I year ago, David Smith entered Blenheim Triathlon and enthusiastically persuaded his new tri club buddies to do the same. Kate, Jon, Nicola, Helen, Adel, Deon, Fleur all signed up to follow in Dave’s footsteps… but what actually happened on the day?

David did not turn up, doing nothing to dispel the rumour that he is no more than a  computer generated entity who manages aspects of our web site from a virtual world; Helen ditched Blenheim in favour of next week’s 70.3; Fleur was otherwise occupied with work and children; the remaining 5 competed in the triathlon, but managed to do so in 4 separate waves over 2 days!

So how did everyone do? Adel had a rather stressful start, as he turned up to transition with only 1 running trainer, but eventually had a strong race in all disciplines.Ex Iron Man Jon entered the supersprint to take on a new challenge, managing an excellent 11th in his AG despite being asked by kayak support if he was ok as he stopped to tread water for a bit during his swim. Well done to Nicola who tackled the washing machine terror of her first Open Water Swim Tri – great transitions and strong bike from her too. Kate was delighted to take 3 minutes off her swim time after drafting coaching from Mark, for the first time ever having the confidence to not just sit at the back of the pack. Great racing Viceroys.

When Conor Moran joined Viceroys about 9 months ago, he had never attempted a triathlon and his priority was getting himself on to the committee as co social secretary

None the less, a triathlete he has become.  After making the most of  Trevor’s Thursday run sessions through the winter and Mark’s coached track, pool and lake swimming, he  embarked on the Thames Turbo Triathlon series and a mid week Monday triathlon at Dorney lake too. Stereotypes aside, this pale, red headed Irishman’s first port of call after his first triathlon was The Swan pub in Walton. His second triathlon was admittedly his worst, ‘ With about 4 hours sleep and a nasty hangover;  I tried it but I felt every foot I put on the tarmac, I did learn a lesson.”

However, by his forth triathlon, Conor had taken minutes off his racing times in all disciplines: “I so totally loved my first open water triathlon, that had to have been my best triathlon so far.”

Great work Conor, but why do you keep calling recently sighed travellers in Walton ‘family’?

And who is Simon Colvan?

Simon C….is Simon Colvan, who is perhaps most easily differentiated through a passing resemblance to Tony Slattery. Thankfully he swims/cycles/runs better than the 80s comedian. Just. Embarking on his third season of tri, Simon’s aims are to start being a bit more competitive at events and to enjoy the social and motivational side of group training. His sporting background lies in football but ironically he gave it up because it took up too much time! Simon can be seen at track, Shepperton Lake and, if you look far enough over your shoulder, on Sunday rides.

Helen Blamey swam 1500m and was second in her age group, and 17th female overall out of 76  in the Human Race Open Water swim series race at Windsor. Her time was a reflection of the huge current – 41.57, of which she estimates 30mins of that was going upstream and 12 coming back!

Lloyd Cosgrove and John Sawers were flying the flag for VTC at the Swashbuckler down in the New Forest – 1.9km swim, 80km bike, 22km run. John came 65th overall (8th age group) in 4:55:18 just overtaking Lloyd on the final kms of the run, who came in at 4:58:50 placing 75th (21st in age group). John says: “This was an excellent race with stunning views out on the course and excellent organisation – recommended to anyone looking for their first stab past Olympic distance.”

Clarkie took part in the Brit Sprint Champs in Nottingham on Saturday. This was also the first of the 3 available qualifiers for places at the 2013 Grand Finals in Hyde Park. The racing was fast and furious; there were 7 qualifying places up for grabs in each wave. Alan was in the qualifying places until they hit the run where he lost about 8 places and finished 12th.  It was a great venue to race and you knew you were racing some of the best in the country. He has one more chance to qualify at end of the month in Bristol.

Mark Yeoman raced the MK sprint: the swim as fast and he pressed on hard with ex elite Stephen Harrison and they exited in around 8.30 mins for the 750m. Stephen looked to get away on the bike and Mark tried to keep in touch, coming in to T2 still in second, but around 1.30 down. “Harrison has wheels to burn so I looked to find a rhythm. I was soon over taken by a 20 year old whippet, but over the first lap I held the gap. However on the second, although I ran a negative split, I was pipped into 4th overall over the last 500m. Solid time over all and about 1min off 2nd. “

City to Summit, ‘triathlon’s toughest weekend away’, an Ironman event which only the fittest and craziest attempt, which Anna Gilmore not only attempted, but completed in 14:39:19 and came in second female home. 

This event begins with a swim in Edinburgh’s Firth of Forth, this year so cold (8.9 degrees!) Anna wore kit straight from a James Bond movie – a thermal heat seeker vest – an additional neoprene layer under her wetsuit, in addition to hat and gloves. Anna was third female out of the water.

The bike leg of Anna’s course took her 112 miles towards Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis , maintaining her third position all the way. Not to be put off by the deep snow and white-out hailstorm, Anna then began her ascent of Ben Nevis…  in to second place!

Anna says: ‘ It’s honestly a very accessible race… it was all about dressing properly because it was very exposed and windy and eating lots and that’s it’

6% of the starters did not finish, most of us would not even get to the start line, we’re really proud of you Anna, well done.

Our recent influx of members seems to have brought a flood of Simons and Andrews … so who is who?

Andrew number 2, is Andrew Pirie  – he claims to be 30, but was asked for ID when we all met him for the first time at Viceroys’ social. ‘Ironman Andrew’ has completed 12 Triathlons; 3 London Marathons; 1200 miles Rome to London bike ride unsupported for charity;1 Ironman in 2012 Bolton and has another 3 Ironman events booked for this year – welcome to the club!

Just weeks after Viceroys weekly coached track sessions at Stompond Lane began, the news of Mark Yeoman’s good work has so spread that he coached a full house of 14 runners this week. Adapting his programme to equally challenge our 6 minute and 10 minute+ mile runners was an impressive feat, but one which was met with enthusiasm by all, as each time we passed the 400m line he gave individual words of direction and encouragement… or he shouted at you across the track if you thought you were safe for a few seconds.

This week’s popular session focused on increasing cadence to benefit pace, maintaining and increasing pace when (physical and mental) fatigue sets in and negative splits… in addition to individualised support where needed. Although pain and the feeling of physical sickness may (briefly) have been mentioned at the end of the session, everyone is strangely keen to sign up for more next week!

Andrew Tugwell was hijacked by Chairman Yeo during a swim session – Andrew joined us for a Tuesday night bike ride, challenged even the fast boys and has not looked back since.

Andrew’s first tri at Dorney reflects that although not a triathlete before this weekend, his sporting background (boxing, kickboxing, 5k,10k races encouraged by his dad who has always been a great runner)has certainly stood him in good stead. Thursday night runners will also testify to this newcomer’s fitness levels!

Andrew says: “If I hadn’t spoken to Mark that day none of this would of happened,so thanks.”