Battle of the Dinosaurs Stage 8 - Epic Ullswater 3.8km swim

[Ewan]

In that case where do you get the greatest return on your investment in terms of training? Where can the greatest marginal gains be made with the least effort?

I suspect that the HIM will decide it. You gave up c.30minutes over an IM distance swim which suggests that Jon is going to come out of the water c.15minutes ahead of you on the HIM. IIRC you'll be similar on the bike and you can claw back 15minutes on the run... possibly. That leaves you equal as things stand, and thus still behind in the GC. I'd wager that your best bet at clawing back those 13minutes and 18seconds is to get back in the wetsuit and try to minimise your losses there. Meanwhile Jon will be working on his run in the hope of holding you off as long as possible.

I suspect that for both of you your bike legs are sufficiently developed that it will be disproportionately difficult to win back additional seconds there.

Intriguing viewing... good luck both!

[Jack Hughes]

You are assuming that my swim speed against distance was linear.

Note that I gave up under 2 mins on a 750m swim.

The biggest issue is that I haven't done an HIM. So pacing will be a challenge. And nutrition. And lots and lots of things to go wrong.

The OD will no doubt paint a different picture. Especially if I use a completely different strategy. Which I well might.

[Bopomofo]

This is becoming more interesting than t'Tour.

The Sagasaurus H. (2 smart-arse points available to anybody that spots the pun) can convert his experience from fuel-hungry bike rides, t'rides with more vertical than horizontal, into proper fuelling for a long day out.

And the Mortemaxillusaurus (I am VERY proud of this name and I will use it hereafter) has experience of the distance, but could be trashed by trying to keep up on the run after a tough bike ride.

<Bopo buys popcorn>

[Ewan]

You are assuming that my swim speed against distance was linear.

In a way, yes.

But my main point was that I think that swimming is relatively your weakest sport, and thus it could be where you are likely to be able to make the most gains for the least effort. Of course, what with the swim counting for so little of the overall time, it is possible that a 10% improvement on the swim wouldn't yield sufficient time to claw back the 13minutes. Still, while it might not be possible to win a triathlon from the swim it is eminently possible to loose it there. If I were you I'd definitely be investing in some OW swimming session before September

As for everything else, you are totally correct. I'm just enjoying the spectacle. It's more fun than the office WC sweepstake was!

[Kevy427]

'm just enjoying the spectacle. It's more fun than the office WC sweepstake was!

Did you have a little wager on Keith from accounts after his consumption of a tortoise vindaloo?

[SickBoy]

Great report as usual. Chapeau to Jack for getting out of your comfort zone like that and well done to Jon for taking the lead!

[gingertri]

Well done guys! Jack that's a huge step - maybe not a nice comfy step but a step all the same! If you can figure sighting then that may help? If you're down this way bring wetsuit and will swim with you!

[scibby]

Awesome work guys.


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[Tritans]

Well done both. Excellent performances from both, and a cracking read as usual.


Penned in the finest quill from The Royal County.

[Tritans]

Oh and yes Jack next time you are down, bring the wettie, rather than the runners


Penned in the finest quill from The Royal County.