I worked as part of the massage team at the recent Weymouth 70.3 Triathlon, always good fun, hard work, but good fun. That sense of achievement is so evident, despite the fatigue that everyone is feeling. From “serious” triathletes to the 5 guys who made a promise to each other late on New Years Eve. Everybody had a story to tell and it is great to hear them all. In 1992, I think? I won the first Weymouth Half Ironman, unlike this year! It was a pretty grey day with a wind blowing and a chop on the water. I did not fancy it at all and there were questions being asked in my head that should not have been asked on race day. Coming out of the swim, I was 7 minutes down and ready to throw in the towel but somehow you just keep going, the wind that was my enemy in the swim, was now my friend on the bike, by the time I started the run there was only one person in front of me. I went on to win quite comfortably. Strange, several times, during the early part of that race, I wanted to “pack” I am not sure why I didn’t, I certainly wobbled a bit, I guess there is a lesson in there somewhere.
In “66” all I wanted to do was play football, in “70” all I wanted to do was play with girls, “74” and “78” we did not qualify, in love or in football. “82” we were not good enough, “86”the same but the hand of god did not help. In “90” we were good enough, but perhaps others were better? The less said about “94” the better and on it goes. Will I ever see England win the World Cup?
Another crash in a road race saw me escape with a few scratches but my rear wheel was a write off, at £600 a time, I can tell you that hurt!! So struggling for form and with low morale, I decided it was time for a break. A few days walking on the Dorset coastal path left me with a whole other load of aches and pains to worry about. I like long distance walking but do not do enough of it to become used to it (the training effect) and another thing, how come you struggle for 2 hours or so, ascending some rocky, barely there path and as you crest the summit, taking in the view, you are denied any feeling of satisfaction at your achievement - as there are already two old ladies sitting up there with a thermos!
Steve Way (Bournemouth ac) has been picked to represent England at the Toronto Marathon in September; the race includes an international team competition. Steve sees me regularly for massage treatment and I know how hard he trains. Less than 4 years ago, by his own admission, he was a couch potato, overweight and a smoker. No doubt Steve is a quality runner, but do not underestimate determination. Talent and application, a potent mix and probably one we all covet.
I know it’s a little vulgar to blow ones own Vuvuzela but I expect you will forgive me. I have had a couple of articles printed recently in Triathlon plus Magazine and I am also taking on the weekly cycling column in the Bournemouth Echo. I certainly have no plans to give up racing (after all, I haven’t peaked yet!) but if one door does eventually closes there are plenty of other ones to open.
See you up the Road…
E D
Eamonn Deane is a TrainingBible UK specialist in the field of sports massage. To find out more about his work, check out his new website at
www.sportsmassagebournemouth.co.uk
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