Author: Jean Ashley

It was another great day and the rain held off for the Shrewsbury Quadrathlon. This year it was our National Championships and the 3rd Race in our National Trophy Series. Big Thanks to ‘SYTri’, Phil Holden and his ‘Team’ of helpers who made this quad possible. Lots a BQA Members and top athletes were racing, plus it was great to see newcomers to our sport all enjoying this very friendly and welcoming event. Huge Congratulations to all the Quadrathletes out there today, looks like you’ve all had a fabulous day! Well Done to all the Prize winners and a huge thank you to everyone for sharing the Quadrathlon in Passion in fine form! #smallsportbigheart

Congratulations to our National Champions Oliver Fairbairn and Helen Russell and to all the prize winners too.

Male
1st Oliver Fairbairn Senior – 1.34.29
2nd Nigel Unwin Vet 50 – 1.34.34
3rd Jules Taylor Vet 60 – 1.37.50

Female

1st Helen Russell Vet 40 – 1.40.17
2nd Nicola Hamerton Vet 60 -1.49.32
3rd Adele Blakeborough Vet 50 – 1.49.48

There was a notable performance from young athlete Gemma Block from Shrewsbury Canoe Club, who was racing in the Junior Category. She certainly looks like one to watch out for in the future. She finished 8th overall and is not only the Junior Champion but also won the prize for the best placed local athlete.

Here are the Full Results Shrewsbury 2022 results

The Team Prize must go to MADCC who were out in full force, as always very enthusiastic and supporting our races throughout the season! Well Done Team Macclesfield Canoe Club!

SHREWSBURY RACE REPORTS

Thanks to our BQA Members Jules Taylor, and Helen Russell for their Race Reports. Jules is making a long awaited comeback and Helen is a regular athlete on our Quadrathlon circuit. The BQA really appreciate input from our members, its always good to hear their side of the story, so thanks for these great reports!

I first met Jules in 2000 when I was fairly new to the sport of Quadrathlon, over the next 5 years we had many a great trip to Europe competing in World Championship Events. Other commitments took over Jules life and he moved on to other challenges. I am so pleased Jules has made a come back after a long break, he’ll be a great asset to our Quad family,  enthuiastic, fun and as I remember always smiling!

JULES REPORT

What a fantastic event this was, Shrewsbury Quadrathlon , running alongside a few other races on the day at a great venue, at the Shrewsbury Show ground. It was a 4:30am start from Bristol with my youngest daughter as support and the best driving conditions ever on the M5. Arrived safely, registration was slick at the BQA tent , gear sorted , and I even had time to chill before the swim .
The Brigg Bomber was my first event this year and 5 months later , this would be my second….but with the benefit of a few months good training between…let’s see what I could do!

It was a deep water start , in the second wave , and it felt cold ! On time we were off, and within a few strokes one guy was ahead , and looking behind I was comfortable building gap from the rest . This was really reassuring as I settled into a good rhythm, I hadn’t swum open water since Brigg so
I was happy with the pool training I’d done . Exiting in second place , I had trouble with a really cold head and my balance ….need to so i do need to practice open water swimming more!

Transition was fast and onto the kayak, and into the water. I just couldn’t find my balance , four
capsizes later I was off and now in first out of Wave 2. Shocking as it was well over a minute wasted , but I was paddling strongly I felt good after a couple of minutes. I Soon picked up on the first wave paddlers , around the turn bouy , and back upstream . Not long before the rest of my wave were on the turn around , so upped the effort and by the end of the kayak couldn’t see the others so happy with a bit of a gap .

Hugely improved transition from 5 months ago , and off on the bike . Still not comfortable with tri bars on this bike, very short wheelbase making it feel twitchy down
on them , so I was still riding without. Rode hard to the turn around then started a timer to see what gap I had on the others…it was 2:30 minutes before we passed each other so that was a 5 minute cushion to the run transition. My Competitive streak had certainly kicked in!

All went well , slickly through transition , and out on the run . After half a lap moving strongly , no sight of anyone from my wave , so tried to maintain pace with not blowing up. I knew I was right on my current top effort so it was constant monitoring how I felt to stay safe. I really enjoyed the lapped run, 3 laps which I broke down into 3 little goals, I crossed the finish line , and I’d run my fastest 5km for some years . It was a great result ….V60 first place , and a real surprise was I was 3rd overall .

It was an excellent course ….absolutely no worries about route finding , top organisation , solid
marshaling , and good weather. Many thanks for a brilliant day to Shrewsbury Triathlon , Phil Holden , and everyone who helped make it a top event.Thank you!

With Bude cancelled , I had felt a bit deflated as that had been my last race this year , and it
would have been my third towards National BQA Trophy Rankings , so had lost a bit of momentum with only 2 races done. Amazingly someone at work has agreed to swap shifts so I can have the 25th September off , and now have 3 weeks before Lincsquads Sprint Quadrathlon , and a chance at a third event !
Woohoo…..excited , and I’m looking forward to seeing you all again soon! Jules Taylor

HELEN’S REPORT

The third race in the 2022 British Trophy Series took place on 4th September at Shrewsbury Quadrathlon, which was also this year’s National Championship race, so there were national titles up for grabs. The national championship race took place at the West Midlands Showground and saw competitors swim 500m and kayak 4.2km in the River Severn, cycle 23km out to Baschurch and back, before finally running 5km in the showground.

Unfortunately there were temporary traffic lights on the route. Athletes who had to stop had their stop times calculated via their chips but this could mean that the order people finished in was not their actual results position as the results would only become clear once all times had been calculated.

There was a great atmosphere at the start with many seeing each other for the first time again since the pandemic hit. The river was a refreshing 17 degrees and slightly flowing, although the recent lack of rain meant that it didn’t feel as fast flowing as in previous years.

Liz Dawson from Macclesfield and District Canoe Club excited the swim leg in first place with Helen Russell, racing for Fladbury Paddle Club just eight seconds behind and Adele Blakeborough, from Chester Canoe Club in third. However, a swift transition meant that Helen entered the kayak leg in first place. She then went on to build on her lead throughout the race, posting the fastest times in the kayak, bike and run legs and crossed the finish line as the first overall female and National Champion in a time of 1.40.17.

Adele moved into second place on the kayak leg, posting the second fastest kayak leg of the day. However, Nicola Hamerton, from Macclesfield and District Canoe Club was chasing hard and posted the second fastest bike leg and third fastest run leg, which meant that she finished in second place in 1.49.32. Adele was close behind finishing in in 1.49.48. Unfortunately, the aforementioned traffic lights on route meant that neither Adele nor Nicola knew how close their times were and whilst Adele crossed the finish line second the stopped time calculations meant that Nicola was actually the second placed athlete. As well as being on the podium both Nicola and Adele won their respective age group titles.

The race which took place alongside a triathlon, aquabike and aquathlon, was as usual, excellently run and the marshals and organisers did a fantastic job giving encouragement all along the route. It was great to be able to socialise and have presentations again this year, which gave everyone a chance to chat and share their race experiences with each other. Helen Russell

Latest National Trophy Results after 3 Races – BQA Trophy 2022

TROPHY REPORT – After 3 Races John McAdam is in the lead, but it will depend on who is racing at Brigg. Wayne Smith and Jules Taylor could challenge John the last race of the season. In the Ladies event Helen Adams is winning after 3 races, but Liz Dawson could challenge her if she races at Brigg also.

Not all the Age Group Categories will be awarded, as its 3 races to count. But if BQA members race at Brigg we will hopefully present BQA Vouchers to – Senior Women, Vet 50 Male and Female, Vet 60 Male and Vet 70 Male. Remember the Winners of the Overall Winners Male and Female will not win Age Group Prizes it will role down to the next person.

So lots of prizes up for grabs, make sure you enter and get those BQA points at The Brigg Sprint on 25th September! Lincsquad.co events Brigg-sprint-Tri Quad

Deva Divas 2022 … A Perfect Blue Bird Day!

What an amazing day, I have only just found the words after reading so many wonderful emails and messages from my Deva Diva Quadrathletes after our Race on 10th July … its the only Ladies ONLY QUADRATHLON in the WORLD, and part of a Festival of Womens Racing organized by Chester Triathlon Club, including a Triathlon and an Aqua Bike!  This year more than ever there have been so many inspiring journeys that ladies have taken to get to that start line. A huge well done to everyone of you who helped make this race happen …… I was so happy watching you all, there is so much love in our Quadrathlon Family!

I’m very proud to be part of Chester Tri, and Chester Canoe Club and the Special Team who gave up so much time to make this event ‘just one of the best!’ As always it’s a long list of volunteers, and a Key Team who give so much to make the Deva Divas so special, but the back bone who holds us all together Overall Race Director ‘Sally Napthen’ … Yes ….. you’ve done it again, it’s been another memorable Race Day, 15 years on 5 years of Quadrathlon and were still counting ….

The biggest Hugs go to you Deva Quad Girls for giving it your all, you pushed hard, smiled all the way and inspired many onlookers with your enthusiasm to take on 4 disciplines!

You were amazing and that’s what makes The Deva Divas so special. It has been another memorable Race Day, one like no other, its been a great pleasure to be part of your journey … and I’ll say it again, I’m so proud of you all Bask in Your Glory … You did it, Keep sprinkling the Fairy Dust …..Jean ‘FairyQuadmother (Quadrathlon Race Director) 

There was some great competitive racing in the top half of the field, but without a doubt there were smiles all the way! Congratulations to our Winner for the second year on the run, Eleanor Young, with Elizabeth Middling in 2nd Place,  and Adele Blakeborough in 3rd place.

1st Eleanor Young Senior – Senior 1.57.37
2nd Elizabeth Middling – 1st Vet 40 1.59.03
3rd Adele Blakeborough – 1st Vet 50 1.59.58

Special Mention to our BQA Members that flew the flag for the BQA, a Big thanks for supporting and inspiring many of our Deva Divas along the way! Also special thanks to our Male BQA Members that helped out in Kayak transition and on the water … Dave Ashley, Mark Pryor, Lance Ball and David Jones, you help was much appreciated!

4th Gillian Melia – 2nd Vet 50 2.05.41 
5th Liz Dawson – 3rd Vet 50 2.05.41
6th Helen Adams – 4th Vet 50 2.08.56
7th Mary White – 1st Vet 70 2.10.55
8th Nicola Hamerton – 1st Vet 60 10
13th Margaret Hyton – 2nd Vet 70 2.230.53
16th Anne Collins – 8th Vet 50 2.26.24
25th Caroline Jones – 14th Vet 50 2.41.40

Full Results Deva-Divas-2022 Quadrathlon

Deva Divas 2022 Film Film 2022

Deva Divas Photos

I have a few race reports being constructed by our Deva Divas … here is the first one from ‘Terrie Johnson’

I would just like to say a massive thank you to all involved in the organisation and running of the Deva Diva Triathlon and Quad. It is by far my favorite event of the year and despite being poorly on and off and not doing as much training as I would have liked – I was not going to miss it!

The event, for me, starts ten weeks before with the start of the kayak training. The volunteer instructors (Jean, Carol and John) coach, coax and build our confidence sky high. They are incredibly patient, supportive and a lot of fun! I love kayaking on the Dee with these amazing people so much so I have booked a kayaking holiday in Norway.
Before the event, there are swims and bike rides to ensure everyone is feeling confident. Sally Napthen has thought of everything to ensure competitors are put at ease.

The atmosphere on the day is absolutely amazing with every single volunteer and competitor cheering and supporting each other. I ran a lap with a lady I had never met before. We were running at the same pace so decided to run together to support each other – we chatted all of the way round.
I feel women tend to lose themselves after having children so this event is such a positive way for them to rediscover themselves, build confidence and help them realise THEY CAN DO IT. My confidence was very low when I did my first Deva Diva triathlon but since then I have done another 7 triathlons, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, completed the National and Yorkshire 3 Peaks, 3 Deva Diva Quadrathons and so much more!! I can’t thank the organisers of the Deva Divas, and especially our lovely Fairy Quadmother Jean Ashley, enough for giving me my confidence and self belief back.
Thank you x

Below is a second report from the Smiley ‘Sue Austin‘  Her first Deva Divas was six years ago, a panic attack in the water saw her having to be taken into a safety boat at a different tri -game over before it began. The following year she decided to do it again, Sue did have a  panic again but a wonderful marshal in a kayak got me standing in the mud, calming down and helping me to finish. That marshal gave Sue the love of the sport again, it was a great friend to our Chester Divas Kayak Team! Since then Sue has been a HUGE part of our Quadrathlon Divas Group and has finished with a big smile every year since then! She gives so many people confidence to our kayak group …and has a ‘never say never’ attitude now, well done Sue and her ‘Tiger Stripes’!

Sue’s Report: Devas 2022 – What if I panic in the water, capsize the kayak, get a puncture on the bike or am too tired to run – and what if I need the loo? All the questions racing through my head on the way to The Meadows for the 2022 Deva Divas Quadathlon. But friendly faces, smiles from marshalls, and the lurch of excitement as I wheeled my bike and kit into transition meant the questions were replaced by ensuring everything was in place on and by the side of the rack. Paddle – check, buoyancy aid – check, bike helmet… the list went on. Hugs as other Divas arrived and talc loaned to someone who had forgotten theirs.

Out of transition and time to get into the wetsuit. Friend Aimee helped. ‘jump’ she said pulling over my ample rear! The fun briefing by Sally and Ravi and then the long walk down to the swim get in, hundreds of competitors,  their supporters, all snaking along the path to the start of the swim!
Nerves really kicking it it was time to ‘walk the plank’ getting into the water one by one. Plenty of time to get used to the temperature, remember to breath set the watch, then the countdown … and the hooter.
The fast swimmers were off, the rest of us tentatively setting out stroke by stroke. The realization that no, you are not panicking, you can breath, was such a relief as was seeing hubbie on the river bank as I breathed left.
I was sort of enjoying it, the ramp at the end of the swim was in sight then boom, the faster swimmers from the next wave were passing, too close for comfort. Concentrate, breath, I thought and had to really focus before finally the ramp was under my feet and the hand of a marshal was pulling me out of the water.

And there was Jean shouting for my number for the kayak and our other kayak coaches John and Carol shouting encouragement – along with hubby and emotions nearly got the better of me.
Run into transition trying to get the wetsuit off, find my bike then BA on grab the paddle and back down to the water. My loaned Tempest was waiting and another marshall to steady it. Then it was stage two. A couple of wobbles – concentrate woman!

The kayak leg seems long and I needed lots of determination. Trying to remember everything we had been taught in the wonderful Thursday night coaching sessions. Waves of swimmers were continuing to our right and I shouted encouragement to those at the back who were struggling.
There was encouragement from marshalls on paddleboards and in kayaks, from faster paddlers overtaking and from those at the front already on the return leg. Eventually the half way buoy was rounded and the current was finally with me. What a difference and it seemed much quicker getting back to the beach.

More encouragement into transition, helmet on, dry my feet and get my socks and shoes on best I could then off on the third leg. My prayer that my bike was in a low gear was answered and it was up the rise and onto the roads. Phew, time to take on water and my first gel. Not too much traffic en route and plenty of marshalls at junctions and corners. One lady had a puncture, another stopped to help and I called to a motorbike marshall a little future up who immediately went off to their aid. Again prayers were answered with no traffic as the turnaround island and it was homeward bound. A group of male cyclists had stopped to cheer us on and I was loving my bike as she passed slower cyclists. Soon I was back in the residential streets and just had time for my second gel before dismounting and into transition for the last time even quipped I was running with my bike like the professionals.

How quickly the enjoyment evaporated as I started the run and realised just how hot it was. That last leg was completed with sheer dogged determination not to walk one step and the camaraderie of fellow divas. We encouraged each other the length of those hot five kilometres and gratefully accepted bottles of water. More went on my head and neck than I drunk to cool me down. The finish line was in sight then the cruel realisation that this was just the first lap. Hubby and friends, some who had completed their triathlon shouted as I carried on running past the finish and onto the last lap. Numbers still our on the course had dwindled and it was even more important to smile, encouraged, and take on that water. But the metres counted down stride by stride and this time with the finish in sight I could go into the right hand lane, put on the best attempt at a sprint, over the line into the arms of Fairy Quadmother Jean.

I had done it. At the age of 61 I had another Deva Divas under my belt. Shattered but elated I met up with hubby and friends for a quick well done before heading back onto the course to shout the rest of the quadathletes in.
The friendships made during our kayak sessions are very, very special and pride at finishing was tinged with sadness that we live so far apart.

Thank you so very much Deva Divas – the confidence you give me to enable me to still be able to compete is something I treasure. I so hope to see you again in 2023!

I was SO PROUD to present Sue with her Wine for 3rd place on the Podium, well deserved Sue … True Determination year in year out! Jean XX

I look forward to welcoming you all again next year, as always the Deva Divas Quadrathlon  is very special and close to my Heart. The camaraderie is very special between us all and especially the Chester Deva Divas Kayak Team, your determination, your personal stories on getting to that start line …. your smiles week in week out really do inspire so many of us! See you in 2023, and keep sharing that Fairy Dust!  Love Jean xx

A Big Thanks to Mark Benton and his very enthuiastic Team of Volunteers and Marshals to organizing this great sprint Quadrathlon Race for all ages including our ‘Quadkidz ‘our up and coming Quad Stars of the Future! Thanks also to ‘Mark David and Caz Jones’ who have been organizing Quad Training Days and encouraging newcomers to our sport, they do a fantastic job for the BQA! Thanks to ‘Caz’ also for the race Report, sounds like you all had a fabulous day … well done to Everyone who took part in this super friendly event!

The day started with a buzz of expectation as Team Manvers event team and volunteers welcomed competitors to Manvers Waterfront. Some having arrived the day before and camped on site by the lake. The weather gods were kind remaining dry and offering a cool 16 degrees following the previous day’s heat wave temperatures and rain burst. The north westerly breeze built towards the afternoon providing a slight chop in what’s known locally as ‘washing machine corner’. The lake looked stunning in the sunshine, fish jumping, waterfowl gathering and an array of kayaks with one duck deciding a K1 a good place to perch for a while. The transition filled, the large orange pyramid buoys marked the swim and kayak course and supporters and athletes chatted to catch up. Welcome back Quadrathlon to Manvers.

Mark Benton completed the race briefing, safety crew, time keepers and marshals were in place and Manvers Quadrathlon could begin. First the juniors Quadkidz: experienced triathletes and first time quadrathlete brothers Jacob and Charlie Haslingden took up the challenge and set a high bar for the adults to follow, they took 1st place in their respective age groups…. Welcome to the quad family!

Then it was the turn our turn. The mass swim start including triathletes produced the usual flurry of arms and spray around the 2 lap 400m course. Lead on water safety, Mark Toller reported the swimmers generally spread out well and was thanked for the support during the day. I have to mention first lady out of the water, Clare Addy, first quadrathlon at Dearne Valley, fantastic Clare and one to watch in the future. Supporting crew Claire Higgins and hopeful future quadrathlete? Then Craig Haslingden, Dad taking on the family challenge, Dad (apt for ‘fathers day’) first out of the water in 13:09 and overall mens winner, 1:45 :25. Another farther and son, Steve and Alex Owen completing their first quadrathlon in fantastic spirit. Blake Mawson, previous Quadkidz star, now in seniors (watch out guys), supported by his father, Bob Mawson (water sports coach), smashed the course in a time 1:54. Blake doing this as a ‘warm up’ before his Gold D of E 3 day expedition – Go Blake!

Continuing with the men, Lincsquad were out in force and including support crew Donna Chappill. Wayne Smith, second out of the swim and second overall 1:52:26, great result. John McAdam and Peter Chappill finished with only seconds between them, close racing, John taking third place 1:53:07 and Peter only just behind in 1:53:47. Russell Breyer coming in on their heels , a super kayak in 26:54 and finishing in 1:55:22. Mike Garnock-jones completed in 2:01 , great time and kayak section completed in TM club K1 stability 8. Andrew Lawson no far behind completing in 2:04:30. Finally, John Mcleod, a brilliant time of 2:14:20. What more can I say my hero!

Back to the women, first , Helen Adams, continues her good form completing in 1:56. Helen Recchia , WV60 with a completing time of 2:12, fabulous result. More new athletes Elizabeth Baldwin 2:32 and Rachael McGowan 2:47 friends sharing their challenge together. Well done ladies. Paul Ellis from Team Manvers and fresh from Leeds triathlon completed in 2:16, his first Quadrathlon. Finally, I must mention Kathleen de Mengal experiencing the challenges of all elements for the first time. Thanks to Mark Benton being flexible and inclusive and everybody’s encouragement. I spoke to Kath before and she was so nervous and then afterwards so pleased with her achievement. 

Thanks to Donna Chappill for the photo shoot, we had a Fabulous Day! Its so good to be part of The Quad family, see you at the next one — Caz Jones Team Manvers.

Full Results Dearne Valley results 2022

BQA Trophy Results after 2 Races BQA Trophy 2022 after 2 Races

Thanks also to Wayne Smith, (Lincsquad) who give us an account of his Great Race, coming 2nd Overall. 

After a the disappointment of a DNF at the Bomber a few weeks earlier due to a knee injury in my very last training run, I was apprehensive about going to Manvers but after a couple of trips to the physio and a 1K test run done, I booked on with a week to go knowing what a great venue and event it is.
Woke before my alarm clock and most kit was ready the night before. Boat on, bike in, quick cuppa and breakfast before I hit the road.
I arrived at Manvers which is noticeably changed from pre COVID, with an excellent extension to facilities taking shape and new housing development just over the fence. What a great place to live that will be, with views over the lake.

I just love the simplicity of this event and low key approach which does not detract from the experience. At registration I receive one race number to be worn on a belt, that’s it. No stickers or chips or bands and it all still works brilliantly. The weather being kind, with some sunshine breaking through at times and a light breeze was ideal for pre-race faffing and chatting with familiar faces.

Proceedings kicking off with the junior events and plenty of encouragement given by all to some much needed future senior Quadrathletes.
Soon came the call for the seniors to get in the water and after a few minutes to acclimatize we set off.
The water temperature was really nice and I was into my breathing quickly. Lots of splashing and arms and legs and no idea really where I was in the field, but having a great time anyway. Settled in and found myself at the same pace as someone with a tow buoy, so that was making sighting really easy, assuming they were going the right way? Swim progressed fine with only a bit of an accidental clash with someone about halfway, 50/50 I recon. I think it was someone in a black wetsuit and a bright swim cap?

Transition to bike done with minimal disorientation, the warmer water helps I think for me.
Onto the bike and off down the track, some loose gravel early on and some narrow points but no mud this year. I found myself having to take a little time to find a safe place to overtake and also give way to faster riders, but better safe than sorry. A few walkers and runners etc. to negotiate, bumpy tree roots into the mix and I managed to loose my drink bottle along the way out. Worked hard to the turn point which is deceptively an uphill drag, more noticeable I found when I’d turned and on the way back it started to feel a little easier going. I find the trail a bit it technical in places and I suspect that compared to an event with a road bike leg, bike selection here is a big part of getting the best result. My move from a mountain bike in previous years to a hybrid with bigger wheels seemed to help me. Maybe a gravel bike could be better still?

Onwards to the Kayak!
Launched and looking ahead I couldn’t see many boats out already which is not where I am normally in an event. Some choppy water and cross wind at first. I guess this is normal at Manvers and character building? Never been there yet on a flat calm day. Had a bit of a moment where I was bearing down on a couple of plastic boats into a turn and accidentally bumped into the back of one multiple times, light contact only, honest. It was like we were being drawn together? Really sorry if that was you, I think the wind was involved also.

Onto the run.
Was dreading this, not knowing how this was going to work out after a layoff from injury. I soon became aware of another seasoned Lincsquad athlete, Pete Chappill only a few meters behind me and for at least the first mile or so was making me doubt whether I could hold him off. No sooner had I stretched out a small gap, then I took a wrong turn at a fork and had to double back. I was able to keep the pace and caught Pete again and also near to the end, John McAdam. Great respect to both, and an inspiration, both an age group above me. I hope I can keep doing this Quad thing for a few more years also.

P.B. time for me, so couldn’t be happier. I had a great day a judging by the smiles of others a success all round.
Thanks for Team Manvers for the event, top job!

Thanks also to Helen Adams winner of the Ladies Race for her Race Report.

The last time I did this race was back in 2019 so it was good to see it back on the British Quadrathlon Association (BQA) race calendar and the points won counting towards the BQA Trophy.

The seniors race started at 09:30 a late start but it allowed us to watch and encourage the younger generation having a go and, in some cases, trying Quad or Tri. for the very first time. Well done to all those that took part.

My swim was good, a few argy-bargys round the buoys but I held my own, stuck it out and did the 800m circuit in a time of 00:16:58.

The 15km bike route was on a gravel trail following part of the Trans Pennine Trail cycle path. This was technical and fun especially on a bike built for going fast on tarmac roads. I took it easy knowing applying the brakes too hard I’ll be skidding on the gravel and probably crash. Route completed in a time of 00:42:50, but a note to self – zip up the snack pouch when riding bumpy ground! Yep, managed to scatter my precious Jelly Babies across the trail

On to the kayak … A deep water start and off on the five lap course to cover the 4km distance. Lap four and drama at one of the turn buoys. It came very close to a boat-to-boat contact as four of us tried to round the buoy with not a lot of space / water to manoeuvre. One paddler steamed through causing me to nearly tip in. But a quick reaction support stroke which isn’t easy in a wobbly boat whilst using a set of wing paddles, I saved myself the embarrassing second swim. Being annoyed at getting myself boxed in at a turn buoy I put some effort in and completed the course in 00:29:12

The 5km run. I wasn’t looking forward to as I’d been suffering from a calf injury for the last few weeks. It was a matter of try and see. Thankfully although the calf did twinge, I completed the route in 00:27:50

As always, the race was well organised and this is down to the staff, safety crew and volunteers at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club. Thank You I had a great day … Helen Adams