The Hell of the West

Last Sunday was my first time to compete in the Hell of the West Traiathlon. A 1.5km sea swim, 45 km hill cycle, 10 km hill run. Time completed in 2hr 54mins. Over 800 competitors took part in what was a super organised event. I will be back next year to try and better the time for sure.

This Saturday Pearse & I will do a 3.8km sea swim. This is an Ironman swim so very keen to see how we go.

Reggie

A run in the sun

Yesterday we both ran with the local Dunshaughlin running club again. This time we ran the 10km race circut, the heat was in the mid twenties so a nice pace was needed. We strolled in under 50 minutes which we are happy not to push it too much. Starting to get focused on equipment now:

Wetsuit wise: Pearse - full Orca speedsuit / Reggie - Zoot Zenith
Runners: Still debating, looking for a stockist to try out the Vibram KSO Treks but cant find any in Ireland yet.
Headwear: Blue Seventy Skull Cap

I dont have any idea of what type of bag to bring, need to do a bit of research on this one.

Reggie

Thursday night swim

We went to the lake for a swim and met 8 others from the club - plan was to head out to the island and back. Into the water and away with us, after about 12 minutes we stopped to regroup and make sure everybody was feeling up for the remainder. All thumbs up and so out the rest of the way to the island. I got there and waded in to about 20m from the shore. Felt good and relaxed, I was there in just over 30 minutes and the rest of the group were there very soon after. A few minutes to catch breath and then it was back in one go the the slipway into the lake - Back in the same time so the full 3.6km in 61 minutes, Declan 'Reggie' was a few minutes after me in 69 and was happy with his swim also. He sighted well and arrived in a very straight line. Shore sighting was a good exercise and also judging the current which was very gentle. We did a short run on the road for about 10 minutes in the wetsuits, first run in the wetsuits and it went good. Afterwards we all had a good chat and enjoyed jaffa cakes and maderia cake, Tasty! Next swim is on Thursday so that should be another good excuse to try out a few runs and swim repeats.

Tuesday 15th

This weeks splash 'n' dash was again near Mullingar - 750m lake swim and then a 4km run, good to see another improvement - I did 31.40 and Declan 33.20. Water was warm, and the run was comfortable. Looking forward to Thursday nights lake swim.

Cardio Time

Got my cycling legs in action yesterday with a 100km spin up the Wicklow Mountains. 1500m climb, legs a little sore today but a good days rest should do no harm. Rest day today then our usual 750m swim and 4km run tomorrow night which is the last race in the series. Thinking of doing a 3.6km swim in one of the lakes on Thursday. Running wise. Need to do 50km this week.

Reggie

Pool Work

Both of us back in the Pool again today just for an hour workout to keep us ticking over. Probably take a rest day tomorrow as I have a 100km cycle on Sunday through Wicklow Mountains and next week is a 50 km week running wise with a race on Tuesday.

Starting to think about gear now and what type of bag to carry gear in, what type of footwear etc.... Think it will just be the traditional runners for us to be honest.

If anyone has a checklist from last years race this would be very much appreciated.

Reggie

Splashin & dashin

We completed out 2nd 750 swim and 4km run last night in Lough Ennell. Pearse finished in 31 mins and me in 33mins.

13 weeks to go (90 days)

This morning just went for a 1km swim to start the week. A quick splash n dash tomorrow night 750km swim & 4km run. And will try and get in a one hour run Thursday or Friday this week.

Sunday June 6th

Did 35 with the club this morning and then another 30 mins wishing I was able to stay with them as they ran away in the distance! I'll be closer next week!

Getting Closer

Well this week we started the 1st series of the Midland Tri Aquathon. 750 swim followed by a 4km run. Gave u both a shock of just how much work is required. Ive got to start running regularly if im going to be in any shape. I have committed to 4 evening a week running a minimum of 10km. Swimming minimum of 2km 3 mornings a week and one large cycle for cardio purposes.