An epic performance by Mark Edmonds resulted in a 7th place finish in this weekend's World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Abu Dhabi.
After missing much of the season to care for his recently passed father, Mark had just 9 weeks to prepare for the race. Putting together a schedule that involved 2 swims, 2 bikes and 2 runs a week at high intensity was daunting but Mark pulled it off in magnificent style.
In searing 30 degree temperatures Mark was 3rd out of the water in a time of 00:22:36 for the 1500m swim, a 00:58:52 on the 39km ride meant slipping to 6th overall with just the run to go. 00:44:45 in blistering heat was enough to keep well inside the top 10 and only 3 minutes off the podium.
All of us at the Shaftesbury are super proud of your performance Mark, you have shown true grit and determination just to get to the start line. Your father would have been proud. Chapeau!
Many of you already know that the Club has recently lost two of its long standing members.
Maureen Austin passed away on 21st October after complications set in after heart surgery. Her funeral will be held this coming Thursday (24th) and will be at 11.20 am at South Essex Crematorium, Ockendon Road, Corbets Tey, Upminster RM14 2UY. Afterwards Richard and Amanda will welcome everyone at Top Meadow Golf Club, North Ockendon RM14 3PR.
If you wish to make a donation in memory of Maureen then the chosen charities are Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (https://www.ehaat.org/donate-personal) and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate)
George Shakespeare passed away on 5th November as a result of a massive heart attack while in the Bakers in Billericay High Street. George's cremation will be private and for immediate family only but Christine and Steve would like to invite those who knew George well to celebrate George's life. You are invited to the Bakers Arm Public House, Common Rd, Stock, CM4 9NF on Monday 28th November, from 3.30pm.
If you wish to make a donation in memory of George then the chosen charity is Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (https://www.ehaat.org/donate-personal).
It is with shock and much sadness that we report that George passed away on Saturday 5th November.
He suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed whilst walking in Billericay High Street. Police, Paramedics and the crew of the Air Ambulance managed to revive him but he had been too long without oxygen and died in hospital with his children Christine and Steven at his side.
The Club adds its condolences to the many that are appearing on Facebook and other sites.
More information will follow when available.
Club member Phil Hodey Vo2 testing at Writtle Sports Performance Centre yesterday.
If you are serious about your training I can highly highly recommend this. Full data on vo2/lactate provided in a 5 page report.
The report I received showed me what I though was Z2 base last year was actually more like Z1, and all of my power zones were 20w+ wrong. Same with HR, my endurance HR when using blood lactate measures was 10bpm higher than the "theoretical" numbers from Garmin had calculated.
I can now set a much more personalised plan for the winter to maximise my training potential, already looking forward to 2023!
Shaftesbury Members get a 10% discount on testing so get in there!
To book a session email charlotte.Gowers@writtle.ac.uk
Club Captain Kevin Baumber donned his running shoes to take part in the Grafham Water Duathlon this past weekend.
Despite torrential rain at the start of the event Baumber started strong in the run-bike-run event with a 38:08 in the 10k run. The ride was in no doubt with a 1st in category 1:05:07 for the 41km route leaving him in a commanding position for the final 5k run. A 20:44 for the final 5k run put Baumber in second place on his age group podium with a ticket straight to Ibiza for the the World Championships in April next year.
Chapeau Kevin!
