Darley Moor Sprint Duathlon, 28 May 2023

Having already pre-qualified for the European duathlon championships next year, my initial aim for the race was to have a solid UK race performance and a good finish position. However, I unfortunately became unwell 2 weeks prior with a nasty viral illness (the joys of working in children’s A&E). I had improved significantly by race day but I still had a residual cough on exertion and HR was slightly higher than normal for the same effort. I felt well enough to race but knew that it was not going to be my best performance. I went in with the aim to have a good draft legal bike leg and gain more experience riding in a group - my runs would be whatever could be managed on the day.

There were 90 women on the start line (a very impressive turn out!) including a few familiar faces. It was a beautiful sunny day with a bit of wind. I had not raced at Darley Moor before but I do love a circuit race venue!  We went off fast and I settled into what was initially a good and comfortable pace. I felt strong for the first mile; running 6:05min/mile pace but suddenly my body realised it could not sustain this and I had to completely drop the pace. It was disheartening seeing several athletes run past me as I dropped off but this was the only way I could regain control and make it onto the bike. I made it round the 2 lap, 5k course and had an ok T1.

I went out on to the bike and soon had 4 other girls join me in a strong group. They were cycling extremely well and I worked very hard to stay on and not get dropped. For the first few laps I was very much in survival mode and my legs could not push any harder to try and take a turn. I apologised to them but did manage to take a couple of turns once my heart rate settled and I found some power in my legs again. I came into T2 after the 20k bike at the front of the group but unfortunately got severe cramp in my right calf as I dismounted the bike and had to hobble to rack. The pain was so bad I thought it was game over but I managed to stretch it out and make it onto the last run.

The final 2.5km run was tough. My tired body found the gravelly, uneven run course even more challenging and my footing was all over the place. I managed to overtake one lady on the run (yay!) but my pace was pretty dismal (boo!). I crossed the finish line feeling very pleased that I had battled through to finish but was disappointed with my performance. Final position- 4th in AG and 14th overall.

On reflection this was the best my recovering body could do on the day and I am pleased that I persevered and challenged my mental strength. After a bit of post race research, it turned out I was cycling with a few girls who are experienced crit cyclists, so managing to stay on their wheels and not get dropped was a positive. There are not many draft legal races outside of international competition and so it was fun to be able to gain more experience on the day. Whilst not the overall performance I would have hoped for, it was a good bit of training and has fuelled the fire to work hard for my next races. Next up, Cholmondeley Standard Distance Duathlon - Worlds Qualifier on 18th June.

Megan Powell