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Don't Drink and Drive
Racing Against Unexpected Hurdles
Auckland, New Zealand, a place where public transport is not the most reliable and people are therefore often tempted by the comfort of their own car after a night out. In order to help prevent drink drivers the police would put measures in place to catch those abusing the use of their car after a drink or two.
Ok, where is this going? Had I been on a night out before a race? Nope! Quite the opposite actually. I had eaten my pasta, chicken, and veg, hydrated and was asleep by 9pm. Standard. My partner, Jack, and I had a 10km on the Saturday morning, and we left the house in a bit of made flurry to make sure we were on the road in time. Prior to leaving home we did all the normal things you would do in the morning. We had coffee, breakfast, brushed our teeth, rinsed with mouthwash etc., and we were on our way.
The highway entrance was approx. a 3-minute drive from our house, and we noticed some flashing lights up ahead. I remember thinking “great, we really have time for a breathalyser test right now!” It was not what we needed that morning! Jack was driving, and wound down the window with a smile. We were sat there with our numbers pinned on our shirts; all race ready; clearly not driving home from a night out!
It actually blew my mind when Jack then tested positive for alcohol in his system. The officer was almost as shocked as us. Then started questioning how much he drank last night. We started racking our brains thinking about when the last time was that he had a beer, and if it could still be in his system. The officer said he needed to test again, but if it was positive, he would need to have his rights read to him, and be taken to the station for the offence drink driving. We agreed to test again, as there was no way that a beer a week ago was affecting his driving or judgement. Yep, positive!
I was a bit concerned that Jack was being taken to the police station, but also pretty pissed that we were now running really late for the race. Priorities!! Part of me thought, “ah I could race, and then go and pick him up!” I started to climb over to the driver's seat, and the police officer questioned what I was doing. I mean, it was my car too, I wasn’t going to just leave it on the side of the highway. However, apparently, as I had been “caught” as a passenger with a driver who was “drink driving”, he needed to breathalyse me before I could drive off. Yep, positive! WHAT WAS GOING ON?! We semi started arguing with the officer, saying that the machine must be broken, but let’s face it, they have probably heard that from thousands of drunk idiots!
So, Jack was about to be taken to the police station, I was one positive test away from joining him, the police were threatening to take our car away, it became clear that this race was not happening today.
Whilst the officer was resetting the breathalyser test, I had drink of water. It then dawned on me that I still had that mouthwash taste…. Surely it couldn’t be the mouthwash?! I drank loads of water and rinsed my mouth, and then re-tested. Negative. Sadly, Jack wasn’t allowed to re-test until he got to the police station.
So, in conclusion, there were no PBs that morning, but also no criminal charges. Luckily Jack was able to sober up from his dental hygiene routine whilst in the station.
Moral of the story, control the “controllables”, give yourself enough time on race morning, and buy alcohol free mouthwash!
ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing
Auckland, New Zealand, a place where public transport is not the most reliable and people are therefore often tempted by the comfort of their own car after a night out. In order to help prevent drink drivers the police would put measures in place to catch those abusing the use of their car after a drink or two.
Ok, where is this going? Had I been on a night out before a race? Nope! Quite the opposite actually. I had eaten my pasta, chicken, and veg, hydrated and was asleep by 9pm. Standard. My partner, Jack, and I had a 10km on the Saturday morning, and we left the house in a bit of made flurry to make sure we were on the road in time. Prior to leaving home we did all the normal things you would do in the morning. We had coffee, breakfast, brushed our teeth, rinsed with mouthwash etc., and we were on our way.
The highway entrance was approx. a 3-minute drive from our house, and we noticed some flashing lights up ahead. I remember thinking “great, we really have time for a breathalyser test right now!” It was not what we needed that morning! Jack was driving, and wound down the window with a smile. We were sat there with our numbers pinned on our shirts; all race ready; clearly not driving home from a night out!
It actually blew my mind when Jack then tested positive for alcohol in his system. The officer was almost as shocked as us. Then started questioning how much he drank last night. We started racking our brains thinking about when the last time was that he had a beer, and if it could still be in his system. The officer said he needed to test again, but if it was positive, he would need to have his rights read to him, and be taken to the station for the offence drink driving. We agreed to test again, as there was no way that a beer a week ago was affecting his driving or judgement. Yep, positive!
I was a bit concerned that Jack was being taken to the police station, but also pretty pissed that we were now running really late for the race. Priorities!! Part of me thought, “ah I could race, and then go and pick him up!” I started to climb over to the driver's seat, and the police officer questioned what I was doing. I mean, it was my car too, I wasn’t going to just leave it on the side of the highway. However, apparently, as I had been “caught” as a passenger with a driver who was “drink driving”, he needed to breathalyse me before I could drive off. Yep, positive! WHAT WAS GOING ON?! We semi started arguing with the officer, saying that the machine must be broken, but let’s face it, they have probably heard that from thousands of drunk idiots!
So, Jack was about to be taken to the police station, I was one positive test away from joining him, the police were threatening to take our car away, it became clear that this race was not happening today.
Whilst the officer was resetting the breathalyser test, I had drink of water. It then dawned on me that I still had that mouthwash taste…. Surely it couldn’t be the mouthwash?! I drank loads of water and rinsed my mouth, and then re-tested. Negative. Sadly, Jack wasn’t allowed to re-test until he got to the police station.
So, in conclusion, there were no PBs that morning, but also no criminal charges. Luckily Jack was able to sober up from his dental hygiene routine whilst in the station.
Moral of the story, control the “controllables”, give yourself enough time on race morning, and buy alcohol free mouthwash!
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing
ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.
Auckland, New Zealand, a place where public transport is not the most reliable and people are therefore often tempted by the comfort of their own car after a night out. In order to help prevent drink drivers the police would put measures in place to catch those abusing the use of their car after a drink or two.
Ok, where is this going? Had I been on a night out before a race? Nope! Quite the opposite actually. I had eaten my pasta, chicken, and veg, hydrated and was asleep by 9pm. Standard. My partner, Jack, and I had a 10km on the Saturday morning, and we left the house in a bit of made flurry to make sure we were on the road in time. Prior to leaving home we did all the normal things you would do in the morning. We had coffee, breakfast, brushed our teeth, rinsed with mouthwash etc., and we were on our way.
The highway entrance was approx. a 3-minute drive from our house, and we noticed some flashing lights up ahead. I remember thinking “great, we really have time for a breathalyser test right now!” It was not what we needed that morning! Jack was driving, and wound down the window with a smile. We were sat there with our numbers pinned on our shirts; all race ready; clearly not driving home from a night out!
It actually blew my mind when Jack then tested positive for alcohol in his system. The officer was almost as shocked as us. Then started questioning how much he drank last night. We started racking our brains thinking about when the last time was that he had a beer, and if it could still be in his system. The officer said he needed to test again, but if it was positive, he would need to have his rights read to him, and be taken to the station for the offence drink driving. We agreed to test again, as there was no way that a beer a week ago was affecting his driving or judgement. Yep, positive!
I was a bit concerned that Jack was being taken to the police station, but also pretty pissed that we were now running really late for the race. Priorities!! Part of me thought, “ah I could race, and then go and pick him up!” I started to climb over to the driver's seat, and the police officer questioned what I was doing. I mean, it was my car too, I wasn’t going to just leave it on the side of the highway. However, apparently, as I had been “caught” as a passenger with a driver who was “drink driving”, he needed to breathalyse me before I could drive off. Yep, positive! WHAT WAS GOING ON?! We semi started arguing with the officer, saying that the machine must be broken, but let’s face it, they have probably heard that from thousands of drunk idiots!
So, Jack was about to be taken to the police station, I was one positive test away from joining him, the police were threatening to take our car away, it became clear that this race was not happening today.
Whilst the officer was resetting the breathalyser test, I had drink of water. It then dawned on me that I still had that mouthwash taste…. Surely it couldn’t be the mouthwash?! I drank loads of water and rinsed my mouth, and then re-tested. Negative. Sadly, Jack wasn’t allowed to re-test until he got to the police station.
So, in conclusion, there were no PBs that morning, but also no criminal charges. Luckily Jack was able to sober up from his dental hygiene routine whilst in the station.
Moral of the story, control the “controllables”, give yourself enough time on race morning, and buy alcohol free mouthwash!
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing
ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Auckland, New Zealand, a place where public transport is not the most reliable and people are therefore often tempted by the comfort of their own car after a night out. In order to help prevent drink drivers the police would put measures in place to catch those abusing the use of their car after a drink or two.
Ok, where is this going? Had I been on a night out before a race? Nope! Quite the opposite actually. I had eaten my pasta, chicken, and veg, hydrated and was asleep by 9pm. Standard. My partner, Jack, and I had a 10km on the Saturday morning, and we left the house in a bit of made flurry to make sure we were on the road in time. Prior to leaving home we did all the normal things you would do in the morning. We had coffee, breakfast, brushed our teeth, rinsed with mouthwash etc., and we were on our way.
The highway entrance was approx. a 3-minute drive from our house, and we noticed some flashing lights up ahead. I remember thinking “great, we really have time for a breathalyser test right now!” It was not what we needed that morning! Jack was driving, and wound down the window with a smile. We were sat there with our numbers pinned on our shirts; all race ready; clearly not driving home from a night out!
It actually blew my mind when Jack then tested positive for alcohol in his system. The officer was almost as shocked as us. Then started questioning how much he drank last night. We started racking our brains thinking about when the last time was that he had a beer, and if it could still be in his system. The officer said he needed to test again, but if it was positive, he would need to have his rights read to him, and be taken to the station for the offence drink driving. We agreed to test again, as there was no way that a beer a week ago was affecting his driving or judgement. Yep, positive!
I was a bit concerned that Jack was being taken to the police station, but also pretty pissed that we were now running really late for the race. Priorities!! Part of me thought, “ah I could race, and then go and pick him up!” I started to climb over to the driver's seat, and the police officer questioned what I was doing. I mean, it was my car too, I wasn’t going to just leave it on the side of the highway. However, apparently, as I had been “caught” as a passenger with a driver who was “drink driving”, he needed to breathalyse me before I could drive off. Yep, positive! WHAT WAS GOING ON?! We semi started arguing with the officer, saying that the machine must be broken, but let’s face it, they have probably heard that from thousands of drunk idiots!
So, Jack was about to be taken to the police station, I was one positive test away from joining him, the police were threatening to take our car away, it became clear that this race was not happening today.
Whilst the officer was resetting the breathalyser test, I had drink of water. It then dawned on me that I still had that mouthwash taste…. Surely it couldn’t be the mouthwash?! I drank loads of water and rinsed my mouth, and then re-tested. Negative. Sadly, Jack wasn’t allowed to re-test until he got to the police station.
So, in conclusion, there were no PBs that morning, but also no criminal charges. Luckily Jack was able to sober up from his dental hygiene routine whilst in the station.
Moral of the story, control the “controllables”, give yourself enough time on race morning, and buy alcohol free mouthwash!
Auckland, New Zealand, a place where public transport is not the most reliable and people are therefore often tempted by the comfort of their own car after a night out. In order to help prevent drink drivers the police would put measures in place to catch those abusing the use of their car after a drink or two.
Ok, where is this going? Had I been on a night out before a race? Nope! Quite the opposite actually. I had eaten my pasta, chicken, and veg, hydrated and was asleep by 9pm. Standard. My partner, Jack, and I had a 10km on the Saturday morning, and we left the house in a bit of made flurry to make sure we were on the road in time. Prior to leaving home we did all the normal things you would do in the morning. We had coffee, breakfast, brushed our teeth, rinsed with mouthwash etc., and we were on our way.
The highway entrance was approx. a 3-minute drive from our house, and we noticed some flashing lights up ahead. I remember thinking “great, we really have time for a breathalyser test right now!” It was not what we needed that morning! Jack was driving, and wound down the window with a smile. We were sat there with our numbers pinned on our shirts; all race ready; clearly not driving home from a night out!
It actually blew my mind when Jack then tested positive for alcohol in his system. The officer was almost as shocked as us. Then started questioning how much he drank last night. We started racking our brains thinking about when the last time was that he had a beer, and if it could still be in his system. The officer said he needed to test again, but if it was positive, he would need to have his rights read to him, and be taken to the station for the offence drink driving. We agreed to test again, as there was no way that a beer a week ago was affecting his driving or judgement. Yep, positive!
I was a bit concerned that Jack was being taken to the police station, but also pretty pissed that we were now running really late for the race. Priorities!! Part of me thought, “ah I could race, and then go and pick him up!” I started to climb over to the driver's seat, and the police officer questioned what I was doing. I mean, it was my car too, I wasn’t going to just leave it on the side of the highway. However, apparently, as I had been “caught” as a passenger with a driver who was “drink driving”, he needed to breathalyse me before I could drive off. Yep, positive! WHAT WAS GOING ON?! We semi started arguing with the officer, saying that the machine must be broken, but let’s face it, they have probably heard that from thousands of drunk idiots!
So, Jack was about to be taken to the police station, I was one positive test away from joining him, the police were threatening to take our car away, it became clear that this race was not happening today.
Whilst the officer was resetting the breathalyser test, I had drink of water. It then dawned on me that I still had that mouthwash taste…. Surely it couldn’t be the mouthwash?! I drank loads of water and rinsed my mouth, and then re-tested. Negative. Sadly, Jack wasn’t allowed to re-test until he got to the police station.
So, in conclusion, there were no PBs that morning, but also no criminal charges. Luckily Jack was able to sober up from his dental hygiene routine whilst in the station.
Moral of the story, control the “controllables”, give yourself enough time on race morning, and buy alcohol free mouthwash!
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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