Tatton Park ODPosted by gingertri on September 22nd, 2009

Rolled up on a chilly drizzly saturday to Tatton park to rack up bike and pick up number, couldn’t figure why there was 5 desks (durr 5 waves, 1/desk!). Looked at swim with kidstardust and the length of time we’d have to run along the gravelly path . Saturday night made meatballs and checked the rest of my kit – do i have enough gels/water bottles/post-race drink/layers of clothing.

Woke up 5am sunday – porridge and strong strong coffee. Got into Tatton park to see a pink sky and a solitary heron flying overhead.

did my load lightening then checked to make sure the transition gremlins hadnt let down my tyres! all good attached gels, put body butter on back of shoes then took wetsuit and other bits with me to race brief. Warmed up and stretched then put on my wet-suit.

Just as we were getting in the water to women supporters (from Torq i think) were yelling “enter as boys, and come out as men” – not with those water temperatures!! Klaxon goes and its into the maelstrom,  breathing every 2 whilst i got into space then settled into every 3rd. swim went well but had no feeling in my head or toes by 750ish metres. out of the water and into T1. Stretched calves out and onto bike, got feet in shoes 2nd attempt. 1st gel stayed down! hammered the hill and 1st lap, slowed down on successive laps!

T2, quick (i think…) onto the run, sun now coming up. 1st km legs a bit heavy but then just smiled and relaxed and boom theres my run speed back! ran hard for rest and crossed the line on 2h27min (according to my watch).

Race very well organised (on the sunday!). nice t-shirt, will do again!