2 Races In 2 Weeks

July so far has been a very busy month with racing at the ETU Junior Cup Holten on the 2^nd  July, then my birthday on the 8^th and finally racing in the BananaMan Triathlon at Eton Dorney Lakes on the 9th.  So, it’s been a busy couple of weeks but enjoyable. Here is how I got on...

Holten ETU Junior Cup.

You would think being in Holland that this course wasn’t going to be very interesting but it turns out it was the complete opposite. The course was a pontoon start with a single lap 750m loop, then into T1 which was next to the lake. The bike course was a 6km ride into town which then included 2 loops of cobbles, a climb (the only hill I have ever seen in Holland) and some sharp turns. We finished the bike in town so that involved a second transition area, which is quite unusual. Finally the run through the town and out onto a gravel track and back in through the stadium.

With a strong GB field the swim was going to be fast one. I had a good start making sure I didn’t get into any trouble. When heading back to land I wanted to be as close to the right hand side as I could as it was much shallower water, which meant I could stand up quicker and my exit to T1 would hopefully be faster. It was a clean sweep for GB exciting the water with the top 6 athletes out the water all team GB. I had a great transition jumping on my bike in 3^rd place, which made up a pack of around 13 girls; the group was slow to get working with the GB girls trying to push the pace with a few attacks but nothing sticking. Going through the town I tried to attack on the cobble section but I had no luck so I decided to save some energy for the run. Coming out of transition I was in second place and onto the run (the weakest of the three disciplines for me at the moment).  With the chase pack close behind I ended the run in 16^th. I have lots of positives to take from the race and I can see lots to improve on. Then it was time to go home and prepare for the race at Eton Dorney the following week.

http://www.triathlon.org/results/result/2016_holten_etu_triathlon_junior_european_cup/281289

Eton Dorney Banana Man Triathlon

This is a course I have raced many of times, and I would highly recommend this event organised by Human races to every one of all ages. The races vary, from kid’s racing scootathlons to races of Olympic distance.  Lidl had supplied a free tasty barbeque with drinks for all competing and supporting and any donations supporting Cancer research. A very nice treat for after racing.

The junior girl’s race started at 9.50am, nice and early. I had a strong swim coming out the water in joint second. I made sure I focused on myself in transition and with a great jump on and getting my feet straight into the shoes I was off and chasing down the girl in front.  After the first 5km loop I was on my own in first position and I knew it was going to be a hard windy ride. With a chasing pack of 6 behind me, I had to dig in. For the first 3 laps I managed a gap of up to 45 seconds but it was tough I was now struggling. My last lap was the hardest and very windy, behind Kate Waugh and Sophie Alden had broken away from the chasing group and were working well together.  I entered transition two around 20 seconds in front. As soon as I got on the run my legs were hurting. Kate soon caught me and went striding past, but I wasn’t going to give in. With around 3km to go Sophie appeared on my shoulder, I played it tactical and used her to block the wind that was sweeping across from the lake. She soon caught on and all through the run we were swapping sides neither of us wanted the side nearest the lake. With 100m to go we were shoulder to shoulder, matching each other’s stride, it would be down to my first sprint finish of the season. We both kicked at the same time but today Sophie was the strongest. Overall I was pleased with my race and as always room for improvement.

I now have 4 weeks till the National Championships at Liverpool, so time to get my head down and work on what I have learnt so far this year.

Thanks to Giant Liv, Jaguar and Sports Aid for all their support.

Megan McDonald

October

Officially now it is the off season for Triathlon with the final big race finishing this month but for me really there was no season down to injury. I have decided not to sulk about this year, I can’t change what happened so I ‘m focusing on next year and staying injury free. At least the forced rest has allowed me to grow quickly; all I have to do now is to get use to the extra height and pounds.

October for me has been the best month, finally I have been given the all clear to start running again OUTSIDE! I am finally running on the road only for 25 minutes but for me this is amazing to just be out. I have had no pain in my leg and my physio is keeping me in check.

At the start of the month I was treated to a week’s holiday with my Mum and Dad, we haven’t been away together for a few years. We went to Majorca and stayed just outside Palma in a great hotel called the Fontanellas Playa, only a five minute transfer. We cycled every day, except for one to have a rest day in the middle of the week. We averaged over 55 miles a day, including some climbs and lovely descents and scenery. I have to say compared to places I have had been to on training camps this beats them all. For anyone looking for their first training camp cycling or triathlon this is the place to do it. Amazing bike shops to hire bikes, sea swimming, running along the sea front and plenty of great cycling routes on quiet roads with brilliant views. All the rides I rode are on Strava so if anyone would like to have a peak give me a follow. I can’t find anything negative about this holiday so if anyone is looking to go on a cycling holiday I think Majorca is the place for you.

After returning from my cycling holiday, I’m feeling strong and all parts of training are going in the right direction for next season. I have decided not to go to university this year and stay home and work and take some coaching qualifications. I am already a level 1 swim teacher and I am aiming to do my level 2 at the start of next year.

Next month I have a Jaguar Academy day at Ben Ansilie Land Rover BAR Team HQ for a day which I am very excited about and also the possibility of a 3 day training camp at Sherwood Pines, mountain biking with West Midlands Academy.

A big thank you to Liv and Giant Uk for my new kit and helmet, you always look after me and the support is much appreciated. I always receive lots of compliments on how good the kit looks!

Thank you to Jaguar Academy for the financial support and academy days, I have learnt so much and the media sessions have been a great help. The financial help has helped me with my recovery covering the costs of my physio.

Finally thank you to The Bike Yard for their continuing support, servicing my bike and just being such a great shop.

Thanks for reading

Megan

Mallory Park Women's Cat 2/3/4 Cycle race

On Thursday 28th of May, I raced my first senior cycle race. Due to injury I am unable to run and compete in triathlon at the moment so I decided to keep myself in racing mode, and compete in cycle race something I have been keen to do. Firstly I sent away for my British cycling licence.

I have raced at Mallory before competing in triathlon I have to say that it was nice to know I wasn’t going in the horrible muddy lake in the middle. The race was 30 minutes continuing cycling then another 3 laps after that, a nice short race for my first one. I was a little nervous going into the race as I didn't know what to expect but my plan was to sit and see how it goes.

On the first lap I tried to stay top 6 to cover all eventualities, it was soon clear no one wanted to lead out the race. The race track was open and windy and the more experience riders and sprinters seem happy to let the pace drop. Triathlon being different tactically you all work together so chasing packs don’t catch or to catch a pack. For me though I didn’t want a tempo ride with a sprint at the end. So I decided to hit the front on the end of first lap and pick the pace up on the hill. That was my first mistake as then none of the ladies wanted to come through and I spent most of the race at the front. With 3 laps to go I decided to try and make a breakaway out of the chicane in the course I managed a 15m gap but it was closed down by the race winner. With 2 laps to go the pace slowed with some attacks happening but no one got away. In the final lap there were 12 of us sprinting to win. Round the last corner I didn’t place myself very well being 8th in line, second mistake. The sprint started and I tried my hardest to come past, in the end I finished 6th.

I will hopefully learn from my mistakes which I will change for next time. The next race at Mallory is on the 11th of June which I am hoping to improve on my position.

My next triathlon hopefully will be Blenheim Palace on Sunday 14th of June, if I am back running in the next couple of days. I am doing everything I can to get over this injury and hope to be back on the triathlon circuit soon.

Thanks for reading

Megan McDonald

Extra Sponsorship

This year I am very lucky to have a new sponsor, Extra UK Ltd. A leading UK distributor of quality cycling products who represent Fi'zi:k alongside other premium brands within the UK. As a sponsor the company will provide me with Fi'zi:k products through Extra. 

I went to meet Extras Brand Specialist Hannah Wilson at The BikeYard's women's evening, she was great and really helpful explaining the difference between products and how they benefit different people. The quote below is from Hannah:

“We are really excited to be supporting Megan. Having met her at an evening for female cyclists at The Bike Yard Leamington Spa we loved her attitude. She is dedicated to her riding whilst remaining friendly and very approachable. We believe in her and her ability and can’t wait to see what she achieves in the future!”

Fi'zi:k is a cycling brand. It represents beauty, speed, passion and freedom, for those who race against each other, race against the clock and for enthusiast cyclists around the world who identify with the feeling of the fire of competition. Fi'zi:k build for comfort that will enable us to train, perform and race without any pain. They do this by understanding the human body and how it connects with the bike.

For example Extra UK Ltd uses spine flexibility which determines saddle and handlebar compatibility. The Spine Concept ensures that riders gain the maximum performance and comfort from their products. View their online video to learn more: http://www.fizik.it/#sthash.Fn3ZrTB0.dpuk

Also for more information about Fi'zi:k please watch the brand video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-KQgmA_thU&list=UUvWJA1-7BPOrfBqN-C35iV

I am very excited to be able to ride using these products and can't wait to see the benefits of having the right equipment for me. I would just like to say a big thank you to TheBike Yard for introducing me to Hannah. Also thanks to Hannah, for all the support she has given me so far, it's greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading!

Megan