I was the only Bromley Veteran competing in this seaside triathlon and I chose to enter because the swim section was in the sea and I have a longer sea swim triathlon at the end of June. I was very concerned that the water would be too cold as triathlon rules do not allow an open water swim below 12C. The temperature on the day was 13C!
The start time for my wave was 7.50am and fortunately the day dawned bright and sunny. The distance in the sea was 750m. Surprisingly [in my wet suit] after the initial frozen face feeling I did not notice the cold but found the swim tough as there was a strong current pushing us along the coast so I probably swim a good deal further than 750m. There were several strong young men to drag me up the steep beach and I walked [most people jog] to my bike in transition. I broke my own transition personal worst from swim to bike – it took me 7 minutes!
After the hard swim the bike [20k] and the run [5k] were relatively easy. The cycle was along roads parallel to the sea and the run was similar along the promenade. I relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed myself as there were loads of enthusiastic spectators urging you on. Later when the results were uploaded I was delighted to discover I had won a prize. I was first ultravet [indeed the only ultravet!] and a parcel arrived this morning with a trophy and a voucher.
Swim: 26.52, Bike: 57.52, Run: 34.12, total: 2:07:08