I've moved!

I have decided to move my blogspot in order to expand on the things I can write about and post on the website. Each blog here has been receiving about 500 views so I feel its time for the next step! You can find me now at http://katiejsynge.weebly.com/ with all the blogs I have written since New Year 2013. The rest will remain here until I have had a chance to transfer them. You can also keep up to date with me via my twitter @KatieJSynge.

Katie X
http://katiejsynge.weebly.com/

It just got uglier...

Following my blog post from race day two days ago titled "The good, the bad and the ugly", I thought my cut and blistered feet were as ugly as it got. Until Tuesday, on Tuesday it got a whole lot uglier. I crashed on the A4 from Bath to Bristol, loosing grip of both handlebars after hitting something in the road, I flew straight over the handlebars landing on my head before my bike came over the top of me smashing down on the road.

Road rash down my entire left side. 

Members of the public stopped at helped, covered me in a blanket and calling an ambulance while I led where I had fallen on the road, unable to open my eyes from the searing pain that was rushing through my head. The paramedic arrived and after prodding my neck decided I needed a brace and board - so called an ambulance to take me to the BRI Hospital in Bristol (and police traffic control due to the traffic I was holding up from being selfishly sprawled across both lanes of traffic trying to get into Bristol). 

Mum and Dad arrived at the hospital soon after the ambulance brought me in and after checking on the bike (!) came to see me. After X-rays on my neck and pelvis (my hip was causing a lot of pain - later found it was raw and spread road rash) I was discharged from hospital and headed home with no more than a headache, bruising, cuts, torn clothes (warggh my Castelli! ) a sorry looking two week old bike and a destroyed helmet. 

The doctors couldn't believe I came off as lightly as I did from the fall. It seems my helmet took the full impact of my fall. It scares me to think the state I would be in right now if I had not been wearing one. I, as I know many others do, will frequently pop to the shop down the road, or pedal to a friends house with as little as a bobble hat on. Why do we make the effort to put a helmet on for long training rides or races and not these little commutes that in our minds seem insignificant?

Helmets may not be the outfit-topping accessory but it may well be the thing that saves your life.

The good, the bad and the ugly.

For me personally, this was a very mixed race of positives and negatives despite having posted my first DNF in my elite career of Pentathlon and Triathlon combined. The conditions were perfect, sunshine (even had a cheeky tan when I got in the pool this morning!) but cool temperatures with as ever at Castle Coombe race the circuit – the wind picked up with every lap.

Men and women all set off at 10.30am, three and a half laps of the track would complete the first run leg of 10km, before we entered T1 to grab our bikes and set out on the 40km 13 lap bike course. I led the first 5km of the run feeling strong and together before realising my fatal error. I wasn’t wearing socks.  The trainers I was wearing I knew gave me blisters without, the last race (London) of the 2012 season they had torn my feet apart over the 10km run but as it was the last race of the year and I was about to take two weeks off  – I had pushed through.  Once I hit 5km I could feel my feet falling apart, the arches of my feet were sore and I could feel blood on my heels  so I began running on the outside of my feet – needless to say not the most efficient nor stylish running technique.  I pushed hard, determined to reach my bike and give the 40km a stab. Two girls overtook me which was frustrating, as my feet would simply not let me run despite my form feeling fantastic.

I posted a 38.44 for the 10km which considering the issue was average. I am adamant I could have run a mid 37 without this problem. I had felt fantastic when we started.  I entered T1 in third, left in second and within the first two laps of the bike had retrieved my lead which I held for the 40km putting just over two minutes into the girls behind me. I entered T2 and tried to put my trainers back on, thirty seconds later when I exited I ran 50m and stopped, pulled my orthotics out and carried them, ran another 50m before realising how stupid I was being. This was a minor race for me, categorised as a competitive training session. The season hadn't even started and I knew I would already be taking best part of a week off to let my feet heal; I didn't want it to be more than that. I retired and hobbled back to transition trainers in hand, feeling frustrated and upset.  

Another new change for me was the new bike, I have moved from a 48cm to a 51cm and although today I was riding my training bike (f85) as the new one (f4) hasn't arrived, it felt noticeably more comfortable and the power return seemed a little more on my side. I was therefore very happy to post the fastest female lap of the race in 5:09!

I was racing for the The Triathlon Shop – Bristol today, who had a mixed day of results! Owner and director Jon Burrage is preparing for Majorca 70.3 currently so this duathlon was a good warm up distance wise. After a good 10km, he retired during the 40km due to an injured hamstring. Get well soon boss! Matt Fisher had a great day finishing 2^nd in his category, our relay team combination of Rich Shirley (bike) and Jules Richards (run) took the win in a time of 2:01, Chris Newman decided to join me 7 laps into the bike (better late than never) before going on to finish 13^th overall.  A great team effort all round, as always. Even better perhaps was the support team on the side who kept us all going through the laps…you know who you are!

Dad also had a great race, after celebrating his 50^th birthday the day before (this involved a four hour hike in the Brecon Beacons) he experienced his mid-life crises the eve of the race when he found out he was now classified as a supervet, but beat  his target of sub 2hr45 by 5 minutes and 7 seconds!

Last five weeks of solid training to finish the winter ‘stint’ now before race reason gets underway. Next race is BUCS sprint Championships in Calne, Wiltshire. Between now and then you can keep up to date with my training and news via my twitter feed @katiejsynge. xxx

Winter Sunshine

Three years at Bath University has flown - and in early May this year I will be graduating with my degree in Sport and the Social Sciences. It's no secret that sport has been the priority over the last three years - having originally come to Bath to pursue Modern Pentathlon, a few months into first year and Triathlon caught my eye...now, university progress is measured by seconds deducted in the pool rather than seminar attendance rate. Now, I'm deciding what to do with life post-graduation and the possibilities are endless, it's an exciting if not slight daunting time in life!

2012 was merely my taster
in the sport of triathlon

After my first year in triathlon in 2012, I know I've got an awful lot more to give...don't even feel like I've begun to get started on what I feel I am yet to prove. Therefore before I exhaust the sports performance avenue all together and sit in an office 9-5, I've decided to turn full time in Triathlon next year, and, I am hoping to spend a substantial winter block in Lanzarote. 

After visiting the island in 2011 and 2012 with the University triathlon club I fell in love with it, the climate that allowed us to be outside from 7am-10pm in sunshine...in January! Lanzarote is not only a hot-spot for tourists all year round, but also the choice of the Brownlees, Jenkins and other top triathletes to put in some serious winter hours.

Some may ask what the benefits are of spending money and leaving the UK during the winter to train? Last month is a perfect example. After the pool and gym closures that come as standard over Christmas and New Year, we were then landed with a week of snow, closing these facilities further. The roads were un-rideable in any safe manner and the pavements were ice laden stalling run training. Short of a daily stint on the turbo and masses of conditioning, it was a pretty frustrating time for all...

The University of  Bath and the cities facilities will take some beating, the 50m pool, hills (!) and gym. However one venue is contesting  pretty highly... 

...and that venue is Sands Beach in Costa Teguise. A complex South-East of the Island perfect for the family, sports enthusiast or those looking to kick back and enjoy a cocktail or two.

A short clip showing the 'Iron Couple' Stephen and Bella Bayliss (and baby Bayliss Charlie) based at Sands Beach who describe the venue as 'perfect' for triathletes.

Professional Ironman Triathlete Eimear Mullan from Ireland also frequently bases herself at Sands Beach facilities.

The Sands Beach 25m laned pool was built last August and has already attracted over 15 triathlon camps who have based themselves at the facility. Not only that but a fully equipped gym with treadmill, rowing machines and weights, and not to forget dry empty roads, sunshine and free (and warm!) open water swimming. And for those uber-active ones amongst us, for the days off training there's windsurfing and dive tuition...

What more could a triathlete, of any level want?

To keep updated with Sands Beach offers, athletes and events or simply to find out more click on any of the links below to be redirected to their official pages.

Website            Twitter                        Facebook

Click Here         @ActiveLanzarote        Click Here

                          @SandsBeach

Chilly Duathlon February 2013

Well, the DB Max "Chilly Duathlon" should probably be renamed the "Snowy" Duathlon after today's shinanagins. 12.15pm, -2 and Arctic winds, a fine day for running around Chippenham in our swimsuits...

Goooo! 

I travelled to the event with the Bath University Triathlon Club, when we arrived at 10.15 to falling snow there was no immediate rush to leave the warmth of the coach, register and set up transition. The great thing about the DB Max races is they run the duathlon in November, then this one in February on exactly the same course so - taking the conditions into account - you can compare your times pretty neatly.

My first run at BUCS was 10.59, today I ran 11.27 - felt strong so I was surprised, bike was seemingly worse but then again so were the conditions but was very pleased with some consistent bike splits, and the last run was sub 30 longer than my first - which was a significant improvement from BUCS. Overall I found my times disappointing - it had been a long 21hr training week and, the conditions were bleak to say the least. I was however proud as punch to post the second fastest T2 time, after race winner and fellow TTS buddy Alex Matchett.

proud of my 2nd fastest T2!

Down the finishing straight to finish first

Great performance put in by the University team - 2nd overall which was fantastic, with Chris Silver finishing 4th and Brian Glynn overall 6th. The Triathlon Shop - Bristol didn't do too bad either (!), taking overall first male and female spots, 1st Team and fastest bike split.

Throughout the week there had been a few bets it seems, appearing from colleagues at work (The Triathlon Shop) between myself and bike fitter/time triallist Chris Newman (though I still help a couple of minutes over his runs - he put in the fastest bike of the day...by 30seconds...) and some DB Max guys between me and the eventual second place over twitter. So what should have been a nice relaxed race, turned into the be all or end all of the 2013 season kick off...

Still reeling from the fact this guy beat me...

But... may the best one win

Bit of a break now - last 12 week stint is underway of winter training - next race will be BUCS Sprint Triathlon Championships on the 5th of May in Calne, Wiltshire. In the meantime, you can follow updates of my training and progress through my twitter feed @KatieJSynge

Keep training! X

On the home straight...

January has been a tough month....the 12 week block of training since the end of the 2012 season is over, the excitement of Christmas has passed, then there's another 12 weeks to go from February - April. January's just stuck in the middle, presenting training challenges with ice, freezing winds and dark starts and finishes to the day.

Getting in the km's in the 50m pool in Bath, currently doing 13 swim sessions a fortnight...hopefully it will be worth it!

Race season is not far away...so make the most of the intense training time we have left!

However, we're now into February, and although the weather remains bleak, there is a light on the horizon of a little race this Sunday, the third year running - the DB Max Chilly Duathlon (it's all in the name!). Mentally, this small local race poses such a break-up for training and has kick started the last 12 week block. 

So if your struggling with motivation to get through the last part of winter, enter a duathlon, or run or bike race, to remind you why you do the sport, and why the winter training will SO be worth it come May! Watch some YouTube videos, remind yourself what transitions are and get out when the suns shining.

I'll post an update after race day!

@KatieJSynge : Twitter

Winter Training Update

Well, the snow is falling thick and fast in Bath, 10.30am and there's a good six inches on the ground, doesn't look like its going anywhere fast either! This of course makes training slightly tricky - the pool is closed, the bike wont be leaving the house, so snow running and turbo time it is!

Since coming back from Majorca, training slowed down a little. The running and swimming while out in Spain were no more intensive, if anything less - than the training over the past 3 months, but the cycling was longer, harder and hillier than my legs or body were used too. I found myself lagging for a few days back in the UK, which affected all three disciplines - not just tired bike legs.

Winter hitting Bath hard!

Training is currently done in 14 day blocks. 10 days hard and intensive then 4 days recovery with just one or two sessions each day at a lower intensity, like an hours aerobic swim or a two hour ride. The focus this winter is swimming - after securing elite starts last year, I still found myself coming out the water mid-last which didn't give me a chance to be in faster paced bike packs or use my run very much. During each 14 day block covers 12-14 hours of swimming...hopefully it will pay off! At this time of the year, the cycling is long and steady, with two or three  interval sessions during each block.

Spreading some festive cheer round Bristol

This is my first 'proper' winter of training after a full season of triathlon...it's hard work! Last year I was averaged about 14 hours over the winter, this year its a bit more serious and about 20hrs a week. I'm enjoying the swimming more than I thought I would, its a real boost seeing your times come down each week, doing sessions off faster times and setting PB's. I love the treadmill sessions - I find them great for holding your form over faster sessions and they certainly make you work hard! I've always been a runner though - and enjoy just as much the steady runs around the fields and city at a more leisurely pace.

Poolside work in Bath

Aside from training - its also final year at University! A 15,000 word dissertation due in April (on young elite injured athletes and the affect this has on their self and athletic identity) and other modules alongside, its always go-go-go! Planning for life post-graduation is also something to consider in between training and work.

 Right, time to hit the turbo! x

New Year in Majorca with The Triathlon Shop

Christmas over, and The Triathlon Shop staff, race team and friends set off to Majorca for some sunshine, sea and training over the New Year 2013. The ten athletes set off from Bristol on the 27th December leaving behind driving rain, fog and crowded roads for warm temperatures, empty roads and mountains.

Heading out of Port de Pollenca, Majorca for a long ride.

We arrived at the gorgeous six bedroom private villa in the evening and headed onto the sea front for a steady 10km run, before coming back to reassemble bicycles and eat. The first day we headed out for 95km of riding up into the mountains, a sea swim which was a 50m walk from the villa. I've never been to Majorca before but the cycling is fantastic, clear and quiet roads and no lack of hills (sadly?). We passed the Team Sky hotel (sadly they weren't there), where they spend there winter training in the Spanish mountains around us. My cycle legs were tested cycling with the big boys this week - considerably longer and hillier rides than usual but I think I kept up pretty well, giving them extra rest while they waited for me on the summits. 

Plenty of photo opportunities for the boys while they waited for me at the top.

Base camp for the next week! 10 bikes fill the villas entrance.

The swimming was very warm - wetsuits required of course but warm enough to stay in for 90 minutes before wrinkly fingers and numb toes coaxed us out. We weren't alone, the odd jellyfish (or two) would join most of our swims, getting me twice on the nose and feet. Unsure why, but out of the ten of us I was the only one? Whether this reflects a great or poor swim technique I'm yet to find out... Either way, by the end of the week my neck was sore from looking for jellyfish while swimming. We travelled from the villa to some different bays a couple of days to swim elsewhere, which was fantastic. The water is so clear and calm, and despite strange looks from locals who clearly thought we were utterly barmy or recently released from mental institution's, we had a great time.

Raring to go!

warm up dances pre swim in the bay near the 70.3 course

Aside from a 25 hour training week we were also out there for New Year which was spent eating in chinese restaurants, ice creams in Burger King (low fat options - obviously) and watching fireworks in the Port. Quite a memorable way to see the New Year in. What more could you ask for? Sun, sea, sand, great friends, great training and er, ahem, awesome food?

Landed back in the UK with a bump, through the fog and rain we could just about make out the terminal building where we collected our bikes and luggage and said our farewells. Training has been going well since - after a few days active recovery (active recovery...what is that?!) its back into the 20-22 hour weeks alongside my final year at Bath University and a few shifts every now and again at The Triathlon Shop.

Happy New Year from THE TRIATHLON SHOP in Majorca 2013!

Check THE TRIATHLON SHOP website for an online shopping area or visit there store in Bristol, Temple Quay.

BUCS Duathlon

First race since London! Adrenalin and race legs were rusty, it was windy, flooded and cold! Get me to Lanza' !!! London two months ago, and after that was two weeks recovery (slobbin' out!) so since then its been 6 weeks or so of hard winter training, of at the moment, between 17-21 hours a week.

The UNIVERSITY OF BATH Triathlon Club at BUCS Duathlon 2012

BUCS duathlon is based at Castle Coombe race track and run by DB MAX Event company. The University of Bath 30 strong team headed up in the morning, through flooded villages, and arrived at the track, chilly and wet! Luckily the rain cleared for the BUCS waves which was fortunate! Everyone would complete the same distance, 2mile run - 10mile bike - 2mile run. Athletes register, bikes were racked, warm ups done and start up lined.

Onto the bike leg

The pace of the first run saw no one hanging around, I posted 10.59, sat within four other GBR elites at the front which I was happy with. Out of T1 (error 1: forgot how fast it is!!!) Onto the bike and straight into a headwind, five laps of the track required concentration and careful counting! Didn't feel on form on the bike, I struggled with the headwind and hadn't taken the time to readjust the bike set up with tri bars after it having been fitted for drafting races over the summer with no bars, so wasn't hugely comfortable and was fidgeting around alot...lesson learnt! BE PREPARED. The last run was painful, legs seize up, coldness hits you and the finish line seems like a long way away! Posted a disappointing run time, but again, good to take away the bits to work on over the next 5 months or so before the 2013 season begins!

There were some big names for me to compete against, some of whom I'd been competing against during the superseries this summer. I was aiming for top ten, though top eight was my secret aim! I came 9th overall, middle ground I guess I can be happy with! It was a great day out, team events always are! The club did brilliantly, with the best turnout ever for the club at a race. Well Done Bath!

On a separate note, swimming training has been coming on really well the last 4-6 weeks, I spend 7-9 hours in the pool a week, and even a month in, we are starting to see some big improvements, its going in the right direction at last. Next race I plan to do is a little Aquathlon local to the uni in a couple of weeks time, hope everyone's training is going well....stay warm!

The Virgin Active London Elite Triathlon

So, The Virgin London Triathlon, biggest Triathlon in the UK… (world?!) and my last race of the 2012 season!

race done, 2012 done! Phew!

If you ask anyone who was around me in the weeks building up to this race, family, housemates, boyfriend and colleagues, I was a mental mess! Head was all over the place, confidence – nowhere to be found, or maybe simply did not exist. I’ll even go as far to say that I phoned up my coach a week before and asked if I could just watch…I was so nervous and felt very out of my depth! The start list was crazy, I couldn’t believe I had been selected to race on the same start line as some of these girls. Olympians, ITU athletes, professionals and girls who have been doing this a whole lot longer than me! So it that sense, I felt privileged to be stood (or floating) on the start line alongside them.

GO! Swimming in the London Docks! Water was minging.

Not to make excuses, but 5 days prior to the race I crashed my bike, going down the hill from university to town after a swim one morning, and straight back into the back of a car that stopped for a girl who walked into the road. I fell onto the car then rolled off onto the road. Skin off my knee and hands and a few days later a pain kicked in down the right hand side of my body. This restricted my final swim sessions in the lead up to the race, and on race day, I felt it very sharply during the 1500m swim, which I have no doubt prevented me swimming to my full ability. But the swim over, I tried to gain as much ground as possible during the long T1.

The cycle was lethal, from the results list, it seemed about 16 elite athletes (male and female) crashed due to the conditions on the bike course. It was torrential rain, lots of corners and roundabouts which saw ambulances all over the course, white flags being waved to slow us down through the tunnels and even an air lift. I bombed out of T1, hoping to shake off a group of girls that were close behind, and catch up with a chase pack in front. Seems the chase pack were a little too far to be caught, maybe arm permitting I would have been there, who knows. I held off the group of 3 behind for about 15km which I was pleased with, they then caught me (3v1 it was guaranteed when drafting!) and we worked together as a pack until the end (40km). I posted a 1.06 bike split which I was delighted with as a third I was cycling by myself and the other two thirds I felt I was heading up the bike group as one of the stronger cyclists there, sitting on the back very little.

Injecting some pace into my bike pack! C'mon girls!

T2 (10^th fastest out of all elite men and women! My little claim to fame!)  went very well, and off we set for the 4 lap 10km run around the docks of London and Excel Centre. The first two laps of my run went well, but tiredness, lack of 10km racing and general “not quite there yet!” kicked in over the second half.

11^th Elite Female overall…delighted! I was delighted with my bike leg, slightly disappointed with the swim and run, but again, I learnt so much and stacks to work on for 2013! Two weeks off/very easy now before winter training begins. A week will be spent chilling on the Gower in Wales (and supporting the Port Eynon triathlon on the 29^th!)  and a week getting back into uni life, lectures (what are they?!) and coaching the university triathlon club again.

10km run alongside strong runner Emma Pearson

Thanks to everyone who has supported me through the 2012 season, I will enjoy my break and am looking forward to beginning the winter training already. Next race is BUCS duathlon (Castle Coomble Chilly Duathlon – open to the public too) on the 25^th of November so I will update you all then! J In the meantime, follow me on twitter at @KatieJSynge for updates on my training and goings on!

Stratchlyde Elite Triathlon

Today was my second elite start, at Strathclyde Park in Scotland. Before I go any further, I have to say I’m really gutted with my performance, positives and negatives to take away and as always plenty to work on, but the overall outcome was disappointing. The swim had been cancelled due to water quality, and the event became a duathlon. 1300m run, 21km bike and a 5km run. The start list was high quality, ITU athletes from Canada, SA, Australia, elite duathletes (including the current world duathlon champ) also decided to have a go once they heard the swim was cancelled.

We (Dad and I) flew to Scotland on Friday evening, staying in a nearby hotel until race day on Sunday at 12.30pm. Saturday gave me time to suss out the course, do a session on the bike and run route and look around. The bike course was not flat, a couple of hills and a rocky road surface. The second run was pan flat, a two lap out and back along the loch. After a morning of briefing, registration, transition set up, the 25 or so elite women lined the start line at 12.20, and waited for our start.

The first run was ferociously fast! An all out 1300m sprint spitting those who couldn’t quite hang on out the back. A lead group containing the Canadian and ‘proper’ duathletes quickly formed, and I sat in a chase pack of about 8 not far behind. As we came into T1 you had to be quick, precise, there was no room for error. Shoes off, helmet on, grab bike – run to the mount line.

The pace at which the athletes set off from here was incredible, and lack of experience at this level along with slight hesitation saw me struggle to keep my spot in the pack. An ongoing hip injury didn’t help me, as we set off up the first hill, the pain was triggered and I lacked power to remain with them. This here, essentially, was the end of my race panning out how I would have liked. The athletes I had targeted were in this chase pack, and with only myself and one other cyclist behind working together, we had no chance of catching the 8 strong chase pack any time soon. The gap on each lap increased, and we waved goodbye any chance of getting them, instead targeting athetes who had been left from the chase group, who had struggled to keep up with their pace.

Although I am yet to see times, the 5km run felt good, working to catch up the chasers, it was frustrating knowing that’s where you should have been. A mental battle to keep going, but I got there. Overall finishing position is unknown, hopefully we will see some results in the next 48hrs and I will update this.

Like Blenheim, my frustrating race came down to T1. This time in a different way, but essentially lacking the speed and precision that these more experienced athletes have in forming bike packs quicly.  I have three weeks now until London (elite start) on the 23^rd of September, which is my last race of the season, so I hope to bring it all together, and not have the same problems as today.

However, despite coming away pretty gutted, disheartened and kicking myself, I guess I have to look back at my first year in this sport and be proud of what I have achieved. The competition in elite racing is high, a million miles different from age group, todays case, it was world-class, and it was a privilege to be racing against some of those athletes, as you can learn a lot from it. At the start of this year with my empty race CV I didn’t expect to get into any elite races, I swam over 6 minutes a year ago for 400m and last month swam 5.15, I couldn’t bike 20km in under 40minutes and now I’m racing with some of the best elites in Great Britain.  My times are still coming down, my motivation is high, and I’m not running out of areas to improve on! So 2013…watch this space!

@KatieJSynge - Twitter

England Standard Distance Championships

I am now the 20-24 English Standard Distance Champion! :D Approached this race hoping to have a podium finish, so I was delighted to be stood on the top at the end of a hot race in the middle of a tiring weekend! Matt and I got the train to Milton Keynes on Saturday, where we stayed overnight ready for a very early start (4am for Matt's 7am and my 7.30am start). We cycled from the hotel to the race venue at 5am on Sunday morning, 15km to the venue, a good warm up and one puncture later we arrived. 

The swim was a bendy 1500m, when we arrived, it was wetsuit optional, bordering on 21 degrees celcius, however 30minutes before race start, they announced it was wetsuit compulsory. The swim was weedy, getting caught round our legs and in our goggles.  I exited the water in 4th place. T1 went well, helmet on, switched the garmin on ready for the run, grabbed the bike and left. The bike course was great, rolling and undulating, enough rolls to keep those on the TT bikes working and gaps to be decreased! I was back on Billie, my Cannondale CAAD8, we put in a good effort against the snazzy TT bikes and aero helmets that kept whizzing past, always a given, but I guess you have to grin and bear it, and realise that a solid bike on a road bike will benefit more in elite draft legal racing. The sun was coming out, expected to reach 29 degrees celcius by midday. Better get a move on!

The run was a three lap course around the lake we swum in, 6 water stations each of them much appreciated by every athlete. Into the finishing straight, burnt from the sun, wet from the drinks and hearing the beep as the chip on your ankle flies over the line. A finishing medal, banana and drink, time to cool off and sit down. We sat in the sun for an hour or two, soaking up the atmosphere and supporting the athletes still coming in. Presentation started midday, prizes for each age category and overall men and women.

Congratulatoins to Chantal Cummings who came 2nd, &  Emma Stevens in 3rd.

 I recieved a large medal for winning the age cat, and a silver plate, wine and various energy gels and bars for overall 5th woman. Matt led the swim, and exited T1 first, however a broken valve on his back wheel meant he rode the 40km on 40PSI (instead of 140PSI to give you an idea!! - meaning that any power put in was not being returned by the bike resulting in a loss of 10-15minutes over a course of that length), essentially putting an end to his hopes of the podium. We have both however been accepted to race in London Elites, so the focus of training has now turned to that. 

Trowbridge Triathlon

4 days after the last race (see Mid-Week Duathlon) and back for more! Another small local triathlon, at Trowbridge leisure centre, a sprint distance triathlon with some variations....400m pool swim, 26.5km bike followed by a cross country 5km run!

Feet out the shoes! Coming into T2...

Matt, Dad and I had all entered, though Dad had been living life up at the Olympics the night before, witnessing three British golds in the athletics stadium! So while he was a bit tired he decided to withdraw (no symapthy I would have withdrawn for those Olympic tickets! Matt had a good race, 3rd fastest swim, fastest run split but after a few hundred km racked up on the bike that week, had a slightly tiring bike ride that day. As Matt races elite too, in the local races the most important bits are to be putting in the fast swim and run splits, as elite racing with be draft legal on the bike.

The Scott and I exiting T1...

I had a good swim, 5.15 which is 10seconds off from a couple of months ago which is always good! Strong bike ride with once again the gorgeous Scott loaned from The Triathlon Shop, but a poor run, 20.10 for 5km, pushed hard on the bike though, and paid for it when I got off...! It was all good enough to grab first place though, first in the 20-24 age catergory, and first female overall by just over a 2.30min margin!

Trowbridge is a great race, really low key and friendly, the longer bike course obviously suits it slightly more to the cyclists, but its also a great race for the novices. One for those who are happy on bikes other than road, there were many mountain, upright and other bikes round the course. The race was organised by DB Max, who are well known for their chip timing and prompt organisation and running of races on the day. Check out their website to see their upcoming events, results and more info about the company.

My cool trophies! 

Here is a link to some more photos taken by a photographer on the day... 

www.charleswhittonphotography.com/photo15766383.html

Mid-Week Duathlon

The Bath Amphibians Triathlon Club have been putting on a series of 5 duathlons this summer held at Castle Coombe car racing track. Tonight was the fourth race of the series, consisting of a 2-10-2mile run-bike-run. Castle Coombe is a very popular venue for runners, cyclists and triathletes in the South West, known for it's flat circuit, large transition area but also it's open setting which makes the wind very noticeable and at times very blustery!

After a long day at work, myself and another Triathlon Shop Felt team member John Wood, headed down to the venue with our bikes and kit to see what we could do. The race started at 7, so after registration, transition set up and a warm up we set off. It was quite windy, black ominous clouds were fast approaching motivating every athlete to run fast and pedal faster.

On the bike! 

Had a good race, fairly pleased with my results (http://www.dbmax.co.uk/assets/results/1015/original/Mid_Week_August.html?1343850438) for a training race it was good, very enjoyable and a friendly atmosphere catching up with lots of people :) Next training race for me is Trowbridge sprint triathlon, a small local race which will give me some more experiences across the disciplines and make sure that race spark is still there! See you on Sunday!

Bristol Harbourside Triathlon

Today was a race on the doorstep, just a few miles down the road with a very late start! Made a nice change from travelling and getting up at some ungodly hour to register and race. 2012 is the second year the Bristol Harbourside has run. This year the race doubled up as an age group World Championship qualifier (standard distance) for Auckland 2012, so the size and level of competition was automatically higher, with athletes travelling from much further afar.

Around the final buoy to leave the water in 2nd closely followed by 3rd!  

The race offered sprint and standard distance. I was trying to defend my sprint title from 2011. It was only a training race for me, after a hards week training with approximately six hours in the pool alone. Straight into it post race too! With an 18 hour training week plan by coach. Dad was doing his(first standard distance race, Mum was doing the sprint, and Matt had come along to try and grab a win in the standard distance race. The swim took place in the harbourside, before a flat and fast bike course along the Portway, then moving onto a rather muddy out and back run along the Towpath, the other side of the river, under the suspension bridge.

Rather timidly taking a corner descent rather cautiously...these wheels were insane!  

I'm happy to say I managed to defend my title, winning the women's sprint overall as well as taking first place in my age category (20-24). I exited the water in second, caught the lady in front at the end of the first lap (two lap bike course) on the bike and maintained my lead for the rest of the bike and through the run, coming in in 1.10.30. I was particularly happy to clock in the fastest bike split in my age group, which was a nice surprise! This may have been partially (largely!) due to the fantastic bike I was loaned by the fantastic team once again at The Triathlon Shop, Bristol. I rode a Scott CR1 with some rather fancy deep sectioned FFWD wheels.

Final 1km of the run leg

Dad had a great race, his target was a sub 3 hour, and he came in in 2.56.23. Matt clocked in a time of 2.03.59 which gave in the win in his age category (20-24) and 2nd place overall in the race. Sadly it wasn't mums day, she pulled out during the swim but was quite happy watching the rest of the races and cheering everyone on. The four of us (younger sister is living life up for six weeks in Sydney atm!) were happy to visit Cosmo's (all you can eat oriental buffet restaurant) for a late lunch, before wearily heading home. Though that be said, Matt and I headed to the local pool that evening to complete a 3km recovery swim. No rest for the wicked! #lifeonanathlete

Another fantastic team effort by Team Bath! Brian, Matt, myself and Jansen  

Bristol Harbourside is a great race, great location and an even better atmosphere. Put on my members of BADTRI Triathlon Club (Bristol and District Triathletes), it is hugely popular across Bristol especially, but also to other clubs and individuals from further afar. The race will again take place in 2013, keep an eye on the event website (Click here to visit website) for entry openings and more information and contact details about this growing race.

Next race for me is another local one though slightly smaller! Trowbridge Triathlon! This will be my 3rd time at this race, this Tri is also the first Tri I EVER did! Will let you know how it goes....! Please follow me on twitter @KatieJSynge to keep up to date with my news, training and hints of triathlon advice!

Congratulations GE Canary Wharf Dream Team!

Just a short and sweet blog to congratulate the GE Canary Wharf Dream Team. Canary Wharf is the third race of the GE British Superseries held in London. The Winning team consisted of two members of the Triathlon Shop. Chris Newman and John Wood, both whom race on the shops Felt Racing Team. John was representing the team in the 400m swim, then Chris took over for the 10km bike through the closed roads of London. They went on after the run to take team gold!

The Triathlon Shop caters for all three disciplines from the novice to elite. Situated in Temple Quay, Bristol (just behind Temple Meads Train Station), the small but keen work team consists of keen triathletes from all abilities and backgrounds to help customers find exactly what they need. Follow them on twitter @TheTriShop, click here to be directed to their website, or click here to visit the facebook page, to keep up to date with stock, racing, competitions, advice, general info about the shop and team, or just to explore more and make contact.

Congratulations!

Blenheim Elite Triathlon

Today was Blenheim Triathlon, a huge event in the UK, open to elite waves, juniors, the mass public and many age group athletes. For me personally, Blenheim was my first elite start ever! The 2012 season for me is my first full season in triathlon, the primary focus of which would be to gain race experience and work out training focus's for the winter season of 2012/13 ready for 2013. Therefore to be granted entry to any elite race was a surprise and a bonus for the season.

The Brownlee brothers were in the elite men's wave, which started 20minutes after the elite women, and no big surprise took joint 1st place. For Ali Brownlee it was his first race since an Achilles injury, but that didn't seem to stop him! Helen Jenkins (2011 world champ and favourite for London 2012) was not racing but started our race (didn't notice at the time was far to worried about the swim!), so was definitely a key race in the race calender for many.

Setting up in Transition pre race

A lovely shot by Dad of Transition situated in front of the Palace

The swim was a chilly one, water not much above 13 degrees. The 750m swim was followed by a 400m uphill run to transition which was situated outside Blenheim Palace. I had a terrible T1, which in hindsight ruined my race, first time in a new wetsuit, I stumbled with the zip and fastening which slowed me considerably up the hill to T1, which I had hoped would work to my advantage being a runner. The bike course was undulating, hard to make a break and kept you on your toes to stay in the pack up the hills, descents and round the corners. Race favourite Jodie Stimpson (Olympic 2012 hopeful) led off the bike in a pack of 4, I was in a pack of 6 athletes, 2 groups behind the lead bunch.

118, 118!

The 5km run was an undulating 2 laps around the palace grounds. Lovely views, though during the race there wasn't much time to take it all in! Down the finishing straight with TV Cameras, crowds and cameras, a very new experience!

Racing in this elite race was such a surprise and bonus for my season, despite a break through in the swim being less than 30 seconds behind the race leader, the rest of the race didn't go as planed with a slow T1 which resulted being in a slower bike group than would have liked, and sadly, was just not a good running day for me. But I learnt SO much, and am ready to take everything to my next race, which is the AG British Championships in two weeks time...see you then!

Leading my bike group!