tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61734342870909335212012-01-27T04:46:17.743-08:00British Triathlete racing Elite level Olympic to Pro 70.3 Distance events in 2012 (while trying to retain full time job, social life and sanity) Also part of the back-up guide team for Elite Paratriathlete Ian Dawson.TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.comBlogger861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-59353136267629837332012-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:002012-01-27T04:46:17.754-08:00

Last week was a pretty low week in terms of hours and sessions completed. I had some good days (3 sessions and 3 1/2 hours done one week day) and some bad days (only making a 90 minute swim on the Saturday). We all know that the weekends (or your days off work) are when you can make hay sunshine or not!However , all the sessions were good quality and I am coming to understand that this is what

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-87506320160678753252012-01-24T08:38:00.000-08:002012-01-24T08:39:38.248-08:00

Apologies for those trying to leave comments - apparently this is not working properly.Hopefully will be fixed quicker than Brownlee's run split :)

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-20290042600382455932012-01-18T04:44:00.001-08:002012-01-18T04:44:20.507-08:00

I've been thinking about sleeping, how much I get, should get and could get. I am going to look at some studies when I get the chance but from recent experience I feel that I was just building a massive sleep debt trying to fit in all my training. The biggest contributor to this is the early morning swim. 4:40am up for 5:30 start means that an 8hr sleep results in hitting the sack at 8:40 -

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-52999020329528112332012-01-04T04:23:00.001-08:002012-01-04T04:51:51.866-08:00

I think I have seen every man and his dog post a 'look out 2012...here I come' type blog, I suppose it is a good time to set the previous year behind you, look to the future and press on pursuing those goals.I had a pretty good 2011 even though at the start of the year I had few expectations (these grew as the year progressed however). Among the highlights included my first year in Elite Draft

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-45929332115940668762011-11-29T14:42:00.001-08:002011-11-29T14:42:54.965-08:00

Perspective is probably the only word I can use to describe how I felt post race. From feelings of achievement to utter shock in the matter of minutes as I heard that a fellow runner/athlete had been receiving CPR on the course and finally to bewilderment when I found out that he had passed away, it wasn't his first half, he was a fit guy and was only 25!!! My thoughts are with his family and

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-1534929032464135172011-10-24T07:04:00.001-07:002011-10-24T08:49:56.897-07:00

So, the alarm went at 5:30am (bearing in mind this is a Saturday) and I felt pretty good. I won't say I bounced out of bed but I was pretty eager to get going on my experimental breeze block (well it's twice the size of a brick) session. Things started off pretty well, I was at the pool early (for me )but lost all extra time once my additional kit had been organized. I planned to swim until 7:

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-4455147122177044062011-10-21T13:05:00.001-07:002011-10-21T13:05:49.042-07:00

I'm sitting here in Bella italia after a good movie(Real Steel - yes it is actually pretty watchable) and I'm wondering why I feel so tired after my rest day??! I've only got two days of the big week to go but at the moment I'm mulling over whether I should or shouldn't do my TT and long sets on Sunday. The question is whether I am actually too tired or am I looking for a way out?? I'll let you

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-71078515318573904442011-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:002011-10-12T15:22:48.112-07:00

Well, two weeks into my new training plan and things started off pretty well.I had to make a couple of tweaks to turnaround times and miss a couple of sessions due to work commitments and having to finish off some floor sanding at the house but week 1, all in all was pretty good.The running legs are starting to come back, swimming is feeling stronger and I am enjoying being back on the bike.

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-31741404241937425272011-10-05T11:28:00.000-07:002011-10-05T11:38:22.750-07:00

2nd session of day was way off pace but at this stage of the off season Im not worried. It was really good to get a session in at lunch and I clocked up 11k or near enough on a Mild Mod Mad set. Wind was certainly out to test me and the legs were feeling heavy after the first week of training.After a tough session early doors at the pool with the UEA Swim squad it took a while for the old pins to

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-72854784123238292572011-10-05T11:24:00.000-07:002011-10-05T11:24:19.117-07:00

Training Result 02.10.2011 10:02HR and GPS report from the UEA Team relays. Sorry about the timings but some things to note:The bike split includes the run section and the swim includes part of the hand over and the run to transition.I also didnt stop the watch at the end - whoops

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-65732969501061545332011-10-04T11:06:00.000-07:002011-10-04T11:14:33.016-07:00

Well, it started promisingly. A good and easy run as per schedule including 1 x 1k effort at under 4mins. Although the run itself felt tough on the calfs probably due to some harder efforts at the weekend after 4 weeks off is a minor inconvenience at this stage.I am however feeling it a little this evening after two run sessions today so I am not heading out to my third session this week. When I

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-91754217334389310262011-10-03T14:48:00.000-07:002011-10-03T14:53:19.066-07:00

Well, first full day of training done. 2 out of 3 sessions completed (Recruitment fair taking over lunch time scuppering todays run session!).90min swim first thing, 2hours coaching and a 60min sprint session in the evening has meant a full but productive day - great working with the kids/junior/youth athletes at City Of Norwich Tri Club.Long easy run first thing tomorrow although a couple of

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-27842948276221896252011-10-02T12:04:00.000-07:002011-10-02T12:05:58.495-07:00

Pushing the very short but technical bike at the Norwich UEA Tri Relay organised by Active Outdoor Sports. Great event and lovely weather made for an awesome day.

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-13044047193403560562011-10-02T11:39:00.000-07:002011-10-02T12:02:14.914-07:00

I had a great opportunity to test the LG on a number of occasions out in Vegas and have to confirm that I was very happy with it. I have read reviews that comment on it's large size but having a large noggin, my previous helmet was no insignificant addition so the size wasnt something that bothered me.The first thing that was advantageous (although not race specific) was that the helmet allowed

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-73076649148633399242011-09-27T14:43:00.000-07:002011-09-27T14:45:08.767-07:00

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-64071379989660613272011-09-27T14:42:00.001-07:002011-09-27T15:09:25.565-07:00

Vivvaaaaa Las Vegas, Viva , ViVa LAS VEGAAAAS (In an Elvis style).Prior to my trip to Vegas for the WChamps I had never been to the US before so was really looking forward to experiencing the masses amounts of food and advantageous shopping that legend had us believe the US had to offer:)To be honest Vegas wouldn't have been my first choice of American towns or Cities to visit but having said I

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-31863179974474702122011-09-26T04:15:00.000-07:002011-09-26T04:24:24.729-07:00

Two weeks off - harder than it may sound. Im knackered.Owning a house or project as my Girlfriend calls it certainly demands a lots of attention (both of them before you ask). I knew that if I wanted to move things on that I was going to have to put some hours in, what I didnt realize was that it would take so much out of me..Although I am still swimming in the evenings still (as I was just

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-6347368208633122112011-09-21T02:54:00.001-07:002011-09-21T04:26:54.183-07:00

My name is Matt and I am a triathlete.....This would be an accurate introduction but last night a word was in my description which flumoxed me a litte so it was off down enlightenment lane - or Wikipedia as some call it...Pseudo-Elite triathletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudo-Falsehood, Deception, Mimicry.....none of which were particually endearing.... false, fraudulent....oh, yes, it gets

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-61938455731322364732011-09-20T08:23:00.000-07:002011-09-20T08:24:42.039-07:00

I could not make a decision whether to do this or not, it had the advantages of being local, Joe Skipper and another friend (Rob Brundish) were both down to do it and it would be a great pre-Vegas run out with Joe a good yardstick on the bike and Rob more than a match on the run (The bugger).I had raced the very well run club 'Broadsman' event the week leading up and although I didnt push too

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-87977030355960938412011-08-25T01:50:00.000-07:002011-08-25T01:51:15.641-07:00

Report to follow but a great day out in the fens and a Podium finish behind Pro Xterra athlete Sam Gardner. 3rd place and a great Vegas warm-up....

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-29034758757280438982011-08-25T01:49:00.000-07:002011-08-25T01:50:15.539-07:00

A great club event and a mid distance win as a pre-cursor to Vegas

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-19950467619632449432011-08-11T08:43:00.001-07:002011-08-11T09:18:02.704-07:00

I have wanted to this race for a long time - looked like great fun and a great setting. I wasn't sure how I would feel before the race so it was a last minute decision coming down to about 23:45 the night of the cut off. I had already planned a double swim session in the morning and had the Eastern Region Relays on the Sunday so wasnt sure what id have in the tank but thought it would be a good

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-5077335790130253922011-08-10T04:51:00.000-07:002011-08-11T08:35:31.117-07:00

**I was unsure whether to post this but hopefully it will help others make the right decision in the future** I have had some great races this season and have also had my fair share of problems during races - some Ive dealt with well and others like the recent London Superseries event have taken their toll, before, during and after. The superseries has been a real eye opener and a great move

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-45358397574100579162011-08-10T04:35:00.000-07:002011-08-11T08:09:18.189-07:00

Coming off the back of 3 races in 7 days (2 at the Europeans, Canary Wharf Elite) I wanted to support my local event and go back to my first ever olympic race. The Norwich Triathlon is a great event ably put on by Tri-Anglia every year. The first year I did the event was in 2008 and was my first Oly distance race. I borrowed a mates planet X bike (Double Ironman legend Will Hall) for the event

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-66043920908244446982011-07-22T08:19:00.000-07:002011-07-22T08:22:16.069-07:00

I had the privilege of receiving a brand new Aero helmet this week in the shape of LG's new Vorttice. Unfortunately I do not have access to a wind tunnel so it is difficult to put mathamatical numbers on it's performance. All I can do is talk about my first impressions and experience in the 20k TT I was involved in at the Eastern Region Relays, however I feel that real world experience is as

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-19702353054036463172011-07-22T07:02:00.000-07:002011-07-22T07:06:55.779-07:00

Gaining selection to race in the UK Superseries is a simple process but can become very long and drawn out. It is relatively simple, you have to meet certain criteria, submit results and sit back and wait. Depending on who else may wish to race (I.E if the whole of the British squad decide to turn out and some international stars) the number of places left to mere mortals reduces. Junior

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-32853062347350338552011-07-18T05:24:00.000-07:002011-07-19T04:17:43.456-07:00

Although racing in the 30-34 AG on the Sunday at 8am I had previously committed to guiding T6 World Champion Iain Dawson on the Saturday night at 4pm. To summarise, while racing in 40 deg heat we pulled out a 5 minute lead before we managed to break the carbon away from the aluminium rim of his tri-spoke wheel. A disappointing DNF. Despite knowledge of Iain carrying a foot injury, we had

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-52010999414801660112011-06-15T04:38:00.000-07:002011-06-15T06:12:39.859-07:00

Five Races in Six weeks all culminating with the Windsor Elite or Elite British Championships event on a very rainy Sunday in June.When I first planned my year I had two races confirmed - IM 70.3 Mallorca and Windsor Elite race. I had a number of other events pencilled in but confirmation of a place in Elite races is very last minute (unless your a consistent Elite performer where you can pretty

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-44961941836292907352011-06-08T04:08:00.000-07:002011-06-08T04:29:18.333-07:00

This was my second Elite race and after Strathclyde I had an idea of what I wanted to do and where I needed to be. Some notable racers included Tom Bishop, Richard Stannard, Todd Leckie, Phil Graves, Dan Halksworth My plan was to hit the swim hard and try and get a better start than last time to enable me to save energy on the bike by not having to chase down packs. As with a lot of plans it

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-17337675940349917872011-05-25T14:59:00.000-07:002011-05-25T15:04:53.412-07:00

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-84300602942912985342011-05-25T07:53:00.001-07:002011-05-25T14:58:05.584-07:00

Well where do I start..... The end of course.I finished my first Elite race in 26th Place out of 48 starters (I Think). The swim was eventful, Transitions comical, Bike respectful and run tactful.The day itself started off in a state of disorganisation as the registration for the event was 8:30am, briefing 10am and racking 12:45 (yes, the life of an Elite is grand with an afternoon start!). I

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-1934384915951492762011-05-17T09:51:00.001-07:002011-05-17T09:54:12.555-07:00

70.3 race reportWell that was pretty hard......I have been involved in triathlon since 2008 and did not come from a swimming, running or cycling background. I did do some club swimming up until I was 15 and went to about two training sessions while at university but my passion up until I broke my leg/ankle a couple of times was basketball.Coming into Triathlon pretty late on (as many do) I have

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-70172145055442848052011-05-04T09:36:00.001-07:002011-05-05T09:19:39.333-07:00

What a Month, sunshine, time off to train and more sunshine. Bar a bit of a kcoc up at the London Marathon (i.e. non receipt of my defered entry) it would have been a pretty good month.I enetered my first race of the season as a replacement for the Marathon, I searched for a replacement on the 17th itself but there wasnt anything around. The next closet race was the Monster Duathlon in Ely the

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-80274009520543397632011-03-22T10:34:00.000-07:002011-03-22T10:46:44.589-07:00

Being 6'4" I am not the smallest of triathletes nor (unfortunately) the lightest. I have always thought this was going to be a hinderence especially on the run where weight is an issue (without the benefit of power as on the bike).The biggest hurdle for me has been managing calf injuries. Up until the last few months I have always suffered with really sore calfs after heavy run sessions (and

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-6429259667495208032011-03-08T04:46:00.000-08:002011-03-08T08:34:46.443-08:00

I love it when stuff arrives, especially out of the Blue (seventy) :).New Helix for 2011, and Elite tri suit (which had it's first swim session, felt quick, comfortable and with just the right compression for me). The first feedback I had was that it was perhaps a little tight (ooo have I put weight on, surely not!!) but after a 90min swim I put this down to the fact I hadnt worn a suit for

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-30735487159798619712011-02-28T10:03:00.000-08:002011-02-28T10:11:48.079-08:00

I decided to take a week off from work last week with the intention to train, rest, train and do some work on my house.The week ended up including very little rest and an awful lot of 'active' recovery or 'cross training'.I managed some very good bike sessions with Andy Attowe and some solid run sessions including 1mile efforts off 6 mins off a 5k warmup, 5k warm down. The swim sessions went well

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-87203263873882310062011-02-10T09:45:00.001-08:002011-02-10T09:50:58.503-08:00

The training is picking up pace and im feeling more and more positive about the season.Had another strong 5k at Park run on Saturday, felt a little sluggish to start but managed to go within a few seconds of my course PB having just had my energy drained in a 90min sprint swim set (being 1 second off 100 PB and a couple of 50m PB......MIDSET!).I completed a good tech session that evening and mid

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-23921941769778924132011-01-27T05:08:00.000-08:002011-01-27T05:16:46.794-08:00

I will be at the TCR on the Sunday at the Blueseventy stand so come say hi if anyone is about.With swimming a major focus due to the importance in the Elite races I was pleased to be able to get back to full stroke swimming last night, and although I took it relatively easy (to protect my development away from injury) I was very pleased to see that my pace was not far off the guys who were

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-15508455507994396212011-01-26T05:02:00.000-08:002011-01-26T05:04:40.058-08:00

Yet again someone has managed to break the moving floor at the UEA pool (which in general is a very nice pool). However as it takes so long to drain , fix and fill the swim sessions are all cancelled until Thursday (at the earliest).This meant that I had a lie in this morning and a short run to work (with pack).I am going to attend the later Wed night session again tonight and will see how the

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-80831886583478210372011-01-25T08:56:00.000-08:002011-01-25T09:16:34.539-08:00

Continuing my work to develop into a better and healthier runner I have begun using a pair of Tera Plana Barefoot VIVO Evo II (as above - nice eh!)It has been recommended that you ease yourself into the technique of Barefoot running and as such I had a very short run in them yesterday. I concentrated on form and function and found it quite liberating.I have also been taught to listen for your

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-4372929674027752822011-01-25T05:11:00.000-08:002011-01-25T05:32:35.568-08:00

Its been an interesting and busy week with training almost at the capacity I intend to carry through to the season. The schedule is almost there with a couple of tweaks needed (to ensure some rest and that Im not biting off too much).Since last Tuesday I have managed to over do some Fly work in an early morning session (I must admit I hadnt quite got the warm-up in as turned up late - no heating

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-18122970675650962482011-01-18T06:13:00.001-08:002011-01-18T06:24:36.781-08:00

With Feb approaching fast I am concentrating on getting back into a routine that is achievable for the long term. I don't feel it is prudent smashing a week hrs wise only to feel disapointed with yourself when you logistically cannot get near those hours again - as an agegrouper, other commitments have to sometime take priority.I have been looking for additional swim sessions and CONSC have

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-67155851737913953062011-01-05T04:19:00.000-08:002011-01-05T04:21:39.909-08:00

Got my order in for new kit today so now waiting anxiously for the new suits and boots to arrive....From what Ive heard and seen I am expecting some fast times in the kit this year...:)Can't wait to get back in to the open water www.thewaterisopen.com

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-46363216413494743342011-01-05T03:33:00.000-08:002011-01-05T04:19:08.623-08:00

Well a few days in to the training block and Im starting to get a feel for the schedule again which is comforting news.Despite the niggles from the hard lunch run session last Friday (and New year between) I have managed a couple of good core/functionality sessions, 2 promising swims, a bike (1st of the new year) and a great dry-land stretch cord session last night (which made the warm up in the

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-41691001554126786712011-01-04T06:51:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:59:00.932-08:00

I had always planned to keep the training ticking over towards the end of the year and start building things up over the Christmas break with the intent on starting the training cycle (with a gap for NY Celebrations) on Boxing day.....best laid plans were sabotaged somewhat by a dose of a cold and all that comes with it over the only time off I had in December.....Between this and the cold snap

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-21826202536459081052010-11-04T07:30:00.001-07:002010-11-04T07:31:47.474-07:00

Just entered the 2011 Mallorca IM70.3 for my first attempt at this distance - looking forward to smashing the bike :)Also had confirmation of entry to the Windsor Elite race (Oly Distance)Roll on 2011

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-21119390100183930282010-10-15T09:05:00.000-07:002010-10-15T09:08:20.800-07:00

I had hoped to medal at the Euro's and the Worlds this year but through various injuries and the time I have had away (along with other commitments) its been a pretty good year and better than I thought it was going to go when I had to pull out of my fist scheduled events (London Marathon and the Duathlons).I am a firm believer in consistency being the groundworks for a successful season and feel

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-83755862135247966372010-10-15T08:40:00.002-07:002010-10-15T08:42:27.710-07:00

2 days, 2 races - would it be two podiums??, well to summarise ...no.I felt pretty good on the day, the sun was out for the first time, Discs were allowed and I wasn't suffering as much as I thought (shoulders were a little tight and the calf was sore - surprised?? I wasn't!).After the success of the day before I wasn't really expecting much from the event, I had essentially written it off as

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-68867957893886000372010-10-15T08:40:00.001-07:002010-10-15T08:47:23.479-07:00

Iain had travelled to Budapest with Barrd as his guide for this event. They were looking good as a pair having notched up wins nationally previously in the year. This was Iain's hardest race with the biggest competition from the UK (Chris and Haseeb) and the German Pairing (Ralf Arnold) all had new guides, some had new swimming techniques and after the problems that the Germans had in Edinburgh (

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-79857538923592930332010-10-15T08:39:00.001-07:002010-10-15T08:39:58.616-07:00

This was the major race on the Calendar for me with regard my commitments to Iain, this was also (on paper) my last race with him in 2010. When racing National events we are very familiar with our competition, we know their strengths and weaknesses, we know ho far we need to be ahead on the run and know what to pace accordingly. This was a different race altogether, we knew we were up against a

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-35997626415137831942010-10-14T09:31:00.000-07:002010-10-15T08:52:52.697-07:00

After a hard a fast race the day before (no sleep and sore calfs) I was very apprehensive about this race with Iain. I knew that the swim would be easier than London with a lot less bodies but also knew that the prospect of two hard races in a row was an unknown for me - and it wasn't just my season that would be effected by this race.The swim started well and it wasn't long before we were

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-78072356494307148742010-10-14T08:43:00.001-07:002010-10-15T08:37:48.297-07:00

This was a first for me - a double weekend!I was a little apprehensive as the British Parariathlon event was originally scheduled for a different weekend and was then moved to the day after the National Relays which I had already agreed to race.This meant I had two teams that could be let down if things went wrong...HPU and Iain Dawson.As you would have read the weeks leading up to this weekend

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-51963367514173998652010-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:002010-08-26T08:08:42.201-07:00

Iain Dawson crossing the line with a 'pushy' guide http://www.britishtriathlon.org/index.php

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-19394204643706762102010-08-19T03:51:00.000-07:002010-10-15T08:56:45.838-07:00

I was never going to make all of the ranking events this year because a lot clash with other events I do. I cannot understand why the BTF dont have 5 national events which encompas the ranking series (all 5), the national champs (1/5), euro qualifiers (3/5) and World Qualifiers (3/5). These shopuld also be set on the weekends that don't include the W/C or E/C races so that athletes who are racing

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-91658827739278730112010-08-19T03:29:00.000-07:002010-08-19T03:40:59.162-07:00

The race with Iain, although at a comfortable pace put a lot of strain on my inner leg injury (at this stage I wasn't sure what the problem was!). This meant I could push as hard as I would have like don the bike and was very happy that Iain didnt try to knock off an 18min 5k!!!I tried to rest and saw a couple of people about the injury and found that the inner hamstring was very sore as well as

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-78973224679520855652010-08-19T03:10:00.000-07:002010-08-19T03:29:30.510-07:00

I had been looking forward to this race all year - my first outing as a guide.As far as I can see, guiding in Triathlon is all about allowing the athlete to race as hard as they can so a guide needs to be stronger than them. The partnership with Iain (on paper) looked to be a good one, I am a stronger swimmer and runner and we match each other on the bike (he may be slightly quicker but dont tell

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-17532452569483779702010-08-18T09:03:00.000-07:002010-08-19T03:10:40.531-07:00

Since my last post I have purchased a house, got injured, won the Fritton Aquathlon series, been a guide at the London Sprint Tri with Iain Dawson (which he won) and had a very disapointing race at Bedford National Championships - but I can explain this so less worried than I could be.The biggest thing for me recently has been the house purchase, to say it has got in the way of training would be

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-32426106105792118822010-07-20T04:54:00.000-07:002010-07-27T01:18:50.042-07:00

This was (so far) the best race of the year :)I will start with the figures:3RDOverall1ST 30-341:59:053rd fastest bike 1:02:0513th fastest Run 36:03 (P:B)7th Fastest Swim 19:45After the disapointment of Shropshire(being stupid) and Athlone (being slow and injured) I was really hoping for a good race here. My legs felt OK (My right calf was still sore and my ' glute' was uncomfortable but the best

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-27220836920316951012010-07-20T04:30:00.000-07:002010-07-20T04:54:27.222-07:00

At the begining of the season I was really looking forward to this event and to racing with (rather than against) Oli Milk.This weekend came after my first two races of the year, which where no warm up races. I really wanted to obtain a decent National Ranking this year and hoped to come out top in age and top three overall. Due to the way my events fell I could only make 3/5 of the events

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-54913960821000238882010-07-20T04:24:00.000-07:002010-07-20T04:30:19.332-07:00

It has been a little bit hectic recently so these updates have not been as forthcoming as I would have liked.With Part 1 of the race season now over (Block of 4 races in a row, NR Shropshire, Euro Champs in Athlone, Eastern Region Relays and then Worthing NR)it has been a steep conditioning curve back into Triathlon after the time I had off. It would have been nice to have had some local races to

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-36866009346274094382010-07-09T07:17:00.000-07:002010-07-09T09:03:35.789-07:00

Before Shropshire I had some issues with my glutes and my calfs and spent most of the interim week seeing Phil Mortimer for treatment (and follow-up on a RC injury to my left shoulder).Impressions of courseSwim,Looked like a really nice swim although a virtual U Turn only 300m in looked as though it may cause problems, especially in the 30-39 wave which was one of the largest - this showed in a

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-69442500259180840682010-07-09T06:58:00.000-07:002010-07-09T07:17:15.570-07:00

Well the first race of the season came and the first race of the season went, pretty quickly (but not as quickly as I had hoped!!).Actually, who am I trying to kid!After no base training I was expecting to be well down the placings at my first event. I anticipated that my pace at the start of the bike and swim would be good but the lack of endurance would show and I would struggle towards the end

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-73172699124661096092010-06-15T04:46:00.000-07:002010-06-15T04:48:43.649-07:00

And 1 from the LM last year as a famous Nursery Rhyme Character - that ws one hot run!!Although it made my 2nd Marathon seem like a walk in the park at IMUK09

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-20368088491392512922010-06-15T04:42:00.000-07:002010-06-15T04:45:55.469-07:00

Just some pics from WC last year - this is/was the 30-34 GB team pre-race..

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-68696960633646150212010-06-13T09:49:00.000-07:002010-06-13T09:58:05.428-07:00

It didnt start well. Torn wetsuit, late arrival, the buoys wouldn't ground so started floating off and the sun wasn't shining.The swim compounded a poor start with a loss of direction (it wasn't my sighting - I could see everything and had a good 10 seconds at the buoy; I just didnt know what I was looking for! N:B Reccy course and get to briefing!!I had to stop twice in the swim remove goggles

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-85058726508067210282010-06-13T09:26:00.000-07:002010-06-13T09:49:19.841-07:00

To be honest I wasn't sure whether this would warrant a post but after much deliberation I decided that as it may be effecting my training and my attitude towards the year that it was worth a couple of lines at least.Apart from the usual balance of work, triathlon and social live I am heavily involved in buying a house. Anybody that has done this will know it takes a lot of time and energy (not

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-71668450434623882392010-05-24T05:20:00.000-07:002010-05-24T05:23:23.443-07:00

OK,OK Iknow my name isn't mentioned and my swim style is a little bit unusual (on intructions from the photographer) but I had my Picture in the Sunday Times on the 23rd (page 20) :)Maybe next time I will get an article as well (2XU Take note please of the wetsuit I am wearing, so any sponsorship assistance would be appreciated!)Fortunately my GF spotted it otherwise I would never have known!

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-45590476810578396552010-05-21T04:18:00.000-07:002010-05-21T04:35:03.203-07:00

I managed a quick run (17x200m efforts) on Tuesday and although I intended to swim Wednesday morning, it took a little more out of me than I thought (obviously not quite over the cold then - overtraining, maybe!). With the running being so intermittent the old adversary of slight calf strains has raised it's head, I thought I had this beaten last year after good work with Dave but either my

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-87742303656717240112010-05-21T04:13:00.000-07:002010-05-21T04:18:16.313-07:00

New HPU kit arrived yesterday just in time for the Fritton Aquathlon (which I intended to do if well enough). The Tri suit looks sweet and fits well and the cycling kit goes well with my bikes (which is very important!!)

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-27020569397450783742010-05-21T03:35:00.000-07:002010-05-21T04:13:48.170-07:00

Now I don't know much about overtraining, I tick all the boxes (or did last week), I had a cold (which is lingering) and felt pretty run down but now feel much better.If you have been overtraining, can you still do easy conditioning work, how long do you take off, can you train but cut down the hrs or intensity or both?Since the GEAR 10k run training has been intermittant to say the least,

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-15186387813438873762010-05-03T11:38:00.000-07:002010-05-03T12:28:48.597-07:00

With more training events coming up and less than 2 months to my first individual race it has been nice to consolidate some training and start to get some solid miles under my feet. I have now been running to and from work for just over a week and my ankle has been feeling good, but untested. I had entered the GEAR 10k run last week as I felt my ankle was getting to strength but was unsure how it

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-36332921934958424742010-04-20T03:38:00.000-07:002010-04-20T06:04:05.021-07:00

This week had been a poor week for recording events and training. I know I worked hard in all the sessions I attended, but unfortunately due to non-triathlon life I have had to miss some; however I have enjoyed the break and am now back with rekindled relish for getting on to the next events (May Day weekend Kings Lynn 10k and Road Race).During the last two weeks I have taken part in a pool time

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-44696066146643358142010-04-06T12:20:00.000-07:002010-04-08T10:34:51.767-07:00

With the extra time available at the end of the week due to the Easter break giving a few extra days for training, the week started with a solid swim set on Monday and a good gym session on Tuesday. The week leading up to April the 1st is a very busy time at work and i knew that the extra working hrs I would need to put in would eat into training time. Missing training can be frustrating but as I

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-60095656387479257482010-03-29T06:06:00.000-07:002010-03-29T06:09:09.170-07:00

To be updated in due course. Featuring:Oli Milk,Andy AttoweMatt EllisLee CaulderonSome Specialized bikes, FFWD Wheels, a boat load more Carbon and a camera

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-1816717075324528742010-03-29T05:48:00.000-07:002010-03-29T06:06:57.140-07:00

My first Gala for 15 years or so and im not sure who was more nervous, me or the young lads in the lane next to me (17, or 18yo). After reassuring them that despite being a physically superior and mean looking power house I was actually a slow steady 'mature' distance swimmer I proceeded to position myself on the black accordingly (at least these hadn't changed since my last Gala - the suits had

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-44943300374399338172010-03-29T04:38:00.000-07:002010-03-29T05:48:23.030-07:00

Another good week in the pool which was finished off with my first Gala for (lets call it for ease) 15 years, but ill come back to that.I moved my training around a little this week missing the early Monday session and attending the evening set instead of doing a pull cord work out. This was done to allow myself a little more rest and also to try and cut back on a bit of dry land work as I was

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-5274265094500496822010-03-22T11:03:00.000-07:002010-03-22T16:13:55.677-07:00

Another good week in the pool with a little more bike work and I am feeling more and more confident about the coming year. Despite a couple of twinges in the shoulder causing a bit of an ease down in the pool at the beginning of the week and a bit of a 48hr cold (head cold only thankfully so trained through apart from Monday morning where I rested shoulder and head).The most positive aspect of

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-58566892310228681282010-03-18T06:32:00.001-07:002010-03-18T06:40:38.136-07:00

Picked up some new kit this week care of those lovelly guys at Specialized and Streetlife so really looking forward to trying my new shoes, helmet, glasses and gloves at the weekend.My new road bike should also arrive this week (Spec Tarmac) in carbon/white colors so also looking forward to picking that up and hitting the bike training hard asap. The ankle is getting stronger by the day so a

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-44995105770992264832010-03-18T05:59:00.000-07:002010-03-18T06:16:11.079-07:00

This year I have started working with Iain Dawson who is an ex Paralympic cyclist and is showing a massive amount of promise in Triathlon.I have been up to Loughbrough with him on the selection day and had a few training sessions with him in the lake last year. This was only the second 2010 bike session I had organized with him due to the recovery from my late 2009/early 2010 minor ops and

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-62631110430903720412010-03-14T14:20:00.000-07:002010-03-16T06:34:35.920-07:00

Despite the lack of Run and cycle training this has been a good week, I have hit the swim sessions hard and brought in some further dry-land training at Norwich City College's Extreme Sports Therapy Unit.The problem has been in trying to re-structure my training calendar to accommodate these extra sessions - unlike bike sets, the swim sets are determined by access to the pool and more importantly

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-35186383850966982792010-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:002010-03-02T05:16:16.459-08:00

Oh does that feel good! I started my first batch of pre-season training last week with a Yoga session on Wednesday (1hr) followed by some dry land stretch band and tech work(1hr). On Thursday I had my first spin on a Turbo for 30 mins easy and a pool session with City of Norwich in the evening (1hr). It felt really good to be back in the water and it felt that I had not lost a great deal in my

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-7175008712673204742010-01-31T06:46:00.000-08:002010-01-31T07:08:47.121-08:00

On Wednesday I went in for my final (hopefully) operation of the off season. I was hoping that I would get the Ankle Op and the Leg op done at around the same time but as ever, best laid plans of mice and men have meant that I have had a prolonged absence from training.The procedure was the removal of loose bodies from my left ankle (I had the same operation prior to taking up triathlon 3 years

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-42020297039580923662010-01-25T06:26:00.001-08:002010-01-25T06:29:26.728-08:00

Just had some photos sent through by the BTF from my time at the Agegroup WC in September 2009:

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-26785751288885111372010-01-25T06:13:00.000-08:002010-01-25T06:25:41.667-08:00

After a promising start to the off season wih progress being made on my run technique I have had to diapear from the training scene for a while why I recover from a minor leg opp. The good news is that recovery has been made, the bad that I have a pre-organised ankle opp to look forward to on Wednesday.With everything however, it really depends on how you look at it. The time off from running/

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-5956481937649410452009-12-01T04:13:00.000-08:002009-12-03T04:47:39.064-08:00

After a slow start to off season training I was becoming more and more keen to get out in the cold and work on my running technique (as this felt as though it was going well it was the easiest to continue).The good feeling I had were (maybe) a little premature as I have picked up a pig of a chest cold which I am struggling to shift completely. I persevered and ran the Tri-Anglia club 10k last

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173434287090933521.post-34499663828121743762009-11-21T02:40:00.000-08:002009-11-22T12:30:31.808-08:00

After a great session on run technique with Dave Parry at HPU (Essex University-Human Performance Unit) I have been really keen to get out and work on my running. As I have only been in Triathlon for a season and a half, last year was really experimental for me with changes in technique and adjustment to equipment almost a weekly occurrence. I had read in a number of places about the fore-foot

TriathleteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734419469597718056noreply@blogger.com0