Another busy period

Hello,

Another busy period has flown by, including The Longmynd Hike referred to in my last posting and, of course, our recent NAV+art weekend.

In a first for ten years, I missed to attend a NAV+art course leaving it in the very capable hands of Stuart Smith and the excellent team of tutors. The reason for this was I needed to be away for a weeks holiday and The Applecross Duathlon and Big Ben Nevis Tri lured me to Scotland. I have some old running mates living (retired! lucky people) in Applecross so with a clash of dates it was the obvious choice to combine a week away with two great events. A chance email from Gerry The Chief Marshall at The Heb brought the event to my attention as he happens to live there and founded the event, I think, a few years ago.

The Applecross Duathlon is a great little event with a brilliant 9mile trail run through a remote glen followed by a 15mile road cycle around the northern coast. The ride is great, and not too hilly at all as the road is relatively very new, and hence not as twisty or undulating as some coastal roads. Fortunately the wind was favourable too, unlike last year, apparently.

The following day I cycled The Applecross Circular including the infamous Bealach na Ba Pass; c.5mile climb with 2000' and the longest/highest 'pass' in the UK. Really, it's not so bad and there is probably just as much ascent on the northern coast of the pennisula as on the climb itself. I was a great ride, great scenery and weather.

After a few days in Torridon and Strathcarron, I met Linz off the train at Spean Bridge and went out to Arisiag for a few days rest up before The Big Bad Ben Tri. Last year I finished in 9:53 and so this year I ambitiously entered as 'NAV+art Sub 9' as I hadn't been particulary fit last year, and felt that I could take 53 minutes off that time with a solid season's training.

How wrong could I be! I'd done even less swimming this year and Frazer had extended the swim as it may have been a bit short previously. Also, the sea wasn't flat calm, but choppy and windy with a tide that seem to have a wicked sense of humour. After 400metres I thought I'd have to wave the white flag, but finally settled into a rhythym, I think when the 'Half Ben' racers joined us on the second lap.

Glad to be out of the water, I was a little dismayed, and yet relieved to hear it had been a 47minute swim, and not the 30+ minutes of last year, but a poor start to any PB and certainly 'sub9'.

'Not like this on the telly', I said as I staggered around 'in transition' trying to put on four layers off clothing, a buff and two pairs of shorts/legs and socks (yes, I'm a wimp!). At least I thought I'd start warm and then strip a layer off on each lap of the MTB ride, if neccessary.

Well, I wobbled my way out onto the MTB course, spinning up the Old Faithful Cowhill and settled into my race. The weather continued miserably all day with drizzle and a steady head wind on much of the big climb. I never did strip any layers off and was amazed when the leader lapped me wearing only a tri-suit ... not even track mitts nor socks!?

I slowly started to pass a few riders by lap three and looked forward to The Run as it should be my stronger discipline, but any hope of breaking 9hours seemed very slim indeed. Once I started 'running' I felt better and enjoyed the climb and descent of The Ben despite the poor conditions. The support from Lochaber AC is tremendous on the upper slopes of the mountain and the summit team had some amazing food; nearly as grand as the fresh strawberries half way down. So good they were that I went back up The Ben for several metres to get a few more. A pleasingly strong and comfortable finish took me back to Fort Bill and a warm greeting from Frazer on the finish line. 'Joe Faulkner 9hrs 52' annouced the PA as I thanked Frazer for another great day out. Oh well, at least I'm getting a bit faster...!

The Big Bad Ben is a tough event. You need to enjoy tough MTB riding, not necessarily too technical, but be strong at climbing as it does clock up a far amount of ascent, and be very comfortable 'running' on Scotlands Biggest Mountain. I've witnessed one or two very competent triathletes struggle on the Off-road terrain, both MTB and run. But if you like a multi-sport challenge give it a go. www.nofussevents.co.uk will tell you more info.

The NAV+art training weekend went very well, judging by the feedback from those who attended. I've been busy trying to tie down dates for 2009, and have just finally confirmed that our Spring course will be on 28/29th March at Borrowdale YHA. Details will be update soon on the website. If you can't wait for that please email me for info and a booking form.

More very soon ... this looks like it may crash!!!