Brinscall Triathlon - Sunday 19th September
After my return to action after last years illness I wanted to do a few new things in 2010 to stop me from getting into old habits of running 40 plus miles a week and getting injured which is always the case with me.
In April I completed the 100 mile challenge with Craig, Brenda and Sean and then I did my first competitive duathlon in May so the natural next step was triathlon. The problem with the triathlon is it involves swimming and me and water do not mix, I am probably the equivalent of Eric the eel!
My theory was that I could get through the swim before making ground back on the bike and run.
My Dad recommended the Brinscall Triathlon because its pretty low key and attracts a few newbies, it was ideal so in June I entered so there was no turning back.
My Dad recommended the Brinscall Triathlon because its pretty low key and attracts a few newbies, it was ideal so in June I entered so there was no turning back.
Training overall went very well, my cycling was getting stronger and I even got to swimming ½ mile once a week although my running had suffered slightly in recent weeks, the main thing with tri training is it gives you a overall fitness and dramatically reduces the risk of injury.
The day arrived, after my normal bad nights sleep before a big race I opened the curtains to heavy rain. At first I thought it would clear but driving down the M61 is looked even heavier, in Chorley it was worse than Atherton!
The organiser give us all a briefing at 11.30am, basically saying that it was the worst conditions ever in the race history. The roads were flooded in various places and the run was ankle deep in water for the entire run, he joked about flippers and wellies being more appropriate, he wasn't wrong!
My swim started earlier than expected due to a few no shows, my weakest event by some way. There was 2 in my lane and to my surprise I quickly pulled away and away to the point I almost lapped him, either I swam well or the other guy was rubbish..i have my suspicions which of the two it is!
Bike time, a lovely scenic 12 miler with some tasty climbs which is just what I like. I started and quickly took 2 on the first hill before settling into a steady pace. After around 4 miles the course hit a very long hill which was around 1 mile long, it was tough and the wind didn't help. I was telling myself if its hurting me then It must be hurting everyone else. Again I took another 2 before starting my 2nd lap. The ride was going well, the course being tougher than I expected and the rain was coming down heavier. After 9 miles or so I was overtaken myself by someone who looked very handy, his bike must have worth more than my car! The ride finished and overall I couldn't have done any more, onto the run.
The 3 mile run is up a big hill which is called 'the great hill' before hitting a trail along Brinscall moor. It was very wet and in some parts pretty dangerous, I was running in ankle deep water all the way and couldn't see what was in the water, on various occasions I stood on rocks but I had no choice but to take my chances.
After turning at half way it was a kamikaze finish downhill and i just grit my teeth and let myself go down the hill. In typical Stevens fashion i missed the turn for the finish and had to do an extra loop of the baths which cost me around 10 seconds but never the less i was satisfied with my effort and knew that i'd not let myself down.
I picked up my t-shirt and took the medal with pride and then awaited the official results.
5 days later they finally came live, 4th overall which i am delighted over.
The 500 yard swim took me 10 mins 25 (51st overall)
The 12 mile bike ride took me 37 mins 36 (4th overall)
The 3 mile run took me 23mins 30 (3rd overall)
Giving me a total time of 71mins 31 which placed me 4th from the 75 starters.
http://www.ukresults.net/2010/brintri.html
http://www.ukresults.net/2010/brintri.html
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