Answer: When the swim is cancelled and changed to a run.

Last Sunday I took part in the event I have wanted to do for a number of years - the classic (Olympic) distance triathlon in the historic Ironbridge gorge.

The swim 1500 meters of the clear blue crystal waters of the river Severn.

Oops some of you may of noticed that it has rained quite a lot over the last few months, as a result the river seven looks like mud it is about to burst its banks and Wendy who supported me said she saw tree’s floating down.

This meant that not only do I not get to use the baby oil but the swim is replaced with a run.  

The first run is up and down the main drive four times.  This is steep and hard on the legs to a distance that I assume is between 2 – 3 k.

Into transition for the rest of the event.

Cycle 3 loops for a total distance of about 40k.

Had a good transition, but out onto the main road.  The roads are wet and slippery.  Anyone familiar with Ironbridge knows there is a rather long steep hill out and this was the first hard climb get to the top and my legs hurt so much it takes another mile to rest.  The rest is undulating and well marshalled.

The three loops take there toll but very enjoyable.

The last run is 10 k, but it is 6 loops of grassy gardens and fields.  With 200 athletes running on grass in the rain it very quickly becomes mud, so this, as you all know from the winter cross country, is very hard on the legs.

Finish thinking I have just completed a marathon but I vow that I must do this again.

This is a great event we should get some teams together to do this next year.

Downside: no toilets for spectators. And no cakes.

Glyn.

Full results here

Pos	Race#	StartTime	FirstName	LastName	Age	BtaCat	Race	Swim	Total
95	230	08:10:00	GLYN	HUGHES	51	J	classic	00:11:08	02:56:24