Helen and I were chauffeured to the triathlon by our manager and race mechanic Paul. We left at 8 in the morning and made good time, after a short stop, as I was feeling car sick and had to get out of the car, to arrive about 9am. After registering we racked our bikes and went straight to the pool to limber up for the race. The nice thing about this race, which was the same when we did it a couple of years ago, is that everyone is very friendly and encouraging. The marshals in the swimming pool were particularly so, and allowed Helen and I to swim in the same lane.

The swim was a 16 length swim, and well organised in that there was no torturous route to be followed around the swimming pool, involving multiple lane changes and sprints around the pool. We swam up and down the pool and the nice man at with the clipboard waved it in the air when we had 2 lengths to go.

I set off at a speedy pace, but just before reaching the end of the first length Helen caught me up and overtook me. I tried to race after her, but my arms were feeling like lead. Helen exited the pool when I was at 14.5 lengths  and by the time I had reached the transition area, Helen’s bike, helmet and cycling shoes were gone. I got my shorts and t-shirt on and ran out with my bike to great cheers of encouragement from the spectators and marshals.

My main goal was to catch Helen up, so I set off as fast as I could hot on her heels. For the first part of the cycle route nobody was following me and I couldn’t see any cylists ahead:  I was beginning to wonder if I had taken a wrong turning. However I eventually caught up with a group of cyclists and began to relax and enjoy the ride. The route was a 26km route around the Shropshire countryside, with lovely farmland views and rolling hills. The weather was perfect for the triathlon: dry, cool and with a slight breeze. The leaves were turning brown on the trees and it was nice to get out into the countryside and get some fresh air. I cycled back towards the leisure centre, passing some of the runners who were running out on the running route, and looked around for Helen. I was greatly disappointed I hadn’t managed to catch up with her, and guessed she must have been doing some secret training behind my back.

I racked my bike and set out on the run. Unfortunately I was very tired by the run stage and managed only a poor time, but was very relieved and happy to get to the finish line. 

A great race and to be recommended to everyone: well organised and friendly. I was a bit disappointed not to get a medal or a goody bag, although we did get quite a decent t-shirt.  Unable to give a cake rating as we did not go to the café.

Alice Owen

No full official results yet (website here), but Helen has a provisional total time of 1:47:38 for the 400m swim, 26km bike, 6.25km run.