Countdown to Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire

Its now only a few days to go until my first big race of the year – Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire. This is the first of the 3 major triathlons I have entered. 6 months ago, I was uncertain whether I would be on the start line following the injury nightmares of 2014, but I have looked after myself, built up the training gradually, and it looks like I will be on the start line come Sunday.

I normally like keeping goals to myself, but figure I would write them down here (it’s almost like keeping them to myself as I’m sure nobody reads this). So, here goes:

Swim – My goal in the swim is to finish between 40 and 45 minutes. Anything below 40 minutes and I would be delighted. Once the time creeps over the 45 minute mark, I’ll be getting worried about how I can double that distance.

Bike – My goal in the bike is to finish between 2 hours 55 minutes and 3 hours 5 minutes. The bike has been going well but it looks like being my first attempt at 90km on the Time Trial bike, and also the first time on the bike after a long swim. I’m not sure how this will affect me. I’d still want to get sub 3 hours so I can average over 30kph. However, I don’t think the course is that flat and I’m worried it could be quite busy.

Run – My goal in the run is to finish between 1 hour 45 minutes and 1 hour 55 minutes. The training has gone well for the half marathon distance. However, its a whole new world stringing this together after the swim and bike. I’d be amazed if my legs held up to go sub 1:45 and go under 8 min/miles. However, I do feel relatively strong at this distance, and if my time creeps up to the 2 hour mark I’d be worried about the full distance.

If I add the times up and allow 5-10 minutes for the transitions, I’m looking at somewhere between 5 hours 25 minutes and 5 hours 55 minutes for the whole race. Realistically, I think I will end up in the 5:30’s, so we’ll now have to wait and see