Last Sunday (21st July) saw many of us either racing or helping out at the Nicetri Events Aquathlon and Duathlon - for those that missed it (I know that members were spread far and wide!) here’s what you missed!I don’t know how, but somehow I ended up agreeing to have a go at the 2 mile swim and 6 mile run Aquathlon - I do sprints! That’s 750 meters max, having to swim 2 miles (3,218 metres) was going to be the furthest I had ever swum in one hit. Keith seemed to have catered for everyone on the day, 7 different races to choose from.
Duathlon
Aquathlons x 3 (1m swim/3m run) (2m swim/6m run) (3m swim/9m run!)
Long swims x 3 (1m) (2m) (3m)
It must have taken a quite a bit to work out but as always this was a well organised event, as you can see from the race feedback. We even had ‘baby bear porridge’ weather - not to hot and not to cold.
In the morning, the first race was the Duathlon with some 110 competitors entered. Bikes racked. The race started with the run following the dam and back again, past transition and race HQ; into the woods along the tracks a footpaths and back again. Some great personal performances from Emma, Abbie, Richard (H and D) Sarah and Karl. Good to see Phil Redden and Tracey Patmore racing too! It was also great to see quite a few competitors had chosen this event to be their first ever Duathlon hats off to them.
Then came the wet races, it was a beach start, all of us setting off at the same time round the same ½ mile course.
At the end of each lap it involved coming out of the water, running, walking or staggering along the beach and back into the water. This was great, even those who were unsure at first about getting out I think changed their minds, it gave them the opportunity to get cheered on by their supporters.
It was also a great way to allow competitors to exit the water when their distance or race was finished. I did 4 laps, I came out of the water a very happy 3rd in ‘my’ race behind an ex elite and Chris. 2 laps of the 3 mile run course, 1st lap was good, it’s the distance I train for after all, second, not so good. I lost a place but still happy with my effort overall. Great result for Chris (who had a good 1st and 2nd lap) and took the 2nd spot.
From the very many tired but smiling faces I think everyone really had a good day, even the marshals and those helping out! I have to say that because competitors finished their races at different times it meant that there was a very relaxed atmosphere, even at the exit/entrance to transition, never seen mum so chillaxed (although we are going to have to stop her from dancing in the future). The busiest place seemed to be the massage tent, Tony and his crew seemed to have a nonstop supply of willing customers!
Thanks all.
