Race Reports

The results were outstanding with our 5 Great Britain Age Groupers finishing in the first 8 for the men including Neil Giles winning overall, James Dear 3^rd, Rob Hoodless 6^th, Steve Alden 7^th (first over 50), and Loz Wintergold 8^th.

 

Rachel Baker - another GB Age Grouper won the women's race overall, with both Hazel Tuppen (3^rd lady) and Fiona Bussell (6^th lady) winning their respective age groups.

 

We have all been getting used to competing in poor weather and this day was true to form. There was a massive storm the night before with nearly an inch of rain, so the bike course was covered in debris (and a strategically placed fire engine!), whilst the run route was soggy, muddy and slippery. Luckily the swim was meant to be wet.

 

The day started with registration. Most people commented that it was a joy having Kay and Pippa in charge as it became a stress free zone. Sam and Alex were also on hand in various places including cheerfully encouraging everyone. Dave Lashbrook left it particularly late and was the very last athlete to register, although he was in plenty of time.

 

The swim had many of us racing in the same lanes simultaneously and most people gave way to the faster swimmers (sorry Dave).  Phil was sure he had done 2 extra lengths but as it was he was the club's second fastest swimmer (only Neil 'the fish' Giles was faster). It is clear from the times that all the swim training and coaching is paying off. Martin Shoesmith's impressive 9.06 is a good example after only a couple of seasons. Ant Grey and Loz counted lengths before they raced, but no-one paid them enough get away with fewer lengths. As the ground outside the pool was so rough it was permitted to leave clothing and shoes outside. Steve Crocker took it a stage further by rapidly donning a pair of slippers before racing up the hill. However in a post-race interview he admitted they were handmade Italian leather shoes with special soles for grip, which enabled a super quick run into transition.

 

The bike course is well known to be challenging for a sprint course. The damp conditions reduced visibility with glasses steaming up, whilst also making the ground slippery. There was gravel everywhere just to add to the challenge. Charlie Langhorne recorded a remarkable 37.09 bike split some 3 minutes ahead of James Dear in an equally amazing 40.15 (including both transitions) and Neil was only 17 seconds behind. Colin Chambers slowed down to admire the fire engine on the fastest section of the course and still managed to be a few seconds faster than Steve A, who in turn was delighted to be a few seconds faster than Rob. Phil Couch was racing up behind Steve Mac, and was preparing a suitable witty remark as he passed, when his chain came off, and it took him till well into the run to catch up again. By this time his 'wit ability' had long since left him and he could only manage a grimace. Following his problems with an errant horse at East Grinstead he has not been enjoying the bike legs lately. By contrast Ant Grey's new bike has been a great investment - nothing significant has fallen off - yet! In Balcombe many of our athletes were cheered on by Mat Record as he happened to be out walking as we all passed through. This did not help Julie, when she punctured in the village and had to start the long walk home before eventually being picked up by the broom wagon.

 

Transition is always interesting. Although Jim was doing the 'other' race, he caused great amusement by spending seemingly several minutes putting on extra articles of clothing and reportedly putting gel in his hair! Dave Lashbrook completely forgot to put any trainers on at all and was called back by the referee to dress properly. Lucy Williams managed to get out of T2 having lost both her numbers and Loz struggled through transitions largely due to being affected by the wet and cold which clearly slowed him down.

 

The run was a real challenge compared to a dry day. There was a long slog up the soggy hill, followed by tricky corners on thick mud. 4 times! Grip was a real issue and the course was also about 200m longer than previous years. Getting elastic bands became tricky as sometimes there wasn't one available at just the right moment. The 'bandsmen' sorted it all out though and everyone did the correct number of laps, although David Ricketts made hard work of it by dropping the bands every time! Claire Cresswell even managed to give the marshals a version of the 'Cresswell Wiggle'

 

The nicest thing about the run was being cheered on by Pippa, Kay and Jim on most of the laps - that and finishing!

 

A special mention must go to Helen Graham doing her first triathlon. She was cold, wet and miserable and cheerfully shouted 'never again' as she completed each run lap. But she carried on and finished well, and I am sure she will be racing again soon.

 

One final note! We found out after our triathlon today that Steve Crocker and Fiona Bussell each won the Weald Sprint Triathlon series. Congratulations to both of you. What a fantastic achievement!!

 

Men Winner 1.08.53

 

Neil GILES                   1.08.53     10pts       0%  1^st overall

James DEAR               1.11.26      9               3.7    3^rd   

Rob HOODLESS        1.14.48      8             8.59  6^th

Steve ALDEN             1.16.06      7           10.48 7^th

Loz WINTERGOLD  1.16.16      6           10.72  8^th

Phil COUCH               1.16.39      5            11.28 10^th

Colin CHAMBERS    1.17.08      4            11.98

Dave LASHBROOK  1.17.36      3            12.66

Ant GREY                   1.18.57      2            14.62

Steve CROCKER       1.19.27      1            15.35

Mark JORDAN          1.19.28      all get 1pt 15.37

Martin SHOESMITH   1.21.26                18.22

Steve McMenamin      1.22.27                19.70

Paul WILLS                   1.24.52                23.21

Charlie LANGHORNE 1.25.12                   23.69

Robert COX                   1.27.34                27.13

Graeme FITZJOHN     1.30.20               31.14

Callum MURRAY         1.31.34               32.93

Trevor MOORE            1.33.17               35.42

David RICKETTS         1.33.49               36.19

Peter CLARKE              1.39.12                44.01

Tim CRESSWELL         DNF fatigue (uncomfirmed!)

 

 

 

 

WOMEN Winner 1.22.11

 

Rachel BAKER          1.22.11     10pts    0%         1^st overall

Hazel TUPPEN          1.27.17       9         6.19         3^rd

Fiona BUSSELL         1.30.35      8         10.21     6^th

Lucy WILLIAMS       1.34.59       7        15.56      9^th

Sharon CHLADEK    1.35.54      6         16.68    10^th

Nancy GILBERT       1.36.48       5        17.78

Claire CRESSWELL 1.49.43       4        33.48

Emma ALDEN          1.49.58        3        33.79

Angela MURRAY     1.50.36       2       34.57

Rose RYAN               1.57.42       1       43.21

Helen GRAHAM      2.16.44       1       66.36

Julie WILLIAMS        DNF puncture and long walk!  1pt

 

 

 

 

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

Her first triathlon, East Grinstead last year, was a DNF because of a puncture, but on Sunday Fiona confirmed her potential by winning the senior women's category in atrocious weather at the inaugural Haywards Heath triathlon, staged by Hedgehog Tri.

 

Fiona's win was underpinned by an impressive 11^thplace overall in the run category in 22.17 - and all on the eve of her birthday. What a way to celebrate!

 

It wasn't an easy race in which to score your first victory, with the wild wind and squally rain making for a perilous bike ride in particular and (look away Steve Alden) some lengthy transitions as competitors struggled to find the right combination of clothes to beat the weather.

 

James Dear, who joined the club as a cyclist, also based his second place on a storming run, a 20.23, the fastest of the day. Lawrence deserves a special mention for his seventh place, including coming fourth overall on the bike, despite his recent health problems. Just think what he can do when he's fully recovered.

 

Lawrencewas just one place and 43 seconds ahead of Phil, who, in his customary style took first place overall in the swim with a time of just 5.23 for the rather unusual distance of 384 metres. Barely time for a warm-up there, Phil.

 

Two places back, in tenth, was Ant, showing that all those death rides and the Wimereux trip haven't been wasted as he scored an eighth place overall on the bike leg, with an impressive 50.17.

 

Then came Martin Shoesmith, Mike and Steve Crocker, separated by less than a minute in 18^th, 19^thand 20^thplaces: superb results for three relative newcomers to the sport/club. Mike's wife Emma was fifth out of 23 in the novice race, her first ever triathlon. We expect to see her application to join the club imminently.

 

Fiona was in 36^thposition and then came a bit of a gap before Callum in 49^thposition with a decent bike leg, a slightly disappointing run and his usual disaster in the pool.

 

Tim had an excellent swim in 84^th place and Angela was delighted to finish her second sprint triathlon ever three minutes faster than her first, East Grinstead last year, coming in comfortably under the two-hour mark in 1.56.09.

 

The real heroes/heroines of the day were the marshals, though.  Respect, thanks and a warming cup of coffee to Mark, Rose, Ian, Claire Cresswell, Jon Webster, Jools, Hazel, Roger, Sharon and anyone else I've forgotten.  Not only did you make the race possible for the rest of us, you also helped to forge even closer bonds between our club and Hedgehog Tri.

 

Callum

    

 

 

The race was held on Sunday 29th, at the Dolphin Leisure Centre Haywards Heath and MSTC were well represented with 12 competitors. Club members did fantastically well, with Fiona Bussell winning the Women's event and James Dear coming second in the Men's. With Ant Grey's 10th, Phil Couch's 8th and Lawence Wintergold's 7th, MSTC took 4 of the top 10 places.  Competitors were greeted with strong winds and heavy rain, and this was the first time I have laid my kit out in the pouring rain! The bike was getting soaked and I carefully laid my kit out in a giant Sainsbury's Taste The Difference Carrier bag. As I left it, secured by my front wheel, I wondered which end of the car park I might find it when I emerged from the pool. This was my 3rd Tri and I looked on at my more experienced competitors, with their heavy duty water tight giant tupperware boxes, grinning at me whilst they put their gear in. Not to worry, the smiles and support from the fantastic MSTC marshals restored my confidence. The pre race briefing was excellent and we were told we had three policemen, with marshals, patrolling the 3 right hand turns on the bike course, with a "foot-down" instruction at the mini roundabout right turn by the Dolphin pub.
 
I noted 96 competitors made it to the start, from an original starting line up of 131, which goes to prove that not all tri-athletes are daft. In the pool we had the luxury of a 32m  length, just 12 lengths for a total swim of just under 400m. Oddly we entered at the opposite end from the pool emergency exit, which meant a 32m "walk" down the pool length before exiting. Running poolside was band, so competitors had to walk. I watched in amusement as early competitors tried to get away with "lifting" , the incidence of which increased with the increasing competitor number. I did try and "feel" the water in my swim as "Coach Jones" tells me, but the water was having none of it, so I fought it all the way. Out of the pool I gave an outrageous demonstration of "lifting" , got away with it, but on exit I was totally disorientated by all the bike park, the layout looked very different from the pool exit. I spotted my giant blue carrier bag, which to my relief was still on the floor and not up a tree, and it was sitting by my bike which looked a lot cleaner than when I last saw it.
 
The bike routed took us around the Sainsbury's one way system and you were then soon warmed up going up Paddockhall, the foot-down was very sensible at The Dolphin mini roundabout and a massive 25mph NE wind then rocketed you along the A272 and down the Cuckfield bypass. There was a lot of debris on the road and a sapling tree down just south of Ansty, there were very strong cross winds here and I held on to the tri bars like never before. We then knew what was coming.... a turn North into Issacs Lane and a massive head wind to fight. Fortunately there were always lots of cyclist to chase down here, but as we all crawled along, catching them was sometimes impossible. At the top of Issacs, you had to dodge the road works barriers which were now half way over the road, and for me a Crocodile Dundee hat,  which blew off a marshals head as I passed. A left turn, for another roller coaster ride on the Cuckfield Bypass, Ansty, Burgess Hill, Issacs lane circuit, before heading back to the Dolphin. I mad dash down Paddockhall before a dismount, and another scan for my bag, still doggedly standing where I had last left it.
 
The run exited the centre left, up the tiny Pasture Hill Road, left up Harlands Rd and once you had got to the top and would have a reasonable flat run, you turned left and down the very steep Lucasters Rd. Up the other side of Lucasters and once you were almost at the top, a left turn into a footpath, for a steep decent back down to the centre and around the back. You then played a bit of dodgems with the bikers coming back, and had 4 loops of this 1.25km roller coaster of a run! I had a bit of an issue with my number, I had lost the front number pinned to my cycle top, so I had to rotate my cycle top 180 degrees, to get the number on the right way around. This of course meant my top was on the wrong way around, I must have looked rather odd, especially as my neck zip was undone pretty much all the way down to the bottom of my back. The nice point about a small loop is you get to see all your team mates, especially when you run as slow as me. I was undertaken by Mike Jaffe, looking fresh after his impressive 3.14 in the Brighton marathon, Fiona Bussell on her way to her historic victory, James Dear overtook me several times, Ant overtook me and put his arm around me offering support, either that or he was trying to slow himself down going down Lucasters.  
 
The presentation followed soon after the race, I cheered very loudly to the thank you to the Marshalls, many of whom were MSTC members and did a fantastic job in the wind and pouring rain, and an even loader cheer for Fiona's first place, congratulations to her. I will be back for more next year.        

 

Martin

 

 

 

2^nd 1:11:16 115 James Dear, Mid Sussex Tri Club 6:36,:44:17, 20:23

7th  01:16:52 106 Lawrence Wintergold, 07:07, 46:58 22:47

8^th 01:17:35 125 Phil Couch ,05:23, 51:08, 21:04

10^th 1:21:03 105 Anthony Grey, 7:13, 50:17, 23:33

18^th 1:26:16 82 Martin Shoesmith 7:25, 53:11, 25:40

19^th 1:26:41 68 Mike Jaffe, 8:17, 56:42, 21:42

20^th 1:27:13 55 Steve Crocker, 08.10, 55:33, 23:30

36^th 01:31:52 49 Fiona Bussell, 8:20, 1:01:15, 22:17  (1st Lady)

49^th 01:34:32 24 Callum Murray, 9:28, 58:56, 26:08

84^th 01:53:10 74 Tim Cresswell, 07:21, 1.08.54, 36:55

86^th 01:56:09, Angela Murray, 11:31, 1:14:52, 29:46

 

   

Where do i begin? When i first got the email informing me that i had been selected to represent GB i just could not believe it! So i sent the BTF an email asking if they had made a mistake!! NO they said we haven't!!

I arrived in Eilat via Tel Aviv on Weds. 18.4.12. On the coach between airports in Tel Aviv i saw a sign for Jerusalem, it made me think of all those thousands of years of biblical history.

Wednesday was basically a free day after putting my bike together and setting it up. There was a swim recce at 17.00 and most people swam without a wetsuit as the water temperature was 21c. Most people after the swim were discussing the pros and cons of wearing a wetsuit.

Thursday and it's my BIRTHDAY!! Up early and out on the road at 06.00 to recce the bike course. Good road surface but very windy and open, lots of steep inclines on the way out. On the way back the traffic was starting to build up, luckily on race day the roads will be closed. Once back at the hotel it was out again to walk and jog 1 x lap of the run course. Only one incline which was on the way out of T2 against the wind, otherwise a flat course mainly on tarmac surface and gravel track. Then it was back to the hotel again for breakfast. At 09.00 it was registration time, then at 16.00 it was the race briefing and team photo. 17.00 it was bike, helmet and race kit check and racking of the bike in T1. I let some air out the tyres so that they didn't explode in the heat overnight!

It was all sinking in now, the enormity of what 1 would be taking part in. It was time then for the evening meal, plenty of pasta!!

It's Friday RACE DAY!!! Up at 05.00 and had two pots of porridge that i had taken out with me [good old Tesco ] At 06.00 i made my way to transition, luckily i was staying in the Team Hotel which was only 5 mins. walk.

Once in T1 pumped up my tyres and laid out my kit. By now i had made the decision to wear a wetsuit for the swim. Obviously NOT for the BIKE and RUN!!!! 
The majority of the age groupers had also decided on a wetsuit as the water temperature had dropped a few degrees. The organisers were very strict about what you could leave in transition, any excess clothes, track pump etc. had to be placed in a bag in an adjacent hotel. We had to leave transition by 07.00 with our wetsuits half on and make our way to the swim area approximately 400m away.

At the swim start there were huge crowds and music playing over the loud speakers, great atmosphere. At 07.50 our wave was called forward and you had to line up on this long matting that was laid out on the beach. Suddenly the music stopped and all you could hear was this really LOUD heartbeat over the speakers. As if i wasn't nervous enough!! Then on your MARKS and then the claxon. We're off!!!

We had been advised before the swim that there was a strong current moving from left to right so kept to the left side of the pack. I managed to keep a pretty good line out to the turn around buoys even though the water was a bit choppy and then it was back to the beach and the swim exit. The run from there to T1 was hard on the feet even though they had put matting down covering most of the tarmac surface.

My T1 time was a bit slow due to the run from swim exit and taking off the wetsuit. It was another 50m run with the bike to the mount line, then it was down on the tri-bars and go!!!

The ride out to the turnround point was extremely hard against a very strong wind and undulating inclines, average speed out was between 14 and 16 mph!!! The return leg was fantastic with the wind behind and averaging 30mph. Heading towards the finish of the bike i removed my feet from my shoes and performed a good dismount!!  [ i had been practising at home in the local school playground !!! ]

Into T2 a quick turnaround and out on the run, the first 500m was up an incline against the wind and then settled into my pace.The run was 4 x laps and by now the it was pretty hot but i dug in and even managed a faster last lap. 
What an amazing feeling as you run up the blue carpet towards the finish gantry and you hear your name called out over the loud speakers and the crowds are cheering!! I've got a lump in my throat just writing about it!!!

I may not have won a medal but i did bust a gut trying!!!

Swim  : 1500m              39 mins 42secs [ a PB my previous time was 47mins 23 sec !!]

T1      :   4 mins 42secs

Bike    :  40k                    1 hr. 22mins 50secs

T2      :   1 min

Run    : 10k                     57 minsOverall:  3hrs 4mins 14secs

Overall Position : 10th