Race Reports

After a very early wake up call of 04:30. yep 04:30 still full of cold and then scraping the ice of the windscreen I set off to Haywards Heath Triathlon.

The race as all Hedgehog races are very well organised and run with out issue, except for the 04.30 wake up call.

First swimmers off at 06:30 it was a very cold start with some athletes pulling out after and on the bike due to the cold, best in these conditions to spend an extra few seconds putting on the correct clothing as cycling fast down hill is cold even when you are not soaked from the pool.

A great lumpy bike route from HH to Ansty down to Burgess hill then up Issacs lane back to HH and repeat. The run ummm best do some hill repeats to train for this as its up hill out of transition then down hill back to transition 4 times.

The 4 loops were great as it meant you went through all the crowds a few times, 4 in fact, which gave you the boost to attack the hill again.

A great show for MSTC gathering a great haul of trophies and all members coming in the top 6 of their age group:

 

Sprint
OA Pos	AG Pos	Total	Name		Swim	Bike	Run
4	2	01:10:21	James	Dear	00:06:27	00:43:24	00:20:30
10	2	01:13:47	Philip	Couch	00:05:15	00:48:28	00:20:04
15	3	01:17:08	Graeme	Jeffery	00:07:30	00:48:41	00:20:57
21	4	01:22:16	Steve	McMenamin	00:06:17	00:51:00	00:24:59
25	6	01:24:12	Charlie	Langhorne	00:07:18	00:51:51	00:25:03
3	2	01:24:21	Hazel	Tuppen	00:06:09	00:54:06	00:24:06
4	1	01:24:25	Karen	Pattison	00:06:56	00:54:27	00:23:02
33	5	01:25:38	Gordon	Skeats	00:06:54	00:55:41	00:23:03
8	1	01:32:27	Sharon	Chladek	00:07:49	00:57:24	00:27:14
72	4	01:35:50	Dean	Allen	00:08:18	01:01:02	00:26:30
Novice
37	5	01:11:28	Emma	Cole	00:06:40	00:50:02	00:14:46

 

Race day dawned and after driving home late the night before in the torrential rain through flooded roads and with only four hours sleep I was less than enthusiastic when I set off, a feeling which seemed to be reflected by Rob when I picked him up and told him that the website recommended grippy shoes to run on the very muddy course.  However, when we arrived the skies looked a bit bluer and it was dry so our spirits were lifted.  As the race was quite close to home Colin managed to arrive with time to spare so he decided to have a picnic in transition before the race. 

Start time arrived and we all got in the water between two buoys, there were a lot of people and not much space so I decided to be brave and get to the front of the swim and try not to think too much about all the horror stories of people swimming over you.  I set off as quickly as I could on Rob's feet to try to avoid the hoard of swimmers coming in from the right towards the first buoy.  The good thing about a sprint distance is that you only have 750m to swim which meant  the other five buoys came round quickly and it was time to negotiate the giant step out of the lake.  As I ran the distance into transition I could see Colin ahead of me, Rob and his bike had left transition by the time I got there.

swim times being: Rob 13.39, Colin 14.41, Rachel 14.49.

As I set off on the bike I could just about see Colin but being a proper cyclist he soon disappeared and I set about chasing down as many of the people ahead of me as I could.  I passed three women quite early on and a fair few men but the course was very lumpy and there were a lot of blind corners, so with the rain and my usual cautious cycling I was doing my usual job of being overtaken on the downhills and bends and having to work twice as hard to catch up on the flats and uphills.  Rob said after that he didn't particularly like the bike due to the blind corners but the thought of how much more I would hate it kept him amused.  Coming down the last downhill I was caught by two ladies who were much braver than me, I managed to go back past them on the climb afterwards but coming into transition we were all very close together. 

Bike splits were: Rob 40.35, Colin 40.41, Rachel 42.53.

I managed to get out of transition as the first lady but was overtaken by one lady quite quickly, I hadn't studied the run route and there was a small loop where the out and back overlapped and Rob suddenly appeared coming the other way and was leading the race, then not far behind was Colin.  There was one horrendous hill which was very muddy and slippery both on the way up and down.  I really struggled to run up this and that was when I was overtaken by another lady which was quite disappointing but I ran as fast as I could to the end and was delighted to be third lady.  Rob was delighted to be second male overall after being overtaken on the run by an athlete that was not only a faster runner, but also older than him, a very rare thing indeed! 

Run splits: Rob 21.07, Colin 23.29, Rachel 24.44.

I need also to point out that in contrast to our recent Olympic race at Northampton where Colin beat Rob on the bike and in transition Rob has taken the time to do some transition practice and took great pleasure in pointing out to Colin that he also managed to beat him in T1 and T2.  As Colin pointed out to me, Rob had said after Northampton that a few transition seconds weren't really important but when Rob was the quickest at them they suddenly became crucial.  We stayed at the end for the presentations as Rob was really looking forward to his moment on the podium and despite his request to make a speech which was ignored he will really be pleased to see his moment of fame on the website.

 Overall times: Rob 1.16.43 (2^nd), Colin 1.20.30 (10^th), Rachel 1.23.58 (21^st). 

Rachel Baker

 

A big thank you to all of you who helped out at the event and in the lead up to it. All your efforts made our triathlon a massive success once again. Pepole give me the accalade for running a great race but I really could not do it without the imput and help from many others, hundreds of hours go into making it run as smoothly as it does and into making it the success it is.

 

A few special thank you's go to the sponcership team lead by Steve and Pippa who did a fantastic job yet again. It is probably one of the hardest jobs to do and I don't think we have ever had so many prizes (even more than last year). Also a big thanks to Steve Alden who stores and drags out the racking and other equipment each year. Rob who gets all the marshals together, Rach, James and Dave Lash as the section heads. The list is endless but thank you all.

 

The real thanks comes from the competitors just have a look at the fantastic feedback here  (I will be updating this daily as new emails come in) You should all be very pleased as you made the race very special for a large number of people.

 

There were 326 entrants with 277 taking part on the day. (winning male time 1:03:10, Female 1:17:13  results here). Congratulations to Fiona and Steve for winning the Sussex Weald Race Series with Angela Murry 2nd and Callum and Phil joint male 2nd with Ant Grey 3rd all results can be found here

 

Can I get feedback from you guys on what would you change? any issues?

 

Hope you all got a Mid Sussex mug and zip buddy if not let me know. I also have a large amount of car window stickes that I will be passing on to Sharron so let me know if you want one. (I will be at the Dolphin with a box of mugs on thursday night)

 

 

some photos here

 

 

 

Once again thanks for your help.

 

Steve

 

"A Club only thrives if its members take good care of it."

 

 

Have you beat or set one of these records let me know

 

This is a FREE local event organised by local people! I've no idea who they are except they're called Kimi and Kurt! Kurt wears an Ironman tshirt. Its all 'organised' over Facebook but the details are rather vague except for kick off at 7pm on Madeira Drive, meet up abut 6pm. Just before 6pm I was on facebook at home telling some people who had come down from London where the start probably was... it all felt rather like an illegal rave!

 

According to my friend who did it last year 10 people took part but this time there were between 50 and 60.

Transition is some poles taped up to some metal barriers beside Madeira Drive. Its all a bit chaotic but everyone is very enthusiastic. And its FREE! I get there early and set up and then spot Steve Mac who is waiting for Kay.. they are both competing but Kay has all the gear in the car and must be stuck in traffic. I go for a quick jog to warm up. When I get back Kay is there with 5 mins to go before the start.

 

Race briefing and Kurt explains the routes. Swim is diagonally out to a buoy and then straight out to a 2nd one and then parallel to the beach and straight back in. There is no buoy to mark where parallel runs out and straight back starts :s  So a guy ( rumoured to be an ex world champion at Standard distance ) suggests we just go straight back diagonal from the 2nd buoy as everyone will cut the corner anyway. So that's decided and thats what we're doing!... when your used to race briefings being a list of rules you must follow its a rather refreshing change allowing the competitors to change the course :)

 

So over the pebbles to the sea..  I've taken my run shoes to leave by the start flags ( haha take that you dastardly pebbles ). In for a quick acclimatisation and its a lot colder than Ardingly! I'm really glad I have 2 caps on. Lots of bubble blowing with my head under water, until it freezes and then its out and 20 secs later we're off!

 

There's actually not too much bumping, probably because its just about impossible to see the buoys when you are at sea level and there are a few heads and arms in front obscuring the view, so everyone goes off in what they think is the general direction and head out in a fan. I generally follow the pack hoping they are better at sighting than me. Its been quite choppy on the way out and I've had a few mouthfuls of delightfully salty water! The waves and current should be with us on the way back. Its does seem much faster going back but I end up reaching the beach early and have to swim along the shore to the flags. So even though the swim was shortened from the original 800m I reckon I easily swam that anyway. Run shoes on and I walk up the beach pulling the westsuit top down and then jog the last bit.

 

Meanwhile...Steve and Kay start after everyone else and head in the general direction of the pier, get bored or lost and head back!

 

And onto the bike - not your usual left turn at every junction with this route. Highlights include :

• a right turn across the busy seafront road, with optional cycling down the pavement until you find a break in the traffic
• trying to get across to the right lane of a very fast road to go right round the Ovingdean roundabout
• a fast decent with 180 degree turn at the bottom
• a turnaround point where you had to go round the 'No' of 'No Through Road' that was painted on the road
• the other turn point is a planter in the centre of Madeira Drive , basically a U turn in the middle of the road
• Heavy mist descending and thinking I should have brought a light as all the cars turn on theirs.

 

 

Luckily I've cycled in Brighton for many years so aren't too phased by most of this. Unfortunately Kay hasn't and despite Steve's valiant attempt to get Kay to draft him round the course she decides its too dangerous. Personally I think being that close to Steves arse would make anyone stop. So now its full speed ahead for Steve as he attempts to track me down from a long way back!

I actually manage to overtake a few people on the bike and not too many pass me. I take one guy near the end of the 2nd lap and he then drafts me in so I'm determined to beat him on the run , which is helped by him telling me he is crap at running!

 

Onto the run , a flat 5km on Madeira Drive , 2 laps ... again round the 'No' and the planter. I get into a rhythm and get away from Mr Crap Runner, unfortunately it turns out I'm not that much better at running than him and he catches me up , so we have a chat and run together. Rounding the 'No' another guy passes us and I'm feeling ok so I go with him.. I manage to stay about 20 yards back but its enough to break Mr Crap. Steve's finally off the bike and passes me going the other way making various gestures suggesting he's got me in his sights!

 

On the second lap I try to catch the faster guy but he's drawing away...  I do catch the Tango man who seems to have entered the triathlon.. or maybe he's Dutch. And across the finish and a medal! And there's a goody bag left on my bike! and a bottle of water ... fizzy :( .. but a hot pasty as well !! And its all FREE!

 

I set off on a cool down run and pass Steve coming in so I turn around and we sprint to the end and he nearly gets a PB for the 5km :)

 

I really enjoyed the whole thing, ok it was a little 'different' to other triathlons but we're talking about a free event which a few people have given up their time to organise and it was great fun ... and there was a hot pasty at the end!!

 

I think Steve liked it too despite the late start , not too sure Kay would do it again though. So its not for everyone I would say :)

 

 

Trev Moore

 

 

 

It appears my new approach to Tri's this season is to participate only in certain parts of any event. After the Mini-Marshman confusion which resulted in me delivering a strong 5k but no bike (and no swim following its cancellation), this time I managed the swim and half the bike, but dnf'd due to conditions on the bike course, so did not complete the run.  Hopefully my next race will see me complete all three disciplines.

The Brighton Tri series is great for those who are comfortable cycling in challenging routes which take in right hand turns, dual lanes, roadworks (at the moment) and heavy traffic. My cycling is deliberately limited to quiet lanes of rural Sussex and therefore these conditions, coupled with the seafog that swept in during lap one of the bike leg, proved a step too far for me.   The swim however was wonderful.  With a 7pm start, we swam into a flat calm sea made quite beautiful by the setting sun. To catch sight of Steve in front of me, with his fine swim stroke sillhoetted against the horizon reminded me how rewarding sea swimming can be. The strong current on the way back also reminded my of the power of the sea and I was very glad to have Steve near me as there was no other support out there.  After what seemed to be a very very long time, we made it to shore and despite a 2 minute delay in starting, we still managed to overtake a couple of people on the way.

Would I do it again?  Probably not until the roadworks are gone. However, I would recommend it to anyone who has no issues with traffic. In summary, the event itself is great as a way to manage your race fitness without incurring cost and is informal and friendly, whilst still allowing you to race hard if you want to.  And a free event including a sea swim is a great way to introduce yourself to another style of tri.

 

 

Kay Mac

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also some great free event photos http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10150828197615899.397188.713915898&type=1&aft=10150828229515899

 

 

Want to know more about these triathlons

If you friend/member of this Facebook group you will get them http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/226519147379576/

 

more details here /news.aspx?filterby=Free%20triathlon

 

 

 

Perhaps inspired by the unexpected appearance of a weird, glowing orange object resembling a beach ball in the sky, Ant Grey led home a strong contingent of 18 MSTC athletes at the East Grinstead Triathlon, narrowly pipping Phil Couch to the line by just one second.

It was an outstanding win for Ant, making up for being forced by poor weather into competing in a hastily rearranged duathlon at the Marshman the previous weekend.  Ant finished 15^th overall at East Grinstead in 1.17.04, with Phil in 16^th place in 1.17.05.

Special mention should also go to Rob Cox, finishing his first-ever triathlon, after a winter of dedicated training, in 127^th position overall (out of 381 finishers) and with a very decent time of 1.30.34.

Perhaps the day's other outstanding performance came at the far end of the MSTC field, with Angela Murray crediting her lovely new blue Scott road bike for shaving six minutes off her time at last year's East Grinstead tri, her first ever sprint race.  Actually, her improved performance was also anchored by a very strong run time of 25.33.

In third place among the MSTC athletes (and 26^th overall) was mystery man Dave Lashbrook, who does no training that any other member knows of, and then turns up and puts in a storming time of 1.19.00 to take 26^th position overall.  Dave was given no split times, having somehow contrived to miss the lengthy queue at poolside for the distribution of timing chips, but was seen scattering hapless beginners from his lane in the pool because he wanted an early start in order to "get home for the birth of Lynn's sister's baby."

Then came a gang of three separated by only a few places: Steve Crocker, Pete Harris and Mike Jaffe, in 34^th, 36^th and 43^rd positions overall, providing the backbone of the MSTC effort on the day, with Pete putting in a particularly strong performance, considering his recent injury problems.

Behind them were Martin Shoesmith in 61^st position and Paul Wills in 70^th, with Paul showing a massive improvement in all disciplines since last year.  Ah, the benefits of winter training in Australia!

Fiona Bussell was first MSTC woman home in 1.28.11, her usual strong run and an improved bike split just squeezing her into the top 100 in 99^th place, followed by Callum Murray in his now customary position three minutes behind Fiona.

Just two minutes behind came David Ricketts, with Callum now firmly in his sights, followed by Peter Court in 1.36.33.

Nancy Gilbert put in her usual live-wire performance to finish second MSTC woman in 1.37.35, including a best-ever sprint triathlon run split of 23.45.

Then came Jean Fish, blonde hair flying and loving every minute of the race, despite her recent marathon exertions, in 1.44.43, followed by Claire Creswell, who said she hates sprint triathlons because they're far too short, but still scored a highly respectable 1.47.38.

Mandie Cawthra, competing in her first triathlon for many years, was delighted to finish in under two hours by a nicely-judged 10 seconds!

The race had expanded this year, but remains the well-organised but friendly club-run model to which we must aspire with our own triathlon.

Innovations this year included numbers that also bore the name of the participant, meaning that marshals and others could call their support for the athletes by name.  Steve Alden, who had loyally turned up to support the MSTC athletes along with Rose Ryan, was heard to mutter: "Suppose this means we've got to have names on the numbers at our race now."  Certainly one to ponder.

The support of Steve, Rose and the athletes who had already finished was, as usual, much appreciated - although I, personally, was in no state to give a detailed and considered answer when the always enthusiastic Steve tried to strike up a conversation as I left transition and set off on the first of the two agonising run laps.

Receiving no reply to his conversational gambit, "How's it going, Callum?," beyond a grimace, Steve was left to provide his own answer: "Hard!"

 

East Grinstead Triathlon 13 May 2012. MSTC results
Position	Name	Swim	Bike	Run	Overall
15	Ant Grey	09.02	44.47	20.02	1.17.04
16	Phil Couch	07.16	48.44	19.00	1.17.05
26	Dave Lashbrook				1.19.00
34	Steve Crocker	10.16	46.59	19.18	1.19.37
36	Pete Harris	09.29	46.59	20.06	1.19.48
43	Mike Jaffe	10.24	48.02	19.31	1.20.46
61	Martin Shoesmith	10.24	47.45	22.54	1.23.40
70	Paul Wills	09.56	48.50	22.08	1.24.43
99	Fiona Bussell	10.46	52.41	20.37	1.28.11
127	Rob Cox	08.55	55.30	22.28	1.30.34
131	Callum Murray	11.50	52.44	23.10	1.31.16
152	David Ricketts	09.31	56.13	23.28	1.33.06
185	Peter Court	08.24	56.30	26.27	1.36.33
202	Nancy Gilbert	10.43	57.55	23.45	1.37.35
276	Jean Fish	12.21	59.52	27.34	1.44.43
296	Claire Cresswell	10.26	01.01.29	31.44	1.47.38
323	Angela Murray	14.19	01.07.50	25.33	1.53.05
348	Mandie Cawthra	10.56	01.12.08	31.18	1.59.50