Bannanaman triathlon, Dorney Lake, Eton
Helen and Maureen competed in this very popular triathlon. Hundreds of athletes took part in six separate races. The venue is ideal for triathlon and spectators as all the disciplines take place in and around a huge lake. The weather was not too promising as a brisk wind was blowing but at least it was dry.
The swim was 800m in cold, clear water which because of the wind was choppy as well. Helen and I climbed into our wetsuits and set off in the women’s race. Everybody starts together as this is an open water swim and there is a mad thrashing of arms and legs as you try to find a space to swim. After a short 400m circuit around some huge buoys we had to climb out of the lake and run back to the start and jump in to complete another lap! Helen and I had recently enjoyed a holiday swimming in the sea between Greek Islands and had no problem with this relatively easy lake swim.
We then struggled [at least I did] out of our wetsuits and immediately pedalled off to cycle 30k – six laps of the lake – against a howling wind! The cycle seemed to last forever but finally we began the run – 7.5k – which was 3 laps up and down the towpath of the lake. The swim was the best bit as the cycle and the run were rather boring and flat. It was in the end a very tough triathlon because you were relentlessly pedalling or running without a change of terrain – no chance of a rest as you would normally freewheel down hill. Or I would anyway.
Helen James swim 22.22, bike 1.31.27, run 57.52, total 2.56.52
Maureen Farish swim 19.48, bike 1.27.11, run 48.35, total 2.41.41