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Hathersage Hilly Triathlon, Sunday 22nd July 2007
Report by Viv Slack
I was so excited by this race I had to do the race report straight away
(well after tea, biscuits and in between watching Millar lead the
peleton in the Pyrenees). Rewind...
The alarm at 5am and the rain outside were the only downsides to this
race. Over the top of Snake Pass and down to Derwent Resevoir things
were looking up - beautiful scenery and a rare glimpse of sun made all
the difference. The location was familiar from our training weekend in
Bamford and having had a reccie swim in the open air pool back in May,
even I was looking forward to the swim. There is a split transition
which requires a bit of brain power for so early in the morning but
everyone was friendly and helpful so no big drama.
The swim was just 14 lengths, 2 for each day of the week so there was
some Craig David lap counting going on in my head. Having not swum
since Chester I wasn't going to break any records but it was warm and
pleasant and passed in a flash. There is a short run out to T1, well
thought out and marked.
The bike course was what i came for and i loved every minute. The start
is undulating which is a nice way to get going and you have nearly 7km
to get ready for the main climb. The 5.5km ascent is steady and perfect
for getting into a rhythm and keeping the pedals turning. I really
enjoyed the climb and felt good, even better to know that over the top
there would be a great descent as reward. There are some twists and
turns on the way down but nothing to spoil the thrill. I enjoyed
overtaking a guy who had caught me at the top of the climb and after
pedalling past him he stopped freewheeling and soon caught me again. I
arrived at T2 with him still in sight and pretty chuffed with the ride.
I never relish racking my bike and swapping it for a pair of trainers
but this run was a bit different. They weren't kidding with the hilly
tag and after a short patch on a private road it was onto off road
tracks and plenty of mud. I stepped gingerly over the cattle grids as
the more experienced off road runners seemed to float across at great
speed. Soon after this we were directed off up a steep narrow path. I
really enjoyed the run this time as i was so busy concentrating on
where the hell to put my feet i didn't have time to worry about whether
i was going fast enough. At one point the path got so steep i realised
it was actually faster to take big walking strides rather than minute
running steps. Through bracken, mud and over rocks, there is plenty of
'features' on this run. Some of the fell runners were amazing and the
woman that eventually won overtook me at impressive speed considering
the gradient. Eventually though we did of course reach the top and then
the fun really started. The run down was just brilliant, i have never
smiled so much in a race and meant it. There was nothing too dodgy and
it felt great to just enjoy it and know the finish would be at the
bottom.
There were no other Manchester Tri entries on the list but I did see
part time man trier Sophie Fosker (we miss you!) who had had a great
race with her relay team finishing 2nd from 14 teams despite comedy
transitions. Despite few familiar faces there were plenty of people to
chat to and everyone i spoke to thought it was a great event. If it
wasn't for getting back for the Tour coverage, i would have stayed and
enjoyed the scenery for a while longer.
I really hope this is on again next year as it didn't look certain this
year until Sheffield Tri agreed to take it on, if not I might have to
start a 'save the Hathersage Tri' campaign. I'll definately do this
again next year if I can. Bring on those winter scrambles
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