May Day Gallop and a 2k swim special
May 4th, 2009 by Gavin
Racing out of the back of your car on a rainy day in Scotland isn’t great darts but sometimes you have to suck it up. If you asked me whether Swimmers, Cyclists or Runners attracted the stronger breeds ? Id tell you
CYCLISTS.
I am not saying Swimmers and Runners aren’t tough but theres something about the mentality of a cyclist that separates him apart.
No matter what the weather, the distance or the terrain, all that matters is the wheel in front. Just when you think you can’t push any harder there comes a shout from behind to hold the wheel - your survival is their survival. The Cyclists central governer is questioned not just towards the end of the race like in Swimming and Running but is often tested into every cross wind, up every hill and during every surge . . . and theres still 2hrs to go.
Today I raced an 85km race near Falkirk - hosted by the Falkirk club with whom we ride with regulary in chain gangs during the week. The rain fell as a constant drizzle and the wind was a bit ridiculous - 400 watts and 25kph tells that story - as I drove there this morning I could think of a few places I’d rather be.
The race was run as an APR with different groups going off at different times - I managed to get into a break away from the main peleton and we swallowed up a few groups but the first group was never in sight - sneaky vets ! been there done that !
All in all a good mornings training with the process and not the outcome the importance. Nearing the finish line the riders were scattered. Myself and 2 other riders from a small break away rode to the line and I watched them duke it out in a sprint (for maybe 20th!) . . . . I then watched them shout at each other . . . .
I then watched 1 swing for the other at the side of the road (gottalovethatshit) !
Although I like nothing better than watching a good playground scrap I had to intervene. Within a few seconds they were best of pals again and will no doubt fight it out again soon . . . . after a couple of hours fighting the rain, wind and their own central governer.
About 30mins after the race I hit the pool for a 2k special - my second 2k special in 2 days. The 2k special is a swim set that one does for a variety of reasons:
1. to loosen off after a race, travel or hard training session (always my reason !)
2. to maintain feel for the water
3. to relieve some “i didnt swim today guilt”
4. boredom
5. if in Stellenbosch, a 2k special was an added swim set because the sun was out, the pool was open air, your tan needed work and there was generally good scope on pool side . . . . you know who you are !
2 Responses to “May Day Gallop and a 2k swim special”
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May 5th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
You don’t have to risk life and limb trundling out of the city when you’re going for a swim or cycle.
Helmet - check!
unmissably loud top - check!
rosary beads and quick prayer to God, Allah, Buddha - check!
May 5th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I meant swim and RUN doh!