Race report: Go Tri Thrybergh Aquathlon – 31 July
If you’ve ever fancied taking part in a mini multisport race, Go Tri have some excellent events to get involved in.
It’s run by British Triathlon and funded by Sport England. The idea is to get people into triathlon and multisports and races are held all over the country.
I did my first at Scunthorpe a few months ago (an Aquathlon, so swim then run) and one here with Sarah Sutherland in June. I also did a Duathlon (run, bike, run) at Cantley Park with Daniel Hart a few weeks ago. Never mind that I won that one – these things are all about having fun and challenging yourself!
Last night’s event was a swim-run-swim at Thrybergh Country Park. With torrential rain all afternoon it looked like it might be a wash-out. However, the downfall stopped just before the start and we were into the water and away for the first 300-metre dip.
The water wasn’t that cold. I was swimming okay, but all over the place trying to maintain a straight line towards each buoy. Then it was out of the water into transition for a lap of the lake. Once we were running I started to pass people. I thought there was a good chance I was near the front as I couldn’t see many people in the distance. Certainly no sign of Laura Sydney. I assumed she must be behind me.
We came back to the water and into the final transition. A lady who I’d worked hard to catch up to and pass ploughed straight into the water in front of me. She had running shoes that you could also swim in. Bit cheeky, I thought. I did my best to stay with her, but she was a strong swimmer. Another 200 metres and then a barefoot shimmy to the finish line.
After getting my breath back for a couple of minutes I spotted Laura lounging by the water. Had she just finished? No – she’d finished ages ago, in third place, and the fastest lady! I, on the other hand had to make do with the ‘skins award’.
Tempted? There’s an Aquathlon in Scunthorpe this Sunday (August 4) and a Duathlon in Leeds next Wednesday (August 7). Closer to home there’s a Triathlon and Aquabike at Askern on 8 September. I plan to make that my first Triathlon!