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RACE...or ....TRAIN

jonEjonE Posts: 1,113
I have a limited time to spend on training due to other committments.This Thursday I have the opportunity to do a 10 mile TT,doing this due to travelling ,registering etc will take about 2 hours,do I do this TT or do I do a nice 2 hour cycle session instead.My next Tri is in September,sprint distance.What would you do?

Comments

  • MrSquishyMrSquishy Posts: 277
    Race - get some race day adernalin pumping through your body so it's not too shocked come September.
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    do the TT, the intensity of that wil be better. IMO racing is a great way to train, there is nothing like the addrenaline and really pushing yourself to go faster, i just can't quite do that on my own
  • jonEjonE Posts: 1,113
    I suppose I must be too relaxed as I can never get that worked up about races,the adrenaline never seems to flow...something could be missing,I am quite happy to take 40 winks just before a race,no tension,finger up bum,mind in neutral.Perhaps loss of focus due to the big time spans between races produces a very lethargic approach.Ten years ago there would be no question it would be race everytime,then I had more time.Now as time is limited I always want to maximise time running/biking/swimming.Is 30mins racing equatible to 2hours training.
  • BritspinBritspin Posts: 1,655
    The race will push you even if you are relaxed about it, the training less so, I suspect.
    As I posed & posted a question previously..do you race to train or train to race...me I enjoy the process more than the race, but still need to do both.
  • jonEjonE Posts: 1,113
    Thankyou Mr B. Nice to hear your words of wisdom on the forum again.
  • maltesermalteser Posts: 25
    cheers for the advice guys ... was considering not doing a sprint tri on saturday coz I wanted to keep training for London but I figure I'll give it more under rain conditions than I would on my own in training ... bring on race day i guess
  • BopomofoBopomofo Posts: 980
    Race. Then train.
  • jonEjonE Posts: 1,113
    To tidy this up I oped to do the race.10 mile TT on the C10/7 course (for those with the TT handbook),for those that don't it is a circular course just south of the Humber Bridge held on minor unclassifiedf and B roads.I have not done a TT for over ten years now so I was expecting a humbling session to follow,the amount of Bike porn that littered the layby at the start would have the vice police hot under their collar.Unlike my past forawys into TT the club that held it were rite friendly,and v.helpful.
    I was seventh off at minute intervals out of 25 riders,30 secs after setting off I noticed my computer was not working,technology I love it,I don't race with a HRM,just going off general feel.The road winds quite a bit so I didn't catch site of my minute man for a couple of miles where the route turns off and almost doubles back so I watch him pass in the opposite direction.I catch him after 8 mins which gets me thinking about how far my minute man is behind me.I try to gauge my pace and realise that I have become reliant on my computer for race pace.The roads are devoid of traffic and the next time I catch sight of another road user it is the backof another rider with just under a mile and a half to go.The last stretch of the route allows me to keep the rider in view up to the last 2 bends just short of the finish,I am gaining but not quick enough,he is infact the third rider off and just crosses the line a couple of seconds before me,so how quick were riders number 4 and 5.
    By the time I have got my bike packed,all the riders are in and the results are given out,so the overweight,not very aerodynamic cyclist managed his 10 miles in.......(drum roll)....24mins 3 secs.
    So if I can do that then just think what all you hyper fit people out their can achieve.So go on look on the British cycling website,hunt down your local clubs and ask if you can join in their club night TT's.There is generally two types of TT,the first is a club night,which I have just done,these are usually open to all for a couple of races then you have to join the club.Then there is the OPEN events,to enter these you must be a member of an affilated club,some Tri clubs are so ask your membership secretary,otherwise you will have to join one.You know you want give it a go now don't you.
  • ZacniciZacnici Posts: 1,385
    Well done John.E! Good report.

    A couple of guys I know swear by doing TT's and have steered me to one club that welcomes anyone on the day at about £1.50 - £2.00 a go. That in itself should put off any triathlete as it is too cheap after all expensive = faster right? So I will soon be having a go at this myself.
  • Jack HughesJack Hughes Posts: 1,262
    Hey Jon.e! That's really great going! How far off your PB was it? That's a pretty damn good time for the first go in 10 years. Moral: You should race more! Sounds like you enjoyed it too and got a bit of a buzz. Especially with putting all those carbon beasts to shame. Now for a sub 24!
  • jonEjonE Posts: 1,113
    Thanks for the comments.There seemed to be avoid mix of triathletes and cyclists at the TT.
    Jack,my previous on was over 26 minutes so it am pleased that I chose the decision to race.My best at Ilkley for the 9 mile bike is about 34 minutes,which should give a little comparison for the time to expect the bike to take for your triathlon debut,your knee will be ready I am sure of it.
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