English Triathlon National Standard Distance Championships, 10 Jul 2021
As a newbie to triathlon still...this was only my 3rd ever standard distance triathlon, this is the first time I have competed more than once on the same course. Back in 2019 I was 14th overall, 4th in my age group, and had a time of 2hr43.
Fast forward two years, some solid training under my belt (thank you @catenarycyclingcoaching), I was feeling pretty confident. After a disappointing bike at Leeds a month ago, I was determined to show what I know I can do.
A trend for this summer is the weather. Again, the forecast was for it to be cloudy and potentially some rain. As we parked the car, the sky was filled with sunshine and I knew I was in for another hot race!
'Warming up' for the swim in the lake was actually an opportunity to cool down! The swim start was a rolling start with 2 other competitors every 15 seconds. Very demoralising, an athlete from the latter group overtook me in the swim in about the first 150m. Turns out that was the overall winner who posted the 5th fastest swim of the day (of everyone, including the men)! Nevertheless the swim was hard...my goggles fogged up and I struggled to sight and swim in a straight line. I left the water feeling quite disappointed but determined to have a good bike...
I did. It was so nice to feel quick. The course was a long 46k, but I averaged 35k into a pretty gusty wind and undulating course. The only problem was the banana bread I had taken as my bike food turned into crumbs!
And onto the run - my favourite bit. Three laps of the lake. Whether it was that I pushed the bike hard, but I found this run hard! Picking people off was reassuring but it was so hot!
Crossing the finish time in 2hr30, 4th woman overall and 2nd in my age group, I was super happy. But...I now need to focus on my swim. I know have the evidence I can compete with anyone on the bike and run, but it would be nice not to have to always chase after the swim! Bring on Abu Dhabi 2022 for the world champs!
Sarah Harding