I took part in this 10k/40k/5k (run/bike/run) event on the 9th May.
I probably didn’t train enough, hoping that a 25k ride a week and a 7k run twice a week would get me through. The 10k run was ok, it was relatively flat whilst on the racing circuit but when we left the circuit there were a couple of hills, but nothing too bad. I ran with Tyron, we had a slower than normal pace so that we would have something left for the cycle / 5k run at the end and thank goodness.
From the start of the cycle I was getting cramp in both calfs but found that continuing to cycle rather than trying to stretch them out worked better. The first lap of the cycle ride was ok, but my legs went on the hill up to Goodwood horse race course on the second lap. I don’t know how to describe the hill, but coming down the hill you could reach speeds of up to 40 mph so you can imagine what the ascent was like.
Getting off the bike to do that last 5k was murder, I could hardly run and really wanted to stop. The first 1k marker took an age but after that it was just a matter of grinding on. Having to run into the finish area, then go back on yourself for the last 1k before running back to the finish was pretty soul destroying. The zipvit nutritional drink and gel at the 1k marker probably saved me so a big thanks to them.
Also Karen, Beth and Roy and Linda Baker really helped me get through this so thanks to them for that, and for the pictures. Thanks to Graham Davies for his support also, and to all the people that sent me text messages wishing me their support.
My time of 3h 7m 37s was poor compared to others, but frankly, all things considered I was pretty happy to even finish and beat my finger in the air estimated time by 20 mins. I finished 167th out of 215 and the splits were 52:43/1:42:45/28:59.
Here are some photos of me, Steve and Tyron taking part.
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