So first event of my racing calendar was Saturday last. It was the Hell of Hunterdon. An 81 mile event, I’m not going to say race because it’s not. It’s more of a way to dust the cobwebs off early in the year.
I make it sound easy, it’s not, or at least I didn’t find it easy. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it immensely. But I was one happy little man when I got to the finish.
The race starts and ends in Lamberville New Jersey. There was a 600 strong group of cyclists ready for off at 9am for the start. We landed a bit late and then one of the funniest things in a long time happened: Not to name names but ( CONOR THOMAS O’DEA) took his cycling shoes out of the car and put them on the ground.
He was after bringing two left shoes, so we had to rush to the bike shop and get new shoes a size 8.9??? Like what the fuck type size is that?? and he asked for a 10.
Anyway, at 9.35am, we set across the start line with the broom bike (last cyclist who goes at the back to help anyone) long gone on ahead. The event is a mix between Tarmac road and secondary farm roads, with gravel sections. It is a very fun event and it was fun.
Hell of Hunterdon 2014 from One Lane Bridge on Vimeo.
It was the farthest I had ever ridden on a bike and there was 6000ft of climbing over the course. I was in great pain and felt weak during parts of it. I guess it’s down to my lack of biking so far this year. I realized on Saturday that this needs to be worked on and rapidly.
I have started a new training plan, as I am 1 month out from the first tri of the year, St Anthony’s in Florida. I am focusing more on the pain aspect and pushing through when my body would usually give up. I plan on doing some long torturous rides and hill repeats to kick my ass into shape.
This morning I forced myself out of bed at 4.45am to go for a swim before work. I ran the 2 mile to the pool and swam for 1500 m and ran home again. This was my first time wearing my new altitude mask.
Jesus it near killed me, I got 4 blocks and was close to having a panic attack. I dialed her up to 3000ft and it felt terrible (in a great, sadistic way). It basically works by restricting your breathing, making your lungs work harder making them more productive. It is a really weird feeling suffocating yourself. I will be using it over next few weeks to get more in tune with it. I think on first impression it is a good addition to the Spanky armory of training tools.
That’s all for now folks. I just want to give a special mention to our Jahn who is not a triathlete but tunes into my blog for the “emotion”. He would like more emotion so I will endeavor to satisfy his need for my suffering. Like Christ on the cross Jahn. Like Christ on the cross.
Goodluck and god bless
Spanky >
Spanking The Ironman 