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
