So how did I do?... by Roy Pearce

It all started standing in a cold River Ouse early on a Sunday morning and, despite a cold wind, 1 hour 48 minutes and 27 seconds later I couldn’t wait to do it all again. Spending the rest of the day replenishing energy reserves with copious quantities of beer, wine and food confirmed it I wanted to do another Triathlon.
A quick massage on the Monday showed the aged body suffered no major damage so I opened up the computer. No more paying day license fees, commitment was called for, so step 1 join the BTF....

 Sorry (not really) to all you Anglophiles but my Celtic background dictates I had to join via Welsh Triathlon just a few clicks and membership was confirmed.

Noticing the Events button I thought I’d just have a look and May 18th Llanelli Sprint Triathlon in a Multisport Festival weekend just jumped out of the page as a must do. They have a Junior event lunchtime on Saturday followed later in the afternoon by a ParaTriAthlon event. Sunday is a sprint event, 4 waves of about 100 in each wave. Bad news was, entries closed, race full. I’m new to all this but not too proud to beg. I sent a pleading email to Noelwyn citing Welsh heritage and support for the Scarlets and enthusiasm for my new sport as reason to take up any place that came available. 2 long days of waiting and the joyous email came back, I was in. 

Hotel places seemed too be at a premium but I found Llwyn Hall Hotel and booked. Now bear in mind I’m new to all this but the event and venue are magnificent, and for the second year running the weather was wonderful. The swim is an M shape, in salt water in the North Dock. About 800 metres some said. 

This is followed by a 27k ride to the outskirts of Cydweli (Kidwelly) along the coast road and a 5k run along the coastal path with a view over Carmarthen Bay. What more could you want, and the sun shone. The event is run by Healthy Life Activities who are a not for profit organisation,

and it attracts a very good quality field. 

I am beginning to appreciate nice people do Tri and easy acquaintance was made with loads of new friends. One of whom proudly pointed out Paul Arnold (No. 23), twice capped Welsh 2nd Row, just a few yards away. 

 So how did I do? Swim was better than the previous week, bike was about the same. Halved the transition times due to better weather and organisation, run was just settling down to a rhythm at 2k when cramp in the left calf ended all hopes of glory. I managed to walk and jog through to the end where you are rewarded with water and genuine Welsh Cakes at the line. And 5 masseurs from the local ColegSirGar were on hand to offer much needed services for free. Gareth even had a go at the suspect left shoulder, brilliant. 

The welcome (croesoe) was outstanding and the decision to stay over on the Sunday night as well proved inspirational. It meant a visit to Pembre National Park and late lunch outside a pub with 3 real ales on the Gower Peninsula, could be enjoyed at leisure in the sunshine. After a leisurely breakfast at Llwyn Hall the National Botanical Gardens were chosen over the Red Kite feeding station to be visited on the way home. The Red Kites WILL be seen next year as this is now a must do race and I will be back, who wants to join me?

Here is a short video of last year’s race which is well worth a look.