Brecon Triathlon June 9th 2007

Report by Julie Mackenzie

Where do I start?! The beginning is always a good place. Setting off from Dorset at 6am was definitely a good idea. My drive up to Brecon was smooth, largely free from traffic and I made excellent time. It was sunny but not too windy as I parked up and made my way to the leisure centre. I met Richard at the main entrance, Val was already registering. Her wave would be setting off before too long.

Having got there quite early I wasn't sure if I could register yet, but the people helping out were very friendly. They sorted me out with my numbers, hat and entry ticket.

By now it was time to watch Val get started. It didn't take long to see the swim was going to be tough for everyone. They were running a one in-one out system with 3 or 4 people in a lane at a time. It seemed frenetic when over-taking occurred and the nerves started to kick in.

We saw Val out on to the bike and by this time the others were turning up. Al and Ian, Karen and Pete followed by Dave and Ellie. I was definitely very excited with a splash of scared mixed in. Considering this was only my 4th proper triathlon, over 2 years since my last one and a manky knee: What was I thinking!!? Actually my thoughts were on whether I should do the run or not. I knew Ellie was in the same boat with her injury and we were psyching each other up for it.

The swim was over and done with quickly. It was a bit scrappy, but what can you expect from an 800m pool swim! Things moved on quickly to the bike. I found the 33k bike route quite enjoyable. The outward stretch seemed mostly down hill before a short sharp climb onto the dual carriageway where you had to do 2 loops. There was very little wind and it was a nice smooth road with a long steady climb followed by a gentle down hill before the roundabout. Both sides were similar although going back felt easier to me. On the last leg of the loop you carried on and back to the sports centre passing people out on the run. I cycled past Alex and Karen who both looked strong.

So, on to the run! Do I? Don't I? With a little encouragement, I did. It was a gruelling task and lots of people passed me; it took me a great deal of mental discipline to keep going. The last stretch seemed to go on for ever. I was out on my own all I could hear was my now very heavy feet slapping down on the tarmac until; was that Ellie...? Calling my name...? But I couldn't see her! Lo and behold she had caught up with me just before the finish. I was soooooo pleased to see her and soooo chuffed that we were going to cross the line together (cheers hun). In true cheeky form we skipped across the finish line before collapsing. In style I might add!

To see the results, please click on the link.