Sunderland Standard Distance British Triathlon Championships, 30 Jul 2023

It was SO nice to once be able to sleep in my own bed before a big race as it’s not often such races come to the ‘proper north’!

The sea temperature was a tropical 13 degrees and it certainly took one’s breath away as we all entered the water with much trepidation! The 1,500m swim seemed to just go on and on (and on). At no point did I enjoy the waves, swell, coldness, rubbing of the wetsuit on my neck. Still, I felt I swam it pretty well and really tried to focus on the good habits I’ve been trying to develop (I.e. not being lazy!).

On leaving the water, it might have been the gallons of sea water I thought I’d carry in my stomach, but I felt like being sick. Somehow I managed to stand kind of upright to get everything sorted for the bike leg.

And off, up a massive hill, and onto the bike course. Knowing the roads of the course like the back of my hand was a massive bonus, but everyone’s bike performance was certainly hampered by the number of people on the route, many of whom weren’t that experienced so tended to be unpredictable. There was the added obstacle of being stopped for an ambulance for a period who was attending someone on the course.

Through the swim and bike, the wind definitely picked up. Who doesn’t like an extra challenge?!

Four laps of the bike were followed by four laps on the run, up the same hill. Being able to count down the laps was such a nice feeling, and the issue of lots of people on the course which affected the bike was a great part of the run as I could pick people off one-by-one.

I knew my run had been strong and it felt amazing to run down the blue carpet which the elites had used the day before, but crossing the line to be told I was fourth overall and I’d won my AG just blew my mind. This was a triathlon (and I’m not the best swimmer)!

My goals this year were World Champs gold and a British champs gold…not often does everything come together! Dream come true, and now for a Prosecco!

Sarah Harding