My first triathlon of the 2012 season and my first attempt at this pool based sprint event.
Swim - 400m/Cycle - 15.2 miles/Run - 3.9 miles
A popular race with over five hundred entrants, the swim waves were spread over several hours. My start time was a pleasing 11:50 allowing for a relaxed morning. The event was based at the leisure centre close to Wilmslow centre. Transition being in the playing field adjacent. First call was registration to collect my race pack. New to me were the number tattoos instead of the permanent marker. Took days to rub them off with the loss of some arm and leg hair. Everything was well organised and I had plenty of time to get set in transition.
The Swim - 8:36
Despite my time being at the slower end of my wave I was sent off first and was overtaken by the three other swimmers in my lane by the third or forth length. My tri-suit now getting a little thread bare (in unwanted areas for modesty) and loose fitting felt like it was dragging me back. An upgrade is overdue. Felt good after the swim.
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| Exiting the swim, heading for transition. |
The Cycle - 44:00
Dry roads and light winds made for a good bike leg. Out of transition I just missed getting involved in a crash (the marshal on the dismount line shouted rightly enough to a returning cyclist who had ridden over the line who seemingly distracted by the shouts took himself out on the curb I think hitting the deck hard). Lycra having the protection value of cling film against tarmac it had to hurt. The first mile or so was along residential streets with two junctions to reach Altrincham/Wilmslow Road. I managed to pass several of the faster swimmers in my wave. Heading out of suburbia country roads were reached after passing under the airport runways and turning left. A twisty anti-clockise route with some tight corners and a few short hills.
I was alone for much of the bike. I wasn't overtaken and it was not until nearing the end of the leg when I saw a few other competitors. Took on some sports drink during the bike but no gels. Overall it was a fast bike leg on good roads with very few cars to worry about. Rejoining the outbound route at the roundabout near Royles I headed for transition. I felt strong still, like I had something left in the legs for a good run.
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| On my knees to put my running shoes on. Signs of fatigue. |
The Run - 29:35
It's a toss up lately which is my weaker leg out of swim and run. My running has certainly improved although I see plenty of scope to get faster. Could be wishful thinking. In my training I have focussed on high cadence and pace control. It sounded like good advice when it was given and it seems to be working. I set off with a goal of running seven minute miles.
A narrow track led from transition to the first of two bridges over the A34. Then it was onto residential streets. Fine if you like that sort of thing. Not as nice as being on the fells but not complaining. It was by then pretty warm in the sun and I was enjoying myself (the pain now long since forgotten). The run is an out and back figure of eight with one steady climb in the first third and a short decent towards the end of the leg before the outbound route is rejoined in the opposite direction crossing back over Macclesfield Road. The road crossings were well martial led.
I was overtaken just once and efforts to get a tow off him failed after about a mile. Managed a steady seven and a half minute mile pace. Felt strong at the finish. Left me wondering where I could have pushed harder.
Good early season race. A really popular race and justifiably so. Comes recommended and will look to return next season. On the day - no dramas, no mechanicals and no injuries. Still eager to upgrade to a TT bike. Thank you to my ever reluctant race day supporter Vicky (the girlfriend) for the camera work. A professional photographer she is not but she came up with the goods on the day. The official photography for this event was a touch expensive for my Northern pockets. From a spectator's point of view of the event she rated this good. Access to a cafe (albeit not Starbucks) and a wall to sit on were plus points.
Result: 1:32:52
Position: 73rd/11th (overall/age group)
It's a toss up lately which is my weaker leg out of swim and run. My running has certainly improved although I see plenty of scope to get faster. Could be wishful thinking. In my training I have focussed on high cadence and pace control. It sounded like good advice when it was given and it seems to be working. I set off with a goal of running seven minute miles.
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| Making early adjustments to the race belt and ill fitting suit. |
A narrow track led from transition to the first of two bridges over the A34. Then it was onto residential streets. Fine if you like that sort of thing. Not as nice as being on the fells but not complaining. It was by then pretty warm in the sun and I was enjoying myself (the pain now long since forgotten). The run is an out and back figure of eight with one steady climb in the first third and a short decent towards the end of the leg before the outbound route is rejoined in the opposite direction crossing back over Macclesfield Road. The road crossings were well martial led.
I was overtaken just once and efforts to get a tow off him failed after about a mile. Managed a steady seven and a half minute mile pace. Felt strong at the finish. Left me wondering where I could have pushed harder.
Good early season race. A really popular race and justifiably so. Comes recommended and will look to return next season. On the day - no dramas, no mechanicals and no injuries. Still eager to upgrade to a TT bike. Thank you to my ever reluctant race day supporter Vicky (the girlfriend) for the camera work. A professional photographer she is not but she came up with the goods on the day. The official photography for this event was a touch expensive for my Northern pockets. From a spectator's point of view of the event she rated this good. Access to a cafe (albeit not Starbucks) and a wall to sit on were plus points.
Result: 1:32:52
Position: 73rd/11th (overall/age group)
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