Ahead of Challenge Roth at the start of July, I wanted to complete a shorter race as a warm up – to remind me how to do triathlons after 18 months out of the sport. I’d originally signed up to the local “Avenger” triathlon in Warwickshire, but this was cancelled just a few weeks’ beforehand with little explanation (although the rumour was poisonous algae in the lake). I then had to expand my search radius to find a race in June with places still available, which quickly led me to the “Day in the Lakes” triathlon. This approximately half iron-distance race, based out of Pooley Bridge in the Lake District, was a lot hillier than I’d originally bargained for – with a slightly short bike to compensate for the mountainous trail run. It would also require a 10 hour round trip in the car, but it was also by far the cheapest to enter and crucially still had places left so I didn’t hesitate in signing up.
The event was based in a large campsite, with almost all athletes staying onsite the night before. Things were loud and boisterous around me as I pitched my tent, but it took until I’d completely finished setting up to realise I’d followed the wrong signs and was actually in the middle of the motorcycle and truck festival. The beards, cigarettes and leather jackets hadn’t felt quite right for a triathlon crowd… I just managed to get my tent up for the second time before a huge thunderstorm started, and I retreated inside with earplugs and a book hoping for a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, I’d misjudged how cold it would get in June and even wearing every item of clothing I had, found myself shivering, curled into a survival ball and unable to get back to sleep from 3 am…
Things didn’t get much better when it was finally light enough to get up. Changing into a trisuit can be challenging at the best of times, but in a small tent the logistics were harder than ever and somewhere in the contortion act managed to cramp my foot. Two lessons learnt – where possible treat yourself to an Airbnb pre-race, and if not, invest in a warmer sleeping bag.
After a sub-optimal build up, the race itself started much more positively. The swim was uneventful and I was away on the bike somewhere towards the front. Gauging position would become much harder by the second bike lap, as another race covering half our distance was taking place simultaneously, but I was confident there weren’t too many ahead of me. The course was moderately hilly, but not too steep, and I found myself trading positions with another athlete – in the familiar pattern of me pulling away on the climbs only to drop back as the road flattened out. Eventually, he pulled out of view ahead of me – but I made a note of his trisuit so I could try to look out for him on the run.
Out of T2, we were quickly climbing up a rocky trail. I overtook my marked man here, but couldn’t be sure how many more were ahead as we were surrounded by athletes in the shorter race. When the longer course diverged I asked a marshall how many were ahead, and was delighted to hear I was in first place, whilst simultaneously thinking how disappointed I’d be if I didn’t go on to win from that position! Whilst I didn’t know how far back second place was, I couldn’t spot anyone catching up over my shoulder.
With no-one else in view, I turned my worries to keeping my footing on the increasingly challenging terrain, getting slippery as rain showers started. Second (obvious) lesson learned: I needed to buy some trail shoes for trail runs. The second climb was so steep that I reluctantly resorted to walking. Whilst I’d usually see this as giving up and a line I wouldn’t want to cross, it was actually faster and more efficient than trying to run. Hitting the summit, I took a final nervous glance behind which confirmed I was still out on my own – allowing me to enjoy the final couple of miles downhill to the finish line.
The experience was slightly underwhelming for my first win – reaching the finish line alongside the shorter course athletes, no-one knew I’d actually won my race. Combined with this, a problem with the timing system meant there was some confusion and it took a good few hours to confirm the results (during which I showered, packed up my tent and started to worry about how late I’d be getting home before work the next day). I certainly wasn’t going to miss out on picking up my first winner’s trophy, and I enjoyed chatting to the other athletes along with the friendly (and apologetic) organisers.
I really enjoyed the Day in the Lakes triathlon – the low entry fee and cheap onsite camping (if you’re more prepared than me) combine to make for an extremely good value weekend. I’d perhaps not recommend for beginners (even the shorter course) – partly because of the challenging trail run but mainly as there was no finisher medal (which supports the low entry fee – but I’d definitely want a souvenir from my first race!). Personally, it acted as a great confidence boost that my Spring training had been worthwhile and I was in good form heading towards my “A-race” at Challenge Roth in 3 weeks’ time.