Llanelli Triathlon, May 20th

Report by Darren Evans

Thankfully this year they’d realised not to hold this race in the middle of Llanelli’s tropical rain season and <insert number here> of us were greeted, in what the locals call (and ONLY the locals call!) Gods country, by a beautiful day! Having never done this race before I was a little worried by the fact that the tide was right out and that I hadn’t brought my spade to help get through all the sand. Luckily my fears were soon alleviated when I discovered that we would actually be swimming in the puddle on the other side of transition.

I showed my surprising rookie status by not knowing what to do with the timing chip (which was less a chip and more an entire potato!) After the usual wrestling match with the wetsuit and tearing of chunks of hair by the swimming cap going on we ventured into the pseudo-murky waters (it looked terrible but turned out to be quite clear!) and sorted ourselves into the little starting area. I lined up alongside Luke Watson and, once the hooter went, I never saw him again! My dive into the swim was accompanied by a swift kick to the jaw which caused me to slap the head next to my hand (which I secretly hoped was Dave Astins’!) before the field did it’s usual thinning out and I was left on my own for the next 12 minutes or so. The M-shaped course passed a lot more quickly than expected and, pleased with my swim, I started the half marathon from the water to transition just behind Mr. Astins with Dr. Kev close behind and the 3 of us were swiftly out onto the bike (possibly only 15k or so behind Olly and Luke at this stage!). The course was the usual Kidwelly and back affair (which included two leisure cyclists who were accused of drafting by all who passed them and some <ahem> not quite so noticed or intended- honestly!- drafting between Dr. Kev and myself!) we set out onto the run (where I was quickly reminded why I didn’t enjoy the Llanelli duathlon earlier in the year!). 2 brutal laps (and around 3490 heart beats!) later I was greeted by my club mates at the finish line, most of whom had showered and changed by that time.

On the whole, it was a great day that had everything- beautiful weather, good competition, free Red Bull, sports massage and the usual questions regarding why and should I ever bother again! But at least I was home with a mug of tea and a cake soon enough not feeling even the slightest bit of guilt for having left Alex and Dave A in Llanelli waiting for a recovery vehicle to do the impossible and restore life to Alex’s van (that’ll teach DA for beating me!)

Results:

For full results please click here