Windsor to Brighton – my big event of 2019

I was so excited when I learnt about Fullsteam‘s latest event: Castle to Coast. It’s an event that takes entrants from Windsor to Brighton. What makes this event unique is that it’s the UK’s only sportive triathlon. I’ve been struggling with comparing my current race times with those I was able to achieve in the past. This event is perfect to lure me back to multisports. The focus is on completion and inclusion rather than racing to get the fastest time (although you can guarantee that I’ll be pushing myself!)

The event will take place on Saturday 10th August, which gives me 3 months to train. As it’s a Saturday event, I’ll have a day after the event to recover before going back to work!

As this event is point-to-point, entrants can decide whether they want to finish in Brighton or whether they want to get a coach back to Windsor. There’s also the option to take part in the event as a relay, which makes this event even more inclusive.

Training for Castle to Coast

This event is just over half iron distance, with a 1.2-mile swim; 67-mile bike ride and 13.2-mile run, so I’m going to treat my training in the same way as I would for a half ironman.

Fullsteam have organised some free training sessions for people who have entered Castle to Coast, so I’m trying to rearrange my schedule to fit them in. I’m particularly interested in the guided group run of the first 5 miles of the route that will take place on Saturday 13th July. I really like to know where I will be running. I’m certain that it’s how I was able to conquer my first half marathon and also what helped me to achieve a PB at Southampton Marathon.

Swimming

I’m currently swimming every week, so that is helping me to regain my swimming fitness. I usually swim 1000m, so I just need to build the distance back up. I’m confident that I can do it, it’s just that I don’t normally have enough time.

I think the bigger challenge is going to be to lose enough weight to get back into my wetsuit. I’ve not worn it for a long time and don’t want to depress myself by trying it on yet!

Cycling

I’m hoping to go cycling every week with Teri and Pete, which should help me to improve my cycling. I’m also doing one or two spinning classes a week.

I’ve a deferred place from RideLondon, so I need to be ready to cycle 100 miles the weekend before Castle to Coast. If all goes to plan, I’ll be cycling 100km with Teri on Sunday.

Running

I’ve rejoined Lordshill Road Runners and am trying to run 3 times a week. So far, I’m not following a specific running training plan. My running for the last year has mostly been 5km a week at parkrun, so I’ve really ramped up the volume. I’m going to give it a couple of week for my legs to get used to what I’m doing before I start to increase the distance.

So, I’ve told you all about this fantastic event – who’s going to join me?