Ely Sprint Duathlon, 9 May 2021

I’ve done a duathlon before, and a few triathlons (including an Ironman), but I’ve only ever entered for fun/completion, as I’ve always absolutely hated pushing myself hard for speed. So a sprint duathlon is new territory for me!

It’s a very local event to me, so I knew the routes well – for the runs this seemed good news as I knew it is very flat! But for the bike I knew it’s hillier and the road surfaces are extremely Fen (for those that don’t know, Fen = shocking and windy).

I arrived on the day to find a lovely friendly and well organised event in a great location, loads of parking and a coffee shop which I clocked for afterwards! I did see some competitors caffeine loading but thought I wouldn’t risk it!

I didn’t really have a plan other than go as fast as I can for as long as I can – not sure that’s the right strategy but it’s all I had! I set off on the first run leg and managed to hold a good pace over a route that was actually harder than expected because it was muddy and rough underfoot for a large part of the route due to recent heavy rain. Cue mud splattered legs galore! But I managed to hold my pace well and was very happy with my time.

The less said about my first transition the better – I have no idea how I managed to spend 2.30 in there – we live and learn!

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Out onto the bike – it was very windy! I pushed myself hard – wind is something I really struggle with mentally on the bike so I did find it tough. However, everyone else I either passed or who passed me seemed to be feeling the same, so I took solace from that!

The last run was like running through treacle – my mind kept telling me to walk so I had to give myself a very stern talking to several times! Kept running and was keeping a fair pace (although I knew I was slower than the first run and just couldn’t seem to do anything about it) but then annoyingly I turned my ankle over badly and fell flat on my face about half a mile from home, what an idiot! Hobbled for a bit and then managed to pick up and finish confidently – and well under my target time too, so was overall really pleased with my efforts.

Lots learned to take forward to the next one – back to training for now to keep improving my power and stamina – bring it on, Tim!

Ros Blackmore