Bala Standard Aquabike, 7 Sep 2025

Picture from Euros earlier in the year

After the Europeans back May I thought I needed a race in my calendar.  I fancied a swim in Bala Lake so entered whilst still on holiday. So my last race of the season, training hadn't gone so well. The niggle I had in my hip all year got worse, and having had one hip replacement I recognise the symptoms. I finally had to admit it was going and started on the process of getting it sorted. I literally spoke to the consultant the afternoon before the race confirming I needed a hip replacement.

I set out on the race with a go and enjoy it attitude, as I'm a bit short of cycling power. The Welsh weather wasn't playing ball either, with a blustery rainy day forecast. 

Got to the swim briefing to find the swim was shortened due to conditions.  People seemed happy, but I just thought it's going to be horrid. In the water it was cold and choppy. Just thought just need to survive this swim. It was tough, I haven't swum anything choppy before. I kept calm and just kept a nice rhythm which I managed to match to the swell. Finally reached the shore, struggled to stand up, old lady dodgy hip, needed help.

Long way to transition of course I can't run, quite a few folk came past me.

Ok transition, off we go on a lovely bike course, closed roads, billed as flat (they haven't been to Cambridgeshire!). I was trialling a new hydration system on my TT bike, which worked well. I had a lovely time on the bike, despite the wind and torrential rain. I was bit slower than normal but good enough to secure a 2nd 60-65 lady. Good competition as it was the Welsh National championships.

I was happy I've had a good season overall met a lot of my goals.

I'm booked for a hip replacement in October, hopefully I can make a good recovery and get back to training again properly.

Next year is my last in this age group so hoping to get some qualifications for 2027 for 65-70s.

Once again thanks Tim for all the training sessions.

Julia Dolman