Cycle to work (every) day!

Today is Cycle to Work day!

Not that long ago cycling to me was something other people did - reserved for Lycra-clad men wearing odd shoes, and people who liked to hug trees and wear clothes made of hemp. Oh foolish me - how wrong I was!

Inspired by a couple of friends who cycled to work, and fed up of waiting in the Manchester rain for a slower than slow tram, I decided I would give it a go to see what the fuss was about. As well as hopefully cutting commuting time, I thought cycling might also be a good thing to help my running, but mostly I'd seen my pretty Bobbins bike and really wanted her to be mine...

A friend kindly let me borrow her bike for two weeks while she was on holiday to see what I thought and I couldn't believe how easy it was, and how much I liked it. Sure, I was nervous at first but without a car, the freedom it gave me was amazing.

Here are some things I previously thought about cycling to work, which I was totally wrong about.

1)  Riding on the road? So scary. What about all the traffic?
Wrong! I thought all the drivers would hate me and I'd be all slow and in the way. How do I make a right turn? Where do I sit on the road? All these questions and worries were really what was putting me off getting on my bike. Someone told me that Manchester Council ran various cycling sessions for free, including riding on the road so I gave it a go. A nice lady met me at home and after a bit of theory off we went on a route of my choosing. We worked out the best route for my commute to work and then we went and cycled it. She led the way there and then it was my turn on the way back. It's not a long distance but there are a couple of major roads involved so having someone take me through the ways of the road was really good for my confidence. So if you're worried, check out your local council and see what they offer.

2) What a faff! All that changing must take ages in the morning!
Wrong! It's really not a faff at all. Get ready for work. Get on bike. Get to work. DONE.

3) I'd be so sweaty and gross all day.
Wrong! My commute is only 3 miles away so unless I'm running really late for work I'm not sweaty enough to warrant a shower when I arrive. I sometimes take a change of clothes, sometimes not depending on what I'm wearing that day and how easy it is to cycle in. None of my colleagues seem to think I stink, but then maybe they do! Obviously if you live further away and cycle faster than I do then a bit of a spruce up pre-work might be required, but most work places have showers these days and you just need to change your morning routine to incorporate a wash at work rather than at home.

4) It must be so tiring!
Wrong! It's actually a really nice way to wake up first thing, but the best is the cycle home. After a long stressful day cooped up in the office, a nice ride home helps me unwind and forget about the day at work as well as let me be outside in the fresh air. Hooray!

5) Sunshine is fine but I surely I wouldn't cycle in the rain?! No thanks!
Wrong! Granted rain is not my favourite weather to cycle in. But once you've got yourself some sexy waterproof trousers and jacket then you're really fine. And I always think a 15 min ride in the rain is way more appealing than a rainy 10 min schlep to the tram, a 20 min tram ride and then a walk at the other end. Plus I always think about how much quicker I'll get home after work, which helps. Although Manchester, if you could stop raining quite so much I'd appreciate it. The wind on the other hand is a whole other issue. Urgh. Just be sensible and don't cycle in a cyclone.

So there we are! I love my cycle commute now, and it definitely gave me the groundwork and confidence to give my recent triathlon a go. Not only that, cycling to and form work saves me at least £50 a month - that's £600 a year and an hour a day travelling. That's five hours a week all for me!

If you're toying with the idea don't be put off by any thoughts similar to mine above. Give it a go and you'll be surprised how wrong you were! It's quick, free (once you've bought the bike) and it gives you so much freedom.

No more waiting at the tram stop in the wind and rain for me - I'm already at home, de-stressed with a nice warm cuppa.

Cycle commuting!

London Triathlon Race Report: No longer curious...

...I am an official TRIATHLETE!

Triathlon DONE

16 weeks ago we were all total novices to the sport of triathlon and strangers to each other, but yesterday we spent the day cheering each other on, laughing, crying, ringing cowbells, shouting like lunatics and navigating our way together through the London Triathlon. Then we celebrated our successes with beer, medals and cake whilst cheering on the last of the runners. It was ace!

What a day. Arriving at the Excel was nerve wracking and complete bedlam. I had so many questions. Could I re-enter transition after I've racked my bike and before I got my wet-suit? Why were people milling about in transition when the race was on? What on earth do I eat for lunch??! I had never been so glad to get rid of my bike and leave it in transition before heading to meet the team who were in my wave. Finally meeting, relaxing in the sun together and cheering on our team members as they began their races was brilliant and totally calmed all my nerves. Then the first official Team Tricurious athlete arrived and we oohed and ahhed over her medal in awe. I was having so much fun I actually kept forgetting that we had to go and race, but soon enough the time had come. Off I went to transition, donned my wetsuit and out I went.

Nothing can prepare you for the swim start, you just have to experience it. My big plans of waiting 10 seconds after everyone had started and keep to the back and side didn't really pan out. I suddenly found myself somewhere in the middle of the pack and then the klaxon sounded and it was too late to move anywhere but forward. The amount of people and limbs around and indeed kicking you is mental and not a pleasant experience. With all the excitement and all those swimmers in such close proximity I could not get my breathing right in front crawl so I did breaststroke until I found more of an opening and got into my rhythm. I did as much front crawl as I could but it was pointless as there was no room. Thankfully towards the half way point, the pack thinned out and I was able to get going. I just wish my breathing had been under control but I felt too wound up in all the excitement. And then suddenly the end was near and after answering 'Yes thanks' to the nice marshal who asked if I was OK as I got out the water, I undid my wetsuit, and off I went. Off my wet suit came (thankfully I'd remembered Katie's tip of letting water in towards the end of my swim) and into transition I ran, past Jamie and my cheering supporters which gave me a massive boost. Phew swim done! Next!

T1

Wow transition is long isn't it? Does this count as part of our run? I padded over to my area and seemed to go on autopilot. Helmet on. Socks on. Shoes on. Take a gel. Un-rack bike. 5 mins or so and suddenly I'm cycling. The bike course was longer than I expected. Every time I thought I'd reached the turning point it just kept going. Two laps of sheer concrete was not the most inspiring route but having my boyfriend and friends on course was brilliant and the lapped route meant I passed them a few times. You can see from the huge grin on my face how happy I was to hear and see them. I must admit I did a little tear at this point.  

I also caught up with Chrissy during the ride and after confirming we had definitely done two laps, we rode in together with my cheer squad cheering her in too.

London Triathlon - Swim, bike, run

The second transition was so much faster that I had to double check I didn't have my helmet on or anything. Nope, bike racked and I was good to go.

I'd been warned about the wobbly post cycle running legs, and I'd done a fair few brick sessions in training to try and get used to it. But I hadn't. My word they were like jelly running through treacle. Oof it was hard. The two lap course again helped mentally and although the running route was narrow with many twists and turns I actually quite enjoyed it. Although it was HARD. As a runner, I thought this would be my easiest section, but not after the swim and cycle. Running on tired legs in the beating hot sun is hard work. Still, passing the finishing line whilst heading out on to my second lap really gave me a boost. 'Just 2.5k and I'll be an actual triathlete' I thought. I'd opted to leave my running watch at home so had no idea what speed I was going but I knew it was slower than my normal 5k pace. But that was OK. As I always think in races, as long as I put in all the effort I can in that time on that day that's good enough. I did my very best and kept going. The looped course also meant that I could keep my eyes peeled for other Team Tricurious people on the other side of the route, and this kept my mind of it when the going got tough. Two showers on the running route meant we ran through little rainbows and the cool water felt amazing in the heat. Then suddenly I was heading up a steep ramp, turning back into the Excel and heading for a very short, but very determined sprint towards the finish line. Yey! I did it. Triathlon DONE.

I felt sick, happy and really quite emotional. I couldn't believe it was all over. Even though I found each section tough, I loved it. The swim was hard, the cycle was OK and the run was all over the place, but as I kept reminding myself, a challenge isn't there to be an easy ride. I had decided to not worry about times and just enjoy the experience but I expected the whole thing would take me about 2 hours, so I was over the moon when I got my time of 1.40.10 and looking at the results this is mostly down to my run and a swim PB! Not so slow after all!

Excitement on finding the finish line, beer and my cheer squad

But times do not matter. Without a doubt, the best part of the whole day and whole experience was sharing it with Team Tricurious, and having Jamie and my very loud and brilliant cheer squad supporting me at each and every stage (and acting as official Crandon race photographers!) I felt very emotional, and so much gratitude to them and everyone who sent me good luck messages on the day - thanks for all the support.

Having people to share your training woes, ask silly newbie questions, and cheer and support each other during training as well as the actual race was just brilliant. Rounding it off with the whole Tricurious gang in a little post race party, and cheering on other triathletes was the icing on the very tasty triathlon cake.

Team Tricurious

If numbers are your thing here are how mine add up:

Swim 18:36

T1 5.19

Bike 48.40

T2 2.14

Run 25.22

Total 01:40:10

Position 146 lady

33rd in my age category

The Great Manchester Cycle - a report

When I was asked if I wanted to take place in the Great Manchester Cycle, I jumped at the chance. I find it difficult to get long bike rides in, way more difficult than long runs for some reason, so I figured this would be excellent triathlon training and an opportunity to earn my first bike bling.

I met Chantal at the station and we cycled along the canal to the event village and start at the Eithiad Stadium. There was a great atmosphere here, with food stands, bike maintenance help from Edinburgh Bikes and the all important toilets which were (shock horror) actually clean! We were taking part in the 26 mile event, and as we arrived the 52 milers were just finishing. Well done you.

Cyclists assemble

After a small delay we were off! It was a little cramped at the start, with everyone trying to get out of the stadium area and on with their cycle, but once out of the roads everyone dispersed and it never felt really congested. The route took us towards town, over Mancunian Way and on towards Old Trafford. After another little loop near the Quays we went back towards the stadium ready for lap two of the 13 mile route. The 52 mile option did four loops before we started, and the 13 mile event one loop. The staggered starts for the different distances meant that you were only ever among people of your event which felt like a good thing as well as keeping congestion to a minimum.

The route was good, very urban (ie city roads) but did take in some of Manchester's famous landmarks including the two football stadiums and the Beetham Tower. The freedom of riding on traffic free roads felt really nice and was way more enjoyable than riding with the traffic. It was also pretty flat with just a couple of short inclines, and there were little pockets of supporters dotted around the course. There was also an area halfway through the loop where you could stop for any maintenance issues, food or water if you needed to, which was reassuring even though we didn't use it.

Finisher!

Back into the stadium area at the end, music was blaring adding to the party atmosphere and names were announced as you crossed the finish line. We collected our goody bag including t-shirts and all important medals before cycling home to enjoy some well earned post-ride beers.

As with everything, cycling with friends is way more enjoyable than going it alone and as a way more experienced cyclist than me, Chantal kept my pace up whilst also having a good natter and a catch up along the way. One lap of the route is the distance I'll have to cycle in the triathlon, which we covered in 47.55 which I was really happy with. If I manage that on the day after a swim and before the run I will be a very happy Crandon.

We were kindly given our places in the Great Manchester Cycle for free and they knew that I would be blogging about the event.

Fitting it all in - Crandon Runs Friday photo #37

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

No matter what your goal, fitting in your training around a full time job is hard work. We are all familiar with the 6am alarm, the midday 'runch' and the post-work work-out in a bid to get it all done. Knowing I would be working long hours away from the office all week, I was worried how I'd fit triathlon training in too. Then I realised I would be working on location 10 miles from home - a perfect distance to get on my bike and a chance to log some longer rides.

Cycling selfies!

I've cycled about 70 miles in the last few days, which is a massive increase for me. The sunny weather has made me happy to jump on my bike for my morning ride, despite the enormous hills and the rides home have helped me unwind AND saved me from a later workout after I got home. Commute training is a total time giver. I've also been channeling my inner diva and having a little sing song. Sorry about that, people of Manchester. But after swallowing many many bugs, the biggest lesson I've learnt is to cycle with my mouth shut. So there goes tonight's stage performance.

How do you manage to fit in your training? Share your top tips in the comments below.

#MCRwomenbike - CrandonRuns Friday Photo #23

A round-up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

This week it's not about running at all but instead my beloved Bobbins Birdie bike.

I heard about #MCRwomenbike, a great photography project running in Manchester aimed at shortening the gender gap in women and sport, and inspiring women to get on their bikes. What a great cause! I have dutifully submitted my photo and am awaiting moderation.

Based on the New York project #ibikebecause the project is aiming to collect photos all types of female cyclists on, or near, their bikes with a sign stating why they ride, or their biking achievement in celebration of International Women's Day.

The project welcomes photos from all female cyclists in Manchester, so whether you commute every day or just ride at the weekends, take a snap of you and your bike with reasons why you ride, submit it and get voting to inspire other awesome ladies to get out their too and discover the joys of riding a bike.

I've just scrolled through loads of submissions and they brought a HUGE grin to my face. Casting my vote is going to be tricky.

Here is my submission. 

Happy cycling folks.

Do you cycle? What do you love about it?