2010 Season: 3 Tri's, 2 Runs, 1 Great Cause
Amber Raney-Kincade is raising money for Prostate Cancer Research Foundation
“Amber Raney-Kincade's fundraising”
on 29 May 2010
Story
Updated on Sep 27th 2010 at 7:18 AM using the JustGiving iPhone app
UPDATE 27 SEPT!!! Hever Castle Triathlon a success!! 2:09:08!! Faster than last year. Photos coming soon...
Updated on Sep 25th 2010 at 5:47 PM using the JustGiving iPhone app
Update 25 Sept... I did it!!! I completed the Hever Castle triathlon. Just waiting on final time results, but looks to be faster than last year.
Updated on Sep 22nd 2010 at 8:28 AM using the JustGiving iPhone app
This Saturday is Hever Castle triathlon. So excited! We cycled to Canterbury 90km on Sunday, so the 20k should go quickly!
Updated on Sep 6th 2010 at 8:30 AM using the JustGiving iPhone app
Update 6 Sept- there is a tube strike today so there will be much walking in my near future. This should help ease the sore thighs that I woke up with this morning. Strike to last so cycling is also on the cards. Next big event is a cycle to Canterbury on 18 sept.
5 September, afternoon- The race was great. I did the 5k in 35min 44 sec. I was super excited for that time. I felt so much stronger on this run than I did last year. There was a marker for 2k and 3k, but not 4k, so when I happened to look up and see the finish line in the distance, I started sprinting! It was great.... and met some of the founders of PRCF at the finish line too! (aaraney@yahoo.com)
Update 5 September -- I haven't done a daily update in a while because we have been pretty busy. Three weeks ago (the weekend after the London Triathlon) we attempted to cycle to Brighton .. 91km/56mi. It was awesome... until 43km mark I got a flat tire that just couldn't be fixed! It was an hour walk to the nearest train station and then a train ride home to Greenwich.... so gutted that we couldn't finish. Last Sunday (30 Aug) we did it again... and succeeded. It was 91km.... lots of hills, and 10 hours later we were in Brighton... pebble beach, pier, and the smell of fair food! My friend Leanne got a puncture, but we fixed it, and we had stopped for an hour lunch. Other than a few other stops, it was solid cycle. TODAY I am doing my 5k Adidas Women's Challenge in Hyde Park for Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. I have managed 2.5k in 20 minutes in the last few triathlons, so I am looking for 40 min today. We shall see... as I have been doing more cycling than running lately! Doh!
Update -- Day After London Triathlon 8 August 2010
video1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ-BObQIigY
video2:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYZisWbjT30
video3:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imN9tCDg5PI
What an incredible day! It was such a fantastic day! It was the best day ever!! I started off by cycling from Greenwich to the Excel Centre with Clint, which took about 30 minutes. We arrived to see that the entire race and event was set up in the exact opposite to last year! So what was once on the left was now on the right, and vice versa. I collected my time chip and headed into transition to set up. I think there was either an excess of rows or a shortage of competitors, cause I was all alone on this one rack of bikes. Fine by me... easier to find my stuff! Clint and friends were beginning to meet up, but I didn't have time to go back out and see them. It was on with the wet suit and time to dash to swim assembly area. Running through the crowds of people, I saw Clint and friends! I made it to swim assembly and got my yellow hat. I heard this Irish voice calling "Amber?" It was a girl I had met at swim assembly last year! We hugged like old friends and did our warm up with the group. Then it was off to the water. "Team Amber" had a great location, I saw them as I went down to the water. Jumped in... it was FREEZING of course. I made my way to the start line. Last year, we had a good 25m swim to the start, but this year it was opposite... so start was closer, and it made a large rectangle and then the last leg of the swim was the 25m distance. I positioned myself to the left... which was away from the bouy and the crowd. Smart move... this year when the gun went off I didn't have a ton of people swimming on top of me. The swim was hard. I have been working on form and technique, but I didn't do my "crocodile eyes" as much and found myself swerving alot. So instead of a straight line, I swam in a weaving pattern a little more than I would have liked to. I still managed to swim straight for alot of it, but there were a few moments when I was farther to the left or right than I wanted to be. You GOTTA have croc eyes! Once out of the water, I saw Team Amber and gave a wave -- then darted to my RIGHT. An official jumped in front of me and said "You're going the wrong way". So, it was back to the left and a run to grab the wet bag. I struggled to get the wet suit off this time.... I was a bit wobbly which is expected after a hard endurance swim. The run to my bike was much longer than last year... everyone said so! Also, you had to go up a flight of stairs to get back into the Excel Centre... which isn't easy to do after a hard swim. I made it to the bike and quickly swapped into my cycle gear... OFF I WENT. "Horse Make Tracks" was my battle cry! Out the door and there was a steep decline, where officials were telling everyone to slow down. Slow down? On a decline? Why? Well, because there were three sharp turns at the bottom! Not the best lay out but I guess that's the course. The cycle was good, I have been working on hills and managed to really tackle them without as much effort as I did last year. Yeah!! As I looped back by the Excel Centre, Team Amber had perched on an upper level and was cheering me on!! That was so motivating!!! I carried on and suddenly got a massive thirst. My grape isotonic drink hit the spot. Circling back, and Team Amber was still in position. I finished the last hill and made it back into the Excel Centre... dropped the bike and ran out! The organisation of the transition area allowed arriving competitors to cross the run path... which is probably unavoidable, but really annoying. As I ran, marshals were having people move, but I saw ahead this one guy who blindly stopped (with bike and kit) on the path and starting talking to a marshal. In my loudest and scariest voice, I shouted "MMOOOOOVVE!" Quickly he got the message and moved. This is a moment when you know you shouldn't feel bad, cause if someone was in his way, he'd do the same! It seemed like a good 500 meters of the run was inside, but I finally made it out and there was a down hill! (opposite side of building to the cycle downhill) Team Amber had made it to the bottom of that hill... so again the motivation really helped. The run, never my favorite part, was pretty good. I managed a good jog pace for most of it, with some power walking thrown in for good measure. There was a row of charity supporters at one point... I love it when people cheer strangers! It's great!! Down and back, I started contemplating the actual distance of 2.5k and thought ... man, this can't be 2.5k.. it feels like 5k. Whatever... I broke through the mental wall and came upon the final part ... that downhill I experienced on the way out was now facing me as uphill. Ugh! But up hill and then a simple 100 or so to the finish line. I was impressed that they were able to read my number and actually announce my name as I crossed the finish line! That WAS AWESOME!!! The clock said 12:42... and my race had begun at 11:20.. so I knew it was somewhere around the 1hr 22 mark. Team Amber was there with cheers and cameras at the ready! I was so very very very happy to have finished!! This is such a fantastic sport! I love it!!! After a bit of talk and some water, it was time to grab my stuff and head to the restaurant for a pizza! A great reward for a great race. Later that night I got a text from the triathlon: Challenger World London Triathlon, Swim - 00:19:18, Bike - 00:30:24, Run - 00:21:22, Total - 01:21:40, Place - 89. Congratulations!Thank you so much for visiting this page! Prostate Cancer has touched my life by affecting important men whom I love very much. This inspires me to swim, cycle, and run like a mad woman to raise money for Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. I chose PCRF above the others because they distribute information and research findings throughout the medical world --- so breakthrough research can be implemented quickly! If I can raise awareness for early detection or raise a bit of cash to fund research, then that is worth all the sweat and sacrifice that might happen in a race! This year I am competing in 5 events!
3 July---NoviceTriathlon -- Dorney Lake -- 200m swim, 5k cycle, 2k run COMPLETED in 44:45 11 July---Asics British Run --- London all over--- 10k run COMPLETED: 1:20:37 7 Aug---London Triathlon --- 400m swim, 10k cycle, 2.5k run COMPLETED 1:21:40 5 Sept---Adidas Women's Challenge -- Hyde Park -- 5k COMING SOON 25 Sept---Hever Castle Triathlon -- 400m swim, 20k cycle, 4k run COMING SOON
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, and if you are able, for your donation. It cannot be stressed that even the smallest amount makes a big difference. Because I am doing 5 events, I am making this big donation request in one page. Prostate Cancer effects men as they get older, with risks on the high end at an average of 1 in 14 men (in the UK). Notes about Donating through JustGiving --- is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. You can donate from anywhere in the world!
UPDATE DAY BEFORE LONDON TRIATHLON.... 6 AUGI'm so excited about tomorrow! I'm all packed and ready to go. I want to thank everyone who has sponsored me so far on the site, and to Lisa Taylor who has sponsored me offline. Clint and some friends will be on the sidelines cheering me on, and I will need it! The weather looks to be fine for tomorrow, and I'm all stretched and ready. Now for some carbs! My number is 611 and I am hoping for a time similar to last year. Fingers crossed! On your mark, get set ......Go! Update 4 Aug -- cycle to work.... last chance workout!! No more cycle until the triathlon on Saturday. I am really looking forward to the race. My number is 611!!!! Probably a swim or a power walk before then. Counting down.... Update 2 Aug-- cycle to work..... Update 1 Aug -- Another cycle for Clint and Amber.... just to the local park for some tennis. A good workout that wasn't cycle/swim/run. Great crosstraining! Update 31 July-- Today we have a busy day -- a marriage blessing/baptism in Highgate this morning and a baby shower/bbq/cricket game in Wimbledon in the afternoon. So I got up extra early and tackled a 702m swim. I have been doing a new drills routine.... and I like it. My favourite drill is called Fists. You basically make fists with your hands and then concentrate on grabbing as much water with your forearm as possible. I do this for 100m. It's kind of like being Mohammed Ali in the pool... I feel like I'm "beating up" the water!!! It makes me laugh... and really tires out my arms -- which is always GOOD! Update 30 July -- Cycled to work today... 9km. I have been exploring the changing gears since the hill session on Sunday. I think I have a few new tricks to get me up and down the hills without as much struggle... thank goodness. Update 27 July -- Lots of swimming and walking this week. Had a good 468m swim today!
Update 25 July -- Clint and I went on another great bike ride through Kent. This time, we tried for 2 pick-your-own fruit farms! We trained to Dartford, and then it was a bike ride to the first farm. After gathering more blackberries than one can imagine, lots of raspberries, and some fantastic summer squash, we hopped on the bike and headed out for the second farm. It was a long distance away .... and we didn't really know about the hills! and I mean HILLS! But the great thing about a hill is the view from the top! Unfortunately, the hills slowed us down and we were 15 minutes after the farm closed. More unfortunately, was the ride back up the hill to go to our next destination... the pub! A great pub roast re-fueled us for the ride back to the train station in Greenhithe. We slept like babies! Update 20 July -- A great run yesterday, and a long walk today. Getting back into the swing of things quickly! AND NOW THERE IS VIDEO!!! CHECK IT OUT!! Update 19 July - After the run, I scheduled a swedish massage to help with recovery. It was much needed, but I think my immune system was pretty weak. Clint got a small cold, and of course that meant it was on the way to me. Spent this past weekend confined to the sofa and bed, drinking liter after liter of juice, with my most productive task being completion of several levels on Strawberry Shortcake's Dreamland Adventure (playstation2). Not the most athletic weekend, but sometimes the body needs rest. I can still feel the gunk in my throat, but perhaps now my body is up for the challenge of getting rid of it for good. I'm already counting down to the next triathlon.... and I have some swimming and running to get in before then! Update 12 July -- Well, the head cold quickly went away as I made my way to the race. Adrenalin I guess! It was hot, but there was a cool breeze along the way, so it was kind of like London was air conditioned at points. The race route was great, all my favourite areas of London. It's surprising how hilly the city is! Of the 10k, I think I walked a total of 2.5k. I managed to run or jog most of it. My finish time was 1hour, 20 minutes, 37 seconds. While this wasn't under the hour I aimed for, it is consistent with my running at the moment, so I didn't really lose time. Afterwards, it was ice cream to celebrate... or rather sorbet!!! Today, I'm a little sore, but feeling good and looking forward to a massage this afternoon to flatten all the knots! Thank you all for your support... I was thinking of you as I ran! Update 11 July 7am --- RACE DAY! I am off to do the 10k.... with a slight touch of a head cold. Bummer. Supposed to be a scorcher out there today, so it should be fun.... stay tuned! Update 10 July -- It's been a week since the triathlon. I have been keeping exercise light, a swim here, a long walk there. Today Clint and I went on a long bike in the country to pick berries at a farm. My muscles feel nice and warm for tomorrow. I have just finished a carb dinner of okinomiyaki (a japanese pancake of sorts) and I am going to hit the bed early. The race starts at 9:30 tomorrow, but I have to be there about 8am. I'm hoping that I can do it in under an hour. I did the 2.5k in 20min, but that was after a swim and a cycle. So hopefully sub 1hour is in my future for the 10k tomorrow. I want to make everyone proud, and to finish injury free. Plus, afterwards, we are going on an ice cream crawl!!! (there are three new ice cream/gelato shops open and I must try the sorbets!!!) Update 3 July 2010... AFTER DORNEY LAKE TRIATHLON. MY RESULTS ARE IN!!! Total time: 44:54. (swim 6:16, T1 4:20, cycle 12:34, T2 1:41, run 20:01) Wow... what a day. A slight misjudgement in hotel location developed into a 6.4km walk from hotel to lake, which took 2 hours! Not what I was expecting to do before the race.... mental state of mind was quickly deteriorating as I kept looking at the clock. We left the hotel at 9:30am, and when we were somewhere in the middle of a wheat field and my watch said 11:05, panic quickly set in! A local on bike stopped to say it was only another 10minutes, but by that time I was at my tether's end. We finally got to the entrance of the lake, only to be told it was another 2 miles to go. At this point, Clint was walking alone, I was on the bike --- pedalling like mad to get to the registration tent. Luckily, I arrived and racked my bike with plenty of time. My race began at 12:05. 200m swim in Dorney Lake... it was 21 C so wetsuits were optional. I decided to take the lead of all the other competitors before me and go without wetsuit. This doesn't necessarily make for great photography, but it cut down trying to get out of the wetsuit! The water was quite clear, to my surprise, and I could clearly see the legs in front of me to avoid them as they kicked. I somehow ended up at the front on start, and soon found myself in the middle of the pack, which i managed to stay. A slight swim to the right as I was coming in, but otherwise on track! Transition 1 was good... my kit was all ready and I was off on the bike. A quick 5k around the lake. The first bit of the track was great, whizzed by Clint for a photo opp, then headed out. There was quite a head wind to deal with, but the track was so flat and smooth, it would have been too easy without the wind as a challenge. I was reaping the benefits of all of my cycling lately. I had been cycling in high/hard gears and it paid off today! I was in a good gear, allowing me to push hard and get further for it. I was passing loads of people too! That is always great motivation. Transition 2 came around and was really enjoying the race... almost started running with my helmet still on! My legs were a little wobbly after the cycle. I started out on the very flat run next to the lake. So motivating to see so many women, in all shapes and sizes, competing in this race. I wore my right knee brace to help ward off the pain I had been experiencing recently. It helped, but the heat made it a sluggish run. There was a woman in a blue top that I would pass, only to powerwalk and she pass me. We did this about 6 times, then after the turn at the half way point, we ran together! Claire, wherever you are, it was great running with you! We motivated each other and I ran at a good pace with her. We then separated before the finish alley to soak up the glory of completing this race! The heat was unbearable... and the finish line was in sight. I ran across, with my Texas Tech Guns Up (habit), and screaming "Prostate Cancer Research Foundation" (cause I'm crazy for the cause!!!) While this race didn't have a finishers medal, it did have a guy with an ice cold water hose spraying each finisher down with water. Good enough!!! After the race, Clint and I enjoyed a fresh fruit smoothie in the shade before making the 3.99km walk back to Windsor. Although Slough is a bit further than Windsor, we also realized that we had gone the LONG WAY before... ugh! Update 2 July 2010. Tomorrow is the big day! The Shock Absorber Novice Triathlon at Dorney Lake, near Eton/Windsor. (where the Queen lives!) 200 meter swim, 5k cycle, 2k run. I am aiming for sub-1hr. I estimate max 20min swim, 25min cycle, 20 min run.... which is 1hr 5min... but I am hoping to do better than that!!! Thank you all who have supported me so far, I will have you in my thoughts as I truck along. I just received another newsletter this week from Prostate Cancer Research Foundation --- exciting news on new diagnostic tools being tested to give a more accurate diagnosis to men. This is key!! Speak to you tomorrow..... Update --1 July 2010. 2 days until Triathlon!! A migraine has fallen upon me like a gigantic avalanche. It's rest and recovery from here on out... and carb loading tomorrow. I also received an email today from the triathlon committee. Apparently, the rules for wearing a wetsuit apply to up to 22 degrees. Currently, the lake has a temp of 23.5... so they are advising that wetsuits will not be allowed due to fears of people overheating! Go figure. Luckily, triathlon attracts people of all shapes and sizes, so I won't be the only un-chisled bod on the lake! haha Update -- 29 June 2010. 4 days until Triathlon!! Today was last day for cycle before race... 22km. I am now going to swim and run and taper my workouts down before the big day. It's something that is recommended before each race, and it worked well last year. Update -- 28 June 2010. This weekend I had a good swim and stretch session. Today I racked up 27km on the bike around London. Lost a contact lens half way, and carried a full bladder home. It was a tough ride! The sun is shining alot so I'm enjoying as much of the sun as possible. 5 days until 1st Triathlon!!! Update -- 25 June 2010. In one week, I'll be headed to Eton to prep for the triathlon. So excited. Did a new route today on cycle. Managed to get lost a little!! haha Update -- 24 June 2010. Have been reading lots of articles in Triathlete World about superfoods and speed-boosting snacks. This week, have been snacking on Nori Salmon Rolls: grilled salmon, broccoli, zucchini, and hoisin sauce wrapped in seaweed. yum yum... washed down with blueberry juice. aaahhh! Update -- 22 June 2010. Bike back from shop last night. It's like a whole new machine! The squeeks and catches are gone, and I have brakes again! Ahh.... But the mechanic was shorter than me (go figure!) so I need to raise the seat or suffer knee pain. Yikes. Update -- 21 June 2010. Racked up 66km last week. Can I top that this week?? I'll try. Today I have a morning cycle and then taking the bike to the shop for repairs and an annual check. My back break is completely worn, there is a catch in the gear, and the tires are worn down. That's the effect of lots of hard cycling!! Update -- 18 June 2010. I cycled 25km today all over London... Greenwich to London Bridge, Tower Bridge to Bank/St Pauls, and then all around and back to Greenwich. Update -- 16 June 2010. Have been cycling all week so far. Tomorrow is my "busy" day, so I usually just walk as much as possible wherever I'm going. Will be back to cycle on Friday. Going to try and stick to 2 days off... Thursdays and maybe one day on the weekend. Update -- 15 June 2010. A small set back with lower back pain, but I'm back in the game. Have been swimming and cycling alot in the last few days.... I REALLY need to go for a run, but even with the weather, can't find the motivation. The bike gets you there quicker!! I have been walking quite a bit. Every now and again, the knees give me a little nudge that they are getting old. I ignore them! Went to a BBQ over the weekend for World Cup, it was like a protein fest. I had chicken, and chicken, and goat! Yes... goat. Update -- 8 June 2010. The rain put me off cycling today, and I had lots of meetings to dress nice for. So I managed to walk a bit (2.5k) and then ended the night with a swim... 468m. Only 17 min this time... I'm improving!!! Update -- 6 June 2010. Decided to go for a quick swim--- ended up doing 20 lengths -- so that's 468 meters. Only took about 18 minutes... which is what I am aiming for in the race. Clint snapped some photos, he caught me doing my "celebration" at the end -- handstands! It's how I celebrate the end of each swim workout. Update -- 5 June 2010. What a gorgeous Saturday. Went for a 12.56k cycle today. About 2 weeks ago my chain fell off, so I quickly put it on and kept going. Lately I have noticed it just wasn't challenging enough. On a few straight stretches, I was able to crank into a higher gear and really give my quads a workout! Yeah! I came home and went for a swim... 10lengths in our 23.4m pool -- 234meters. My first tri is a novice, and the swim is 200. It only took about 10 minutes... so that is promising. Update -- 2 June 2010. It's 4 weeks until my first triathlon. Today I cycled around town, just over 18k. This year's training has been a bit more relaxed, I don't have as much fear of the unknown -- but I do still have fear! There is now an alcohol ban in place until 1 October and I'm now reducing bread intake to 3 wholewheat-only portions a week.