Hopefully this will help with Ride organisation, for sale & wanted etc…

Georgie Rutherford is Darlington’s first female world triathlon champion.

The 25-year-old roared to age group victory in the World 70.3 Championships in Clearwater, Florida, last weekend.

It was a fantastic achievement for Georgie considering she made the step up to Half Ironman distance only this year and that she had to cope with daunting conditions as she competed against the best athletes in the globe.

Georgie, who is president of Darlington Triathlon Club, works full time in the sport as Regional Programme Manager for British Tri but she was up against professional triathletes who have much more time to train and prepare.

Her overall time of 4 hrs 15 mins 52 secs breaks down as:

Swim (1.2 miles) 25:59    Bike (56 miles) 2:18:41    Run (13.1 miles) 1:26:12

Georgie recorded a fantastic average speed of 24mph on a top-of-the-range Cervelo P3 time trial bike lent to her by Neil Mac (thanks Neil!) and then knocked out 6:34 minute miles on the run.

The race format had to be changed at short notice because of the after-effects of Hurricane Ida. It meant the opening 1.2-mile swim became a time trial in the marina bay surrounded by yachts rather than in the sea.

Georgie was in the water half an hour earlier than planned as competitors set off at two-second intervals rather than the longer gaps planned for. The female field started straight after the men, which made the water much choppier than usual.

“I went off course as I couldn’t see the buoys due to the bright sun rising, but once I corrected myself I got back on track,” she says.

“After exiting the busy bike transition, I settled in to my bike quicker than I thought. I was a bit worried in the days leading up to the race as it was windy, but the race day weather was perfect - hot but only a slight breeze. “

The 56-mile course was one lap and almost entirely flat over long stretches of freeway in Tampa Bay. Georgie was riding a top-of-the-range Cervelo P3 time trial bike lent by Darlington Tri colleague Neil McLoughlin, which is ideal for fast and flat courses. “It was just perfect,” says Georgie.

“However, once again due to the time trial start the course was busier than usual with a lot of overtaking. I knew the race would be me out there on my own, testing myself rather than knowing where my other competitors were, and I had to really focus on the bike to ensure I worked hard on the entire route.

“It actually went quicker than I thought. It was hot on the half marathon run, and due to being in the aero position on the bike my hip flexors were tighter than usual. I settled in to a good pace and split the run in to four sections.

“The course was two laps, out and back, and had a long stretch up the freeway, over the large bridge in and out of Clearwater beach (including a long hill, which was painful). Then there was a sheltered section through houses.

“They had feed stations every mile with water, coke, Gatorade, food and sponges. I used water and sponges at every station to cool off and had Coke at miles two, six and nine to pick me up. I used gels and two bottles of fluid on the bike - one bottle of water with electrolytes in and one plain blackcurrant bottle of juice from Sainsburys, which I took with me!

“After the race every finisher received a nice medal, a towel, cap and sunglasses. I then went to the awards after party where I was presented with my trophy.

“It was certainly the hottest conditions I have ever raced in and I had to go sit in the ice tubs storing all the drinks straight away after I crossed the line.

“I must thank the Mayor of Darlington’s Charity Fund for their incredible support ( I wore their logo on my tri suit) and of course Darlington Tri Club for their support and encouraging emails.

“I’d also like to thank Darlington ASA who I swim with four times a week. As a result my times have improved dramatically.”

A warm welcome to Ivan (swimming) and Susannah (spinning) who have attended recent sessions.

GREAT NEWS – OUR FIRST CLUB EVENT

Eagle-eyed viewers of the TriHard website in the last few days will have seen that the Teesdale Triathlon is back on the race calendar for next season  . . . organised by Darlington Tri.

VIDEO SWIM SESSION – DATE SET

More than 20 members have expressed interest in having their swim stroke videoed and analysed by coach Phil, who is suggesting a date of Sunday December 6 (exact time to be confirmed). If you want to be videoed too, just say and we’ll put you on the list.

GOOD LUCK TO GEORGIE IN THE WORLD CHAMPS

Georgie flies to Florida this weekend for the World Triathlon Champs. We all send her good wishes and hope she has a great race.

BARRY COACHING ON SUNDAY

Phil’s dad, Barry – a world champion veteran triathlete – will be coaching at Branksome on Sunday at the usual times:

SPINNING ON WEDNESDAYS

Come and join the group at the Dolphin Centre from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Cost £3 members/£4 non-members

RUN SESSIONS CONTINUING

Now at 5pm every Sunday from the pool.

CYCLING ON SATURDAY

A great turn-out last Saturday with around 20 attending, We had three groups out at various speeds and distances and all met at Staindrop for a cuppa. We plan to continue with this formula with Rich C laying out the schedule for longer rides, starting this Saturday. Routes and café stops will vary as the weeks go by.

SIGN UP NOW FOR 2010 RACES

We’re not out of 2009 yet but some of next year’s most popular events are already full or filling fast. Keswick (long race) filled in 1.5 days (sprint race still available).

Hurry if you want a £5 discount on the 2010 Castles Challenge. Prices will go up in the next few days.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

We have 42 members and partners signed up. Thanks for your support – here’s to a great night.

DON’T THROW OUT YOUR OLD TRI MAGAZINES

Bring them along to the club instead. We have lots of keen members thirsting for info on the sport so please don’t bin them.

One way to find out is to attend our inaugural presentation night - held in conjunction with our Christmas party and disco - at Hotel Bannatyne on Friday November 27 at 7pm. Bookings are already healthy but, if you haven’t booked yet, don’t miss out. We’re closing bookings on Thursday November 5. You can pay Liz at the pool or send cheques for £25 (payable to Darlington Triathlon Club) to Shirley at 55 Lunedale Road, Darlington, DL3 9AT (Tel 01325 484765).

Please state you menu choices (menu attached). Please note there is a new vegetarian option of roast vegetable and goat’s cheese tart, with red pepper pesto, not shown.

WHO WANTS TO BE A VIDEO STAR?

Coach Phil is offering to bring his video camera to Branksome pool for a stroke analysis session, if there is sufficient interest. Members will be filmed with an underwater camera and then shown how to improve their stroke via laptop analysis, with a CD of Phil’s comments and advice to take away and study. Many companies charge around £100 each for this service but Phil is offering to do this for £10 per member. If there is a lot of interest he will consider reducing the price further. It may mean a slightly earlier or later start in the pool (no date set yet).

This sounds like a really good training tool. If you are interested please inform either Michelle C or myself.

VALUING YOUR SPORTS VOLUNTEERS COURSE

We have set ourselves the target of completing our Starmark accreditation procedure by the end of the year and many people have been working hard behind the scenes to achieve this. Attendance on this course at Northumbria University on Wednesday November 11 (6-9pm) ticks a further box. Please say if you would be interested in attending.

CYCLING ON SATURDAY

Just a reminder that we now start Saturday rides from Stapleton at 9am. Andy C is taking out the social ride this Saturday, which will include a cafe stop. This is a great way to train in company, especially if you are new to biking. Rich has also been in touch with a new programme of longer rides starting on Saturday November 7 - so we will be spoiled for choice. Will circulate the programme next week.

SWIMMING TIMES

On Sundays:

SPINNING ON WEDNESDAYS

Now in full flow at the Dolphin Centre from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Cost £3 members/£4 non-members

RUN SESSIONS CONTINUING

Now at 5pm every Sunday from the pool.

RUNNING SKILLS SESSIONS EVERY THURSDAY

Rorie and Mic from Up & Running are running these throughout November at Eastbourne sports complex, concentrating on running economy and skills. Rorie and Mic plan to hold these sessions every Thursday at 6.15pm. Just turn up (and buy a track ticket from reception).

The Training page has just been updated to include our new winter schedule; Spinning, Track and Fell Running… Get those Skeets on! ]]> http://www.darlingtontri.com/2009/10/training-update/feed/ http://www.darlingtontri.com/2009/10/newsletter-friday-october-23-2009/ http://www.darlingtontri.com/2009/10/newsletter-friday-october-23-2009/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:02:34 +0000 Graham Bell http://www.darlingtontri.com/?p=428 Social cycle on Saturday

LIz and Andy C are leading a social ride this Saturday of around 25 miles (with stops) from Stapleton at 8am (weather permitting). Liz is back in action after a knee injury and invites everyone to join her. No details on whether there will also be a faster group, but there is usually a longer ride as well.

Please note that, with the clocks going back this weekend, next Saturday’s rides (October 31) will start at the later time of 9am.

RUNNING SKILLS SESSIONS EVERY THURSDAY

Rorie and his Up&Running colleague Mic ran the first of these at Eastbourne sports complex last night, concentrating on running economy and skills. Rorie and Mic plan to hold these sessions every Thursday at 6.15pm and last night’s first one was well attended. Just turn up (and buy a track ticket from reception).

COACHING COURSES UNDERWAY

Michelle C tackles the second weekend of her Level 2 coaching course in Hexham this weekend. We also have Michelle S and Sam about to undergo Level 1 courses. Very soon we hope to have six qualified triathlon coaches from the membership, which will be a great plus for the club.

Phil is planning to attend on Sunday November 8 as he gets back into the once-a-month routine.

CLUB BIKING KIT

We know this is a top priority heading into winter and we are in touch with two companies who are producing templates to Rorie’s designs. Hope to have more news soon.

RUN SESSIONS CONTINUING

Now at 5pm every Sunday from the pool.

SWIMMING TIMES

On Sundays:

Intermediate 4-5pm

Development 5-6pm

Advanced 6-7pm

On Mondays:

6.30-7.30pm.

SPINNING ON WEDNESDAYS

Now in full flow at the Dolphin Centre from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Cost £3 members/£4 non-members.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND PRESENTATION NIGHT

A reminder about our party at Hotel Bannatyne on Friday November 27 at 7pm. The price is £25 per person and includes a disco. A menu is attached and Shirley requires full payment by no later than November 5. Please pay Liz at the pool or send cheques direct to Shirley at 55 Lunedale Road, Darlington, DL3 9AT (Tel 01325 484765).

This is where we honour members who have excelled in all sorts of ways this year.

ANYONE FANCY A PRE-CHRISTMAS TRAINING WEEKEND IN BRUSSELS?

Had a message from North-East Athletics who say they have spare spaces on a coach going to Brussels on December 20. A junior team is running in a cross-country event over there and the coach will be leaving on the Saturday morning and returning on the Monday evening.

Accommodation is in a four-star hotel not far from the centre of Brussels and apart from international cross country races there are also 5k and 10k road races. It is a very friendly event and the Christmas market in Brussells is worth the trip on its own.

Robin Rutherford writes: “We would like to offer this trip to anyone else who would like to come, athletes or spectators alike, at a cost of £145 per person, so that we can fill a coach from the North East. This will be done on a first come, first served basis and preference will be given to parents and friends of the invited athletes. But with a 50-seater coach, there is plenty of opportunity for other athletes to enjoy a great social event the weekend before Christmas with a little running thrown in.”

Please let Robin know as soon as possible if you have any interested parties so that entries and paperwork can be completed in time.

http://www.centresporttours.co.uk/cross_country.htm

If anyone would like to try some fell running before the icy roads start to appear, I’m looking to head to the hills on Sundays for a run. This will be a mixture of trail and footpath, from 4 to 8+ miles depending. If anyone is interested please get in touch. We’re starting off this Sunday 25th from Swainby, 6 miler.

Technique sessions

Me and Mic from are looking to do technique sessions at Eastbourne track on a Thursday, 6:15pm. This isn’t a hard run, but purely focusing on running style and efficiency and observing your Gait cycle. Pop down if you’re interested.

Happy training

That was secretary Brian when, amidst much subterfuge, he turned up at the pool on Monday to find himself the owner of a shiny new Black Hawk bike. Stuart Walker of Black Hawk presented the carbon beauty to Brian as part of his sponsorship of the club. “Brian sums up what Darlington Tri is all about and he is someone who I know will enjoy real benefits from training on a quality bike of this type,” says Stuart.

Brian replied: well, not very much at all, really. He’s just totally gobsmacked.

MICHELLE SO CLOSE TO THE MEDALS

Michelle Scott was a whisker away from claiming a bronze medal when representing Great Britain in the 11^th World Biathle Championships in Monaco. Biathle involves a short swim sandwiched by two middle-distance runs and is a demanding test of speed over the two disciplines. The race at Larvotto Beach consisted of two 1500m runs and a 400m sea swim.

Michelle was only seconds away from the medals after an impressive performance.

New member Pat Maycroft is also celebrating success following a gold medal performance in the Sandy Cove Island Challenge swim, two miles from Kinsale in County Cork. More than 200 swimmers took part in the event with an age range from 12 to over 70. The shortest distance was 1600 metres.

Pat completed the challenge in 39 mins 27 secs to finish first in her female age category for wetsuit swimmers. The event raised money for the Lions Club of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Alan Nixon tackled a very different challenge in the face of the daunting Three Peaks cyclo-cross challenge last weekend. Not for the faint-hearted, this involves biking and running up Ingleborough, Whernside and Penyghent.

The 38-mile route in the Yorkshire Dales climbs 5,000 feet and only 34 miles are rideable. This means competitors have to carry their bikes up some of the steepest slopes.

Alan, wearing his Adept Precision racing colours, came home in 3 hrs 25 mins 48 secs for 24th place, a great performance in an international-class field. Despite suffering a puncture on one of the steepest descents, he was able to recover following a quick bike change courtesy of Stuart Walker in his Black Hawk support vehicle.

SPINNING IS BACK

From Wednesday October 7 we are back at the Dolphin Centre to resume our popular winter spinning class. Andy C has negotiated a more favourable rate for this hourly class, which starts at 7.30pm in the top-floor studio. We need a minimum of 12 members a week to make this viable so please give it your support. From memory there are about 19 bikes available. The cost is £3 (payable on the night).

Turbo training is still an option for another day but we have to find a suitable venue for this.

RETURN TO THE VELODROME

I’ve just been informed by Manchester Velodrome today of a slot on Saturday January 2 (1-2pm) which is available as I write. I’m going to book this provisionally because it is the only daytime slot on the list between now and the end of February. I’m pretty certain we can get 16 members for this trip, which was popular last time we held it. More details on the booking sequence for members as soon as I can confirm that date.

SWIMMING ON SUNDAY

Normal times:

Intermediate: 4-5pm

Development: 5-6pm

Advanced: 6-7pm

SWIMMING ON MONDAY

From 6.30-7.30pm.

BIKING ON SATURDAY

From Stapleton at 8am.

MARSHALS WANTED FOR NORTH-EAST CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS AT BRANKSOME, SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2009

A prestigious event for Darlington. If you have a spare hour of two to help please contact Robin Rutherford:

Tel 01325 252834

Mob 07830 175753

Email: robin.rutherford3@ntlworld.com

LANEHEAD TRIP

Michelle C has just received the menu for Saturday night (October 10) at Lanehead. Numbers and menu choices to Michelle please no later than Tuesday October 7. Michelle: michele_cockburn@hotmail.com

Menu choices:

Main Course

Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi served with Rice and Naans

Caramelised Onion and Roast Vegetable Tarte Tatin served with Seasonal Vegetables and Potatoes

Daube of Pork served with Seasonal Vegetables and Potatoes

Sweet

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Butterscotch Apple Charlotte

In addition to these specific package holidays where any number can book we also cater for groups. If you or your club would like to come over as a group and be based in the same villa we would love to build a package for you. All details on the website but please let us know if you have any queries.

As an introductory offer we would like to offer all members of you club a 10% discount if they book using the reference CLUBOFFERNOV09 and they are indeed a member of you club.

Full details of what we do are on our website: www.embracesports.co.uk/tri_holiday.html

We can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.