40k T/T Bike and Lunchtime Swim

Sitting back having a few well earned beers in Newtown last night reflecting on the tough day, I all of a sudden get a text at 8.42pm from our Irish friend Enda saying the following ' Lindop, 40k time trial in the park in the morning meet at 6.30am, i know you have raced today feeling tired and perhaps had about 9 beers, but i need to redeem myself after you put me to the sword last week. I've been in training camp with Ireland's number 1..POD, and HuRTS Hardman JC and i am ready to overcome last weeks lowdown' (Long text i know but that's Enda for you:) ). So with that i had another 5 scoops before getting my Chicken Tikka on the way home and thought well here we go :)
Rolled up and basically it was the same set as last week, 40ks that consisted of 6 x nearly 7k loops working by yourself. Last weeks effort was 1.06:48 and despite been in good form on the bike wasn't sure how I'd go after racing yesterday.
Started off very strong, and was surprised when i completed the 1st lap in a quick 10.45, and even more so to see the 2nd only a second slower. No sign of Enda at this stage and i' thought he'd already gone to order the coffees at the local takeaway. The 3rd and 4th were much harder as the legs were starting to get heavy, but somehow was managing to keep each lap under the magic 11 minute mark.
Completed the set in over 90 seconds quicker then last week with a 1.05:06 with the laps as follows;
10.45, 10.46, 10.52, 10.55, 10.54, 10.50
Delighted with that, and it looks like all the work done on the bike has paid off in time for the BIG ONE in a fortnights time.
Enda came through some 6 mins later (i think) in 1.11:?? - And a broken man he looked, Don't know what his coach POD will make of that one.He did state last week that he had hit 'rock bottom' but he was actaully 3 mins quicker then he did today??????  I knew he was struggling when i noticed a little old lady in one of those motorised disability cars pass by him on the 3rd lap.
Take a look :)

This little old lady recorded a faster 3rd lap then Enda?

Enda going about the pace he was finishing his T/T this morning.


He was that broken i had to take him up to 'Crave' for a his coffee and breakfast where he pleaded and begged me to race in Thailand in the Half Ironman that he is doing - he even offered to pay for my entry. I kindly refused his offer as i will be resting and sampling the delights on offer to worry about minor issues like racing Enda at this time of the year :)

Lunchtime saw a massive turnout at the Boy Charlton Pool for the HuRTS Hasseloff Swim squad led by team leader Mermaid Emma, T.B, High, Walker, Christian, Enda, and Sonya. I think everyone came in anticipation after hearing word that Kanser was going to attend in his Phoenix Celtic Trunks, but he sadly let the fans down - AGAIN. With Terrance and Sonya making there 1st start of the year it was again a tough old session. Did all up 2.3ks for the day trying to stay on either Enda's or Christian's feet for the whole set. Was buggered at the finish and couldn't get out the water quick enough.

tomorrow it is back for the 4 x 10 minutes effort - haven't done a session now for a while so i know a tough  set is on the cards , especially that dreaded 3rd rep :)

Cheers