Harborough Triathlon, September 2016, race report by Andrew Roberts
It all started with a text from my sister, Sandra Smith: “Jenny and I are thinking of doing the mini triathlon at Market Harboro on 4th Sept – are you up for it?“. I must admit, it took me a while to respond as I had to think about it for a while having done little running over the summer, even less cycling and the last time I put my Speedos on was for a dip in the Agean during the summer. Not the training one would expect for a full triathlon! I did eventually agree that I would enter and looked forward to the day, hoping that I wouldn’t disgrace myself. Between entering the race and taking part I managed to fit in a 17mile cycle ride tackling the hills of Charnwood and I also swam 1200metres in my local pool besides running with Wreake.
The day arrived and I was surprised to learn that the event was in the afternoon – my swim start time was set at 3.07 precisely! The afternoon start was good as it allowed me to have a lie in – not something I get very often but at the same time it offered more times for the nerves to do their work.
There were three events on the day. A ‘Try -a –Triathlon’ for those who fancied dipping their toe into this race format; this consisted of a 200m swim, 11.5km bike and a 2500m run. Sandra had entered this. Jenny had entered the Sprint Tri with me (400m swim, 23km bike and 5000m run) and then there was the ‘Bridge tri’ for those planning to step up to a full triathlon – 600m swim, 34.5km bike and 7500m run).
I set up my bike and kit in the transition and then listened to the race briefing with my niece – Jenny, a former Wreake Runner herself. She then ,-headed for the changing rooms as she had an earlier start time than me. After watching her start her swim, I headed for the changing rooms. Gareth had kindly leant me his triathlon suite for the event – thanks GT. I also decided to wear a swim hat – one that I had received as part of the Great British mile swim in the Royal Victoria docks, London a couple of years ago. The pink colour, whilst striking, wasn’t really my choice! – but reflected swim group I was allocated to that day. I also wear a nose clip to prevent the after effects of the chlorine on my nasal passages! Not a pretty sight.
Before getting in the pool we were given a further briefing, detailing our allocated lane number and the etiquette for passing a slower swimmer. We were also informed where we needed to go once we had completed our sixteen lengths. I was put in lane 3. We walked to our lanes, entered the water and waited for the countdown.
There was one other person in the lane at the time I started and I quickly managed to pass her. I then completed the rest of the course without being troubled by other swimmers until the next tranche of swimmers entered the pool. The guy in my lane got off to a speedy start and lapped me instantly. Pride shattered, I hauled myself out of the pool towards the fire exit to transition. I had always worried about losing count and doing too many or too few lengths, but this time I was confident that I had done 16. A quick look over to Oliver, my son, who was also counting confirmed that I was right. Swim time 8.09.
I ran to my bike trying to recall the rules which stated that I couldn’t touch my bike until I had my helmet on. So with wet, shaky hands I fumbled the clasp together. I then realised that I had to put my shirt on as my numbers were pinned on the front and back! So off came the helmet and on went the T shirt! I then had a quick go at drying my feet before putting them straight into my running shoes – thanks to a tip from GT! I was now ready for the 23k road trip so took my bike and ran to the line on the road where I could mount and head out of the leisure centre complex. T1 time 2.03! Major conclusion ….I need to practice my transitions!
The first two miles were uphill, along the old A6 out of Harborough on the Northampton Road. This was a tough start for a relative newcomer to cycling. I managed to keep going though and then took a left at Great Oxendon. The route continued to rise for another mile until it finally levelled off. We then took a left turn and headed towards the village of Braybrooke. This is quite a steep downhill section and we were reminded a number of times that the speed limit was 30mph. I think they were expecting the cyclists to watch their speed and keep within the legal limits but clearly with some of the more competitive and accomplished cyclists this was not going to be the case and they continued to pedal even though going downhill at a great rate of knots!! We were warned during the race briefing that if we failed to reduce our speed whilst going through Braybooke, we were in danger of ending up in the village hall as there was a sharp right-hand bend at the bottom of the hill!
The route then headed back towards Harborough and Little Bowden along an undulating section of the route. There were also a few tight turns before rejoining the Northampton Road and we could traverse the roundabout by the leisure centre for the second circuit. Knowing that I now needed to climb the same hills as before wasn’t something that I relished. Needless to say there were a significant number of cyclists who passed me on this second circuit – many of which at terrific speed even whilst going up–hill!. Note to self “more practice needed Roberts”! Cycle time 1.01.13.
The second transition was more straightforward as I was already wearing my running shoes. I racked my bike, took off my helmet, grabbed a bottle of water and headed for the exit to transition and the start of the running course. T2 time 0.58.
The first section of the route was over a field and I really struggled. My back ached and my legs felt like lead!! I dropped my bottle for picking up later and headed for the first lap. Thankfully the route was fairly flat along residential streets with a drinks station at the start of the circuit. I took a quick drink and headed for the road. Yet again I was passed by a number of more experienced runners but I tried not to let this get to me. The second circuit began at the drinks station where I mistakenly took a cup of energy drink, took a quick sip and before I realised it was sweet emptied the contents down my back to try and keep cool!! A sticky mistake!!
The rest of the route was relatively straightforward with few runners around. I re-entered the field at the end and headed for the finish. I managed to put in a bit of a sprint finish but it was a real struggle. The finishing line could not come too soon and the banana and energy bar were most welcomed. Run time 30.24. Overall time 1.43.19 Placed 14th in my age group.
Overall the experience was a good one, I definitely felt as though I had achieved something. The event was well organised and the race facilities were excellent. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to have a go… whether it’s a try tri , a sprint tri or a full blown Kamikaze bridge tri …go on give it a go!