The plan for this event was to try and qualify for GB Age Group ITU. I warmed up for the event by running the Last Friday of the month, Serpentine 5k. I managed to run a 17:37 just a second away from the PB. Then on Saturday I did a small ride as Trisports fitted me with some new Bontrger Aeolus 6.5 aero wheels. In hindsight it was probably a mistake to race with these wheels as they may have been a hindrance as the conditions were very windy and it took a lot more effort to control the bike with the odd gust of wind.
The race started well with me and James Foy a team member keeping together and pacing ourselves well through the first 7.5k. As I got into T1, I lost James as he produced an amazing transition, something I want to improve. Although I was quicker than the MK Big Cow I still felt I could improve. One issue was my socks got stuck to the velcro on my shoes, not an issue I’ll have in Triathlon as I choose not to wear socks. Then the bike section felt good but was a bit challenging with the wind conditions. As I approached T2 my socks again got stuck on my shoes and I managed to dismount but fall with the bike – slight embarrassment. I got myself together but then continued to have a disaster and forgot to take off my helmet. I decided to put my helmet down but was informed I must return to my bike, thus I did. But obviously lost a lot of time (think the times below for t2 are correct as I may have crossed the line and come back). The final run was tough and after being left by a group of men who overtook me in T2 i couldn’t catch them up and felt a tightness in my left hamstring. I worked through the pain and crossed the line in a respectful 8th place in my age.
In overall review of the year I need to improve my transitions and do some more brick work to hopefully accomplish running off the back of the cycle without any pain in my hamstring. My final postion was 33rd in the race. Full result is below:
Overall : 33
Overall Time : 02:08:05
Run 1 (7.5k) : 00:27:46
T1 : 00:00:45
Cycle (40 k) : 01:08:45
T2 : 00:00:49
Run 2 (7.5k) : 00:29:58
