Odiham Sprint Distance Triathlon

I haven't completed a triathlon since 2008, so was looking forward to today's event with mixed emotions. On one hand there was no pressure on me to perform but on the other hand there are so many things that can go wrong in a tri and make it a thoroughly painful and miserable experience.

I arrived nice an early (Odiham being just over an hour away for me), registered, set up my kit, listened to the race brief and was getting myself into race mode when the heavens opened and all manner of cats and dogs descended. I quickly rearranged my kit so my shoes were upside down (I learned that the hard way many years ago) and covered my bike shoes with a towel to keep the worst off them. There was little I could do for my helmet and tri-top, I just had to accept that I would be putting on cold wet kit at T1.

I haven't swam in 2011 so estimated my swim time at 8 minutes; seemed reasonable enough. 5 minutes before my wave started we went poolside and received a swim brief and put on the coloured swim hat. 30 seconds to go and into the water. 10 seconds. Then the whistle announced that we were off. With a complete lack of swimming in the last 6 months I started off steadily, trying to focus on making the best of my poor technique: stretch; glide; push; blah blah blah. Yes, I forgot it all! 400m = 16 lengths and I got to the end before the 2nd wave after mine set off, so sub 8 minutes - woo hoo! A gentle stroll into transition and I pulled on the cold, wet kit and headed off on the bike. It was a bit chilly so I worked the first km quite hard to get some heat into me, and I quickly overtook the other 3 members of my wave and dropped them. The route was undulating and very enjoyable to ride. I took the first lap steady as I hadn't done a route recce so was not sure what to expect. There was plenty of wind on the first half of the lap that made it tough, but it was the same for everyone. I caught a couple from the previous wave before the end of the first lap and then rode the 2nd lap a little harder, catching more riders in the process. I know I started quite early but but no-one overtook me. Unlike at the IS duathlon, I felt I rode well today.

Into T2 with a fine running dismount and a steady if unspectacular transition, taking a little extra time to grab a mouthful of water as I had that horrible taste in my mouth that tells you you are working hard. Onto the run and there were plenty of people to chase, but after 100 metres or so my calfs gave me the tell-tale signs that they wanted to cramp, so I slowed down until they eased off. I then ran steadily all the way to the finish, passing several people on the way but, again, not being passed by anyone. I don't know why but I am really pleased about this. Over the finish line in a little under 1 hour 18 minutes; I had no expectations for this race and the different bike route to the previous years meant that comparisons with previous years would be pointless.

I really felt that I performed to my best today, nothing spectacular compared to the quick boys and girls, but I feel really good. My legs are not in great shape, they seem to be telling me that I gave this sort of thing up 3 years ago! I really enjoyed myself though and can see me doing more sprint distance races in the future.

And it was great to meet up with the Old Skool RAF Triathletes, although our numbers are diminishing as the New Blood (and there is plenty of it) start taking over.

Rest well folks.