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Some of you may be aware that I took part in two major sporting events in June
2007- a triathlon and a long distance bike ride - and that I managed to raise
some money for charity along the way. In 2008 I am hoping to do the same
again, and more besides.
Spurred on by the success of the Blenheim Triathlon in early June, I took
part in a second triathlon, the Cotswold, in September and had what I can only
describe as a great time. Not only did I beat my Blenheim time by a
considerable margin (down from 1.51:54 to 1.32:07), and made some new friends in
the pre-race preparation, but just got such a huge buzz out of the whole event.
I enjoyed it so much, I'm hungry and eager for more in 2008.
Right now (early Sept) I have completed three triathlons, and booked for two more.
And let's not forget the bike ride! The events are:
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May - 11th -
Stratford 220, Stratford-upon-Avon - 400m/23km/5km
- completed.
Click here for my thoughts post race.
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June - 8th - Mazda Blenheim Triathlon, Woodstock - 750m/20km/5km -
completed.
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June - 15th - London-Brighton Bike Ride - 54 miles - for the
British
Heart Foundation - completed.
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July - time off for good behaviour!
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August - 9th - Mazda London Triathlon, Docklands - 750m/20km/5km -
completed. Please follow the links below
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Fundraising page open until November!
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September - 7th - Keynes Country Park, South Cerney
-750m/20km/5km; confirmed.
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October - 5th - Warwickshire Triathlon, Stratford-upon-Avon -
400m/23km/5km; confirmed.
The events I will be participating in are referred to as a 'sprint', which
just goes to prove that triathletes do have a sense of humour. Of course, it
could be the sights spectators enjoy, watching us competitors struggle around in our lycra and rubber....
For a sprint, the distances are 750m swim, followed by a 20km cycle ride and, finally, a 5km
run. However, distances will vary slightly, depending on the location of
each event. At Blenheim for instance, the bike leg is around 19.8km, and
the run 5.4km.
Regardless of length, I will be
aiming to try and complete all of that in around 90 minutes although, to be
perfectly honest, finishing will be achievement enough. My best time in
2007 (of two) was 1 hour 32 minutes 7 seconds, and I'm hoping to get down to
around 1 hour 20 by the six race in October.
Why am I doing these? Oddly enough, for fun, although I suspect I won't be
thinking in such terms, especially during the triathlons. I spent most of 2006
rediscovering myself, getting fit and healthy, and it seemed like a good idea to
have something to aim for, hence my signing up in 2007 for the Blenheim
Triathlon and the Bike Ride. The
opportunity to try and raise a little money for charity along the way was a
bonus. Still is....
Last updated:
03/09/2008 16:33:52
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