With news of success Team Athlete Dan Cobby reports below on his race at Ironman UK Bolton;
Ironman UK 2015: 9hrs30, 8th Overall, 1st Age Grouper and a slot to Kona
Enjoying some training with Tri Training Harder earlier in the season |
The night before the race didn't quite go to plan due to a noisy road and sleeping in the worlds hottest room (good prep for Kona). I think I got about an hours sleep max and as I sat on the bus with other athletes travelling to the swim start I was jealous of many of them talking about what a good nights sleep they had.
As I stepped off the bus I was met by the first monsoon of the day and questioned why?? This question was soon short lived because I was able to have a chat with my coach Alan Ward from Tri Training Harder. He helped me to focus on the day rather than the weather, as I walked up to transition to check on my bike. I was also grateful to see Andy Strong from Fundamentally Fit who along with his partner Kirsteen had braved the weather to come and watch the swim start.
Swim 3.9k - 1:06:
The swim this year was a rolling start which I felt worked well for me as there was not much of a brawl at the start and found it quicker to settle into a rhythm. When I got out of the water I was ok with my time and know that this discipline is a work in progress.
Cycle 180k - 5:21:
One thing I can say about the Ironman UK bike course is that it has a way of testing you with hills, rain and some gusty winds. Although the conditions were pretty bad the support from the locals, family and Tri Training Harder was brilliant.
The bike course consists of a 14 mile ride from the swim to join a two lap course which includes two climbs called Sheep House Lane and Hunters Hill.
The first part of the cycle was more of a swim and trying to stay on the bike was an effort in itself. The weather for the first 14 mile of the bike was awful and I soon realised this was going to be a tough day to say the least. That said it wasn't long before I settled into a rhythm and focussed on my power and nutrition. I felt comfortable on the bike and I am very fortunate to have a Felt IA which has been fitted by Athlete Service and I definitely feel the benefits of a quality bike fit and set up.
The first part of the cycle was more of a swim and trying to stay on the bike was an effort in itself. The weather for the first 14 mile of the bike was awful and I soon realised this was going to be a tough day to say the least. That said it wasn't long before I settled into a rhythm and focussed on my power and nutrition. I felt comfortable on the bike and I am very fortunate to have a Felt IA which has been fitted by Athlete Service and I definitely feel the benefits of a quality bike fit and set up.
When I arrived at the first hill the weather had cheered up slightly however the winds remained. You are pretty exposed during many parts of the course and a few gusts of wind gave me "squeaky bum time". On the first lap of the bike course I was able to maintain a fairly consistent power output and was happy with the way things were going.
On the second lap of the course there were far more athletes. This made it difficult at times because some were cycling in the centre of the road which made it quite difficult and dangerous to pass. I did however still keep my power consistent and when I got to the last hill of the day felt far fresher than in previous years.
T2:
Quick drink before heading onto the run |
As I cycled into T2 I was unsure where I was placed within my age group however there weren’t too many bikes racked so I was pretty confident that I was doing ok. As I ran out of T2 I was told that I was 7th in my age group. My first thoughts of this were that I best run a strong marathon.
Run: 2:56
My coach Alan giving me some advice during the marathon |
Finish:
We are going to Hawaii! |
I have so many people to thank for helping me through for me what has been a pretty tough year. Firstly my wife who is just such an incredible person. She has continued to encourage me to keep training and racing. Any one who knows me will agree that she is always there supporting me.
But also a massive thanks to: Tri Training Harder, The Bosworth Clinic, Huub, High5, Athlete Service, Fundamentally Fit, Carla Baumfield, and Champion System. They have all supported me immensely over the course of the year.
A direct link to Dans original blog can be found here.