Sunday, 31 March 2013

Balls-Busted, read on it will become clear!!

I last left you in the lead up to our first “hit out” of the season, the Ballbuster Duathlon. For efficiencies I have included below the race report Ben and I wrote having survived the ball-busting run, bike, run race!

EVENT: Ballbuster Duathlon (run 8miles, bike 24 miles, run 8 miles)
DATE: 3rd March 2013
LOCATION: Box Hill, Surrey, UK
RESULTS:
Ben Webeck: 2 hrs 52 (10th overall) Lap 1 run: 47:30 Laps 2,3,4 bike: 01:11:38 Lap 5 run: 51:55
Cat Benger: 3 hrs 12 (3rd Female) Lap 1 run: 52:48 Laps 2,3,4 bike: 01:19:46 Lap 5 run: 53:45

BEN WEBECK Race Review:
We hit the line of the spring Ballbuster Duathlon on the weekend that takes participants 5 times around the famous Box Hill loop that is 13km long. Starting with 1 loop of the run, followed by 3 on the bike and finishing back at the top with one last loop on the run. It is classed as one of the toughest Duathlons on the UK circuit.
I had a blast at my 2nd Ballbuster but, it wasn’t my day out there in terms of performing to my current state of fitness. The legs were having issues before the start and once on route I knew it was going to be a tough few hours of preservation. I had good fun running on the first lap and then once on the bike things felt amazing with my new bike fit from Bespoke Cycles. However, I was cautious and knew I couldn’t put much power down today and drove it like a granny around the corners! The 2nd run was just about hanging onto every little thread of spare muscle left in my legs but in the end I had used them all up and I nearly got busted walking up Box Hill.
That pain turned to exhilaration when I saw Cat turning her trade mark sprint finish on for everyone to witness to cross the line in 3rd behind Vicky Gill and Tamsin Lewis. Happy Coach!

CAT BENGER Race Review:
I was so glad race morning arrived and the temperature gauge on the car was not featuring a minus sign! Cold extremities were higher up on the list of my concerns than 5 times up Box Hill under my own steam! I knew this race would be all about pacing and building in to the race as opposed to flying from the gun like a whippet! I also knew I would have to work to get on the podium 2 elites were joining us amateurs on the starting line.
Mind and body felt good race day, lots of hard work had been done in training so I knew I could race hard and have the faith and confidence in my ability to not only race hard but deliver. We had done our homework pre-race, a few practice loops of the course. The “dry run” had eradicated a few unknowns, for example, the course profile, the sharp corners and my choice of gears. The days leading into the event I kept a gauge on the volume particularly in the latter part of the week, a degree of intensity remained part of my training throughout the week to ensure I did not get too sluggish. I kept the engine revving, I wanted it to be ready to fire on all cylinders.

Registered, bike racked, pre-race gel gulped down banana flavour Zipvit was my weapon of choice, layers off and we were off! The first run leg I maintained a strong but comfortable pace, keeping my breathing under control at all times. Another hit of a gel (blackcurrant Zipvit this time) I was ready for my 1st journey up Box Hill. Maintaining form, running tall, not allowing my shoulders to collapse, up on to my toes were all on my mind. In between my form checks I mentally played out what order things had to be done in to ensure a swift transition. The extra pair of gloves on last was the most important thing not to be over looked. Ditching the trainers and jumping on to my bike I knew I was the 5th female overall, panic was not setting in I had confidence in my biking and ability to run a strong final lap of the course off the bike.

Hammer down pushing hard on the down hills, spinning, keeping the cadence high and torque on the pedals light when going up was the plan and I stuck to it. Third and final ascent up Box Hill of the bike leg I pushed the power a little more to ensure the girls behind me were not gaining! A few moments were taken again to play out the bike to run transition. Vital seconds in transition can be lost but equally gained for those with who have visualised it and have a plan.
Back on to the run, again, déjà vu!?! I knew at this stage of the race I was in 3rd, a step up on the podium was in sight and mine to loose. Push, push, push, push, push, keep up that high cadence is what I kept telling myself and is what I did! Final kick, sprint and line crossed! Breath, breath, breath is what I had to next tell myself. Job done 3rd spot secured, here’s to the rest of the season.

Anyone fancy doing the Ballbuster in 2014?! Happy to direct you to the website to sign up!!

There is yet another race review for you to (I hope) enjoy, no need for our trusty steeds (bikes) this time just a pair of trainers and a tough head were required for the 60th Maidenhead Easter 10 miler and no we did not get eggs for passing the finish line!
EVENT: Maidenhead Easter 10 miler
DATE: Good Friday 29th March 2013
LOCATION: Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK
RESULTS:
Ben Webeck 0 hr 58
Cat Benger 1 hr 03
Alex Benger 1 hr 09

CAT BENGER Race Review:
This was not only going to be a sold run hit out but the first time I have hit the start line with my (older) brother Alex and yes you have guessed we are both quite competitive!! 10 miles or 16 km’s is a distance I have not really had much experience of thus was somewhat unsure of pacing. On our journey from London to Maidenhead I pondered if trying to hold 4 mins per k pace was a little over zealous?! I decided I would soon find out and let’s go for it!!

Layers on until the last minute although the temperature had risen to about 3 degrees by the time the hooter went off. Being a run race there was no shortage of “purists” in just shorts and a singlet, brrrr not for me, long pants, long sleeve top, gloves and an ear warmer was my wardrobe!! The familiar smell of deep heat lingered in the air too, I gave rubbing my legs a miss, instead, opted for my rocket fuel of choice a Zipvit gel as my final last minute prep.
9.30am sharp we were off, mind and body ready to hold my target pace, oh and try to ensure I win the inaugural race of the sibling rivalry!! Through the first few km’s and miles I had to work but was feeling ok, pace was on target or just under! No turning back now on the pace I just kept pushing, no turning back to even see where my bro was, instead, my focus was up the road and picking off females!!!

Just after the half way mark the wind was picking up, I settled in on to the shoulder of a guy, drafting in running is legal isn’t it!?! Mile 7 to 8 was my toughest and slowest, I think (hope/convinced myself) this was slightly uphill and exposed, one more girl picked off was about the only positive I can draw from that painful mile!
Penultimate then final mile was in sight. I was still holding my target pace do not give in or up now echoed in my head. About 1km to go a guy mentioned I was 4th female and then from nowhere a runner bean (female), I kid you not was on my shoulder, show time. She nudged in front of me, I tucked in behind her and matched her stride. I was hoping she did not have a victory sprint finish similar to mine, confident in the fast twitchers I tracked her stride for stride. Last corner turned, the finish line was beckoning approx 300m in the distance. I knew I could and would kick it was just a case of when…..BOOM I saw Ben and he said sprint so that is what I did!! Phew, she was not able to match my final burst, the line could not come soon enough.

1 hour 3 mins, 3min 55 ave per k pace not so over zealous after all. Ben had nailed a sub 1 hour run and my bro came home for a PB too. Here’s to the next time I toe the start line with the boys, Bro and Ben.

Asides from hitting the start line in 2 events in recent we have been trying to keep warm and well! My snowboarding jacket which is not being used for its purpose, snowboarding, instead being used to keep me warm! That wind has been arctic, or the beast from the east as I have called it has certain ruffled my feathers and meant a lot of our training sessions have been frreeeezin or indoors!! My eye balls felt frozen running the other week in the flurries of white stuff. I think the only reason I did not cry from pain was the thought of my tears freezing!

On the work front, guess what, I am still there, yes at Liberty, I must be doing something right! An initial 4 week contract has now turned into 6 months of work, clearly I am loving it too. Ben is still experiencing life as a “commuter” with his journey to Reading and back.

I got to see my favourite little people a few weeks ago, nephew Ethan and niece Zara. The week previous had been Ethan’s 3rd birthday so Auntie was a little overdue with his gifts. Not quite sure how much Yvette and Alex (Ethan’s mum and dad) appreciated one of the gifts, a money box….I think the next morning they were woken pre 6am with Ethan rattling his new tin!!!

I hope our family, friends, followers and fans are well and staying warmer than I have been with frozen eye balls!? Clocks changed last night, that means British Summer Time, really?! I will remain optimistic and skip off to do a sun dance, until the next time, lots of love take care C and B xxx PS pls join me in a sunshine jig!!

Friday, 1 March 2013

How long until Spring?!

Before my Dad gives me a “gentle nudge” for a blog update I thought I had better get to it “toute de suite”!

On the training front “the boss” Ben has stepped it up a gear, more and more sessions are registering on the pain scale, most of them in the run disciple! This is a good thing as “the Bengers”, brother (Alex) and sister (moi) will be going head to head in a race on Good Friday. The Maidenhead 10 miler is one of the oldest run races around, there will not only be an element of brother and sister rivalry but plenty of deep heat and singlets!! There will be plenty of uber runners on the start line no doubt wanting to show the multi sport triathletes a lesson or two in running. Just as FYI my bro and I have never met on the start line before and as a further FYI not sure which Benger, my boyfriend Ben is supporting?! He has been writing training programmes for my bro too, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Keeping with the theme of pain for another paragraph, Tuesday and or Thursday night running sessions are a contender on the ouch scale. We joined up to the local Running and Tri Club, The Clapham Chasers. Tuesday is a track session and Thursday is around Battersea Park or up and down hills all at a “I want to beat the boys” pace, hence the pain! It is great to see there is some female running talent within the group, I got a lesson on how to run on Tues from the ladies, those girls can run, they were flying, good on you girlies, I will try and keep up next time!!

The pace is not always frantic, when the snow hit we headed to Richmond Park for a gentle jog at a very social, chatty pace with fellow athletes. As we left the flat and the temp gauge on the car read -2.5 degrees I did check with Ben for reassurance, we won’t be the only ones there will we?! How wrong was I, we had about 15 people in our group determined for the snow not to stop play or training. Around the park we saw lots of other keen / mad athletes, I think the novelty factor bought people out. The path was not only being shared by fellow runners but kids whizzing down the hills on sledges or mum’s baking tray, they were moooooovin!! I was a bit jealous, that did look like a lot more fun than running in a freezer!!!

On the work front, guess what they cannot get rid of me, no I am not chaining and pad locking myself to the chair! I am still temping at Liberty. My last contract was until Fri 1st Feb then at the 11th hour they asked me to stay for 2 more months, phew the p45 has been averted again! I have been and am being a bit of a PR machine to secure a perm role, lots of coffees with contacts which I hope will strike gold very soon!

Ben, bless him has been doing the commute. He is working on a project where the client is Reading based. 3 hours plus of commuting per day is not his cup of tea! At least they have Nespresso coffee machines out there, I think that may be the only perk and positive I have heard recited!

Last month was my Mum’s birthday, she out did the queen and had about 4 separate celebrations, but she deserves it!! Dad arranged a surprise dinner for her with the kids, Alex and I with our respective partners were sat waiting for her arrival at the restaurant Dad had booked. We (Ben and I) then met up with Mum the day after her birthday in London to see the Wildlife Photography Exhibition at The Natural History Museum. Penny, Mum’s travelling side kick joined us too. After the animal’s coffee and cake was on the agenda at “le pain quotidian”, I even packed a candle in my bag for the occasion!!

This weekend, 3rd March we have the first of our “tests” this season!! We are doing the “Ballbuster”, I think the name gives a hint of just how painful it is going to be. The Ballbuster is contested on loops around Box Hill, Surrey, Box Hill is where the Olympic Cycling Road Race was contested if the name is ringing a bell. Each loop is 8mile or 13km’s, we have to do it 5 times made up of a run (1 loop), bike (3 loops), run (just 1 more) combo. The Hill part hopefully infers it is not flat, up and down, up and down, if the gradient is not going to test us enough just keeping warm will be a battle. At the top of Box Hill the temperature often dips below zero, ffffrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzin!!

This weekend is also the annual Tri Show with everything swim, bike and run, I am not so much excited about the thought of the endless piles of lycra and mountains of energy gels but seeing Lisa and Ian. We met the lovely couple at the 70.3 World Champs in Florida a few years ago, Lisa will be on the USN stand as she is a brand ambassador for them. A coffee and catch up is long, long, long over due.

Keeping on the social side of things weekend of the 16th Feb it was the lovely Kev’s birthday. We were invited to his birthday do, venue: an apartment on the South Bank with a view on to the London Eye, wow and it got even better. We were then treated to a Thai banquet, my mouth is still watering. We also had a guest appearance from Gift who was the amazing host that looked after us whilst we were in Phuket. Gift is over in the UK for a month so we got the chance to invite her over and cook a meal for her in return for all the ones she cooked for us during our stint in Phuket. Ben’s famous quinoa salad was on the menu and went down a storm, nice one chef Ben!

Talking of chef Ben I had better not let this blog update close without a mention of the valentines dinner he cooked me, my favourite was on the menu and no it was not carrot batons girlies before you jump to any romantic conclusions, instead, my fav salmon, delicious.

All this talk of food is making me feel a little peckish, time to refuel again, after all I am a wannabe athlete! Until the next update keep warm and well bloggers, lots of love C and B xx

Tuesday, 8 January 2013

Back in the saddle....

Back in the saddle can only mean one thing………………..our boxes which included our road bikes, the “work horses” arrived from Aus and were ready for collection. A quick trip up the M1 to Milton Keynes on Saturday meant we had them and more lycra back in our possession.

Of course no time was wasted, no sooner was the car unpacked the bikes were re-assembled and Ben had mapped out an 80km spin towards and around Kent for Sunday. Man its hilly round those neck of the woods! Toys Hill was anything but fun and certainly not child’s play!! I actually think my lungs got more of a work out than my legs. Our eyes had to work pretty hard to as the layer of mist did not lift.

Before we were back in the saddle and on the tarmac getting the miles in again on the Sunday, Mum and Dad were guests chez moi in the Hill for dinner. A fun night was had and I promised Mum and Dad that it will not be their only invite for 2013!! Although looking at my retired parent’s holiday and trip schedule for the year may mean I had better book them in now to ensure the dinner invites does not remain a one off!!!

Rewinding back a few weeks to where we left you on the last blog, we were probably about to embark on the full force of the festive season. I am sure it will come as no surprise to you the silly season was fairly quiet for us so training was not put on the back burner.

My bro hosted “The Bengers” for Christmas and treated our stomach BIG time. Lunch was an amazing feast of everything you would expect from the traditional Christmas lunch. I hope one year Ben and I can do a Christmas lunch but Aussie styleee, need a bigger flat and table first, mine currently only seats 4!

Did lots of chatting over Skype with Ben’s family too over xmas and NY. I will admit it I was very jealous of the sun drenched beach pics Ben’s mum and dad sent us of their Christmas day picnic.

Lucky we did go easy (I think I am talking for both of us!?) on the Christmas pud, mince pies and vino as we took part in the weekly 5k park run on Sat Dec 29th. This would be our first speed hit since we last raced in Oct. The outing was very much a “training race” to see where we were at, the 5k of increased effort was like the filling in a sandwich. 15 min warm up to the start approx 3k, followed by the 5k hit out then run the remainder of the lap of Richmond park. A 17km run with a 5k race pace sandwich is served!!
Ben bagged a top 10 overall finish, I came home for a top 20 overall finish and 1st lady home. Boys you had better watch out when I am fit (ter)!!

Early Jan I was back in the Emporium famous for its floral print, yes I am still working for Liberty. I was very pleased I had my contract extended again until the 1st Feb. I did tell them a p45 was not on my Christmas list, lucky for me Santa got the note!!

Things are pretty quiet on the racing front at present, it’s the off season in the world of swim, bike and run. It all starts again around the end of May, June when fingers crossed it’s a whole lot warmer! We may not be racing but we still think of the races. Due to the growing popularity of the sport these days’ races have to be booked into early so not to miss out. The below details our 2013 race schedule.

Ben and Cat’s 2013 race schedule:

3rd March Kinetica Spring BallBuster Duathlon, Box Hill, Surrey
29th March 60th maidenhead Easter Ten
14th April Cambridge Duathlon, Cambridge
11th May Thomas Cook Ironman 70.3, Alcudia, Mallorca
2nd June Race New Forest Swashbuckler Triathlon, New Forest, Hampshire
23rd June Maxifuel Marlow Olympic Distance Tiathlon, Marlow, Berkshire
7th July Outlaw Iron Distance Triathlon, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
8th September Challenge Half Triathlon, Henley, Oxfordshire

The big race of the season is The Outlaw! Mum and Dad are confirmed support crew with their accommodation booked, proximity to the swim start is not how my Fathers researches for and books suitable accommodation, instead, where the pubs are that serve real ale!

Another date in the diary for Ben is the level 1 BTA (Brtish Triathlon Association) coaching course he has signed up to. Will that mean I cannot sue him if I get injured!?!

Happy belated New Year I hope 2013 is not unlucky for anyone as the year may sound xx