Swim
A relatively quick estimated swim time had me starting off late in the day, which makes a nice change from the 6 - 7.00am starts. In the pool with 60 seconds to go, quick dunk under with 30 seconds to go, then it's off.
Tried to keep a steady heart rate and not go off like a maniac as usual and go well and truly anaerobic in 60 seconds flat. Kept a steady pace throughout and exited the water in around 6m 30s for the 400m (16 lengths). Then it's off for a long and twisty run to transition. Helmet and shoes on and sprint off (with my bike).
Swim: 00:07:50 (36/598) (incs transition)
Bike
The 18k bike course leaves John Port School up to the Island on the edge of Etwall then continues up to meet the evening TT route just before Radbourne Hall. Turning left on to the TT course in reverse, long sections of downhill give the oportunity to put some power down. The course goes over Sutton on the Hill before joining the Etwall bypass for a quick blast up and down. Feet out of the shoes while climbing the last section before droping back down in to John Port School, quickly jumping off the bike before crossing the transition line.
Bike: 00:32:09 (17/598)
Run
The 5k run starts with an evil, short sharp uphill section through the school grounds and up to Etwall church. The run is a simple out and back to Burnaston with a nice fast downhill (but unfortunatly twisty and technical) section.†
Run: 00:21:49 (63/598)
01:01:48 22nd Overall
Quicker than last year but unfortunatly just outside the magical hour.
I highly recommend this triathlon to anyone wanting to have a go at their first one. It's a nice (short) warm pool swim that requires only a swimy cosy and goggles and aparantly as many as half the competitors are first timers.
Unfortunatley last years winner, and Derby Mercury member, Tom Butcher was pipped to the win by his fellow 2XU TFN RT member Andy Tarry.
