Race Reports

After initial banter race heads were put on and we went down to the waters edge for the swim, long (2x500m laps) go first followed by the short after 5 mins. The swim start was unusually sedate with no washing machine as there were only 25 competitors in the whole reservoir for the long and 20 for the short. That said I still had to do battle with one guy who wanted to be where I was. Kay also had to do battle as she and Fiona swam together for the exit another lady decided she wanted Kay's line. I shall run some more open water defence classes if anyone wants them.

Short run out to T1 and out onto the run 3 laps or the long and 2 for the short. For me it started good as it was on pavement but quickly went off road through fields so each foot fall had to be carefully placed that said it was still a nice run even with the stiles and gates to climb over.

3rd lap and I am still out in the front I was 3^rd out of the water which gave me a comfortable lead over the other MSTC members Steve B the closest at 2mins behind and Jon W 1.5 mins behind him I knew it would be hard to hold them off. The last km and there he is, the inevitable Steve has caught up so he trots along side for a bit then disappears into the distance, I am now looking for Jon as we are crossing a field I have a sense that their is someone behind I look back and there is Jon trying to be as quite as possible so I don't notice, I lift my pace but cant shake him, he passes.

The finish line, we all congregate there and discover that the unstoppable Fiona won the Short, only 3mins behind the male winner and she had the fastest run of the day. Once she sorts her swim out I think we may have a new Chrissie Wellington. Pippa comes across the line as the first MSTC lady home for the long course. Rupert puts in a sterling effort considering he is carrying a calf injury.

There is a club trophy up for winning, the first 3 in for their club will count as the first team in. Needless to say with all the chat we all forgot about this and went for a shower. East Grinstead and a few others waited around to the muttering that they had won it, some chance that honour goes to Mid Sussex Tri Club. Jon and I were in the shower when Pips burst into the changing rooms shouting that we should get out quickly so half dresses we stumbled up to the podium much to the disappointment of the other clubs J

Thorpe Park Aquathlon 750m swim 5km run easy I thought the hardest thing is getting up at 05:00 or so I thought.

Race brief done and in the water for a 07:40 start, The water was warmish so I have a quick swim sprint to remind me why I am here. Back to the start for a deep water start whistle goes and it's a very civilised affair no kicks or punches. this is not open water swimming.. after about 100m it feels like the wheels are about to come off "What the hell" I thought "this isn't right" is it the wetsuit? I have only warn it twice!!! 400m suddenly everything is fine, that was weird, now to catch the lead pack that I foolishly let get away. 13:26 out of the water in 7^th place

Next panic I could not get the wetsuit off very strange, then to top it off I slipped over not quite to Pete Harris's standard but still both feet up in the air. I take the opportunity and get the rest of the suit off honest I meant to do it like that.

I feel 5 years old again. I cant tie my shoe laces, I am breathing heavy and trying to slow my heart rate down but cant get the laces done, I cursed the decision not to wear the elastic laced trainers, cobbled a knot together and set off on the run a just over a minute later.

O my god what happened to my lungs!!!! Unlike going out on the bike where you get a chance to get a breath straight out on the run you don't, I'm currently 7^th and want it to stay that way.

Dam lace is undone. stop tie it up better this time.. Dam lace is undone. stop tie it up and get passed. ##@# undone again are you kidding me, its knotted now.

At the run turn around just got passed like I was standing still and I am in 9^th. there is a guy behind me I can hear him, I'm doing a 07:30 pace but he is still there and I cant see the finish line, he passes me so I tuck in behind him, he's not getting away, there's the finish should I go now and risk him beating me on a return sprint? Yep go for it, 3 long strides and he's behind a few more to hold him off a few more and he has given up and I am over the line 23:15.

Steve Mac: 37:57 and a 10^th place