Well the weekend got off to an early start on Sunday, 13th June 2010 for a 7am start. The final result being in the top 3 was a big bonus and knocking 2 mins off my 2009 was an even better feeling. The weather was perfect and I managed a good start from the gun.  However, I need a bit more practice on digging in when drafting others, I came out of the water in 9th and with a kick check with Del as she confirmed my position.  My transitions went to plan and I managed to do a clean mount on the bike and get going on the bike. I overtook 5 riders in quick succession and then had a bit of a battle for 3rd place. On the hills I would overtake but then he would overtake me on the downhill section. I got caught in a bit of traffic that provided him with the perfect opportunity but I simply got back into my rhythm to come into transition in 4th place.

Leaving Water at Cosmeston Tri. Credit : Mark Easter (BRAT club).

The transition into t2 was quick but had a slight delay in finding my shoes then got staright into the run without any muscle problems (bonus). The run was relaxed and I found myself in 3rd in the final straight.

Overall Time :  01:06:12

Place : 3rd

Swim : 11:15 (9th)

T1 : 01:15(4th)

Bike : 34:06 (4th)

T2 : 00:30 (13th)

Run : 19:06 (6th)

 

Well the first triathlon of the season and a very cold start. The weather was 10 degrees celcius but apparently the water was 14 degrees – what a bonus. The swim was not the best and although I picked a good line I got beaten up a bit and didn’t swim to plan. My stroke was a bit of a mess, the exit was good and I managed a quick change and run to the bike. Here again I wasn’t comftable and it’s obvious where I need to improve. The cycle was tough but I felt quite good and managed  a good leg. I was supported by Del, Beca and Catrin and they tried to hide away but came out to support me on the run.

Beca and Catrin In the flowers.

The final section was a run and by then my feet felt like two chunks of Ice. I even struggled to get into my shoes. But this time the run was easy and I managed to run without any issues. I was greeted by the family at the end and it was a cuddle worth waiting for !!!

Final push to the line at Grendon Sprint Triathlon.

My provisional results are below. For full results go to Just Racing Website:

Position : 46

Overall Time : 01:12:52

Swim : 00:12:48

T1 : 00:00:48

Run : 00:39:32

T2 : 0:00:57

Run : 00:18:45

An early Sunday morning start of 7am in Cosmeston Triathlon nr Cardiff. The result wasn’t too bad and show’s a steady improvement. Still I’m not happy about my bike performance as I think this should be coming on a bit quicker. The course was a genuine 750 metre swim, near enough to 20k and run was 5k according to the race organisers. I came overall 5th and I guess registers as a PB but every course / venue is different.

Some learining experiences

• Don’t follow a runner without a number (I went the wrong way on the run course and had to run back (lost at least 30 secs at a guess).
• Clipped on too early on the bike on T1 and had to get off and then remount again.

On another note, it’s a small world as I met some people that I use to Swim/Run with when I was a young lad in Cardiff Swimming Club / Cardiff AAC.  He came 2nd and has been doing Triathlon for 3 years and represents GB

Well it’s finally time for me to share my first triathlon race result. The race was on a Sunny day and came on the back of a stressfull week as Beca had been in Hospital. The journey started with Tony Shortland driving to the Northampton venue.  I was amused with him checking the top of the car on the way to ensure my bike was still on stop, he was very nervous. 

I finally got my bike racked and got down to the lake to start the swim. The swim didn’t go to plan and I followed a bad line. The time wasn’t disapointing but could be better. My exit was the issue as I had my Garmin wrist strap on and caught the wetsuit and caused some damage (what a muppet). After finally getting the wetsuit off, I ran to the transition area and grabbed the bike. Well I say grabbed this was after I ran past it 3 times. Finally I got off the bike and felt strong on the hills but couldn’t shake off some stragglers that cheated by drafting me and Kevin Smart(FVS). Once off the bike I put in a good transition change and a good run. The run wasn’t on the best terrain and was difficult due to the narrow area you had to pass others. Anyway, the cobwebs are now off and the Triathlon season has officialy started, next venue Cosmoston Cardiff.