I never planned on doing this; I was supposed to be running round Kingsbury Water Park on the “Hearing Dogs 10k” but since I have hurt my back and done no training for the last few weeks it was not happening.  Two weeks ago I had a call from Mr Lynock suggesting that, since I knew about 20 people who were competing, I might like to help out at this event instead. So I called. They were desperate!! 

First shock was the early start “I’ll pick you up at 6.30”, by 7.30 I was positioned at the end of the bridge in Stratford charged with ensuring that 1600 cyclists turned left and not straight on to Banbury (or somewhere). I looked down to get something out of my pocket and whoosh – something blue went flying by at 40mph (or thereabouts), I had missed the first one, good start, looked down again to text someone to bring my bag and coat out to me “just in case it rains” whoosh, whoosh, 2 and 3 went by – nearly knocking down a couple of people crossing the road.  Fortunately they knew where they were going. 

Three hours and 750 left turning cyclists (mark amongst them – in a nice yellow and black ensemble) later, still pointing and shouting “left” I was in full wet weather gear, hat, coat and waterproof trousers, and had been asked for directions by three lorry drivers and one taxi (twice!) “Oy mate!”  Hang on; was that Glynn who just flew by??  I became an expert on which tri suits were and were not suitable to be seen in public and I am sorry to say that I think you get what you pay for.  The grey Aldi ones were not good J 

It chucked it down for the next three hours for the “fun” triathlon and the relays.  After this experience I will most definitely thank every marshal individually on any race I ever do again.

Sharon

Results here.  Photos from Mark here

Pos	Race#	StartTime	FirstName	LastName	Swim	Bike	Run	Total
219	220	08:24:45	Mark	Lynock	00:08:11	00:48:35	00:22:43	01:19:29
471	523	09:40:30	Glyn	Hughes	00:09:52	00:54:59	00:28:45	01:33:36