Viceroys’ 2 nominees for ‘Most Mental Club Member’ (Carla and Anna) lived up to their accolades as they travelled down to Hever Castle with handicapped swim Club Championship winner Adel to tackle The Gauntlet (1/2 iron Man) and 2 Olympic Distance Triathlons respectively. And according to our most mental, Hever is by far one of the most difficult events of the triathlon season, making other events feel like a walk in the park!
Speaking to mountain goat 1/2 Iron Man Anna first, who told us on Monday afternoon: ‘I can barely type … I am utterly exhausted .. What a tough race! It took me 6 hours and 13 minutes to finish – even the winning lady took 5 hours 15. The good bit was the end. The best bit was hearing Carla’s voice in T2…. Cheering me on and lifting my spirits. The worst bit was the start the middle and everything up until the end. Harder than Wimbleball half ironman although every bit as beautiful. Would I do it again? Only with a lot more training… Not a race for the faint hearted. ‘
Bouncing Carla loved her first ever Olympic Distance: ‘Fabulous! Water Temp 14, 2 caps and rash vest under the Tri Suit, the race captain on the mic to start with calmed my nerves but as soon as I entered the water I reverted back to my pre season nightmare and it was horrendous. The gun went off, I was in a strong pack, got kicked to buggery in muddy water and then had to lay on my back as the back of my knees locked up in the most painful cramp. I was joined at the kayak by another lady who was crying so my mind diverted to her instead of me, in doing so I managed to sort myself out and set back off on the swim – awful, awful experience!’
Adel meanwhile, had signed up for Hever Castle as his 3rd olympic distance race because ‘history and scenery attract me, and I try to pick events with nice surrounding and athmosphere. I had no idea though that bike and run course where so hilly!’ So much for his tour of Kent… As he began his swim (his favoured discipline, pre-race tension disappeared, even with the cold.
Things became more challenging for Adel as he left the water though: ‘I had difficulties finding my bike, and when I did, my wet suit wouldn’t come off the left leg, and my T1 time was appalling as usual. I am not a good cyclist but was happy with my bike ride despite the undulations and I tried to pace myself. The weather was overcast, but it was warm for the time of the year and it was comfortable to just wear the tri suit. About 10 yards in front of the marshall who waved his red flag at the dismount line, I took a small sidewards tumble… I am already known to keep doing this. Should I enroll in a balance retraining class? Or should I nominate myself for next years special VTC award? ‘
Carla was in her element on the bike:’ took my mind off into the hills and had a laugh with the other competitors keeping my eye out for Anna. This was the most enjoyable part of the race!
Mmm the run, I saw a glimmer of pink and caught up with Adel who had a bit of a nightmare reaching the line at T2 – The circus are inviting him in for some tricks, Adel told me after the event that this is usual behaviour for him. I’m not sure travelling over your handlebars is key here, was so pleased he was ok.
Ordinarily I love Cross Country but my body was having none of it, tired and then into the first 5K donning huge blisters on both feet (Anna told me my trainers are pants and that I should change them) wish I’d got round to that, only a week of lugging boxes and moving house took over.
Oh well 9th in my age group with all that to contend with, we can but learn from this experience and I can safely say its only left me hungry for more!’ Great work Carla.
If you were thinking Adel’s problems had started and finished with his acrobatic entrance to T2, no, the real problem started with his run! ‘2 laps of an exceptionally beautiful 5k track which had a couple of nasty hills in it. My legs were incredibly heavy, I developed stitch in my side so I slowed right down on the 2nd lap and I concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other hoping to regain a rhythm.I was so glad to reach the finish line, where there was an impressive buffet, with fruits, chocolate pancakes, jelly sweats and beer (alcoholfree).
It was the toughest event in my short triathletic career so far and although i only survived it is was a great race in a fantastic scenic place. I am thinking of signing up for next year again.’
Mad. All of you.
