Sarah Hepenstall headed to Marlow for her first Iron Man event this weeknd, Marlow 70.3: ‘In my nice new wetsuit I was at the front of the women’s mass start and stayed there for the 1.9k. I managed 3rd girl out of the swimming over taking the masses of men in the time of 29.48. On to the bike and 86k route around Henley and into Oxfordshire. It went well and learnt what worked for food!! I did enjoy my peanut butter and jam sandwiches. the cycle went well and did the course (which was a little hilly) in 3hrs 11.

 

Then onto the run and somehow felt good. The 4 loops of 5k was a steady and well paced. I finished the run in 2 hrs 5. In total I did it in 5hrs 54. Only a nice blister on a toe for injuries (although I did fall of the bike Saturday grazing my arse!!) 

 

Since I have only done sprint triathlons doing this length worried me but it was fine and I enjoyed it. Overall positions 283. 40th girl and age category 12.’