RACE RUNDOWN: Blenheim Palace Triathlon

The time had finally arrived. My first triathlon. The six months of training had flown by and when I arrived at Blenheim Palace to sign in and collect my time chip, the butterflies in my tummy were on steroids.

Luckily, I was part of a troop of fellow club runners and after meeting up with them all, I felt drastically reassured that I can actually do this. I had trained with this crew - learning open water swimming, taking on brick sessions and building speed on my bike. They all played a huge part in my triathlon journey.

We had to arrive at Blenheim two hours before our wave (which was at 2.15pm). I was a little hesitant racing so late in the day and I found the morning had dragged waiting around to leave (luckily Jeremy Kyle kept me occupied). However, by 12.45pm we were allowed to enter the transition area.

The day itself was rather miserable - lots of heavy rainy patches and a constant drizzle. This made setting up for transition a bit complex. The bikes were lined up so close together there was very little space to set up. We also had to keep our bike and run shoes covered from the rain as arriving to soggy shoes is not pleasant! I set up my bike equipment by my front wheel, with my running shoes tucked just under my bike under a plastic carrier bag - a make shift shelter. you could say

Before we knew it, the time had come to head down to the swim assembly point. I was so nervous getting into my wetsuit - I started to feel slightly nauseous. By the time we had entered the swim zone, the wave before mine had just set off and in the distance I could see the hundreds of swimmers thrashing in the water. It did freak me out slightly.

After our pre race briefing, the time had come to enter the water. This was it! Ahh! We all had to hop in and swim up to the start point. I found the water really warm (which made a change from the reservoir) but was struggling with steamy goggles. We all lined up at the start line and the kayak team were bobbing in front of us. As soon as they moved to the side, we knew the air horn to signal the start would follow after. As soon as the kayaks shifted, the wave went really silent. All I could hear was my breathing. Then the horn went and we were off!

The first 100m of the swim was constant kicking and splashing. It was so hard to sight the buoys because of the commotion it did stress me out slightly. I couldn't keep in a straight line and found myself steering out to the right (the buoy was to the left). 'Keep calm, keep steady' was my mantra during the 750m and by the time I got halfway, I was clear of other competitors and had a clean swim up to the exit jetty.

The run from the lake to T1 is 400m...uphill. I had never practised running after a swim so this feeling was very new to me. In all honestly, I felt drunk running up the the transition zone. It was a bit of a shuffle run but coming up the hill and seeing my family cheering me on made it all worth it. I even managed a wave.

By the time I got to my bike, I tried to take my time to avoid any kerfuffle. I felt like I made a speedy changeover  though and was out on my bike in a minute or so.

Onto the second stage. Cycling!

The sprint distance was three laps of a very undulating course. The paths were also so slippy from the rain, our speed was slowed down slightly on the downhills and sharp bends. I found the first half of the lap mostly uphill and then the second half evened out to be quiet straight. By the time I came round for my second lap, I had gaged where I needed to push my speed and where to use my strength for the hills. About 800m into my second lap when I had reached the start of the steep incline, disaster struck. My chain fell off.

As soon as I realised my chain has come off the cassette, my heart froze. In a subconscious state, I managed to hop of my bike, get onto the side of the path and flip my bike over. Getting a chain on can take seconds so I tried to remain really calm and focussed. However, my chain was jammed in my gear loop at the back. After much tugging, I released it. Throwing my bike back over, I went to go pedal but my chain was locked and my pedals were unable to move. I can't repeat my thoughts as this point, but imagine the constant use of the F word. After flipping my bike onto its handles the second time, I managed to pull at the chain harder and get it back on the back cassette. Hopping onto my bike, my pedals jolted and then starting to move normally.

The relief flooded through me but I was very shaky getting back on my bike. I had lost a good couple of minutes and loads of competitors has over taken me. I had some time to catch them up and it meant I had to push it hard. My chain was really crunching against the front cassette so I was very cautious changing gear for the third and final lap. I climbed the steep hill in a higher gear than planned and my legs were starting to feel weary. I was absolutely fuming my chain had fallen off and in honesty, I felt really upset. Towards the very end of the final lap, my training buddy Hannah had caught me and after shouting across to her the problems with my bike, she calmed me down and encouraged me to carry on and stay focussed. She stuck with me and pushed me through the final mile and for that, I cannot thank her enough. Ever. A truly wonderful friend she was to me then.

By the time I had come back round to the Palace to enter T2, I was so relieved to get off my bike. I no longer needed to rely on equipment to finish this. The run was going to be my strongest and I was ready and raring to get into the third stage of the race. I flung my bike on the rail, kicked off my cycling shoes and pulled on my trainers. Coming out of transition, my legs were really heavy but I could see my family in the distance waving and cheering which gave me the boost I needed to push me through the final stage.

Back when I did my duathlon (which you can read about here), on my second run I found I was picking off a lot of the runners and again here for the Tri, the same was happening. Having running as my strongest discipline really is such a huge benefit. The first lap I did feel tired but by the time I came round for the second and final lap, I had shook off the aftermath of the cycle and my legs were ready to go! I felt my pace really pick up and when I was coming back round to the palace for the last final time, the end was in sight and I knew at this point that I had made it!

Coming down the home straight was the best feeling in the world. Exhilarating is an understatement. At this point, you know you have successfully completed a triathlon and no matter how tired you are, you cannot hide the expression of sheer delight.

The commentators at the finish were brilliant! They gave a shout of to every runner coming up to the finish line and when they shouted my name, I threw my hands up in the air and cheered as I crossed the line. Greeted straight away by a volunteer placing the medal over my head, I was provided water and non alcoholic beer in seconds. 'This is the kind of finish I like!' was my first initial thought.

As I came out the finishing quarters, my family were waiting and after numerous hugs and kisses, I jogged back to the finish to cheer in my fellow team mates.

Once we were all reunited, each and every one of us was elated and far beyond cloud nine. The hubbub of happiness and achievement was evident and were all were itching to get on that podium to show just how chuffed we all were! We were all champions this day and I honestly couldn't have achieved what I did without training with this bunch every step of the way.

After the race, we were able to actually soak up the atmosphere of the event. I managed a mooch around the village and watch some other runners belt it down the finish line. In all, I am so happy I made my debut at Blenheim Palace. It really is a fantastic choice for first timers like myself. Yes, the course isn't easy, but it sure is beautiful not to mention, well manned and lined with supporters the whole way. What more could you want?

So now I guess I could class myself as a 'triathlete' (in some sort of way). Did I enjoy it? Apart from my chain falling off, I sure did! In fact, I loved it.

Will I be doing another? You bet!

RACE OVERVIEW

Course: 5/5

Scenery: 5/5 

Facilities: 5/5

Water Stations: 5/5

Goody bag: 5/5

My time: 1.36.34 (750m swim 16.26, T1 4.27. 20K cycle 47.22, T2 1.57. 5.4K run 26.25)

LIPSTICK RUNNER'S OVERALL RATING: 5/5

Find out more about Blenheim Palace Triathlon here. You can register your interest for 2016 now!


Lipstick Runner.

*Photos courtesy of my friends and family!

TRAINING UPDATE: The final week

Apologies for the quiet front on here. It seems rather sloppy of me but I have been drowning in work, wedding and triathlon training. It has all seemed tricky to juggle, especially as I have taken on a new job at work, but I am glad to have made it to the final week before I début in multi sport at Blenheim Palace Triathlon.

I cannot believe how quickly this moment has cropped up! Its nuts to think over six months ago I bit the bullet and entered my first triathlon. Back then, I could barely swim a 25m length front crawl and I was shattered from my 4.5 mile cycle commute to work. Fast forward to now and I cannot believe how far I have come. I can now swim in open waters (not super confidently but I can make it round that's for sure), have reached 1K front crawl without stopping in the pool and I can cycle up to 30 miles comfortably. I have also successful mastered brick training and completed a duathlon.

Despite feeling content with all that I have achieved, I know a triathlon is very different and will test my endurance, strength and focus. I know I can complete all three disciplines separately but the test will be putting them all together in a row, back-to-back. Deep down I can do it, I just don't know how fast. Racing with 100 other people terrifies me! The swim is going to be mental and I am a little concerned with the bike and the narrow paths we will be cycling on.

Still though, whatever happens I am so happy with how far I have come and what I have achieved. I never imagined I would reach this level of fitness and also feel addicted to it! I am so glad I have adopted multi sport training. I love mixing up my exercise. By flipping between running, cycling and swimming I'm never bored of any of them and in fact, each one has helped benefit me in the other. Swimming has helped me to engage my core which has improved my running speed and cycling up hills each day and has helped me run up them better too!

All in all, I am ready and raring to go. With one week until the big day, I will now begin the taper. I am planning on doing a gentle run and a casual swim in the lead up to keep the body active but will ensure to reserve my energy for the race!

My next report will be my race overview. Eeep!

Wish me luck!

Lipstick Runner. 

TRAINING UPDATE: Countdown to Blenheim Palace Triathlon

My first triathlon is 14 weeks away. Wahh! Where has the time gone from when I entered back in August!? If I look back at my training, I oddly feel like I have progressed a lot but at the same time feel like I am flagging a bit behind schedule.

Truth is, I can't really gage how well I am doing because I have never done a triathlon before. My problem at the moment is that I am looking at each discipline and criticising myself, especially for running. A lot of my fellow club members are all half or marathon training so are clocking up lots of miles whilst little me over here is popping in a couple of short runs each week. It almost feels inferior but at the end of the day, I don't need to be out doing 10 mile training runs at this time. The run of my Sprint distance is 5.8K and I know I can cover this with ease. What I need to do is cover this with ease off the back of a 13 mile bike ride.

So this is where the introduction to brick sessions comes in. To this date, I have attempted mini versions after work on a Tuesday evening - cycling home 4.5 miles and then going straight into a three mile run. It doesn't seem a lot but starting off this small is really important. If I can nail this, I can slowly add on the miles and build up to Sprint distance standard (or near enough). My first brick session was interesting. I battled through rush hour traffic to get home and then I lobbed my bike in the hallway, quickly stripped down to my running gear and heading straight back outside. For the first 200m, my legs felt like jelly as they didn't have a clue what was going on. The first half of the route I take is also all uphill so they really didn't like the situation I was putting them through. However, by the final mile, it was a nice downhill slope, my legs had awakened and pace was on top form!

I felt fantastic when I walked through the door with this time in the bag. Not bad for a first timer and I must say, I slept soundly that night so it must have exhausted my body. The couple of sessions that followed this have been just as successful and slowly my body is learning to cope with back to back multi sport challenges.

To top off the success of my running, I have also been very fortunate to bag a course PB at my local parkrun. I attended not even expecting a new and improved time (at that point my PB was 23.30). I had also spent the night previous to this guzzling gin punch and dining on Indian tapas at Dishoom so my body sure didn't feel on top form. Yet, out of nowhere, I pulled off what is probably my best ever 5K run. Taking on the deadly steep incline of the two lap course, I still managed to hold an average pace of 7.13 per mile and crossed the finish line in a gobsmacking 22.26. 

(Above: Dinner at Dishoom. Below: new 5K time for Finsbury parkrun)

The realisation of this fancy new time didn't hit me at first - my initial thought was that my Garmin must had lost signal at some point. I really couldn't believe I had done it. When the results from the race came through later that day (confirming my time), I was also chuffed to see I placed 3rd lady. I must say I did feel slightly smug and the celebratory Nandos for lunch that day was totally deserved.

As I have been so busy with work lately and travelling to lots of different parts of the country, finding time to fit in speed and hill sessions has been tricky so to bag myself this parkrun time, I really have to thank these mini brick sessions. They have really built up my strength and stamina and when I run, my body does feel stronger and firmer.

Along with my brick sessions, I have also incorporated daily sit-ups and crunches into the mix. I took on the 30 Day Abs Challenge throughout February and whilst I must admit I can't psychically see a huge difference, I can feel it. My core engages with the rest of my body so much better now and I have especially noticed this benefit when cycling uphill or running at quicker paces. I plan to continue with the sit-ups, switching to doing them every other day. Now I know I can bosh out 50 sets, it is a workout that barely takes up any time. I tend to do mine whilst my dinner is cooking in the oven!

So, what's next for me in the final weeks of training? Well, if you read my latest Operation Bridal Bod post (see here), you will notice my rather attractive wetsuit has arrived. This can only mean one thing - time for open water practise! The days are getting lighter and the air is a tad milder so it will soon be an appropriate time to don the suit and get used to swimming in a lake. I have definitely nailed the front crawl technique in the pool, now I need to hold it up in open water without the security of sides to push off every 30m. I hope to carry out a few sessions in my local lido first before moving onto the Serpentine. I'll also be cycling to this location so can attempt a brick session of swim then cycle which will be extremely beneficial!

Along with this next phase in my swimming, I am also taking on my first duathlon in April which I have purposely positioned as intense brick training in the lead up to the big race. This is approaching really fast so I need to stay focussed on my current brick sessions in order to complete the run-bike-run course. Inside, I am hoping to pull it out of the bag come race day - luckily I have never done a duathlon before so whatever time I get will be a huge achievement for me.

Are you training for your first triathlon? What training are you doing to prepare for race day?

Lipstick Runner.

Blenheim Palace Triathlon: Venue Visit

As I am about to endure my first ever triathlon, I took it upon myself to organise a day trip to where it will be taking place - Blenheim Palace.

Now, I have never done a 'reccy' as some people call it (basically cast your beady eyeballs over something) but triathlon is unfamiliar territory to me, especially the outdoor swim so visiting its location and getting a good grasp of what surroundings, terrains and conditions I will be facing was essential to me.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire is the only place in Britain to be given the honour of being called a palace (the only other place is Buckingham Palace, which is a royal ground). Owned by the Duke of Marlborough, it's renowned ownership in the past has been the Churchill's (Winston Churchill who was Prime Minister of Great Britain during the Second World War was born here). But, along with the history of this magnificent building, it is also home to a large annual triathlon event! June 2015 will see around 7000 triathletes enter through the gates and take part in either Super Sprint or Sprint distances.  The latter I am doing and I was really keen to head off for a long, relaxed walk around the grounds of Blenheim to check out the course and what I was going to eventually face. 

The swim is my most uncertain area. Having never swam in open water, checking out the lake was really important and working out where I was going to swim. Looking at the course map on the event website, it looks like I will be swimming up this part of the lake:

I really can't imagine myself actually swimming up this. But on race day, the atmosphere will be buzzing, I'd have practised in open water so will (hopefully) be feeling confident to get round the 750m lap.

I also made sure I snooped around the actual palace as well as the grounds. It was great to see the space which will become the transition area where all our bikes will be lined up. It's crazy to think this will be brimming with rows and rows of bikes!

Looking at the grounds, the pathways are quite undulating, so I reckon I am going to have to get solid training in for my running and cycling. I will need to ensure I am well practised on courses both flat and hilly. Building strength will help me get round when my legs are probably going to feel like wanting to collapse! Deep down I know cycling is my weakest of the three sports so I will be looking at my training plan and seeing where I can fit in beneficial training sessions. It's a good job I've got a duathlon in the diary for April too!

Overall, it was great to walk around the grounds of Blenheim and envisage the triathlon and how it will work. Now I have seen the lake, I know what I am in for and even being aware of the course and it's flat and slightly hilly areas is powerful knowledge for my training. I know what I need to work on and more importantly I know what I am going to face.

Have you ever checked out a venue prior to race day before? Have you found it useful to know what you are facing?

For more information on Blenheim Palace Triathlon, visit the website HERE. 

Lipstick Runner. 

My race wish list

The blogging world is huge and many bloggers post wishlists for clothes, beauty, eating out or even holidays. Then there is my wish list, which is mostly made up of races I want to enter. In fact, my desire to dip my toe into different challenges has grown immensely since joining the running and fitness blogger community. I read so many inspirational stories on peoples training, races and experiences and it's made me incredibly hungry to expand my running CV!

I have found myself bookmarking lots of events that occur annually with the plan to do some in 2015 and even hold out to complete others in the future. Here are my top five that I simply must do.

1. Virgin London Marathon

(source: telegraph.co.uk)

I think this one is on every runners radar and so it should be. The biggest event in the UK marathon calendar, London Marathon is where I want to debut at the distance. For the last two years, I have ventured down to mile 20 and stood on the sidelines whooping people along and even got to witness my best friend smash it in 2014. Each year, the ever expected 'no' letter lands on my doormat but there is that little part of me that clings onto hope that one year my time will come.

Virgin London Marathon.

2. Blenheim Palace Triathlon

I think everyone knows by now that this is my key event for 2015 and I am so excited! I've always been curious about triathlon. I absolutely love watching it on TV and knowing that I will be taking part in one is crazy! I think it is the challenge of learning to swim, cycle and run back to back that gets me. Tackling open waters and battling across a bike ride with a hundred or so people is a tad daunting but accepting the challenge is the best part!

(source:Triathlon Business)

The event itself is very pricey (I parted ways with £91 for the female sprint distance) but the experience you will get I am confident is totally worth every penny. Plus, I've heard this is a great beginner course as a mixture of abilities take part. So first time triathletes- hop on board with me!

Blenheim Palace Triathlon.

3. Race To The Stones

(source: Race To The Stones Facebook Page)

I've come across this event very recently after seeing a retweet on Twitter. This race is one to soak up the beauty of the great British countryside. A 100km route from Oxfordshire to North Wessex Downs that can be completed over two days, the course follows in the steps of Romans and Vikings along the Ridgeway (one of the oldest roads in Britain) to the finish line at the 3000 year old Avebury stone circle. Looking at the website it looks stunning, with runners taking in some beautiful sights across fields, trail paths and woodland.

Organisers for this event offer several options. You can complete the 100K in one day or even just choose to take part in 50K. There are also solo and team entries available. To bask in the experience of it though, there is the option to stop halfway overnight and this seems the ticket for me. I'd absolutely love to run this with a group of people - in no particular rush of course. I just need to find in myself the strength and endurance to actually complete 100K. Hmm...

Race To The Stones.

4. Adidas Thunder Run

Another confirmed date in my 2015 calendar! After learning that Mizuno Endure24 clashed with Blenheim Palace Triathlon, I was keen to find an alternative. When my running club announced they were forming two teams for this, I didn't even hesitate at signing up! Based in Derbyshire (so quite a trek from London), this 24 hour relay race (which can also be ran solo) is a 10K trail run which looks like a challenging, undulating course. I am confirmed in a team of seven so looking to complete the route four times. After my experience at Endure24 (you can read my review HERE), I am so excited to be taking on a new challenge. I love the atmosphere these events bring. Camping out and cheering along the sidelines at all hours of the day really shows the camaraderie from everyone involved.

(source: Adidas Thunder Run Facebook Page)

Cost wise, I think I struck a reasonable deal. To enter in a team, with camping included was around £50 each. For a weekend away, it's not to be sniffed at!

Adidas Thunder Run.

5. Keswick Mountain Festival 10K

(source: Keswick Mountain Festival Facebook Page)

A festival for running!? Well ok then, if I must.

Another find on Twitter, the Keswick Mountain Festival is a weekend packed full of running, cycling and swimming shenanigans. Set in the heart of the Lake District, there are many events on offer from 5K up to marathons and triathlons. I perused over all the distances on the website and found myself ogling the 10K trail run. I'm not a trail runner so if I am going to do one, it certainly isn't going to be a marathon or half marathon but the 5K option also seemed too short for me. The race description says you have to take a ferry out across Derwentwater to the starting pen and looking at the pictures, it sure looks like a jaw dropping, scenic course. 

The 2015 festival takes place 14th-17th May 2015. 

Keswick Mountain Festival.

What sporting events do you have your eye on? Are you like me bookmarking challenges you dream to complete?

Lipstick Runner. 

Dreams become reality: Blenheim Palace Triathlon 2015

This week, some exciting news landed in my Inbox...

I signed up for fast track entry to Blenheim Palace Triathlon months ago after deciding to pursue my goal to complete a triathlon. The last year I have been curious to give one a go, mainly because solid road running was giving me itchy feet to try something different. In May when I got my bike, the urge got greater and so I opted to look into Blenheim Palace after seeing The Runner Beans take part in the 2014 event.

Apparently, it's a very popular race so I'm glad I signed up for the priority window. When this email came through I did hesitate for a moment to click the 'enter now' button. 'Can I seriously do this?' 'Will I keep up the training?' 'What if I come last!?' were just a few of the thoughts that ran through my head before the 'This is an amazing opportunity TAKE IT' thought took over.

Filling in the application form, I got to the options box where you select your distance. I was so indecisive on whether to opt for Super Sprint (400m swim, 13.2K cycle, 3.1K run) or Sprint (750m swim, 19.8K cycle, 5.7K run). Originally when the idea of doing a triathlon came into my head, I had always planned on attempting the Super Sprint first but when it came down to applying there was little niggle in my head urging me to select Sprint. If I'm going to do it, I may as well go all out and give it a go. So, there I made the decision to take on the Sprint distance. 

I'm so excited to know what part of my plans for 2015 will be. As you all know from my Operation Bridal Bod post, I'm getting married next Summer (three weeks after this event funnily enough) so all the training will be a great focus for this goal too! I am a little nervous about what the months leading up to the triathlon will involve. I will have to whip my front crawl technique into shape, hell even learn to swim in open water but I am so excited to be taking on this challenge!

With nine months until the triathlon, I have got well under way in buffing up my knowledge by purchasing a guide to triathlons - I opted for Triathlon for Women by Charlotte Campbell (£8, Amazon). I'm hoping this will help me get on track with training, nutrition and body recovery. I am also going to look into filling the diary with other race opportunities which will play a crucial role in my training, such as duathlons and open swim meets. 

I'm not too sure what my level of enthusiasm will be mid February in the stark cold winter out training in my wet suit, on the bike etc...but right now, I am SO ready to get my Tri on!

For more information on Blenheim Palace Triathlon, visit the website HERE.

Lipstick Runner.