HPU Training Camp and start of race season

Mr Regular Updates returns. April has definitely had some positives....

Good Friday Bungay 10k
As per my last update I was aiming for a sub 36.30. Certainly nothing spectacular but it's not a fast course and my previous best there was a low 37. So what did I get...? 36.29 by my watch and 36.30 officially! At least my predictions match my leg speed.
Timewise I was pleased, but the splits were a bit disappointing - whereas last year they were almost to the second on the way back (out and back course) this year I really dropped off. Points toward some longer runs required....

HPU Training Camp Girona
All in all what a bloody great week. Highlights are too numerous to mention but I had an excellect week. Total of 340 miles biking (including a 97 and a 102 - never done a century before) plus a few k of swimming and a little running.

The facilities were superb and the riding and the roads were really a lot better than I had hoped. I rediscovered my mountain legs and dragged my oversized carcass over the Pyrenees in pretty good style.
N.B. A climb up Rocacorba in 38.02 is a pretty good time, despite the fact that Dan Martin's record is 28.15 (and Will Clarke esq did it in 35....)!!

All in all a great week, great company and fantastic location. Huge thanks to Dave, Tom (for never quite letting me get away on the climbs) and Anna.

25 mile TT PB
Very pleasing result - on my local course. Had given myself a scare earlier in the week with a godawful performance at a local 10. Proved later in the week that it was hopefully a freak incident (possibly caused by 15 miles pretty hard running the day before....?) though with a PB of 35 seconds over the 25. 56.54. Not mind blowing, but good.

Wattisham Triathlon
First tri of the year - when will I stop getting a fluttery tummy before these things??!! Done this one for the last 2 years so it's a good chance to gauge current form. Last year I did 52.28, 20 seconds outside the winner who'd done a course record. This year the aims were:
- Win
- 51 minute course record
Pleasingly I did both, despite the fact that the course had had to be extended with a little windy section - 30 to 60 seconds extra possibly?
Finished in 51.20, so that's over a minute up on last year with the potential for more based on the course differences. I would say that the wind was certainly kinder than last year, but my 5k was 30 seconds up, so definite improvements there.


Cycling - baby steps, but 30 seconds up on last year for a 25
Running - not feeling fantastic, but the times are coming despite a lack of speed work
Swimming - eurgh


Upcoming races
Kings Lynn 10k - 2nd May, a target so scary I can't even bear to type it....
10 mile TT - 3rd May
Grendon Sprint Tri World Qualifier - 9th May
Newmarket Sprint Tri - 16th May
Fritton Oly Tri - 30th May