Hi all,
It's been a hectic week and it's been hard to find the time to write up the Mumbles Duathlon, so I thought I kill two birds with one stone.
It's been a hectic week and it's been hard to find the time to write up the Mumbles Duathlon, so I thought I kill two birds with one stone.
Mumbles Duathlon – 24th March 2012
A very early start to the day, all of the family up by 5.30am, breakfast, teeth, dress, bike racked and out of the door by 6.10
Race start was 7.30, the field was bigger than I expected there with approx 120 competitors. Amanda was a marshall, with Tara & Caitlyn manning the water station.
Race Strategy: I decided very early on to take it steady on the outward run, as calf injuries have prevented any sort of decent training. I settled at the back of the pack with Tracy, Amy and Andrea from Celtic tri at a steady 9m 30s pace, which was faster than I’d been training at so I was pleased with that.
I finished the 1st 5k with a PB in 28m 27s. I went through transition in 2m 14s and on to the bike for 20 miles. The bike section was really good, and managed to make up some time on the rest of the pack. Lunnon Hill proved a challenge and meant pushing the bike up hill, maybe if I shed a few stone by next year I may be able to cycle up dam thing.
About half way round, I was cheered on by Rob Govier, he rattled his cow bell like crazy and for some reason it gave me a real lift, so big thanks to Rob and Hayley for the support. I finished the bike course in 1hr 14m which was better than expected.
Last leg was a further 5k run; transition from bike to run causes an odd sensation and it took me at least ½ mile before the muscles kind of switched from cycling to running.
I completed the duathlon course in 2hr 16m, which was 14m inside my goal. I will look forward to entering this event next year.
Forest of Dean Trail Half Marathon – 1st April 2012
The Forest of Dean was another first completed for 2012, the race is centred on a trail run around the Forest of Dean. The course is really good, very picturesque and a really good challenge for those looking for something a bit different when it comes to ½ marathons.
The weather condition were perfect for running, no wind, dry, and not to hot. There were 2219 runners from many different parts of the South West England and Wales. The aim of the day was to beat my personal best for a half marathon set in 2007 of 2hr 27m.
We started off at a good pace, and half way around Amanda & I decided to part company as I was feeling up for a good run. I completed the course in 2hr 10m.
The last two weeks have been very eventful, and I’m hoping that the future will be kind to me, and allow me to complete the remaining events as I continue my 2012 year of firsts.
Next Event Brecon Triathlon 2nd June 2012. Another 1st!
