Race Report: Derwent Duathlon

This weekend was a race with a slight difference. A Duathlon

The location of this odd race was Ladybower reservoir in the Peak District, a place i'm very familiar with having ridden around here since I could ride a bike. The race consisted of a 7k run, a 29k bike and then a 4.5k fell run... There was a twist though, you could do either run first... It's also worth noting that i'm not a runner, every now and again i'll start running for a bit but soon get bored. This time however I thought I should actually get some practice in, so since entering in the middle of February i've been doing a few short runs a week, training seemed to be going ok and I managed a few PBs including a 5k PB of 19:35. Encouraging,

Race day was an early start, a 6am alarm (5am really given the clocks went forward) and an hour of faffing, making coffee and Porridge and then leaving my parents in Nottingham at 7am. Jack and Lucinda were also doing this, so we packed the car and all set off. This whole race was actually Lucinda's idea who thought it would be a good idea... Jack until the night before wasn't actually doing it, however my friend Tom who had entered was injured, so Jack stepped in and ran under his name (Cheers Tom!)

We arrived at Fairholmes visitor centre early enough at 8:15am for the 9:30am start, allowing plenty of time for usual pre race faffing. Obviously, this being a Duathlon meant we had to work out where the transition area was (at the top of a hill) and where best to place your bike and all your kit.... Competitors were walking around the carpark and transition area with huge boxes of stuff, towels, extra clothes, tools and all sorts of stuff. We however each just had a small rucksack with cycling shoes and running shoes, and a few gels. Nothing else needed really.

It really was a beautiful morning, quite warm around 8 degrees and the sun just trying to come out meant the skinsuit was yet again the item of choice. To be fair most people seemed to be wearing trisuits, which did suggest to me they were slightly more experienced than me at this Duathlon stuff... Just before 9:30 and the usual race briefing was given and then at 9:30am on the dot the klaxon went off. It had started.

The start of the first run was down a steep tarmac hill back towards the car park and then infront of one of the huge Dam walls. To say the pace was quick from the off would be an understatement and although I had positioned myself near the front (why not eh) I was instantly passed and competitors went hurtling down the hill. Just after the start though the route split, where you could either do the 7k road run first or the 4.5k fell run. I opted for the road first, as I knew I could set a good rhythem and get warm, I was quite surprised by the amount of people who then opted for the fell run... I seemed to now be around 5 runners from the front, the pace had slowed down (thankfully) I settled into a comfortable pace, making sure that I didn't go too quick, knowing just what I had to come on the bike and then the final run. The 7k road run was quite flat, with a few undulations along the east side of the reservoir along a private road, a simple out and back route to the transition area. I was feeling good and about 4k in caught a 1 competitor and dropped another, still not sure if that was a good move... The two routes then converged and then final 1k we were back together upto the transition area. The strange thing about this is that I had no idea where I was in terms of placing.

Just coming towards the first transition area

Into the transition area and I quickly ripped my shoes off, helmet on and cycle shoes on and I was off. The cycle was where I was really hoping to make some time up and wanted to put in a quick time, unfortunately my Garmin packed up so I didn't have any data whilst riding, annoying. Jumping onto the bike for the first of outward leg of the 29k bike and the legs took a mile to get warmed up and then I felt good. The road surface was poor, mud, potholes, other people all made for a tricky ride, the main thing though was that I hadn't been passed by anybody and I was passing people, and clearly overtaking people who were very good runner (and perhaps not so good on a bike) this was what I needed to do as my last run would no doubt be slow. The bike route followed the West side of the reservoir, again on a private road, so no traffic to worry about, essentially out, back, out and then back for the final leg. Throughout the bike I was feeling strong and on the final out and back was gaining on what appeared to be the lead 3/4 competitors, a few k to go on the bike and I pass 2 guys who appeared were putting out a huge effort! I dug deep and knew if I could get out the transition area for the final run before these two I would be limited the impact of my final run on my overall position. I made the pass and got into the transition area around 30 seconds ahead... legs were burning now.

Final outward bike leg

Into the transition area

Fell running shoes on, gulp of water and then off we go for the final run! There were no runners that I could see in front of me, so back down the hill I went, along with the two guys who I had passed moments earlier. They clearly are better an transition times and running than me... We got to the junction where the run splits, I had somehow pulled away from these two, having made the pass again on the run and got to the junction where the routes split, turned around and was very glad to see them both head for the 7k road run. Off I go on the fell run route. Starting as a twisty muddy track through the trees with some switchbacks which then opened onto a fireroad, legs were hurting now but I push on and then came the assent. About 550ft in 0.5k. I started the run, which was now very slow, terrain was tricky and although there had been no rain was still muddy and I was glad for the fell running shoes. Through a gate and it got steeper... I was now almost walking, but importantly there was nobody behind me, I continued walking for around 30 seconds until terrain flattened off a little and I ran (slowly) more steep switchbacks and I could see the top, and another runner! Finally at the top and I knew it was all downhill from here, very downhill indeed! The track now was quite wide, but very rough, with huge rocks and stones meaning you couldn't just fly down, you had to pick your line (mountain bike style) The path got steeper, and onto more grassy and soft terrain, where I could see the finishing road, through a final gate and I was onto the fireroad, and the final tarmac section to the finish in front of the dam. As I joined the road run route I could hear a running, getting closer and the breathing heavier he passed me! My brain certainly told my legs to pick up speed, and I did try but I had nothing. I resigned myself to loosing out on that position, whatever that may be. Onto the final home straight and Tom shouts that i'm 4th! What?? 

I cross the line at 1:38. That was indeed 4th! Well the legs hurt now!!

Lucinda came in at 2:02 (6th lady!!) amazing effort and all the training paid off, a new 5k PB too, happy days around then, very proud! Also, given this was Jack's 3rd EVER run, first off road run and run up a hill he did amazing!! 

Overall, a brilliant morning out. Thanks to Peaklife Sport for organising the event and Aquaman Photography for the photos. Full results and information here: http://www.peaklifesport.co.uk/results-and-race-reports/19-derwent-duathlon-2014-race-report-and-results.html  

Will I do it next year? Yeah why not! 

Race Report: Eagle RC 3/4 - Hog Hill - 22nd March

Ah Hog Hill how i've missed you! First race here this year after missing the winter series in favor of Hillingdon and base miles. I was really looking forward to this race , and even entered before so was guaranteed a race, always a good feeling. The previous week I had done around 10 hours on the bike, a mixture of chaingang, commuting and solo Regents Park laps. I was feeling very fresh, confident and most importantly I was on the new bike! Training is going well, and this race would be a good tester to see just how my form is.

A casual ride over from Finchley ready for the 1pm start and the usual pre race faffing and what to wear, what to eat and is my bike going to fail? As the faffing continued, the hail started outside, despite this, and a strong wind, the sun came out again, and as a result the skinsuit was on. 

A large field of 65-70 3/4 riders lined up on the start ready for the off, of which London Phoenix had 5 riders, so a good turnout for us. The pace was quick from the off and given my position on the start grid (mid pack) I was very keen to move up towards the front of the group and control the pace and more importantly stay out of trouble for the first few laps... 

First time up the Hoggenburg I had forgot just how painful this is, having said that, for climbers it's a great place on the course to try and start a break and get a gap.  After 3 laps the group had become really strung out, to around 30 or so riders, with myself and two other Phoenix riders within the front group.

On the front. 

I was feeling great and each time up the Hoggenburg was kicking , not to get a break, but just to keep the pace high, Rich Poynter and Neil Mac were sharing the work and doing some great turns on the front, unfortunately the group (of around 15 riders) were not really willing to do much of the work, well apart from a few turns on the front from 2 Pro Cycle Hire riders which certainly helped to maintain the pace and also gave the legs a short rest. Couldn't quite believe it when we climbed the Hoggenburg to see the 5 lap to go board! Didn't feel like we had been racing very long at all. A big injection of pace from Neil and we managed to get a break going, and were now down to 9 riders, after shelling  a few out the back as the pace went up, so providing I didn't get dropped I'd get at least 2 points. Happy days! Back to the front again for the final 5 laps where Rich and I again shared a lot of the work, even though Neil told us to try and get 4th or 5th wheel in, not that easy when nobody wants to get on the front but there we go... 

Then at 2 laps to go a young lad from Cambridge CC jumped off the front and managed to gap us, there however didn't appears to be any urgency in chasing him down. Cue Neil who then jumped on the front, again, and as the bell went we could see that we were reeling this chap in... As with all last laps the adrenaline was huge and I loved it. Just as we get to the bottom of the Hoggenburg we caught the Cambridge CC rider and as the final finish line sprint up the hill started one of the Pro Cycle Hire riders put in a huge effort, I chased him down but couldn't quite get to him! Managed to bag 4th in the final sprint, which to be honest I was very happy with. I do however need to train my sprint a bit more, that does need some work.

Overall I was really happy with the result, my performance, my bike, my kit, I seemed to get everything spot on and perhaps the only thing I would have changed is not spending as much time on the front (usual story) but I don't always find it that easy to sit back...

So a few photos:

 Leading up the Hoggenburg

 On the front. Again.

This was a big effort. #aero

Stats:

58:30 minutes

22.7 miles

2,333ft of climbing

23.2mph av

167 bpm av

189 bpm max

http://www.strava.com/activities/122927995/overview

Next crit is the first SERRL Summer evening series on 1st May, in between that though I have a Duathlon and a 10 TT (reports will follow)

Photos thanks for Dave Haywood http://www.davehaywardphotos.com/

Product Review: Prendas "Aqua Light" Overshoes

Last weekend I went out on the usual early Sunday London Phoenix club run, this time into the Chilterns, the weather was around 6 degrees with damp roads but no rain. Usually in these conditions i'd be donning the waterproof socks, another pair of socks, shoes, and then oversocks.

This ride however was different. Thanks to the guys at Prendas Ciclismo (www.prendas.co.uk) I had a pair of Prendas Aqua Light Overshoes to wear. Prendas describe these overshoes as ideal for warmer winter days and Autumn & Spring days when there is still a chill in the air or the roads are damp. So absolutely ideal for this ride.

Fit, Material & Design

These overshoes are made from durable and lightweight "Aqua Light" material, and as a result benefit from being water resistant and wind proof (Prendas do make it clear they are not waterproof). Unlike many thicker or neoprene overshoes these are quite close fitting and not bulky, they are flexible so can easily stretch over buckles or lace systems. The overshoe is secured at the heal by a zip and velcro tab system. This seems strong, durable and unlike some other overshoes I had no issues with the zip not closing and falling down during a ride.  The bottom of the shoes, around the cleat holes, toes and heal are reinforced for extra durability and grip when walking off the bike. When you first put the overshoes on they instantly felt warm and comfortable, very pleasing indeed. Under my shoes I wore a pair of generic white socks and some Prendas Thermolite socks (review to follow) this combination worked well, if not a little too warm. For overshoes (No overshoes really look attractive do they?) they look good, subtle Prendas logo at the top of the overshoes, on the side not only indicate which shoe is for which foot, but also adds a classic bit of minimalist styling to the product. I approve. Perhaps, and purely on a personal preference, I would make the upper ankle section longer, but that could well be because I have longer legs than most.

Function & Durability 

The roads were wet, and the windchill was cold. However my feet were warm at the start of the ride, and warm at the end of the ride, which given conditions I was very happy with, as usual as a minimum I would have cold toes. Although the overshoes were wet and muddy from spray on the road, my shoes, socks and most importantly toes were still warm (and clean) In addition to the initial ride I have been wearing these overshoes all week in a range of temperatures from 3 degrees on a fresh morning commute to warmer chaingang sessions in the evening. The commute is quite a tough test for any product due to the stop start nature, clipping in/out and feet down type of the riding, however the overshoes have not only been durable, but stayed secure on my feet and kept me warm (too warm one day!) Now that spring might just be around the corner (?) i'm looking forward to continuing to test these out and comment further on their function & durability. These will also fit over MTB shoes, so i'll be testing them out in mud soon and seeing how they cope. I can imagine during Mountain Mayhem, if it's muddy these will keep me going for 24 hours.

Verdict

Do a great job of keeping your toes and feet dry and warm, looks good and keep your shoes in good condition. What more do you want from a mid weight overshoe?

Summary

Model - Prendas Aqua Light Overshoes (Large - 43/44)

Link - http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=17&ID=3504

Price - £29.99

This review is 100% independent. Thanks to Prendas Ciclismo who very kindly sent me the overshoes to review and test, however any opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.