic with the use of the keyboard, but I noticed what he wrote was to the point and made a lot of sense to me. Jason knows his stuff, it maybe old school, he may not go on about power etc and there can be times when he gets it wrong (Jay's race time in South Africa), but 99% of the time the Aussie bastard is always right. How many times have we received an email on a Sunday morning where he calls a result 20km into a race only for that person to hit the time or be a couple of minutes either side? The answer is, all the time. That's not luck, that's knowing your athletes and what they can do and are capable of. Thank you Jason, while we haven't always agreed I trust you completely and I thank you for the faith you have shown in me and your guidance. I will always value our friendship.

I wasn't sure if I was going to write a race report for this one, but I have now for a number of reasons. I understand that people learn loads from them and it's good to see how things went etc for different athletes. When I read other team members race reports I'm always interested to see where I can learn new ways of doing things and then in turn maybe race better or more importantly faster. But for some reason this race seemed way more personal than any race I've ever done before and I wasn't sure if I wanted to share that with everyone. There's possibly number of reasons for this. Firstly, maybe because I hit the goal that I've been shooting for for awhile. Secondly, maybe because I felt it was it's pretty obvious how I was going to feel about the result of this race and I didn't want to insult anyone by going on about it. Thirdly, maybe because I simply want to keep some of my feelings secret about the race, because for once I wanted to keep those feelings to myself and Sarah. However, lastly and probably the real reason why I thought about not writing race report was that I'm so gutted for Carl and Noeline. I'm so happy to do so well and get to Kona. While Jason is my coach, Carl is my mentor. I look up to him, I respect him. I've only ever wanted to race Kona, but I only ever thought I'd be doing it with Carl along side me, doing it on my own didn't fit into the equation. I can not say how disappointed I am for him not to reach his goal and in October come race morning I will be thinking of him and everything he and Noeline have done for Sarah and I since our time in Dubai. On Saturday 8th October in Kona, I will be racing for Carl Luitingh as well as myself. Carl and Noel you are more than just friends to Sarah and I.

Lastly, I must thank my Sarah, the other half of Team Hawkins. Thank you babe, I love you xxx

In reading this race report I hope that my actions each day may inspire someone to become more active, maybe not triathlon or Ironman racing ..... it's not for everyone, but some form of exercise that they enjoy. I really hope that the children that I teach, the parents I speak to and other people that I meet on a day to day basis see what I do, question it and then in turn question their lives, their actions. Are they healthy? Are they fit? Do they take part in active physical recreation? Are there some very simple changes they could make to their lives in order to be more healthy and in terms have a better quality of life for themselves and their loved ones?

I really hope that my example inspires people to do that.

Right next stop Kona, Hawaii and the Ironman World Championships 2011.

Game on donkey kong, I'm all over it!

Cheers guys, thank you and be safe,

Ed

IMKorea

2011-06-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

Its been a little while since I've been on here. Once again its work and training getting in the way. How has my training gone for IMKorea? Thats a good question, the answer would pretty good to be honest. I've struggled to get my weight down to the weight that I wanted to and the same weight that I was in Abu Dhabi. I've come around to accepting that this might be a good thing, as I think its stopped me from getting ill and other infections over the last months. I defo want to get down further for next year.

On this coming Tuesday I fly out to Korea. had a little drama as my flights with Air China were cancelled, slight panic until Sarah sorted it and got me some flights with Korean airways. Phew! I've been training for this Ironman as if I was racing a 70.3 less miles, but more intensive. I've enjoyed it, but its been hard as its just got hotter and hotter out here in the desert. Im really looking forward to smashing it in Korea, but Im looking to race this one very different to races Ive done in the past. Firstly, Im going to smash the swim as hard as I can, its not going to kill or ruin my race and in training all my times are pointing towards a 57mins swim, so thats it Im looking to go for it. The bike...Im going to ease this one, less power as I dont want to kill the legs. So Im looking to go around 5.10/15, then onto the run where I am looking to go around at 5.15/30mpkm pace for the full mara. That would bring me in just over the 10hours mark which isnt my fastest but should hopefully get me to kona.

Cheers for now, be safe.

Ed

It's getting hot again!

2011-05-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yes it's getting hot again out here in desert. What an odd couple of weeks it's been, I'm back into ironman training after south Africa and I have to say that I'm hating it, well iwas hating it, but I seem now to be back in the zone. As the temperature has risen outside things at work have got a little busy too and I'm trying to keep my head down and get on with things.

Training has been going well, apart from last week which was when I hit my brick wall and simply hated everything to do with ironman. It could last for long and after a couple of great session I was back in the grove and enjoying(ish) again ;-)

Elsewhere, things have gone mad in the ironman world, for example Crowie pulled out of IMOz due a chest infection?! Then IMChina had it's swim cancelled due to works happening in the lake and then the WTC made the decision that they were going to cancel the whole thing. Which meant that 25 of the slots for kona were given to IMKorea, great 75 in total, but on the flip side it also means that a load of other athletes will now be making the journey to Jeju Island on 3rd July to race, mmmmm not sure how I feel, but if I want to be on the start in kona come october and race the best I've got to beat the no easy slots here, lottery or something similar, I believe in qualifying fair and square, otherwise I'm sure it wouldn't mean as much to me.

Right that's it for now, I'll keep updating on my training as it's only 7 weeks till race in south Korea, not long.

Be safe,

Ed

IMKorea Course Map

2011-04-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

Have a look at this.......

Ironman Korea

2011-04-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post IMSA to say I've entered IMKorea 3/7/11, flights booked, all sorted, I'm chasing the dream, the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships.

Train safe,

Ed and Sarah

IMSA - Race Report

2011-04-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, so while its fresh in mind I thought I would write my race report from Sunday. Coming into this race I’d been on great form, the plan was an hour swim, 5.05hours on the bike and then a 3.20/30 marathon. All my times in training suggest that this was a real goer and that I was being realistic for Coach Pain and I.

We arrived in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday afternoon, and on the Thursday we registered, got everything we needed to so that then we could relax and prep for the race. Carl and Noel who had also travelled from Dubai and had arrived at the same time as us, so we had so we had some company, which was great. During the rest of the week more of the team from Dubai started to arrive (with bikes after they had been left Joburg!).

Going into this race I’d found it much of hanging around people a little difficult, I’ve never made it a secret of my wish to qualify for Kona. I’m also not someone who when asked will give a lesser time, so as just to look better with their final result. I shoot from the hip and say it the way it is, however this had created a fair expectation (quite rightly) with teammates friends in South Africa, Dubai and around the world. The same is said for Carl (in the 55-59 age group), so there was fair amount of pressure going into this race.

The weather had been something of much debate throughout the week. There had been some huge winds (Ghantootish - 40kph) a couple of days before hand and the sea had been rough too. There was even some talk of making the race run, bike, run, because conditions were so rough out in the sea. I wasn’t too worried about this, we had trained in much worse in Dubai and to be honest while it would have made the day less pleasurable it would, I feel played into my hands more. However, on the day there was a slight easterly wind and the sea was fine.

We racked everything on the Saturday, had an early tea and got the best night’s night I have ever had before a race. I felt very relaxed, as I felt for the first ever no stone had been left unturned and I was in the best shape and form of my life, I was in fact excited, I couldn’t wait to get going.

Morning came and we made our way down the transition early before all the crowds got there. We got everything sorted and then waited. Just before the start we set up on the start there was pod of dolphins swimming across the bay about 50m out to sea. It was awesome to see and a sight I will never forget. I kind of thought it was a message that the day was going to be good, but then there were 2000 other people and I guess they did too! I did my quick warm up, made my way up to start, ready to kick off.

Boom! The canon went. That was it, complete and utter confusion and chaos. This was one of the most physical swims I have ever done. I was dunked, swam over and punched. Now I‘m used to it, we train in JBR sea swims and I have done races before where it’s been rough, but for reason this seemed worse. I’m big believer in giving some of that medicine back and I did. I got out of the first lap in 30 minutes, which was ok, but I was a little disappointed. I ran up the beach, around the crowd and then back into the sea. The second lap was pretty much the same as the first, apart from that there weren’t as many drafts to go around. Getting out for the second time I was on 1.02, again I was a little disappointed, but I knew at that point I had to make a choice on the bike, to roll the dice, to either go for it and try to hang on in the run or to be steady and possibly still end up hanging in on the run anyway.

T1 was ok, but there weren’t many helpers. So I did the bag packing and all that on my tod. I grabbed my bike, made my way to the mount line, flying leaped, mounted and I was off. The first part of the lap was up a hill and in the practice lap I had done earlier in the week this seemed quite easy, however it suddenly seemed about a 10% harder climb, ouch. I was feeling tired and I was struggling to get into my rhythm, which is something I never normally have a problem with. I started to feel a bit better towards the end of my first lap, however the roads, while I had heard from good authority that they were rough, they were so rough, very rough. It was like riding on big sand paper. There were some bumps and patches were they had tired to improve the surface, but it was just the surface, so harsh. There was one stretch of beautiful road and it was bliss, heaven, I loved it. The rest of the route was hard work. Then again this is Ironman, you’re not going to get it free. Towards the end of the second lap the bike starting making all sorts of funny noises, it sounded like Neil’s bike on a good day, I knew it was taking a battering from the road (it was also quite annoying). As well, as the bike getting a pounding I was starting to feel a little ill. Most of what I put into my stomach was bouncing back up a blue colour. This was worrying me if I couldn’t keep anything down then I was going to really struggle on the marathon. My feet were also starting to hurt, which I can only think came from the surface again.

The highlight of the bike course for me was riding along side (and overtaking) Natasha Badmman, the 6 times Ironman World Champion. She is a real inspiration. She quickly spoke to her as I went past, stating it was a real honour to be riding with her, she thanked me and wished me luck. The rest of the bike was just hard, bumpy and not the most enjoyable ride I’ve ever done. T2 was fine, a quick pee, trainers, headsweat, fuelbelt on and then off out for a little run of 42km.

From the start again I didn’t feel right, the plan was to go at 4.30 for as long as I could then reassess from there, but from the beginning my feet were really hurting, probably from the road surface on the bike. I was quickly overtaken by Natasha B, where she thanked me for my words of encouragement on the bike and in doing so she did the same to m on the run. This is what Ironman is all about I feel it so often brings the very best out in people and I stand by what I’ve in the past, it’s made me the person I am today.

I was still being sick, however now instead of it being blue it had changed its colour to a brown (coke) foam. My pace dropped around the back of the university and I was really starting to struggle. I wasn’t sure if I was going finish, as I couldn’t keep coke/water down and I was feeling sick pretty much throughout the run. My feet were still hurting but by now on the second lap I had got used to it, but as I was still being sick and cramping, at this point I knew I had reassess my goals – finishing was the only goal I had in my mind now. I started to run walk and I knew that my dream this time had pretty much slipped away, however I was now simply focused on finishing. The crowds down the main street of PE were great and they really got behind you. The aid stations seemed to come by nice and quickly, but out by the university by the back of the coarse things were different and very quiet, aid stations seemed to take forever to get to and it was a real a struggle just to keep going.

I started to third lap knowing that it would be a matter of time before I would finish. The Kona slot had gone, as had my hoped time of a PB finish, I was now simply looking to finish this race. As I came down towards the main street for the last time I picked my pace up (4.45mpkm!), still with coke foam projecting from my stomach, I headed to the finish chute where I saw one other person turn off to finish. He was about 100m in front of me, game on. Getting strength from somewhere (not sure where) I pushed myself towards him, turning into the finishing chute I just overtook him, he turned out to be a Pro who had a worse day at the office than me. Running down the chute I remember high fiving a couple of kids, going up the ramp, hearing that I had finished and then it all went a little dark. I heard someone shouting to get me out of the finish area, I tried to stand up but really couldn’t. Then six nice South Africa Army guys picked me up and ended up in the Medi Tent being stripped, cooled, HR taken and all that. The day wasn’t complete, the bed in the Medi Tent collapsed on me, which looking back was funny.

A couple of days after the race how do I feel? Well, second amateur Brit overall, 10th in my age group with a time of 10:07, I’m gutted, upset and disappointed to be fair. You ask yourself many questions during an Ironman race, you doubt yourself many times, you go to so many dark places, that when you reach the finish line you feel like you made it. You go through those places in training, you sacrifice so much to even get to the start line of a race like Ironman, time, money, food, beer, time with love ones. To name a few and all you can hope for is that at the end of the day the pieces of the puzzle come together it will come together on race day. This is now my sixth Ironman race in four years. Four years ago I never thought I would even be anywhere near the level I am now. To be even thinking about challenging to get to Kona is a dream, but maybe that’s part of my problem and other age groupers out there in the a similar position to me. For dreams to happen you have to believe. You have to have people who believe in you and you have to believe in yourself. Maybe on this occasion half of that equation was there and the other wasn’t. Maybe I didn’t believe enough in myself. It was a tall ask to come to SA with only 30 slots available and qualify for Kona, but it’s now one that after the race I believe I can do. I truly do believe, it will happen, I will take Sarah to Hawaii one October and I will race on the big island of Hawaii. On a side congrats to the guys who also travelled to PE to race from T2A to race, those of you who were 5 timers and Ironman virgins well done to all. Well done to Chrissie Wellington (who broke the world record again and recorded the fastest running spilt of the day, men and women) and Raynard Tissink (overall winner and record holder). Also all the guys who we caught up with while being over there Toby, Megs and the Cunnama family, Rob and Ash it was great to see you and hopefully we'll do it again soon.

All that is left to say is a massive thank you to all the people who got me to the start line, Adrian at www.ProBike.ae, Toby Jones at ww.bikefitasia.com, the team at www.blueseventy.com, my coach Jason Metters and all the team/training partners at www.tri2aspire.com. Lastly, and most importantly, Sarah without you I couldn’t even get to the start line, let alone finish an Ironman. Thank you, all of you.

Train safe,

Ed

Cape Town, South Africa

2011-04-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

We've arrived and I have to say I never thought i would ever visit a place like this, wow, its beautiful. I also never thought Ironman would take to places like this, when I first started training 4 years ago, it just blows your mind.

Tomorrow is going to fun as we're training in this really cool pool which situated right by the sea, it looks so cool and it's 50m which is just cool in itself. I'm really looking forward to it. We saw some local kids there today going swimming were so excited it was great. On their way past us they shouting and running, saying 'hello,how are you? etc' it was brilliant, the beauty of traveling.

Right we're off for some food its tea here and while I'm being careful in what I eat I'm still enjoying the odd pizza and glass of wine. not long now.

Be safe as always,

Ed and Sarah

:-)

Leaving on a jet plane

2011-04-02T20:46:00.001-07:00

Here we are the start of our trip to Ironman South Africa. All checked in and ready to roll, breakie eaten and almost time to board. I have to say not impressed with terminal 3 in Dubai it's a bit pants to be honest, anyhow fingers cross all goes well. See you in SA.

Be safe,

Ed n Sarah

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Not long now.....I'm fit, the fittest I've ever been!

2011-03-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

This year I seem to have spent the time I have spent on here apologising for not up dating my blog, I've really struggled to understand why this is the case. I was thinking about it this morning while on one of last long rides with a friend of mine. The conclusion I came to was that work has been busy, but the main thing is that my training has been so much more demanding that last year and as a result I'm so much fitter and faster than this time last year.

I'm weighing in at 75kgs that 5 kgs lighter than I was when I raced Ironman China and Challenge Roth last year. I'm riding faster too and running better than I ever have, in the recent Dubai marathon I ran 30km in 2 hours 5 minutes and I recently smashed the international short course event (1500m swim, 100km bike and a 10km run) in Abu Dhabi, where I came 6th overall out of 700 racing in an international event where I was not racing only using it as a training day, coming in at Ironman pace.

With the continued support of www.blueseventy.com my swimming has continued to improve, so much so that I came out my wave in Abu Dhabi in first place. I also now have a bike that fits me better than any bike has ever fitted me, thanks to Toby Jones of www.bikefitasia.com and Adria n Holman of www.probike.ae without these guys I would be not anywhere near as fast or as comfortable on the bike or as fresh on the run, as I start the Ironman marathon.

Without Jason 'Coach Pain' Metters, my coach at www.tri2aspire.com, who has guided me for the last 19 months through my weekly training, local and international races, getting each of my three disciplines to level where I can be competitive within my age group in any Ironman event throughout the world, I would be no where near as fast or as fit as I am today. There's also my training partners who I've trained with over the last year Turnip, Ben, Carl, Sellar and many others you know who you are. Lastly, Sarah, my wife and key member of Team Hawkins without her well....I'm not going there.

These points mentioned mean I'm faster than last year when we hit the start line in Port Elizabeth on 10th April. However there are a few things that worry me, the road surface, the wind, mechanical issues and the lottery that is entering at Ironman event, where some you can turn and finish in just over 10hours only to get a slot and then the next year a 9.05 athlete wins your age group by someone who should really be pro! These worries are all out of my control, so I really can not dwell on them, as I can not change them, however they are questions I wonder about while lay in my pit at night from time to time.

On Monday I go into taper time, a period I always look forward to, but a time once I'm in the middle of I hate. This is for two reasons, firstly I like it because it's about this time of training I'm knackered and I'm looking forward to the rest. Secondly, I hate it, because I start to feel I'm getting lardy fat and that I'm not really training (I know I am but I've got so much more time on my hands it's just plain odd). All very odd feelings. It'll be interesting to see how this taper goes, I'm very much more aware of what I'm doing this year and therefore things such as diet, rest and effort are going to be monitored very carefully over the next two weeks, I am going to be fit, strong and above all fresh when I arrive on the start line two weeks on Sunday in PE.

We're fit, fitter than I have ever been. We are now classed as elite age grouper material, we're searching for the ultimate prize in age group racing in triathlon, a slot to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, USA. It's there in our grasp, my body is there, fit and ready to challenge for this prize, but it will be my mind that gets me there, the race for the slot will only start with 10 miles of the marathon to go....then it's game on donkey kong!

Lastly, this last couple of months we have witnessed some terrible natural disasters throughout the world, our thoughts go out to those effects in the Christchurch, New Zealand and Japanese earthquakes/Tsunami. We wish them all well.

Taper safe,

Ed and Sarah

IMSA, Vegas and Hawaii

2011-02-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

I'm well into my training for Ironman South Africa, hence the fact that I've been crap at keeping up to date with my blog. At the moment I'm logging about 24/5 hours a week training and I have to say that while I'm enjoying it, I'm also hating it. I have never trained so hard in my life, every session is pressurized, which is good but it takes it toll. The other week I read 30km of the Dubai marathon, I bagged that in 2hours 5mins, 4.10pkm and then yesterday I smashed 180km on the bike in 4hours 55mins, however the down side is I am starting to fatigued, I've lost almost 6kgs since Christmas and I've got to keep an eye on that as I don't want to be going to low to quickly as my power will really suffer. I've got myself a bike fit thanks to Toby at bikefitasia.com and my new race kit has been delivered its very cool and I'm looking to forward to wearing in my coming races locally before we head out to South Africa.

I've also heard as of this weekend I've been selected for the Great Britain team to head out to Las Vegas this coming November, which is great news if Hawaii doesn't go my way, but I'm not even thinking about, as I will qualify this year. Right, so back to the training, well sleeping I'm to bed as I've got work in the morning and 12 400ms on 6.15.

Nite nite.

Be safe, train hard as always.

Ed and Sarah

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain commercial

2011-01-08T09:24:00.001-08:00

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain commercial

2011-01-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Ok as Yoda would say.....Bad Man, I am!

2011-01-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Firstly I'm sorry for not posting on here more often, but I just can believe how busy I've been for the last 4months, work has been a mare to be honest, but t pays the bills and keeps me in runners and toys. So its got to be done :-(

I promise I'm going to keep up with this blog, it's new year res! Anyhow HAPPY NEW YEAR and I hope you all had a good Xmas. We flew back to the UK saw Jack and family and put on too much weight, esp as there was so much snow around. It took us longer to get off the M25 than it did for us to fly back from Dubai.

Tomorrow I've got a bike fit with Toby from Bike Fit Asia, I'm looking forward to it. I'll also review the year we've had over the weekend.

Take care

Ed and Sarah

Crowie Camp

2010-11-10T04:51:00.001-08:00

Test

2010-10-22T10:31:00.001-07:00

This is a test

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Location:Dubai

Hot, hot, hot and more hot.

2010-09-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ghantoot Dirt Route:

Wow, what a couple of days. Getting back the sand pit has been great. It's been great to see everyone on the tri team and it's been great to get into some proper training again. My programme for this month is pretty steady and mostly I'm on easy stuff, getting used to the heat again and the humidity. Friday we did a time trial, as a whole group 3 lots of 13kms. I averaged 43kmph throughout, which at this stage of my off season I was happy with. Swimming wise I'm back in the pool hitting out 1.20min per 100m at easy pace and a steady 1km time trial. My running has been fun and to be honest I'm just taking it all a tad steady simply due to the heat etc. This evening I ran with the team on the Ghantoot dirt run 9km off road, then 4.7km at any pace wise you like. My splits are below, kms 1 to 9 were with the team nice and steady, kms 9 to 13 were as you like:

1 00:05:34
2 00:05:45
3 00:05:51
4 00:06:15
5 00:06:40
6 00:06:21
7 00:06:20
8 00:06:22
9 00:05:55
10 00:04:34
11 00:04:37
12 00:04:34
13 00:04:27

Back to work on Monday, still it's been a great summer and Sarah and I have loved every minute. Thanks to everyone who has made it possible from the tri team, friends back home in the UK and lastly, most importantly our families. Especially Jack the dog, we miss you boy and love you forever.

Be safe as always,

Ed

Back in the sand pit.

2010-08-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sarah and I arrived back in Dubai after a great summer traveling around and seeing family and friends. We spent so much time with Jack, it was great and we loved every minute. The flight was an overnighter, it was good on the whole, but you never really feel great after 12 odd hours of traveling and we didn't get much sleep on the plane. All our bags (and the bike!) arrived fine, even though we had loads more stuff than we flew back to the UK with. So much so, that we had to pay £90 extra for the extra luggage in London, whoops! One of the best things about being back in Dubai is the weather I mean the weather on the way to Heathrow was awful rain, rain, we won't be seeing that for another 4months!

This morning, while I was still knackered, I met up with some of the guys from the team and rode for 100km with Wolfies Friday ride and then we ran for an easy 4km afterwards. It was great to see them all, but I struggled in the heat and I could tell that I'd been in Europe for the summer. Still I'm sure that its not going to take too long to get up scratch.

The picture above is Clint and Janey's tortoise. Clint is one of the guys I train with and his on the team. He recently raced in the Philippines Ironman 70.3, where he won his age group. The guy did super good, well done Clint, top marks and he certainly would have beaten this wee tortoise.

I'm looking forward to the coming month, I'm back on training plan and I know it'll include some gym sessions (which I was going to do extra) and a possibility of looking for a big hit out in the Dubai marathon in January - a sub 3hour crack pre-IMSA. I'm also really looking at my diet with Sarah. We are both looking kill some weight and lean down hugely before for Xmas in prep for the big sessions in the new year and IMSA. We both feel that if we both do it, it'll make it easier for for us rather than trying to lean down individually, which is always going to be difficult.

Right talking of food I'm to have some tea.

Be safe,

Ed

Just a quick picture of the bike for you.

2010-08-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Bike porn! :-)

Glass of red wine anyone?

2010-08-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

It almost been 5 days since the summer challenge 100miler and I Sarah and I have been up north to see friends and we had a great time, but I have to admit that I'm ready to go home now back to the sandpit and back to training. I've had a fair bit of wine, red wine which has been beautiful, as I missed it back home and I've really enjoyed having a couple of glasses from time to time.

A number of the team have raced throughout the summer and it's been great to hear how they got on from London tri to Swanage tri, tri2aspire has raced throughout the UK. I'd like to wish good luck to my good friend Clint and training partner, who is racing this weekend in the Philippines Ironman 70.3, good luck mate. We'll keep our finger crossed you qualify.

Good luck mate.

I'm ready to get back into some real training now, none of this unstructured stuff. I'm looking forward to getting back on programme, some sun, smooth roads and going for runs where people don't give you advice on running like Forest Gump.

The worst thing about this mind, is that once again we say bye to Jack. He's been with us for pretty much all the summer and I think to honest that this is the last time that we have him with us like this. We've been all over the UK and I just don't think it's fair on him, just as he thinks he's with us again we bugger off back to the desert, poor lad. So I think, however much it hurts, from now on he'll just stay with my Mum and Dad when we come back. We can just make a huge fuss of him there instead.

Love you Jack x

Ed

Day 6 - Challenge 100, done.

2010-08-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

I started with these legs, so I'll finish with 'em too.

When I started this challenge I started it for one reason. When I first started running properly about 5 five years ago I used read these crazy articles a out Paula Radcliffe running 100miles a week in training etc. I thought 'Jesus, how the hell does she do that?'

Well, a load of Ironman races down the line and a whole load of training, I still never could really imagine what it was like to run that far in training in a week. So I decided that as it was my off season, I could give this a real crack. Go back 6 days and I was standing on the drive of 34 Enfield Avenue, New Waltham, Grimsby ready to get started. If I'm honest with you, it was hard mentally and physically, my legs are now shot for a day or two and I'm I'm looking forward to some down time this week with Sarah and Jack, as we're popping up to Northumberland to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary.

Today was hard going, this morning was 20km very slow at just over 5min/km pace and, then this evening I finished off with just under 5min/km pace, so all in all I'm over the moon with the week and how it's gone. There are a couple of things which have come from doing this challenge, Firstly, me 'BIG' toe, which I've had real trouble with over the last two years has been fine, no worries at all, which is great. Secondly, I always find how amazing all these challenges/race I do are mostly in the head. Most of the people I have raced against are way faster/fitter than me, but I do believe that I'm mentally stronger than most, why? I don't know, but it seems to be the case.

Over the the six days a couple of this things happened, what with Mr Shuffle passing onto the machine heaven and several visits to peoples houses on road trips that were organised prechallenge, but there was one thing that I kept on thinking about during each of my runs. That was my old pal Jonathan Peel, who passed away 2 years ago whilst on a run in Wiltshire, leaving his young family. The guy was one of the best you could meet, he was happy, always with a 'Chrissie Wellington' smile and he never had anything bad to say about anyone, also he was a huge geek with the biggest heart ever. There a are so many people out there who miss him everyday and for that very reason this challenge is dedicated to him.

Jonathan Peel RIP

Just finished!

Be safe as always,

Ed

Day 5 - 15km up hill, 21km after dark, only 35km to go.

2010-08-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

No music, with only my thoughts to run with me, today was always going to be hard, however the first run of the day was up the only hill in Beverley, Yorks all 7.5km out and then 7.5km back (which was down hill). This was hard and I have to admit that my legs are now starting to to give me some cheek for the abuse they have received over the last 5 days. The new total is 125km done in 5 days, I've only 35km to reach the total of 160km and finish the goal of running 100miles in 6 days with a rest day (Monday).

My second run of the day was done after dark and running down the seafront, I got some lovely comments like 'run forest!' and 'c'on legs eleven!' all very original and thanks. My left achilles is extremely sore and I am using my skins to sleep in tonight and I've popped the anti-flams, hoping I've not done something silly, but the session this morning up the hill was hard, so I'm keeping everything crossed. I originally only went out to run 15km, but I thought I'd try to bag the planned 21km, as I really wanted set on task. I have to admit it took all my mental strength to do so, but I'm really happy I did as it will make tomorrow a lot easier hopefully!

I'm looking forward to a couple of these once I've done this challenge.

Right I'm off to sleep, because I'm knackered, this time tomorrow I would have done this silly challenge, only 35km to go!

Here's to a steady 35km tomorrow.

Ed

Day 4 - it's only 15km, but I'm not really that interested and the Shuffle is dead, RIP Mr Shuffle.

2010-08-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Cleethorpes Seafront - I run along here loads.

This one was only 15km, but I really couldn't be bothered. The whole idea seemed to be a pain in the arse and I really just wanted to relax, as we had been traveling a fair bit, it was raining hard, my Ipod had broke and we were also popping up to Sarah Sister-in-law in Beverley that evening, however I ground out 15km all sub 5min, got home, showered, jumped in the car and drove off for a lovely evening in Yorkie land.

RIP Mr Ipod Shuffle,

Ed

:-)

Day 3 - How straight can I go?!!! 30km in the bag, 75km done 85km to go.

2010-08-13T01:06:00.000-07:00

The run out - flat!

The run back - as flat!

These session were quite hard, we were staying at my MUm and Dad's and then we moved onto my sisters for the evening, so I was running in areas I really didn't know. I normally enjoy doing this as you get to see different things, but as you can see from photos there really wasn't that much to see, as the roads were so straight and the countryside was as flat as pancake! The first run I did was 16km out to a river and then I ran ran later in the day for 14km to make up the 30km I wanted to high for the total. On this run I was averaging 4.07min/km and the last km I did a in 3.25min.

My body is holding up well, especially my right foot, which I've had problems in the past so fingers crossed it stays that way!

Run safe.

Ed

Day 2 - only 15km done, another 115km to go.

2010-08-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Oh this was a crap run, trust me, I really didn't enjoy it at all, I started early and I'd had a rubbish nights sleep, after waking up feeling hungary. I had a quick breakie and rushed straight out, as Sarah and I were traveling down to see my Mum and Dad. After about 6km I was bloody struggling, my foot was hurting and I was bonking big style. I just couldn't believe it, after running well the day before I was really thinking I was going to have to walk for a bit, eh? No chance!

You've got to be joking! I slowed my pace down, took stock and just carried on. This sort of thing can happen in a race, so you've got to be prepared and the only way to prepare is to do it in training. So, that's it for today no more running. I'm resting my foot too, as it's a little sore too, as are my legs, but they'll be fine. My shuffle also decided to play me up a bit. I've got another one off ebay coming, so hopefully that should with me before we travel back to Duabai.

So tomorrow, in order to keep to the plan for the week I've got 12km and a 15km run to do for things and then in the evening. We're staying with my sister Emma tomorrow, so it'll be nice to catch up with her and her family.

Be safe, as always.

Ed

Day 1, 2 lots of 15km

2010-08-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

Today I've ran 15km twice, once this afternoon and then this evening. Both times I've felt pretty good, although the first set I had a difficult patch around the 10km marker for reason, maybe because I was being a girl. The first set I averaged 5:03min/km pace and then second set was 4:36min/km, so at a steady rate throughout both runs to be honest. So it's 30km down and another 130km to go this week. I love a good challenge and this is just what I needed to get back into the training and running swing of things.

Run hard,

Ed

Challenge Summer 2010 - Running a hundred miles in 7 days!

2010-08-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since Challenge Roth and I've decided after getting back into to all I'd decided to set myself a challenge, to run 100miles in a week (7 days, if you don't know what a week is). Oh yea, and I don't just want to plod this out, I'll keep up at at 12/14kmph or faster.

I'll update the blog each day, as I go a long, but it's just a bit of fun to keep me training till I go back on programme again from coach pain.

Run hard (well at least for this week).

Ed

Time off, food, drink and then back to running.

2010-08-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

I've a couple of weeks of training and it was lust, but I have to admit that I did miss it. What I didn't miss was the daily grind of needing to do something, either run, bike or swim. I do however, feel that I put on weight and I know that it was under the coaches orders, but I just wasn't too happy with it, to be fair. So pretty early on I got back into my running and I have to say I've really enjoyed it.

A couple of days ago I popped across to the Planet X head offices in Sheffield to have a look around the showroom and to take my rear wheel into have my Powertap fitted. It was a funny trip to be honest, it was all a bit odd there (some of the people), however on my second trip there the day after to pick the wheel up they were completely different towards to me.

The showroom is quite cool, with all their bikes on display. I've spotted a road bike I'd like to get my hands on, so lets see what the new season will bring. If this is what PX is like I'd love to see one of the big European companies are like like Look or maybe what Trek is like, the mind spins it really does.

I'm really looking forward to the new season of training. Sarah and I are going to try a new diet to lose some weight ready for the new season, so It will be interesting to see how that works. I'm enjoying life back in the UK at the mo, but then when we gat back to Dubai is when the real work start again, so I'd like to enjoy this time for now. I'm running loads at the mo, about 150km a week and I'm really enjoying it, hopefully this will help me once I get back to structured training.

Right I'm off to bed, I've got Sarah's foster brother, Jamie and Becky's wedding tomorrow and I'm looking forward to a couple of cheeky ones with all the family ;-)

Train safely as always,

Ed

There it is Sub 10 done and Ironman South Africa next April entered.

2010-07-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Going Sub 10 wasn’t on the plan three years ago when I started this journey. All I wanted to do was to finish one, now 36 months later in 5 races I’m now a sub 10hour Ironman athlete at Challenge Roth on 18th July 2010.

I was fit for the ace, as I’d trained for Ironman China in March hoping to get a Kona slot, but due to the heat, humidity and not really being good enough. I was really spent, more than I realised, physically and mentally. If I’m really honest with myself I struggled massively after China and I didn’t really realise just how much until yesterday morning, when I reflected on the race on Sunday when writing this. I’ve been going through the motions in training for the past couple of months and out of the three disciplines I’ve only really enjoyed my swimming. Probably, because I escaped the heat of Dubai, so, because of this I didn’t fully feel as fit as I was going into China, but I was in good shape.
Mostly, going into the race on Sunday all I really wanted to do was to enjoy it, but and it’s a big, but I truly wouldn’t have been happy if I hadn’t of gone Sub 10.

Everything seems to go really well in the lead up to race. Sarah and I had met Chrissie Wellington and all the team members from Tri2aspire, but then two days before the event at the practice swim I was bitten by something behind my knee - ouch. It was angry, very angry and I couldn’t see any muscle definition around my knee for about 24hours. I was worried, as I was struggling to straighten my knee and run on it, this could be a problem.
The Swim 1.02
Fortunately, through the use of a number of medicines the knee calmed down and by 6.20 I was in the water in the canal ready for the off, ready for Challenge Roth. Despite the fact that there were only 200 guys in my waves start it was the roughest Ironman swim I have ever done. If I got hit, got swam over or I swam over someone else once it happen three or four times. The swim down to the turn around point felt pretty quick, but it seemed to take forever to come back and for the most of it, the swim was pretty uneventful. As I headed out toward the exit I checked my watch and to be honest I was a little disappointed. I’ve been swimming great in training and open water events back home, but whether I didn’t push myself hard effort, got lost or just picked the wrong legs to draft off for a bit, I was 5minutes off target of 57minutes, disappointing really.

T1 – No problems, but just how hard are CEP socks to get on!

The Bike 5.11
I set out on the bike and all the talk before hand had been how fast the course was, but when we drove it on the Thursday afternoon. I remember telling Sarah that I thought it (and the hills) was a little harder than people gave it credit. Equally, there were parts where you could get really battered by the wind. The first lap seemed to take ages and I really felt like I was behind the time I wanted. There were parts of the course that I simply loved the three hairpin descent turns, the Solarberg Hill and some of the descents, where the fastest I got to was 77kph! At this stage I have to mention the Solarberg Hill, if this is what it’s like on the Tour de France, oh my god! I have never and I think never will experience anything like that in a race every again (unless I do Roth again). It is like nothing I have ever seen, heard or raced through, simply incredible, there were, however were parts on the course where (the back end with the wind) I could have just got off my bike, found the recovery vehicle and gone home. I did really find it hard to get into it during the first lap, that was until I started the second lap then I seemed to liven up and I started to enjoy it more. At this stage my front mech, started to play up and wouldn’t change back up to the big ring, so I just stayed in it instead and struggled my way up the hills hoping it wouldn’t damage me too much on the run. I wasn’t eating much to be honest I just didn’t fancy it, throughout the bike I had 4litres of High 5, 500ml of water, 600ml of Ensure (meal replacement drink) and a couple of sips of High 5 Gel. Even through this was the case I still felt fine and I knew I would have to shift onto coke and water straight away in the run. The enjoyment I was feeling on the second may also have come from the fact that there where a lot more people on the course. The first lap was more like racing in Ironman China, there was hardly anyone, but then on the second lap there was also the relay guys, who were mainly bikers, so I knew they would be strong. I rode for the last 80kms with two strong German riders, every so often each of us would that the lead legally. It was a great help to tell truth and I never really quite realised how much help it would be, we didn’t chat at all until the last 10km, where each of us would encourage each other when each of us took the front. I headed into T2 way, way, way too fast with one of the guys, he stopped safely, giving his bike to the helper, whereas almost flew over the handle bars, with one foot clipped into the peddles. The butch German lady grabbed me by the shoulders and stopped me from going over the handlebars! I then ran off into T2.

T2 – No problems here.

The Run 3.35
I started out well and felt good. It really helped having my GPS and my watch telling me my pace and my overall time. The run was quite flat, but there were parts that tested you, grassy parts and some small hills, which just broke your rhythm. On my way out to the first turn around I saw some of the male and female pros heading towards the second turn around. The aid stations were great loads of different foods, but all I really wanted coke and water. In typical fashion as I started the run I was careful not to spill it down my face and on my hands (I hate sticky), so I did tend to walk while I downed the coke and water. Then I’d grab a sponge and wipe my face etc. It was hot, but not that bad to be honest, it felt comfortable, but there was a lot of people suffering, because of it. My pace was going up and down a tad, but this was only due to the areas I was walking in the aid stations, when I was running my pace was pretty much same. The run out through the forest was a pain and at this stage I felt I wasn’t going go sub 10. I wasn’t really in a happy place and I wanted to walk for a bit. I asked myself one question, how much do you really want to go Sub10? So that was that, I wanted it, I really wanted it, for a number of personal reasons alone beyond just the performance factor. I decided that I was just going to cane it and run the aid stations too. So out the window went the idea of not spilling coke down my face! Every aid station I went through there I was chucking coke down my face, in my eyes, ears, just everywhere. I keep my pace up and moved into the town area, where there was a small climb, which I started to cramp on in the calves. I was worrying, I was only 2km from the finish with about 10minutes to get in to go Sub10. I knew it was going to be tight. My quads were also very sore from the bike, hitting the big ring on the climbs, so things were looking a little desperate. I put my head down, gritted my teeth and simply ran through the pain. After 2km I found myself on the finishing carpet, with the crowd cheering. I crossed the finish line and my legs had had enough, all I wanted to do was lay down and rest, so that’s what I did (after I’d stopped the watch). I laid there for a couple of minutes, got up, grabbed a couple of beers, I sat down and chatted to a nice French guy for a while. Then it started to sink in, I’d done it, I’d gone under 10hours for an Ironman – 9.57.12. I couldn’t believe it, I’d done it!

Afterwards
After a massage, food, etc I had to find Sarah. To be honest most of the way round the race I kept saying to myself that if I when Sub10 that would be it for a while and that I’d take some time out from long distance triathlon, however, by the time I’d met Sarah I’d already decided to enter Ironman South Africa (which I’ve now done only 4 days after).

What did I think of the event?
If you ever do one long distance race, this has to be the one. I do not think there is anything like in the world. The Challenge motto is ‘We Are Triathlon’ and the ‘Challenge Family’. That is what they are about, family. Felix (the race director) not only looks after the athletes, but possibly more importantly they look after the families who in turn look after the athletes. Without the families, the athletes wouldn’t be there to race. The Challenge series seem to understand this and in turn everyone there at Roth felt included and had a great time, something the WTC could learn a lot from, maybe?

Photos to follow as we're staying with friends in the south of England at the mo. Looking forward to getting out running again very very soon, watch this space.

Be safe,

Ed and Sarah

Roth 9:57:12 - 9hour something Ironman Athlete, Ed Hawkins

2010-07-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Thats it, I'll update the blog later with a full race report, but for now I'm a 9hour something Ironman! Get in!

Roth - Race Day

2010-07-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here it is race day, it's 4am I'm able to go the door to jump in the car to make my way to Rothsee the start of Roth 2010. Breakfast is down I've managed one toilet stop hopefully another before the start. Then all go from then on.

Wish us luck! I'll update later on after I've finished.

Cheers Ed

Roth - Day 3

2010-07-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

I've been bitten by a nasty little create at the river yesterday swimming - ouch. It's just behind my knee and it's really painful! Why oh why? Just before the race too, so I'm now stuffing tables down my mouth hoping to bring the bite down a little. There was also a huge thunderstorm last night, I mean the biggest I have ever seen in my adult life. The lighting was awesome, as was the sound of the thunder. There were some really odd Germans outside our room at 3am getting all excited about the storm they were shouting, hitting themselves etc all very odd to be honest.

Today is the last day before the race this time tomorrow I'll be on the bike, so this morning I'm just going to bike for 15mins and then run for 15mins just to keep the legs going ready for the morning. Then this afternoon we've got the race meeting and the checkin of our blue run bags, our bikes and helmets. Then its a last check to make sure I've got everything else for the day then it's already for the morning.

Take care,

Ed and Sarah

Roth - Day 1 & 2

2010-07-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well the weather is lust...in the 30s and we've all been doing bits and bobs here and there, like popping to the bike shop. Above is the shop sign in the local bike - classic I love it!
This morning we swam and bit of the course and then biked for an hour or so, then we drove the bike course. It seems pretty good to be honest there are some lumps here and there but nothing too bad, so fingers crossed I should be looking at around 5.10 maybe a bit more. The swim is nice to, the water is cool, but not too cold in the canal, I felt good during the swim practice this morning and it should be pretty easy naving it as it's just straight up and straight down. The one thing I would I would say about this race through is it is huge here and we having even got to the weekend yet. There is so much going one I have never seen anything like it. Anyone who comes here and races, then they go away to do an M dot race is going to be so disappointed, I have never seen seen a town get behind a race this before, it's brilliant.

5 in-a-row, a new frame, a new apartment and now Roth

2010-07-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, well it's been a while since I posted on my blog and loads of things have happened I've been sooo busy. Firstly I finished off winning all the UAE sprint racing at the Golden Tulip Hotel including a super sprint event. We also had a training camp after one of the event which was super hard due to heat - 44C if not hotter!

My new frame turned up for the last race, I decided to call it panda again in memory of my first TT bike, which I loved. Hopefully this one will be as fast.

I like it in white super sexy and at the mo the only one out of the UK!

We also moved into a new apartment, so I'm nearer all the places I train which is going to make life so much easier for me. However at the mo we have flown to the UK and then on to Germany as I am racing in Challenge Roth, which is an an Ironman distance race. Look who I bumped into yesterday when we arrive and got lost, so I asked a local for some directions!!!

Chrissie was super nice, I wished her good luck for Sunday and she did the same.

So here we are in Germany, Roth getting ready for the race on Sunday, all the team are here too. We all when for something to eat last evening and on the way home I took out 165kph in the car on the Autoban OMG! I'll post some more photos later, as we are going for a swim at the swim venue and then for a little ride on the course.

later, be safe.

Ed

Sorry my bad!

2010-06-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

My bad I've not posted on here for ages - sorry! I will in the next week I promise! Here's a photo taken for 220 magazine in the UK, you like?

A wins a win and the tallest building in the world

2010-04-16T03:55:00.000-07:00

A week on and I thought I would let you all know how I got on last week (sorry I know I should have posted earlier, but I've been super busy). Last weeks race when well all thinks considered, a late night before, Ironman China still in my legs etc. The swim was great, by far and a away the best swim I've done. I got the water in 3rd place overall behind Roy Nasr and one other athlete. The bike was hard going as I really found it difficult to push the big gears and therefore I struggled to get distance over Roy and in fact I feel he rode way better than me, both of us coming into T2 together, however he wasn't running and therefore I left transition and I moved into first place. I ran the run in a controlled manner just doing enough to come home 45 seconds over second place.

I was happy to get another win, two out of two sounds good and from that win I should be able get some more interest from sponsors etc. However, I'm not fully happy with my overall race as I struggled in parts I've never struggled ie the bike, but I'm not going to moan too much I've got to put it all in perspective and enjoy it.

This week we also when up the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building....it was amazing, truly amazing. Right, I've got to keep the training going as in two weeks today I've third and final round of the championships, not long now.

Train safe as always,

Ed

Back to training and the 2nd round of the UAE Sprint Championship

2010-04-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

We've been back from China for about 3 and a bit weeks now. I'm back in training, enjoying the new programme from the coach with some long runs, 25kmsish, some long rides, with brisk runs, 125kmsish and some hard swim sessions, loving the band.

My body is still struggling in some ways, I've still been getting some nose bleeds, I've an infection in my nose (or a reaction to the dust out here in the desert), my skin is poor (a spotty back) and I've also had another flare up of my cyst again. Ironman really takes it out you especially when you race hard. Every time I race I forget just how much you damage you body, no wonder the pros only race twice or three times a year, some of them only race Kona if they're good enough to.

The training I'm doing is enjoyable, but I have to admit that its been difficult to get back into it when I'm on my own. Challenge Roth (Ironman distance) next in July with the Tour De France to watch, but next Friday is the second round of the UAE Sprint Triathlon Championships. I'm looking forward to racing hard and to see how I've recovered. There's a lot of guys out here who are just about to hit their peak of the season for the Spring Ironman races throughout the world, so it's going to be a hard one. It's a non wetsuit race too, so that always puts a little spice into the race. It'll be fun.

Sarah's Mum and Dad come out on Thursday, so we are looking forward to showing them the sites of Dubai plus it's great to be on holiday as always.

I'll let you all know how I get on Friday.

Happy Easter and train safe.

Ed and Sarah

Ironman China, IV dips, medi tents and home

2010-03-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's almost been two weeks since Ironman China, we've been home for just about a week and a half. The journey home was a little difficult to say the least, what with extremely sore feet, post race stiffness and the staff of China Southern airlines being a complete pain in the rear (I will never fly with them again, it almost cost us 380 sterling just to get the bike home!). We arrived home at 3.30am, only to be in work at 7am that morning, oh well international Ironman racing was never going to be easy.

The race itself is a funny one really, weather conditions on race day, which were due to be hot and humid. However, on our arrival it was very and windy, not what we was expecting! The hotel was nice, but I was shocked to see how the local people lived. A couple days before race day I headed out on one of my prerace sessions, only to be met with a dead cow on the side of the road with loads of rats feeding of it, now I understand that this happens in all walks of life but this was situated in the garden/paddy field of a family how were working in it, a different world, trust me.

The other side of the coin meant that I had the pleasure of visiting the hotel spa a couple of times for a rub down. It was a slightly different experience that I've had before what with paper pants etc.

The swim course was in a river, it was 4 laps with age grouper setting off 5 at a time with a 5 second interval. It became quite physical, but mostly due to training with tri2aspire on Saturdays I felt I was ready for it. However, I was kicked in the face, pushed under the water and punched by accident a number of times by the other athletes.

I was slightly disappointed with my swim time 1.03, which was down by 7 minutes to what would have been happy with. Into T1 I went where I changed into my gear. Due to the weather improving 40C and with a humidity 84%, completely different to the weather leading up to the weekend, I had to make sure I was suncreamed up and fully hydrated for the bike.

Heading out onto the bike and it was always going to be windy, as the Island Hainan, as there was a strong sea breeze coming in (I even saw one athlete being blown off his bike!). The bike section flew by, as it is the part I most enjoy normally and we also rode through some really cool old Chinese towns and villages, where all the locals where outside supporting us as we rode by. The locals would shout out go fast in the local tougue. I did started to feel the heat toward the end of the bike section and in the back of my mind I really was not looking forward to run, which was going to really hard due to the increased humidity and the heat.

After 5.10 on the bike (which I was over the moon about, beating Justin Granger) I entered T2. Throughout the whole of the bike I had been drinking well, but eating aswell as I'd like, maybe I need to look into this. I really struggle to get solid food down when racing, maybe in the future I need to switch to just gels and maybe ones without a taste as they just get so sweet. I knew heading out onto the run that I was well hydrated, therefore I should be able to put in a good time on the marathon run leg.

However, the temperature was so hot and it was so humid that I really started to struggled, as did many of my fellow athletes, some of whom I saw sitting on the side of the road after pulling out of the race. I started out at 4.30mins/km, but after 2 km I was blowing big style, my heart rate was at 92%! So because of this I pulled it back to 5min/km then 5.30min/km and from then on I kept it at that. However I did also decided to walk the aid stations and then continue for a minute afterwards, just to lower my heart rate which was way too high. The heat got worst as did the race continued. I did not want anymore carbo drink, so instead I switched to flat Coke (beautiful. There was no support on the run course, apart from a stretch in the city and, so because of this in was really easy after 30 odd kms to find it a lot harder than you really were. It was a real mental battle to keep yourself going one foot step at a time to finish the race.

After 10 hours 29 minutes, I finished, I don't remember too much of it, because as soon as I crossed the I collapsed and ended up on a IV dip in the medi tent. After 45 minutes I was back on my feet able to get all belongings etc and celebrate finishing what is meant to be one of the hardest Ironman courses in the world. While I was disappointed with my time (as I wanted to go 45 minutes faster ) I can be happy in the fact that I beat at least 3 full time pros and that I was first home in the British team. Even though I have now raced a number of Ironman throughout the world, it was extremely hard and the most physically demanding and mentally taxing race I have ever done in my life due to the heat and the humidity.

In my bid to qualify for Hawaii I fell short by 10 minutes and, therefore I will not be going this year, which is a huge shame and I was very disappointed. Every cloud has a silver lining and, although I missed out on qualifying for Hawaii, I have two weeks off training then it’s all go for the Challenge Roth in Germany this Summer and hopefully a 9.40 time, which I am very much looking forward to. It also means that next year I can try my hand again at getting to Hawaii, somewhere else in the world, Ironman South Africa has a nice ring to it..........

Take the “IM” from IronMan and it turns the impossible into the possible.

Off to China to chase a dream.......

2010-03-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

It's the evening before we leave to go to China and I'm really struggling to come to terms with just how quickie it's rolled about. It feels only a couple of weeks ago Sarah and I appeared here in the desert, met up with Jason down at JBR and I sat on the front of the pack at Ghantoot blowing out of my arse just to stay there in my first session with the team. Here it is in 24 hours we'll be just about to land in China hopefully bike et all!

It seems even more unbelievable that just 5 years ago I was only just considering about doing a triathlon let alone trying to get my then fat arse to Kona, via Ironman China - unbelievable. Fingers crossed all goes well, fingers crossed no hiccups, fingers crossed we get that slot to the world champs.

I'm going to try to update the page while we are in 'hotel' so watch this space and come along for the ride..........

Cheers all,

Ed

Goodbye Cyst, Hello China!

2010-03-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

The last week has been a little worrying to be honest. Just before the Golden Tulip Triathlon last week I seemed to have what looked like a spot appear on the right eye brow, this grew and grew and grew, until it looked like something out of Star Wars (I'm sure it was just all my brain power trying to get out!). It turned out to be a cyst - not good, trust me it was very painful. So I popped to docs to get some help and advice, as it was starting to swell around my eyes and nose (I looked like something out of Avatar). I was starting to get really worried reference to the flight out to China and racing too as I also had a headache with it. After some pills and a small op from the doctor i.e. cutting a hole and squeezing all the crap out (cottage cheese) it felt so much better straight away and I have been able to get some sessions in this week while tapering. I think it just came about due to being run down after all the training and then going into taper I just relaxed and ended up with a second head!
We fly out this coming Tuesday and I picked up the visas yesterday – exciting! I just really struggle to believe that we are on our way to China and that we really going. It seemed such a pipe dream a year ago, when we were still living in Somerset, everything seemed so far away. I always wanted to go to places like China as a kid, but I never really thought it would happen. Now all I've got to do is race as hard as I can and qualify for Kona (fingers crossed). I am feeling the pressure a bit a lot of people have really put their faith in me, giving me time off work etc, we have spent a lot of money and Sarah and I have made a lot sacrifices in order to give me this chance, it's a massive opportunity that I do not want to let go by the way side.

I'll try to update the blog while we are in China in the lead up to the event, as I'm taking my laptop and hopefully we will have wifi in the hotel room.

This weekend all I've got left to do is a small ride with group and a steady 'fun' sea swim on Saturday, before coffee and a farewell to the team. Then that's it really, just finish work on the Monday evening and make our way to the airport.

Lastly, good luck to Marc this weekend at Ironman New Zealand, Taipo. Marc and I have done the lion’s share of all our training together and it's his first Ironman race. We'll be thinking of you mate this Saturday and keeping close taps on how you're getting on, you'll do amazingly well I know.

Train safe, race hard.

Ed

Golden Tulip Tri and only two weeks to go.......

2010-02-27T08:54:00.001-08:00

There is only two weeks until we race in Ironman China and only a week Tuesday till we fly out to China. Man, we are sooooo excited, not only to be racing an Ironman again, but to travel the see China, well some of it, not long now!

Yesterday, I race out near Abu Dhabi, Ghantoot in the Golden Tulip Sprint Triathlon. There were quite a few guys racing, including a couple of ones from the area who have been here for a while. The distances were a 600m swim, 26km bike and then a 6km run.

The race went well and it was a mass deep water start. I pretty much missed my draft in the swim, so I was on my own for most of it and I came out of the swim in 7th place overall, about a minute down, co I knew my work was set out. My T1 was fast, even through I was wearing a wetsuit.

Out on to the road on the bike and I was quickly hitting over 50kmph and I hit out at 58km! I quickly saw the guys in front and I knew what I had to do to hit the front. However I also knew that the guys coming up from behind were quick, so I really had to push the pace. As I was flying out on the bike I knew that the way back was going to be hard as! Er it was! 35kmph on the way back, ouch, but if it was bad for me it was going to be bad for everyone else!

I hit the turn around in first place and really put the hammer down to get a good lead off the bike, as I knew the guys coming through were strong runners. After the second lap I flew into T2, threw the trainers on and I was quickly out on the run course. After a loads of encouragement from all the team and the guys watching (esp coach and Sarah) I hit the pace hard for the first 2km, but I struggle a little at the turn around aid station. Seeing the other guys chasing me after the turn around I knew I had push the pace so I really kicked it hard and made my way towards the finish.

I crossed the line in first place. The team also scored first female, 2nd female, third female, 4th male and first vet male. It was pretty awesome to be honest, a great day at the office!

Right thats it from me, the next time I blog we'll almost be really to travel to China!

Train safe and well done to the team Tri2aspire!

3 weeks till China and the unofficial UAE Championships

2010-02-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

Not long now and I have to report it's been a great 3 weeks of training since I last reported. Some the sessions I've been hitting have just been building my confidence further and further. Last week I hit 95kms on the bike in 2hours 30mins and then kicked out 20kms on 4.30mins per km. I was loving in the heat of the day. From next Sunday I will be on official tamper mode, which I'm not too sure how I feel about it. Another journey will be coming to an end, but then another door will open for me.

The foot is still sore, but I got some new trainers last weeks and that has made a world of difference. However, I must report that I didn't that part in RAK Half marathon last weekend. I just really didn't want to risk the foot for China, so I hit a big bike session instead.

This coming weekend is the unofficial UAE Sprint Triathlon Championship at the Golden Tulip Hotel near Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi. It's a 600m swim, 26km bike and to finish a 6km run - I'm looking for about 1 hour 7mins(ish). This should be good fun, but some reason I don't now if it's because I want to do well for the team, my coach, for Sarah, for myself, but I am feeling nervous and I know if I swim well and I'm looked after by the team during it, then ride strong (as I know I can) and then run well (which I have been), I should do well and I'll be happy if I'm top 5 age grouper. I'm told Faris Al Sultan is racing with his team Abu Dhabi, so it'll be interesting to see how strong those guys are.

As for China, Sarah and I are in the process of getting our Visas sorted this week, as we are on half term this week. I've also order some kit back in the UK to my mates house who I work and he's gone home of the hol, so hopefully he should get the new lens (I scratched my jawbone lens!), new tubs and other bits and bobs for China.

Right, thats it for now. I'll report in after the weekend to let you know how the race goes on Friday. Fingers crossed, it'll be odd going to race without Jack mind to keep Sarah company :-(

Train safe,

6 weeks and counting!

2010-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's only 6 weeks till we make our war to China to race. I am really looking forward to traveling, but we've got bits and bobs to do before we leave, visas, a couple of 180km rides etc! It will fly by and soon the race will be upon us and I'll be stood on the start line - pooing my pants (again). I scored sponsorship with Blue Seventy again this year, once again I am soooo happy to work with this company they simply are the best and I'm so saying that as they are flowing me kit, they really do make the best product on the market for wetsuits etc.

Thanks to Blue Seventy, Guy and Naomi.

Up date on the foot injury - still quite poor but I am just trying to run through the pain to be honest. My plan for this month is not as hard or should I say intense as I thought it would be honest, but the sessions are more about quality. My coach is hoping to keep me fresh and ready for battle in China. An interesting note was that last week I eat a load of crap to you the truth - pizza hut. If I'm honest my training was crap too and I really struggled with motivation. To give you an example of this I struggled to put a ride together pushing an average of 34kmph, where I can normally hit 36/7kpmh! It just showed my how important the fuel that I put into my body is. Equally, things have been full on at work, what with inspections (which was ok) and sports days coming up, its all a little serious and while I'm not afraid of hard work (I do Ironman for goodness shake!), I equally like to work with a smile on my face and for the past couple weeks this hasn't been the case. It's just not me, I don't like it.

This weekend I've got a time trail of 100km bike and then a 10km run. Coach wants me to hit 40kmph (2hr 30mins) on the bike and then a 43min run*. I think I'll be more happy with a 2hr 45min bike and a sub 40min run.

We'll see, I'll keep you posted.

Right, I'm going to slope off to bed to catch soon shut eye. I promise I'll put some new photos up soon too

Train safe, as always.

*Update, yea I killed the session, 80kms in 1hour 57mins and 12km in 44mins - sweet!

Inspection time, training and the F.A. Cup

2010-01-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Right first of all, lets get it out the way, yes Arsenal have been dumped out of the cup for another year by Stoke, yes Stoke! I mean bloody 'ell! Do I not like that!

On a more pleasant note (yea, right!) Repton School Dubai, where I teach is being inspected at he moment, which is nice. It's ok really, apart from a few hiccups, just like a normal week of teaching then and I'm still getting the training in. I'm starting to feel like I'm peaking ready for China in 6 weeks time. I'm feeling strong on the bike, last Saturday after a (from me) crap swim, Ali, Roy, Clint and myself flew out to Johan's Junction and killed a quick 100kms. In parts we were pushing 40-45kmph. Then on the way back with the wind we knocked off 50kmph average, it was beautiful and I felt great. I did a BIG weekend of training, something like 14 hours in total.

Right, thats it for now. Good luck to the guys heading out for the camp this weekend at Al Ain I wish I was coming out with you for the big weekend, but some of us have to work, as I've touring cricket team coming to stay.

Train safe and take care,

Ed and Sarah :-)

Big Toe, 10kms and the sun again!

2010-01-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well we've back in Dubai (home) for about three weeks and I'm really getting into the training. It's hard to motivate myself at times, but it's for a number of reasons, mainly my big right toe, which has been giving me some pain for a while. I decided to go to the doctors as last year it had been diagnosed as a Morton Neuroma and I was given a shot of pain relief.

However on my visit this time it turned out not to be case and I certainly would not be a shot. The doctor order a X-Rays and an MRI scan. It turns out that my big toe is not at all flexible in the joint and therefore I over load my poor other toes esp my second one, which has really started to hurt. I've been to see the man who is fitting me with orthics, but this will take time to get used to, but fingers crossed we are on our way to getting it sorted.

On a top note, Sarah and I did the Dubai 10km last Friday just gone gone. Sarah did really coming in just over the hour. I was so proud of her and we've put her medal by the TV in the apartment. I race well placing 28th overall, out of 6ooo, in 37.12, 3RD Brit over the line, but I do feel I could have gone faster if I had sarted at the front. I would have got with the runners group and then been pulled along with them. However, considering I have not been training for the 10km and going way longer it was a pleasing result, but then again I'm never happy.

It is great to be back in the sun. It just makes training so much easier and I've been able to get some top session in with Marc, who is doing Ironman New Zealand and Clint, who is gunning for a sub 10hour Ironman in Roth.

Right thats it from me, I promise to update this more often, it's one promise I'm going to keep from the New Year.

Train safe and take care, always.

Ed and Sarah

December time, sun, sun and a bit of rain, but it's really cold in the UK

2009-12-13T02:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted on here and this has been for a number of reasons, firstly work has been super busy and life in Dubai has been just as! But I have to report that training has been going well, apart from a week where I had a touch man flu.

I'm fully entered into Ironman China on March 14th next year, training has been ramped up over the last month and I'm getting in some big sessions. Every Friday, I'm bagging at least 160kms on the bike and then I'm hitting the 4kms of swim sets on a Saturday down at the beach by JBR. My body is holding up pretty well, but I have started to pick up a couple of niggles esp in my foot and left calf, which I need to get looked at in the New Year.

I've raced a couple of times now with my new team. I came second in the first sprint and then first in the second. It felt great to have a big hit out and I felt strong. We also had a training camp near to Al Ain, it was good to get together with the team just before they all travelled out to either Phuket Triathlon or Ironman Western Australia. All the guys did super well, sep Roy who came second in his age group in Phuket and Carl who came 5th in his in Oz.

In the coming twos months I've got the Dubai 10km, Wadi Bi Race and the Saucony RAK half marathon, where I'm looking to go quite quick, around the 1hour 20 mark. In training I've running well, even though I'm been focusing on it. Last week in training I had 2 hour run set to do where I covered 34kms. This is great not only, because it's good for my racing, but also, because I've scored a sponsorship deal with Saucony U.A.E. Tony has been great supplying me with kit, trainers etc and I'm super looking forward to getting my new racing Saucony Fast Twitch 4 in the New Year for all my races in 2010.

Thanks Tony and Saucony, U.A.E.

Well, I think thats most of what I've been up. I'm in U.K. at the mo celebrating Christmas with family and family, oh my life it's cold. But it's really good to see our dog Jack, we really miss him and it's the best Xmas pressie in the world to spend some time him. I'm back home on the 5th Jan and looked forward to getting my teeth back into my biking and swimming as well as my running that I'm doing in the cold at the mo.

My New Year's resolution is to post on here more often, honest!

Take care in the snow or in the sun, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Train safe.

It's Kona time, October and it's still sunny here in Dubai.

2009-10-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone in the cheap seats - the UK that is. I've heard the weather has been great there of late, but I'm sure that over the next couple of weeks things will turn and those Sunday morning rides are going to harder and wetter. Here, it's just starting to get nice, it's cooling down, which means mid 30s during the day time, sweet.

I've got together with a group out here and I've been on a couple rides/sessions with them. The first was a nightmare, I blow BIG stylie. It was an easy 3 hours session and after 1 hour /I'd made the front pack and I rode hard, but not that bad if I'd been in better shape (6 weeks the Europeans and loads of enjoying life etc). Which we hit the last 10kms it was game on and racing, however I just fell of the back and my made my way back from doing 37kph on the front, to rolling home at 20kph! I learnt a HUGE lesson that day. Still, I made up for it two weeks later by killing them all and finishing of topping out at 50kph! Beautiful!

Well, this weekend it's Kona, Ironman World Championships. My new coach (who is good friends will Crowie) spoke to him last weekend, he's good shape and looking forward to it, however he's feeling the pressure what from sponsors etc. Whereas Macca is feeling cooling cool and he seems to be just enjoying it. It'll all come clean in the wash on Saturday, best of luck to everyone racing from Pros (esp Chrissie) and Age Groupers alike.

Hopefully next year I'll be there to race too.

Take care and train safe.

Ed and Sarah in the Desert

Hitting the hard stuff

2009-09-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I have joined the Aviation Club in Dubai. It's beautiful to be honest, the gym is great loads of free weights and cardio machines. Downstairs there's swimming pool with real lanes, a steam room etc all the toys. It's great to go there after work, put in a big session and then chill and have a nice meal with friends.

I have never had this sort of treatment after training so hopefully it can some way to improving my performances during sessions and more importantly during races. We have joined it with some friends that we've made out here. It's always good to have people around you that you get on with and I believe it's even more important in a strange country.

Training has started well for the season after having some time off to move etc. I'm now concentrating on simply cardio stuff as I mentioned last time and light weight training in prep for last years Ironman China in March 2010, so it's game on, tampon!

Cheers all, peace.

It's Dubai baby! But it's hot, hot!

2009-09-01T22:34:00.001-07:00

We out here in the sand and it's hot! Well, actually it's really hot over 40 everyday! I've been out running a number of times during the day time and it's meant that I'm now getting used to the heat when walking round, but I'll tell you it's hard work the train during it at the moment.

Sarah and I have started the new job and the guys we're working with seem really nice and I'm looking forward to having a good crack with them. The apartment is pretty cool too and we've been really lucky to be placed in one which has two bedrooms, nice. I'm hoping to make contact with a couple of guys reference to racing out here and esp bike training near Nal a Sherba.

It was great to see Gil and Nat last week on their way back to UK from Kenya and we had a wicked time at Wild Wadi. Some of the slides were cool and it was super fun.

All our boxes have arrived last night. It was great to see them again. I gave the bikes a quick over and they seem okay, even if one of the bike boxes have been damaged, so I think I'm going to claim for that. But the new Bike Box Alan stood up fine and I was pleased with it's performance.

It's Wednesday here today and that means that we've only got Thursday left before the weekend. It's going to be odd having a whole weekend off as well as finishing work at 2pm each day as it's Ramadan at the moment. I'm going to post some more pictures etc later on.

Right I've got to get on with some work.

Take care.

Team GB - Prague ETU Long Distance Triathlon Championships

2009-08-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a funny month. We moved to Grimsby to stay with Sarah's Mum and Dad, then we popped across to Bolton to support some friends at Ironman UK (well done to Justine, Matt, Strewie, Dougie, Steve. Les and Toby) and saw what was possibly the best ever first ever Ironman start by Phil Graves.

Then we fly off to Prague to compete in the ETU Long Distance Champs Team GB, phew and on top of that almost everything we own was shipped out to our life in Dubai by Ian the DHL man! Apart from that it's been a normal month! With only 5 days to the BIG move I've start to appreciate things more than I have ever, time with Jack esp.

The race in Prague was a real eye opener it just goes to show just how looked after we are when we race WTC Ironman distance events. Quite a few of the aid stations ran out of water! The officials weren't really sure of the course that morning (two and a half laps or three?) and as for the ship that that cut through the swim during the race.......it was just not real I tell ya.

Still I was pleased on the whole with the race, but there still is much improvement to be made. My bike was the disappointing aspect this time, as I expected to go much faster. Still I made up for it in the run and while really I should be running faster, it was a hellish hot day (42C), so I was happy with my efforts. But what I was mostly happy with was my position in the team I came 6th out of 67 team members, I was over the moon so you could say that I am the officially the 6th fastest long distance athlete in the country as of this race - nice! I was 53rd overall too out of 390 athletes.

What was also really great was that we met up with so top guys, Andy, Steve, Tom and Donna. Donna I know from where we used to live back in Somerset and with the Wizards, but the other guys were all off tritalk.co.uk. It was great to meet up with them and we got on really well, they are all great guys and hopefully we'll meet up next year for the same event in Spain.

Cheers guys and stay safe over the winter in cold UK. ;-)

Grimsby, Bolton and Prague

2009-07-28T14:19:00.001-07:00

I'm so sorry I haven't posted for awhile, but my access to the 'tinternet' has been limited, because Sarah, Jack and I are staying in Grimsby with my in-laws for a month or so until we make our journey to the Middle East for Dubai for a new life in the sands.

Training has been going well. I've got around 30 hours a week roughly and I've met some nice people in North East Lincolnshire to train with. One of them is doing Ironman UK this weekend in Bolton and his brother is the Double Ironman* on Staurday too - respect! While I'm on Ironman UK, I'm really looking forward to seeing the guys from the Wizards this weekend who are racing in Bolton,as we are going to travel across to give support big style. A big shout goes to Stevie G, Justine and Matt (who's had hamstring difficulties in the last week - fingers crossed for you pal).

It's also not long till I fly over to Prague to race for Team GB. I've got a mixure of nerves and excitment about the whole event, I just don't know what to expect at that level/distance - it'll be fun. Anyhow I'm now in taper for the event so training etc is winding down, then I've got to go and get my new bike box from Rotherham for the trip. I'll keep you posted reference that.

Oh lastly, and more importantly my best mate Gilbert and his wife Natasha are expecting their first Baby in Feb. What can I say but I'm so made up for them, take care guys, all three of you.

Night.

Ed

*Paul came an amazing 2nd overall!!!! A smashing result for a top bloke, just his double tri-weekend to go now this season good luck Paul, stay strong.

Hat trick - Bon Voyage!

2009-07-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

A win is a win and considering I've had some time off training, well structured training it was not a bad result. It was also my last race in the UK before our move abroad to Dubai (bye bye to the UK race scene - I've loved every minute) and it was the first that I have used bunny in 'anger'. So scraping the win was a good win. If I sit back and think about it, this time threes years ago I would never have thought that I would win an event, so to put things in perspective I'm super happy to have No. 1 next to my name.

Over the coming weeks we move to Grimsby (with the In-Laws), continue to train and then make our way to Prague to race in the Europeans, so it's going to be a little bust to say the least, hopefully it's going to be straight forward.

Lastly, a huge WELL DONE to James Cunnama, team member of Team TBB and the brother of a friend of mine. He placed 2nd in Ironman Austria on Sunday, a top result for a super guy, who has worked really hard, plus he is young and has a great future in front of him.

Train hard, train safe, as always.

Crewkerne Sprint Triathlon

2009-07-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I'm racing again. It's a super sprint, but I am looking forward to it, it'll be nice to use Bunny in anger. However, I've been bitten by a horse fly just above my knee and it bloody hurts! Unbloody believable, typical - fingers crossed it'll be ok!

I am now officially a free man, as I finished work yesterday for the Summer until we move out to Dubai in mid August - bring on the training. I'm really looking forward to getting to grips with my training since it's been hard over the last part of term. We move in a week and half to Grimsby to live Sarah's Mum and Dad for a month or so, so life is going pretty hectic, what with packing etc. Then we've got ETU Long Distance Champs in Prague in early August so life isn't as straight forward I we thought it was going to be.

Train safe.

I'd like to introduce Bunny, she's a beauty!

2009-06-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here she is, in all her glory, Bunny. I picked her up this morning from Chantie who had the odd bits and bobs to sort on her. She is such a beauty and I was able to take her out for a spin later on that afternoon and I have to say - oh my life, she's fast! I averaged 26 mph for a sprint distance race I've got coming up. Sponsor logos on and Polar sensors sorted, I'm so looking forward to getting to know her over the coming few days ready for Crewkerne Sprint Tri this weekend and then the European Long Distance Champs in Prague in August.

Cranks, work and resting!?

2009-06-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's not been this best of weeks since Ironman UK 70.3. It was Sarah's and mine birthday last Thursday, which was pretty pants to be honest as we just worked all day - 16hours! On the Wednesday my nice, new Planet X arrived, however the joy was short lived as it was minus a couple of key parts and the cranks thread was all wrong so it has had to be sent back. I really haven't enjoyed the last week of resting, I did do one run, which felt good, but really the week has been a waster quite simply, because I have been so damn bust with work. I am really looking forward to the move out to Dubai, where I can really put into action my plans to qualify for Kona.

Anyhow, back to the training this week thank goddness.

Ironman UK 70.3

2009-06-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Just over a week ago I was bedding down in my tent on the campsite at Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor National Park. The reason, to race Ironman UK 70.3. I really was not too sure how I was going to get on, as I don't think that I had really been able to prepare fully or as I would have liked to, not enough biking and brick/open water sessions.

We got to bed after a nice early evening walk with some friends, Matt and Justine, who we were camping with, they were also racing. The day started pretty early to be honest, as some of the race team were making a real noise, waking me up nice and early - too early! Once 4am had hit it was time to get some food inside me. Once I'd had breakie I popped into transition to sort the bike out ready for the off. Drinks on, tires pumped it was time to put the wetsuit on etc.

6am was coming around pretty damn fast and in the blink of an eye it was time to go to transition ready for the off at 6am. However, due to conditions a mist had formed on the lake and it was unsafe to enter the water. After an hour in transition and a couple pees for Matt and I, we wondered down to the lake's edge. I struggled to get into position ready for the start, as there were loads of athletes not moving from the start/finish chute.

Suddenly the gun went off and it was all start. It was quite a rough start to be honest, but I soon got into rhythm. I found some feet and worked hard throughout the swim, I got out thinking I had swam well, but a quick glance at my watch showed me that I had swam for 31 minutes! What? I couldn't believe it, all my hard work this year and I was slower that ever, I was gutted.

Anyhow, I made my way into T1, wetsuit off , bike stuff sorted and out onto the bike. I felt so much happier once I was sat on my saddle. The first hill was hard, but it was welcome and I soon found myself overtaking many who had finished the swim before me. Half way up and I passed a race mate/rival, Alan Ward from North Devon Triathlon Club much quicker than I thought I would. It was a nice confidence booster and from then on I just thought - right, game on, let's race! I rode with a group of riders for about 40 miles and it was only until the last 5 miles when I really opened up on the bike and went for it, breaking many of those who had ridden with me.

I when into T2 not sure how I would feel, but as I passed my race rig across to the helper and got my legs moving, I felt great and I was pleasantly surprised. Grasping my bag, I got my trainers/sun visor on and headed out onto run section for 13.1miles.

To be honest if I had seen Sarah on the first laps I might have given up, but I didn't and by half way into the second lap I was actually feeling quite good. However, I was cramping going onto the flats, but there weren't to many of them to be honest, so I just soldiered on. I finished the run by lapping a friend of mine and out sprinting a fellow racer who had just bared off ready to finish.

Overall it was a great race and I finished 37th overall, 31st male and 19th non-professional out of 1000 athletes. My finish time was 5.06:02 an 11 minute improvement on last year. I am pretty happy to be honest, I was hoping to go under the 5 hour, but if I'm honest my run time was 2 seconds faster than in Clearwater, the flat World Championships. I had qualified again to race there this year, but I turned the slot down, in preparation for Prague/the Europeans and our move to Dubai both in August.

On the whole a good day at the races, now I'm ready for week off training and the delivery of my age group kit and my new race bike - a Planet X Stealth!

Chill for now.

Not long to go now.

2009-06-11T03:10:00.000-07:00

I've got about 3 days to go till race day. I hate tapering, I always feel like I am standing still, not getting better, not getting worst, well actually I do feel like I'll getting worse, but I know in the great scheme of things I have to taper, but it doesn't mean I enjoy it.

I just want to get on with it now. My race wheel still isn't back from the doctor so I'm pretty much sold on the idea that I'm going to be racing on my training on Sunday, which is a shame, as the same thing happened last year. I'm hoping to go around the 5 hour mark, but I just don't know really. I don't think I have training hard enough at race pace and at the right length of workouts due mainly to time issues from work.

We are going to travel down on Saturday morning get the bags and bike racked then go for wonder around the small expo they have there, have some food and chillax with friends at the camp site. Sarah, Jack and I are looking forward to the break from school, last year we had a great time and it was just superb hanging out with like minded people.

Then I'll have a week off training, enjoy Sarah's and mine birthday a week today. Then it's back into training for the European Long Distance Champs in Prague in August. I'm not too sure how I feel about training for a long distance event again. It's a lot of hard work and time, but it is worth it? Mmmm yes I think so!

Anyhoo, one thing I am really looking forward to using my new BLUE SEVENTY HELIX wetsuit which was sent over from the states for me. I got it yesterday, I haven't worn it yet, but I think I will this evening for a quick session in the pool just to get the arms going.

Not long to go now till Sunday 7.00am.......

Cheers

I can't get no sleep - Faithless

2009-06-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it's past midnight and I'm really struggling to get any sleep. I'm tired, but for some reason whether it's work on my mind, tapering or whatever I am really struggling to get some sleep, so I thought I'd add an entry into my blog.

A week today I will have raced at Wimbleball in the Ironman UK 70.3 in Exmoor. I'm starting to get quite excited about it now and I'm really looking forward to it. Mainly, I think as it's a good bench mark to see how far I've come (or not) over the past year in my training. This last week has been a little odd, due to the cut in training from tapering, which is probably the reason why I'm not sleeping also. The bike has come back from Ian and it's now not making music from the seat area, however the wheel is still with him and hopefully that'll be sorted over the next day or so, if not then I think I'll just use the training wheels at the weekend.

I have recently been looking at the Planet X bikes - the Stealth Pro in fact. It seems amazing value and I am very tempted to buy one for racing to tell you the truth in Prague at the European Champs in August. I think it would be a great investment, as would another road/sportif bike. Which due to the cost of each of them I could get for the cost of the Felt DA, which I was interested in, so it might make good sense really.

Blue Seventy sent some more stuff through last week and I've been really impressed with the goggles I've been using from them. They are really comfortable and hopefully they should flow the new Helix wetsuit through to me ready for next Sunday. If not then I will have to use the older one, which is no big stress to be honest.

I went on great ride with my mate Paul this morning, out to Glastonbury, we stopped for coffee and then came back. The weather was great, right up until I got home then the heavens opened. I didn't do much for the rest for the day, a couple of reports for school etc all a tad boring to be honest. Well for the rest of the week it's all taper, taper, taper - not much else to be honest, a bit boring. I'm not a great fan of it, ever though I know it has to been done. You go through loads of different feelings when tapering from feeling fat to worrying that you've not done enough training, but then you great up on race morning, feeling great and ready to rumble.

Here's to tapering madness :-$

Enjoy your sleep, I wish I could get some.

TOW done, broken spokes and Wimbleball

2009-06-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

The Tour of Wessex is in the bag and I really enjoyed taking some time out with my mate Paul. However, it did mean that I was struggling for the rest of the week and on an hours run on the Wednesday, in the first 200m my heart rate was 180 and I just could not breathe for toffee!

I have to admit I was a tad worried. I did work through it and I came out the other side, thankfully. By the end of the week I was running hard and I bagged another 60 miles with friends, out to Shearwater and back, it was good. I defo felt the tour on the climbs, I felt strong, hitting most of the climbs in the big ring, something the other riders could not do.

However, on the Tuesday I needed to go out and ride an hour, but ping! Yes one of front spokes jumped out of the ring - NO! It meant a long walk home and a phone call to Ian Chard, the bike doctor. I spent an evening in a bad mood and then a ride in car to Ian on the Wednesday for him to sort it for me. 'No worries, it'll be fine' he said - I hope so, I trust him with the life on my bike, but the same thing happened this time last and I ended up riding my training wheels at Wimbleball.

Talking of Wimbleball, it's only a week and a half till my 'B' race of the season. I'm looking forward to it. I was asked to play cricket this evening, but I turned it down. If I picked up an injury, like I did playing Hockey in January for the staff, I'd feel so bad for my sponsors and I just can not justify my action to them. The faith that they have put in me, it just would not be fair to let them down like that.

I'm looking forward to Wimbers, it'll be fun. It's not long now, I'm in a tapering madness, I say.

Train hard, taper softly.

Tour of Wessex 2009

2009-05-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

l'm half way through, well two thirds of the way through the Tour. The last two days haven't been easy and to be honest I was pretty ready to throw the towel in this evening after I finished, I was hanging. Still I had a great day with Paul and Dave and it was great to catch up with other friends yesterday and today, who were also riding.

The weather has been super and forecast is for tomorrow. Yesterday we went to Cheddar and all over, then today we went down to the coast - Lulworth. I also had the pleasure meeting the Tour organizer Nick Bourne, he seems a nice guy and I really happy for him to have some weather,as the years gone by have been pretty pants. I was introduced to him by my mate Paul, who I was riding with all day. Paul's a real warrior when on the bike and he always pushes me to ride hard if it's by the way he rides or the things he says, positive and negative.

Tomorrow we are riding out to Exmoor and doing some of the Ironman UK 70.3 coarse , it's a long to finish with on the last day, but it should be a good day again.

Ride safe, as always.

Handing out the prizes!!!

2009-05-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well today was a funny one. It was half term for the school I work in, but more than that I was asked by my best mate to give out the prizes at his school sports day - Salisbury Cathedal School. It was great, it always amazes me how much effort the children put into performing during such events. If I remember back to when I was a kid I loved those days, the competition, the racing everything about it was tops. I love the ones who really aren't going to win anything yet they still turn up and try their hardest, it's really inspiring, I love it.

However the best news was that during the day I was approached about a possible sponsorship with a large international company and also some of my Blue Seventy stuff arrived, Tees, Hoodies and loads of goggles, I mean loads of them - ah, it was like Christmas, thank you!

So I'm now on half term holiday and I've got the Tour of Wessex starting tomorrow morning. I'm really looking forward to it. 320 miles and it's great training ready for Ironman UK 70.3 and the European Long Distance Championships in Prague this summer. I'm going to ride there and get in either a run or a swim each evening afterwards. What's also cool about the weekend is that during the course of it, I'm going to get some riding in with friends who are doing the odd day throughout. I'll take some photos and post them over the weekend.

Train safe.

Back to the boring stuff

2009-05-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the Wednesday after the Sunday and life goes on as normal. A couple of the guys from work asked and were made up for me and I've had a couple of people contact me via facebook etc. I've got straight back into training with a couple of big run, bike and swim sessions, but I've managed to tear the material on my Newtons, so I think I'll give them a bell tomorrow as I've only had them a month or so, well running on them for a month.

On Friday I'm off to be a guest of honour at Salisbury Catherdal School Sports Day! Well my best mate, Gil is the Director of Sport there and they needed someone to 'do' their thing so he asked me! Ha Ha, I'm not overly sure about it to be honest, but if it gives my sponsors a little coverage then that's great.

Talking of sponsors, I've had Blue Seventy on the phone/email a couple times sorting out some stuff for me which will be cool (some cool new goggles and a transition bag, wetsuit/speedsuit to follow when it arrives in this country) and I've got the Tour of Wessex this weekend - 320miles on the bike over three days, nice I'm looking forward to it, even if my arse isn't. I write a little more about it before and maybe put a map up etc, but I'll defo post some photos next week.

Train safe

Ed

A win's a win!

2009-05-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Taunton Deane Sprint Tri - 400m Swim, 22km Bike & a 5km Run

Well, what can I say, the conditions today were pretty poor to tell the truth, windy and very, very rainy. Still Sarah, Jack and I got to Wellington for the Taunton Deane Sprint Triathlon a little late due to my poor directions on the way there - sorry! After getting my race number sorted etc I then popped my bike into transition and made my way to the pool after after a wet warm up in the gym, while watching all the big guns get themselves sorted in the leisure centre gym (why didn't I get to go in there?). The swim was pretty chilled to be honest, the water was really salty and I took it steady coming out of the pool around 5 minuntes 50. I know I can go faster, but I just wanted it in the bag at this stage.

Out onto the bike after a quickish T1 (i could be so much faster in all transitions, but I do seem to relax - why?). It was wet and windy. I didn't really like the corners and had to slow on many of them due to it being quite a techy course, however I finished around 35 minutes(ish) and then went straight out onto the run.

The run was great and while I felt like I pushed it, I still felt that I held something back just in case, my overall time was around 18 minutes, so there's defo something more to give.

I ended up with a finishing time of 1hour 1minute and 53seconds, bagging the win by around 2 minutes I believe!!!!

Unbelievable, but I am now the Taunton Deane Sprint Triathlon Champion 2009, bonkers - it sits quite nicely thank you on my shoulders. Enough celebrating and back to training now, however I might just spend my winnings on a Blue Seventy Zero +3 Speed Speed Suit - nice.

Be Safe and well done to all took part today esp the guys from Wessex Wizards, you rock!

Taunton Sprint Triathlon 2009

2009-05-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my second triathlon race of 2009. I raced earlier in the year in the Mad March Sprint Tri (250m swim, 10mile bike and a 3mile run) which I won. I have also taken part in a half marathon (1hour 22minutes) and a 10km (37minutes), so I'm looking forward to getting out and going as hard as I can.

The weather forecast is pretty poor to be honest - 70% chance of rain and winds of up to 25mph, so it might work into may hands, but the proof will be in the pudding come tomorrow afternoon around 1.40pmish. My start time is 12.40pm which is one of the quicker starts. In my wave are Alan Ward from North Devon Tri (he's pretty handy) and the 'world famous' Joe Beer of www.jbst.co.uk (he's won a couple of years ago), along with other strong racers from the South West.

I'm hoping for a top 5 finish after finish 8th last year, hopefully there'll just be improvement to show I'm moving in the right direction. There's also there's loads of guys from my club racing, so it should be a great laugh - go Wizards!

The bike's packed and as is all my race gear with my sponsors kit etc, so it's game on tampon! It's a great race, super atmosphere and very slick, fingers crossed I can a good race.

Every great journey starts with one step.........

2009-05-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Kona - my dream.

Welcome to my blog. I'm going document my journey to qualify for Kona, the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. It may take me a year, it may take me a life time, but it's something I truly believe that I can achieve, so jump on and enjoy the ride.

Happy training,