My New Baby

So after months of planning, discussing, refining and eventual building my bike is ready.

I introduce to you my 2019 speed weapon.

 

Wales, Great Orme, Fun!

Sometimes just need to escape and spend some time away where you know no one. Little trip to North Wales, got out on the bike along the coast and cycled around Great Orme which was pretty damn spectacular!

Bridlington - Again!

So I visited Bridlington the first time earlier in the year as a recovery day after running Manchester Marathon, and I always fancied coming back and cycling along the coastline. Well, that's exactly what we did today!

Tan Hill and Bike Porn

What a day!

Went to look at some bike porn and found my 2019 race bike, going to be an expensive new year and I really will have 0 excuses for not making the GB team with my new speed weapon.
 
Cycled to Britain's highest pub and ticked off another of the 100 (or 200) climbs; started a little later than I'd planned and weather was grim so didn't manage my beer and burger, but will no doubt be back. Raynauds kicked in towards the end and I'm going to have very sore hands and feet tomorrow... 

 

Masochist? Masochist!

Pretty sure I'm a masochist - I love pain. One of my favourite climbs is Holme Moss in the peak district and no matter how many times I do it it still makes me suffer in a good way.

Today I decided to shake it up a bit and take a quieter but significantly longer and harder route there.

Suffering With Friends

So outside of racing and training it's nice to do sessions with friends - that's exactly what we did today; hill reps around the Otley area. The concept is simple - a nice slow spin out to each hill, then attack with everything you have, regroup at the top and move on to the next hill.

 

Ironman Wales 2018

So, massive day yesterday taking on Ironman number 4!

A 'Little' Annoucement

So here I am, in Tenby ready for another Ironman! But wait, this isn't just an Ironman for me this year (haha, 'just' an Ironman), this one is very important to me.

I have only shared this with those closest to me, because when I say it out loud it feels way to real, but here it is, out in the open so I have to commit to it now.

Wales Day 4

Day 4 in Wales - cycled the big loop again and had one of the worst mechanical failures I've experienced on the bike, then ran some of the Ironman run and tacked a little extra running through Tenby. No swim as I'm pretty sure I'd have drowned today 🏊❌

I am defeated (but in a good way)!

Also, shot from my favourite spot - Ironman Wales finish line (well, it will be in September)!

Wales Day 3

Day 3 in Wales - bit of running (showing the Welsh how it's done 👑), cycled the scenic part of Ironman through to Angle (which is honestly so stunning), lots of sunbathing and finally finishing off with a few laps swimming from the harbour to Goscar Rock and back. Fantastic!

Wales Day 2

Day 2 in Wales - cycled the Ironman course (just the big lap), had a little swim in the sea and sunbathed waaaaay to much for a 'training' holiday! Honestly couldn't have picked a better week. Just what I've been needing to escape and recharge!