This was a bit bad, really. I went fine, and enjoyed it, but didn't realise that I was so SLOW until I saw others!
Also struggled to get out of the pool, as I was in a middle lane, and couldn't get a grip on the side with my toe! So, that cost me a wee bit of time.

Get into a proper rhythm, and not worry about looking so silly.

Not sure about this time-wise, but it took me far too long. A work colleague who (by his own admission) used to be some sort of tri-god, gave me some advice, about swapping shirts between the swim and bike, to avoid any windchill factor. Both shirts got stuck, and took AAAGES to get off and on.

Get on my bike and rock off straight away, no faffing around with additional shirts, unless it's a zip-up, and then it'll go on over my tri-suit, which I am definitely going to buy.

This was great fun. I think the time includes both transitions actually, now I think about it! I said thank you to every volunteer as I went past- they did an awesome job.
It turns out that cycling is my strong suit, so far. I didn't know that, and possibly wouldn't have believed it, had I not seen my ranking in the field of 32, compared to my swim and run ranks, which I am far too embarassed to publish!

Get cracking quicker, and give it a bit more on the way round. I was being a little too cautious, as I didn't really have a physical concept of the distance, and how long it would take me.

No idea of time for this. The attendant had to help me rack my bike, because the guys either side of me had racked their bikes in a hurry, and hadn't left me any room, the meanies!
The attendant shouted at me to hook my bike with the brake hoods and he'd sort it out, which was nice of him!

Practice jumping off my bike and getting running in a more fluid manner, not coming to a dead halt and then nearly overbalancing because I was all enthusiasm and no technique!!

I went FAR too slowly on this, I feel certain that I could have gone quicker, but I didn't want to be so burnt out that I couldn't run at all. Decided that a sprint finish was in order, so produced one, which made everyone laugh, which was great, because I was certainly aiming for comedy value!

Probably go a bit harder in the middle of the run when the dead legs start to get better. I think there was more in the tank, but I didn't really know how to use it properly.

Er, victory dance on finish line, shower followed by bacon buttie and coffee.


Toooooooo faaaaaaaaaat!!!! Gotta sort this out, that's for sure!


This is my only one! It wasn't hugely well-attended, I think it might be the first one?
I have nothing to judge against, but I loved it, and I sent the organisers an email yesterday, saying how much I'd enjoyed it, and passing on my thanks to all who'd worked to make it happen. I think that kind of email to organisers should be a part of the rules of competition. Too many people make demands, and too few say thanks. I'm hooked on this, and have turned into a "and I can shave 10 seconds off there, and 5 off there" nerd already! Ah, poor Gary (partner)!!