Event: VTC Club Relay Woking Sprint Triathlon | Fullsteam
Date: 15^th September 2024
Team Members: Anna Bartholomew & Sarah Riches

Pre-Race

I was excited and a little nervous going into my first-ever triathlon, particularly because I was part of a relay team and responsible for the final leg—the 5km run. I knew the pressure would be on to finish strong after my teammates swam and cycled, and I wanted to make sure I gave my best effort for our team.

The morning of the race was a mix of adrenaline and nerves. We arrived at the race site early, Anna had already checked us in, so we were able to set up in the transition area and chat about our plan of action. Being new to the club and given that it was my first ever experience of a triathlon event, it was nice that it was as part of a larger organised club event and I was able to meet so many friendly faces from the club which calmed my nerves for sure!

Race Start: Swim and Bike Legs

As the race kicked off, I watched through the window into the swimming pool as Anna started our relay team off in the water. As swimmers started making their way to T1 the buzz and the cheering were electric. Anna swam a solid leg, and as she came running to us, I could feel my heart rate rising. The transition from swim to bike went smoothly, and soon, Sarah was off on the bike course. During this time, I tried to stay loose, stretched a bit, and made sure I had everything ready—running shoes tied, race bib in place. I had been pacing nervously, waiting for Sarah to come in from the bike leg. However, during this period I was able to observe all the solo triathletes setting up for their event, which made me realise all the planning and preparation needed to do so so that your transitions go as smoothly as possible.

The Run Leg (5km)

Finally, we saw Sarah approaching the transition area. Anna removed the timing chip from Sarah’s ankle, transferred it to mine and I immediately took off. The first few hundred meters my adrenaline had spiked from the handoff and my legs seemed like they had forgotten how to run but once the feeling wore off, I was able to find a sustainable pace.

The course was relatively flat, barring one slight incline which became more prominent as the laps went on. I could feel my legs start to settle into a rhythm around the 1km mark. The support from the club and volunteers along the route was great—it really helped keep me motivated. At one point, I passed a few other relay runners, which gave me a confidence boost.

By the halfway point, I was feeling strong but knew I needed to save something for the final push. My teammates were out there cheering me on, which made me dig even deeper. The last kilometre was tough, but I could hear everyone at the finish line, and it gave me that extra energy to push through.

Finish Line and Team Celebration

As I approached the finish line, I could see everyone from the club there cheering loudly. I gave everything I had in the last stretch and crossed the finish line with a huge sense of accomplishment, especially after doing a PB. We had done it—completed our first triathlon as a team!

We gathered near the finish area, congratulating each other and sharing the excitement of what we’d just accomplished. It was an amazing feeling to be part of a relay team, knowing we each played a crucial role in our overall performance.

Post-Race Reflection

Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in my first triathlon relay. The camaraderie, the atmosphere, and the shared goal of crossing that finish line together made the whole day unforgettable. The run leg was tough but manageable, and I was proud of the effort I put in to help our team finish strong.

Now that I’ve gotten a taste of triathlon, I can see why people get hooked! I think I’m now ready to experience my first solo triathlon!

Image credits: Fullsteam

Event: The Brutal Extreme Full Distance Triathlon
Date: 7^th September 2024

The Brutal is an Ironman-distance triathlon with 3,700m of climbing in the rugged and beautiful Eryri/Snowdonia mountains. I signed up for this race with some friends from university about 8 months ago, excited to take on the challenge having never actually completed a triathlon longer than a sprint distance.

In May, I had a bike crash at another race and tore my iliacus muscle in my hip in two places. I had just under four months to go from being bed-bound to trying to complete an Ironman. Luckily, I absolutely love procrastinating in all aspects of life and with sport, so thoroughly enjoyed the training process.

On the 6th of September, I set out to travel there via train, cycling and carshares. Despite some traffic, all was fine and after the race briefing, we settled down around 23:00 for not-so-relaxing sleep. Race morning required a 04:15 wakeup and tasteless breakfast before heading through the dark streets towards Llanberis. Nerves were overtaken by time-pressured efficiency, and with just enough time for a group photo and some nervous jokes, we entered the 14°C water.

Failing to hear the start gun and (stupidly) messing around with my watch, I had a messy sub-optimal start. However, with about 200 competitors, the water wasn’t too crowded and I gradually moved forward. My race plan was to take the swim a fair bit harder than the bike or run, given it is much shorter. I let the competitive impulsions motivate me to overtake others one at a time and eventually was at the front of the chase pack. After 2 laps, we had to get out (for a safety check) and run a short distance before re-entering Llyn Padarn. I made the most of this and sprinted away to head off for the final half alone. There were still quite a few swimmers ahead and I was tiring but managed to hold a decent pace and admire the multicoloured sunrise appearing over the mountains. Out of the water, I jogged to transition, accompanied by some supporting friends who informed me I was the first woman out the water and after a speedy transition, the first competitor overall starting the bike course.

Alas, this was short lived as other athletes whizzed past me like I was standing still during the first lap of the 45km course. Two smaller climbs preceded the mega Nant Gwynant (white brook) climb that finished at Pen-y-Pass (head of the pass). My nutrition plan consisted of my mum’s flapjacks, bananas and peanuts from aid stations and a maple syrup/salt energy drink. Questionable, I know, but it worked for me.

It was strange doing a race where I was trying to ensure I went slow enough, not as fast as I could. Traffic lights and aid station stops provided quite a few interesting chats with other competitors and volunteers. My favourite was a man called “Mr Tumble” who had a 6-person support van driving ahead every 5km or so to cheerlead like wild when he passed but ended up also cheering me on as I went back-and-forth with Mr Tumble countless times.

After 2 laps most of the half-distance triathletes had left the course and the roads became much emptier. The electrifying mountain descents provided stimulation, but my mind began to despair. How would I finish this? I had so long left. My knees and head ached, I couldn’t expand my lungs fully to breathe and felt sick. Was I even enjoying this? I forced myself to look at the mountains. To smile at the other athletes and think of all the people who would love to be in my position right now. I also reminded myself of the £335 race fee. Eventually, I rolled down the mountain for a 4th time and into Llanberis for T2.

I set off for the 3x 8km laps around the same lake we swam in at an easy pace, I looked down at the 5:15/km pace on my watch and in elation bounced onwards. By the aid station at the halfway point, this had dropped and then I was onto the undulating trails with hills steep enough to reduce me to a defeated walk. By lap 2, my pace had dropped down to 5:45/km and by lap 3 this was again down to 6:15/km. As I took some food and water from the ceaselessly cheerful volunteers and ate/drank while walking up yet another hill, the sun began to set. My friends had now all finished the half-distance race and had gone home to shower and eat but would be coming back to see my finish. All that stood between me and them was Snowdon.

A short medical brief and check and I headed off with my mountain rucksack now on. The route was up and down the tourist path, which begins with some cruel >20% sections. Mind exhausted, I could just about smile and say nothing but ‘thank you’ to the people descending the path who asked what race was going on or moving to the side to let me stagger past. After the slowest 4km of my life, the sun finally bade goodbye and left an auburn horizon to burn out as I reached the first medic check. Headtorch on, I continued into the inky abyss with only the 10m in front of me and distant lights on the mountain for reference. The mist now obscured anything further than 10m from view, so it was just me and the ground below. Eventually I saw another red light – the summit was here! And then I was informed that this was actually the second medical check. The eternal upward crawl continued. Finally, I did reach the summit, although it had been moved 50m further down for visibility reasons.

I turned tale, unable to enjoy the non-existent mountain top view and picked up a cautious jog down the mountain. Weaving my way down the scree slopes, I stumbled a few times and struggled to pick out the path. But I had a renewed vigour and was forced to concentrate on my feet to avoid tumbling down the mountain. I walked when terrain got technical, but apart from that, it was the thought of my friends in the cold, waiting for me at the bottom and my family and friends at home, who only had the race timings to know of my progress that kept me moving forward. Slow, but enjoying the adrenaline rush of the isolation and challenge, I finally made it back to tarmac and streetlights. I turned into the race area where my friends shouted and jogged me into the finishing straight. In a time of 15:59:56 and some incredible highs and lows, it was over. I came 2nd women (out of 4) and 9th overall (out of 54) and enjoyed some time on the floor.

Sadly, this is the last ever year of the Brutal so there is no point in recommending it to friends/enemies. However, the Brutal are a super friendly and helpful community that organise other insane endurance challenges, so check them out if you are interested!

Event: Ironman Copenhagen
Date: 18^th August 2024

“If I can, anyone can!” Which is what started this off some years ago when I met a lady at a cycling event and she had taken part in an Ironman, she wasn’t the lean athlete that I assumed did these events. I just don’t see myself as sporty, I was the kid at school who hated PE and swimming was taught to you at school to save you in case you fell in the water. 

I’ve been having swimming lessons for years, initially learning to balance and breathe out in the water, so I have come a long way but I am so slow – I’m the one at the back when we do the lake training.

My anxiety comes with too – will I make it out alive and will I make the cut of time – plus cramps swimming, cycling, and running. The one thing I did better this time was more Precision hydration – I don’t get royalties.

I was recommended Austria, Copenhagen, and Challenge Roth for beginners/good events. CR is pretty impossible to get an entry.

I did my first IM in Austria five years ago—I really didn’t need to do another. However, this year, I would be 60 and for some reason, I was dreading it. I guess as a child, people seemed so old and retired at 60. Life has nothing to do with your age; it’s your attitude, so I decided I would do another IM.

It does become all-consuming fitting it in around work and family, I followed Be Iron Fit by Don and Melanie Fink, sticking as closely as life allows to follow the program. Breaking my @£* toe halfway through by walking into the sofa didn’t help.

Having paid a huge amount to enter, flights, bike box, and accommodation all add to the pressure to be healthy on the day and finish. The night before I couldn’t sleep and got maybe 1-2 hours, of course they always say the previous night’s sleep is the most important.

The day was perfect, the temperature had cooled and the water was flat. I was in the last wave, the 1:24hr plus. They set you off in groups of 6, mostly I was swimming on my own with the small jellyfish and eels, plus areas of tangly weed! A great course to easily sight and cheers from the bridges breaking the 3.8km swim into manageable chunks. 500m from the end my left leg cramped (pulling it along like a dead weight not wanting to make it worse or my other leg to cramp up too). At the swim finish I held the hand of the marshal for far too long, grinning and crying at the same time but managed to stand up, last IM I fell over in agonising cramp.

On to the bike, my best discipline, and I was looking forward to the views, crowds, and rolling hills. The wind was ever present even having to peddle down hills – no respite. I was keeping a steady rate, drinking and eating correctly and toilet stops as needed.

On the first lap I was overtaken by the guys with the solid wheels, TT bars and fancy helmets. The second lap I was pretty much on my own. Panic, my bad maths made me wonder if I was going to be okay for time, should be 7 hours plus 2 must be out by 9.5hrs allowed. At the time with the headwind I was back down to 14mph, so my head said needed another hour! Guess I turned a corner and picked up speed, to arrive in Copenhagen Centre with time to spare. They have bike catchers, so no need to rack the bike, and another full change into my running gear.

Set off with the brick legs (brick training really pays off) and still felt good. The course is 4 loops with each loop passing the finish with its continual announcements, ‘You are an Ironman,’ and big crowds. Strangely I didn’t mind passing this, I knew I would make it now – bearing complete disaster – as I had plenty of time.

Still running until lap 3.5, I had only had one gel on the run, feeling nauseous I really couldn’t eat anything and struggling to drink anything but sips of water, I walked for some sections, particularly on the cobbles (there are too many of these). I gave myself a pep talk, “My legs are fine, this is your final lap, you must try running!” So run I did, with extra energy at the finish to run through the crowds and onto the red carpet.

You are an Ironman!

Copenhagen is a beautiful city with lots of waterways, good architecture and good food, and everyone seems to speak English. We felt so welcome, and it’s only a 2-hour flight.

The IM had 60% first-timers, only 15% women but that’s increasing every year.

Event: North Downs Ultra 50 Challenge
Date: 27th July 2024

Prequel: “Happy Birthday Marit, for your birthday present I will sign us up for an ultra, 100km trail run/walk,” meet my friend Emma. After some negotiations, I managed to get the distance down to 50km and we were good to go! Fast forward a few months, and some very good long hikes in the Surrey hills, we went from planning to run/walk to walking the whole 50km.

How it started: Purchased parking in advance so it was super easy to just park up, register, get a coffee and wait for my friends to turn up. After a few jumping jacks and some other warmup routines, we were off for a long day of waking.

During: The course was well marked and with our plan to walk the whole route we had plenty of time to take in the beautiful North Downs Way. First feed station on top of Newlands Corner came fairly quickly and with the sun shining, everyone was in good spirits. Next stop, the halfway mark.

By the time we got to 25km, we were overtaking some other walkers and being overtaken by other runners and walkers but our group was still smiling. After a picnic, 15/20min break to eat and refill water bottles, we were off again.

The next 15km were going to be tough and as I had the most endurance training under my belt, I took on the role of a DJ and village idiot, playing music while trying to keep motivation and energy levels up. My rendition of “I would walk five hundred miles” didn’t go down that well but I did find some other tune we all sang along to.

The last feed station was 45km, we stocked up on pick ’n’ mix and with sore feet, we knew the last 10km was going to be tough but stopping was never an option.

How it finished: Walking together and singing to Ellie Goulding’s ‘Burn’ as we walked under the finish banner. With a medal around my neck, a cup of Prosecco in my hand and tucking into some food, I just couldn’t stop thinking, I would like to try run/walk a 50km.

To sum it up, well organised event by Action Challenge and it was an enjoyable/challenging day out with friends!

Event: Salty Sea Dog Long Swim
Date: 10th August 2024

On what was a bright morning, Sheena and I set off to Southbourne, Bournemouth for the Salty Sea Dog 2.5km swim. As our car headed south west, the weather became less sunny and the wind picked up!

Upon arrival, we were buffeted by the wind as we marched to the beach to view the course and were immediately confronted with 100 foot waves (alright maybe they were only a couple of feet high, but they seemed big).

Due to the increase in the wind, the course was altered, so rather than swimming two 1.25 km rectangular loops along the coast, we were to swim four square loops, each corner of the route being marked by a large orange buoy.

As the wind increased further, we waded into the water and our epic adventure began. Getting out past the waves turned into a marathon, not a sprint, and that was just to the first marker.

The waves kept coming and the thought that it would be easier once we’d turned the first corner and were swimming along the shore turned out to be incorrect.

It wasn’t possible to get into a rhythm and taking each breath was a battle not to drink a gallon of salt water that was pushed into our faces.

Turning the third corner and swimming with the wind behind us created its own challenges as tow floats were hitting people and getting tangled in arms.

The final stretch back to the first buoy, being buffered by the wind whilst being pushed towards the shore didn’t provide any reprieve. For me, one lap was enough. I did not fancy dying that day or even being fished out by a safety boat, so I called it quits.

But Sheena (the Herculean goddess), ploughed on, battling the elements and even winning a fight with the third buoy which was blown ashore due to the mighty winds, to complete all four laps of the course.

A satisfying day out, if not the sunny swim envisioned when we signed up. As a reward for our endeavours, we were given a glass of coke to drink as apparently “it kills everything”!

Note to self – stick to the lake swims!

Event: Dorney Evening Triathlon
Date: 7th August 2024

“Gary & I have entered the Dorney Evening Tri on 7^th August… would be nice to have some more Pinkies join us” posted Clint on the VTC Team App. Why not, I thought, and so signed up for my first (Sprint) triathlon.

About a dozen other Pinks answered Clint’s rallying call, so there were plenty of friendly and familiar faces at the starting line come the day of the race. The 18:30 start provided a good excuse to knock-off work early and, even better, the late start time and reasonable weather meant there was some massively appreciated vocal support from the sides cheering the Pinks on. So, having negotiated the first challenge (squeezing into the unforgiving tri suit), it was time for the race…

The Swim – There’s plenty of advice about pacing yourself from the start on the swim, but it’s easier said than done when the adrenaline is pumping and everybody else goes off at a fair pace. Having got to the first buoy and been disillusioned to realise that it was the first turning point on the 400m course rather than the 750m course we were on, I focused on steadying my breathing and heart rate, and it felt as though I got into a more sustainable rhythm. With only a few bumps at the turns, the leg that most triathletes enjoy the least was soon over. It was much more fun than I expected.

The Cycle – The closed roads around the lake make Eton Dorney an ideal location, especially for novices like myself. I was soon clipped in and rolling, and Alan gave me some friendly words of encouragement as he cruised past me on lap 1. Making sure that I didn’t forget to count my laps, I’d soon completed the cycle leg, and was through T2 and onto the run.

The Run – Up and down a single track on the side of the lake makes for a slightly congested run, but has the benefit of providing plenty of opportunity see how you’re getting on and share encouragement with fellow Pinks.

Results – All the Pinks participating put in impressive performances. But some special shout outs must go to Hayley who took the win in her first ever triathlon race in the Super Sprint, Jesper who almost got taken out right at the end but still ran to second place in the Super Sprint, and Lucy is definitely back from injury with a fantastic 2nd place in the Sprint. And a big thank you again to all the Pinks supporters who definitely lifted our performances.

To conclude, I enjoyed it so much that I’ve signed up for another in September. Hope to see you in Reading on the 8^th.

Event: European Sprint Qualifier Race (Eton Dorney) | Artic One Events
Date: 13th July 2024

Eton Dorney Qualifiers seem to me to attract more apprehension than other qualifying events. This is my third qualifier there and the feeling was the same.

My first qualifier event ever was at Eton Dorney and I remember being so incredibly nervous, and needless to say, I finished quite a few places outside of qualifying placings.

Following my second attempt, I was confident I’d get a roll-down place, and I did despite a particularly unpleasant swim.

This time I wasn’t sure as I was trying to qualify into the age group above me due to moving up an age category next year, but I was also keen to do well in my current category.

Having read the pre-race briefing blurb, the route was different from previous races for the bike and T2, so this didn’t help pre-race nerves before I’d even gotten there! However, the weather forecast was good – light cloud cover and not too much wind (there’s always wind at Eton Dorney even on a still day!!).

The tension amongst competitors on arrival was evident – much nervous polite chit-chat and bike scanning in the registration queue. Who had TT bikes and who didn’t, who was wearing a GB tri suit and who wasn’t… I tend to feel that this race attracts the ‘Big Guns’ – the fast and furious competitors at the sharp end of age group racing. And sure enough, they were present and correct again on this occasion!

While registering and racking it started to rain much to everyone’s surprise and frustration. I bumped into Sam (Holloway) warming up and he and I passed words about the rain, and it not being in the forecast. Anyway, the men were in the water first in the rain while the women watched and waited. A poor male competitor’s wheel slipped and he came off his bike on a turn into a new lap – too painful for him to continue. So inevitably this caused more nervous chattering amongst the women about the bike course being wet and slippery on corners.

On with the swim – usual 750m swim and exit on a concrete ramp. My swim went well – I surprised myself when I saw who I came out with.

My T1 was ok – usual stamping on wetsuit to get it off!

The 20km (I think it was a bit less than 20km) bike loop for me wasn’t too bad despite the light rain. The loop involved going from the Boat House end up over the bridge, up the middle with the lake on the right, then turning left at the top and coming back down to the Boat House alongside the hedges and trees.

T2 was a scramble to spot trainers, rack and run. By this time the rain had stopped. I wasn’t entirely sure where I was in my age group at this point – I was more focused on not falling off my bike for the last 20km!

Into the single lap run to the end of the lake and back – the end that always looks FOREVER away when you head out! By this point I knew women were catching me up – my run isn’t great. It’s not bad but there are some fast runners. The usual voices in the head saying this is just horrendous, why am I doing it…. to more positive self-chat…. just move forward and relax your shoulders away from your ears. I took a gel at halfway – actually slopped a gel half down my tri suit trying to gasp for air and swallow it. Sure enough, a lady got past me at halfway. There were a couple of younger competitors roughly half my age who came past which I couldn’t care less about by that point!

A short sprint as fast as I could across the line – phew all done! I was thrilled to see I’d come in ahead of two women who beat me a few weeks earlier at Southport World Qualifiers. I finished 4th in my age group and qualified 4th in the age group above.

Well done to Sam who also qualified 😊

European Champs are in Istanbul next year.

All in all, a good day in the office, although the photo may not look like it.

Event: T100 Olympic Distance
Date: 28th July 2024

On July 28th I took part in the T100 Olympic Distance!

It was a hectic start to the event on Saturday, as that’s when everyone had to drop off their equipment at the ExCeL near Docklands. On my way to the expo centre, I ended up joining the T100 pro women’s race for a few moments (mostly due to clueless marshals) but luckily a man shouted out and made sure I got off the course!

Besides the hectic drop-off on Saturday, Sunday was off to an early start. I was up at 6am and in the water at 7:40am.

I would rate the swim course 6/10 given the water in Victoria docks is not surprisingly, murky…

The bike course 9/10 given it was one large lap towards Big Ben rather than multiple smaller laps which the T100 participants undertook.

Finally, I’d give the run course 8/10 since the sun was out and the run was next to the docks with plenty of aid stations to get everyone to the finish line in one piece.

Overall, a great event with loads of participants and free swag. I managed to finish up in under 2hr30 which was a personal goal!