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Winchester Triathlon       25th April 2008  
 

Winchester Triathlon , 25th April 2008 

Nick Cook reports:

It was dark and gloomy at 5:30 Sunday morning when the alarm went off, but I had an 8 o’clock start in Winchester, so it had to be done. Friends had offered to come and support and give us lunch afterwards, so Jan had to get up too – she wasn’t happy!! It was a quiet hour’s drive, but at least it looked as thought the rain might hold off. The satnav took us straight to the leisure centre, and the car park was clearly signed and there was plenty of activity in it too. I went off to get registered and my number written on my arms and legs (I don’t think that marker ink will ever come off!!!) and then back to the car to get my bike and all the other necessities required for a triathlon.

I found my spot
in the transition area (you don’t get much room), and racked my bike and sorted my kit out so that the swim/bike transition would be as seamless as possible (but I always get overtaken by loads of people at that stage!)  I got stripped off down to my tri-suit and headed off to the pool. We met our friends at the entrance and they went off with Jan to the spectators’ area while I went to the pool side.

We got the safety briefing and course description; 16 lengths of the pool (400 meters), 20 mile bike ride and 5 mile run (the run was shortened by a mile for some reason).

I didn’t know the area anyway, so I’d be following signs and marshals. This was to be my first tri since last April, and I hadn’t done one with such a long bike ride and run before, so I was a bit apprehensive!

The previous wave of swimmers left the pool and we all went to our lanes. I was the last to go in my lane of four, but that suited as I’m not very fast! I was feeling good during the swim and actually managed to overtake two of the blokes in my lane. All the other lanes were empty when I got out though! Ran out of the centre, across a horribly gravely area, and along a path to transition. Dried feet, socks on, shoes on, wristband on, gloves on, helmet on, a quick drink and then away. No glasses to worry about this time, I wear contacts now.

I had wondered whether to wear a long sleeve t-shirt over my suit, but lots of people seemed not to bother, so I didn’t either – I wish I had, it was pretty cold with bare arms!!! The route took us out through Winchester and then up the A33 to Popham and back. I overtook a few other competitors, and got overtaken a couple of times. As I came off the A33, Jan and our friends were at the roadside clapping and cheering – it’s always a boost to get some personal support!

Got back to the transition area, racked bike, helmet off, gloves off, bite to eat, quick drink and then out for the run. I make up a bit of time here ‘cos I don’t have cycle shoes, so no change of footwear required.

The start of the run is always a bit hard for me after the bike ride, and today was no different. I did wonder if I’d last 5 miles, but after about half a mile, I settled into a rhythm and felt fine. Again I overtook a few people and got overtaken too. Jan and our friends drove round to various points along the route, so I got lots of cheering all the way round, and they were there at the finish where I managed a strong finish. A mug was given to all finishers and water was available too.

I went and got my bike and the rest of the gear, and then we went off for refreshments, a shower and a lovely lunch!!! I thoroughly enjoyed my first tri of the season, but I think I might only get one more in this year at Newbury. Bring it on!!!

Provisional results were up this morning. I finished 182nd out of 294 in 2 hours 1 minute. I was very pleased with that!!