Zone3 in conjunction with the Triathlon Centre @ Advance Performance are sponsoring a triathlete throughout 2016.
Our Zone3 Local Hero for 2016 is Andrew Diplock, has been into store at Cambridge for his gait analysis and running shoes, plus a VO2 Fitness Test and wetsuit fitting, his suit is now on order. He’s updated us on his training and race plans.
Andrew collecting his Zone3 Vision 2016 triathlon wetsuit
Sunday 10 April was Cambourne 10k and my first 10k race of the year. It was a really sunny and warm day and the race itself attracts a lot of spectators, which really added to the great atmosphere. I got a little bit caught up in all the excitement at the beginning of the race, going out too fast in the first couple of km’s. I then let a pack of around 5-6 runners get away from me, so I was running on my own for most of the race. I think it was a good experience for me, as I’ve now realised that I prefer to run in a pack rather than on my own, which I guess is my competitive streak trying to come out! I ended up 10th overall, which I’m very pleased with so early in the season.
The following Saturday I didn’t have any racing planned, which I was grateful for as the weather on the Saturday was horrendous! I reluctantly went out on a 100 mile epic ride with some friends. Without them it would have been really grim, and it made me realise how fortunate I am to have some great people to ride with!
A large group of us have just got back from Spain where we have been cycling for a week. The biggest hill I’d ever cycled previously was Box Hill, which is around 200m in elevation. In Spain we would be climbing mountains up to 1,000m in places, so understandably, I was a bit apprehensive! Somehow, I managed to make it through the week with my legs still attached to the rest of my body - mission accomplished! We stayed at Cafe Ciclista in Denia and John made us feel really welcome. KB and Laura had recommended the area and John’s cafe to us, as they train over there regularly. It lived up to all expectations. The area is great - the roads are smooth and quiet, the food is fantastic and John runs a really professional set up. I wouldn’t give a second’s hesitation in returning.
I’m now resting up ready for a busy month, where I should be racing almost every weekend! I can’t wait to try out my new Zone 3 wetsuit and new running trainers in my first triathlon race of the season on Sunday 8 May. Next update coming soon!
We look forward to further updates from Andrew and photos of him in action.