Trentham Big Half Triathlon, July 2nd 2006
Report by Chris Clarke and Bonnie Hopkins
Chris Clarke
Trentham was two weeks after Wimbleball 70.3 and it seemed like a good idea last year when I booked it. As race day approached it was going to be interesting to see how my legs coped as they were still not 100%.
The race was planned as training. So start at the front of the swim (JP-mud and duck sh*t) and to try and come out near the front. Which I did (I think!) in a terrible 35 mins after going round 3 inflatable marker's 4 times. Then a long T1 run (and fall) to pick up the borrowed bike and onto the quite gorgeous A 34 for a spot of Ground Hog day. The bike portion of the race consisted of 3 loops (Trentham Water Gardens down to Stone) which seemed okay if not a little mind numbing. I decided not to push the bike leg (training) as the legs were still not feeling strong from the earlier race. After a few cars had tried and failed to draft me (I wish) I finished the bike in 2.15, which is not bad but hopefully I can go faster. T2 was the normal quick change over of shoes and legs and on to the gravel track around the man made lake (4 laps). After the first mile I saw Jane C running the opposite way who piled on the pressure by shouting over I was in 2 position overall, Sh*t no chance for an early bath then, training race out the window and lets up the tempo. The run could have been better but the heat played a important part in the race, and there was only two water stops (note to organisers; more stops please) but all said and done I was happy with a 1.21 run which gave me 2nd position overall and 2nd in my age group (the luck).
Not a bad race or venue if you are not fazed by traffic/roundabouts/shops-think partners spending while your racing/muddy coloured snot post race.
Congratulations go to;
- Jane - finished 1st in her AG (future MTC member).
- Bonnie - finished 2nd overall/2nd in AG.
- Lorraine - finished and strong finish on the run.
Girls remember;
- 1. You need more than 20 psi in your tyres when racing.
- 2. Turn your car off, and point it away from your open tent.
- 3. Think aero, no dust caps or saddle bags the size of Steve Collins tent when racing.
- 4. You don't need Decathlons monthly supply of gels taped to the cross bar.
The names will remain anonymous.
Train Hard - Race Easy
Chris C
Bonnie Hopkins
It's all Lorraine's fault...
During the winter months Lorraine persuaded me to enter the Trentham Big Half Triathlon. I thought, why not? July is ages away ... and so started the training under the guidance of Chris Clarke. I had the enthusiasm for the training but the hardest part was fitting it all in around work and domestic life. This was to be my first endurance event, the longest I had ever done before was the Wilmslow 1/2 marathon (oh, and the 18 miler around the never ending Ladybower Reservoir on the training weekend!). The big day soon arrived and I was as ready as I could be - as I didn't know what to expect. I was most worried about how I would cope with the run as it was set to be another blazing day.
The swim was 4 laps around a triangular circuit which I took steady and managed not to loose count. There was a loooonnnnggg run to T1 and as I jogged (sorry sprinted!) past a marshall, I asked whether it could be knocked off the run?! No such luck.
The bike was 3 laps of a 60 mph dual carriageway with a short dogs-leg section up a countryish road. I headed out on the bike determined to stay within my aerobic zones to make sure I had legs left for the run. This is where I discovered that my HR monitor wasn't waterproof and I needed the loo! HR zones now out of the window, I clocked my times at certain landmarks and lapped evenly. I managed to negotiate the 'Sunday hat' drivers and the wheelie-pulling motorcyclists and the only other drama was when my chain came off ... was this my opportunity to go to the loo?
At T2 I made sure my trainers were comfortable before I headed off on the run. The run was 4 laps around the lake, half in the baking sun and half in the shade of some woods. All I can say about the run is, HOT, HOT, HOT. I can honestly say that the first 6 miles of the run were the worst part of the tri for me, as my legs were heavy and I was HOT. I had to have serious words with myself and could of cried when the water station ran out of water! Luckily, there were public loos nearby and I finally got that pit stop and dunking my head under the taps seemed to do the trick, as during the 3rd lap I seemed to have found my legs again and the 4th lap was great as the end was in sight and I ran round with a very nice man ... I nearly fainted as I crossed the line and the commentator stated that I had come second!
I had an absolutely fantastic weekend and havent laughed so much in ages (see Chris's comments). I met some fantastic people and the atmosphere was great. I am still buzzing from the experience and still can't quite believe I have done it. If this is what a half feels like, bring on the UKIM!
Bonnie Hopkins
ps. thanks Lorraine
Results (1.2mi/56mi/13.1mi)
| Name | Swim | Bike | Run | Overall | Cat Pos | Pos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Clarke | 00.38.38 | 02.15.12 | 01.21.55 | 04.15.45 | 2 | 2 |
| Bonnie Hopkins | 00.41.07 | 02.45.58 | 01.58.55 | 05.26.00 | 2 | 2 |
| Lorraine Carrington | 00.56.47 | 02.50.40 | 01.59.42 | 05.47.09 | 2 | 5 |
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