Mersey Tri Duathlon - The Final

The Mersey Tri Duathlon Final was the culmination of the duathlon series that had taken place from early Spring.  Earlier races had been held in February, March and April and were organised, marshalled and run by some selfless club members.  This race was a handicapped race, whereby we would all start at different times based on a previous race time.  

The races are a good chance to catch up with friends and club members who you don’t usually meet up with or train with.  The races, although competitive, are not taken too seriously either.  There was a very good atmosphere prior to the race, made all the more special with the sight of Peter Roome coming through the entrance gates on a unicycle!  Funny!!


Although a race in itself, The Mersey Tri duathlon final was in my calendar as a chance to do a high intensity training session incorporating a short, fast brick run.  It was also a chance to try out the TT bike for the first time this year. 

This race was a handicapped race, whereby we would all start at different times based on a previous race time.  I was due to head off last, almost 20 minutes after the first athlete started.  It was a big ask to try and win this race!

The strategy going into the race was to try out some different pacing.  Previous races were based on a fast first run and then hanging on for the rest of the race!  This time my plan was to go easier on the first 5k, put in a big effort on the bike and then try and blast the 3k run, finishing fast and overtaking people at the end.

The 5k run started, and I was feeling great!  I made a fast start, with the first kilometre completed in 3.41, but felt comfortable.  I deliberately slowed a little after this to keep me in the ‘comfortable’ zone.  Without looking at my watch I knew I was going well as I overtook Mick (who had started 1:20 ahead) after about 3k.  I finished the 5k in 18.45 (a PB for the 5k distance!).  So much for my pre-race strategy!

An unspectacular transition followed.  This was the moment I was looking forward to most.  I would get to try out my TT bike.  I started a little wobbly on the aerobars but soon got to grips with them, and started to increase my speed as the k's clicked by.  I always forget how much I enjoy riding the TT bike – it is such fun!  

I managed to pass a few people on the bike – passing one rider on the way out and then two more on the way back in.  This race was going well!  There were still quite a few people ahead of me as I reached the end of the bike leg.

As I exited transition onto the 3k run, I heard a shout of ‘you can win this’.  I bombed out of transition at 3.30k pace.  I managed to pass one, two, three people.  However, I was running out of road and was not going to be able to catch the race leaders.  As I neared the end of the race I could see the leading runners finish 200m ahead of me.  Nevertheless, I had a great 3k run, finishing in 11.02 (a PB for my 3k!).

I managed some great times for all sections of the race.  However my transitions were tardy and the weak point of my race.  My legs felt great throughout and there were no effects of the hamstring issues felt earlier in the week.  Overall, a great race, a great session and three new PB’s!!

	Time	Pace (per k)	Position
5k Run	18:45	3:45	1 / 15
T1	1:20	-	10 / 15
15k Bike	25:17	1:41	2 / 15
T2	1:20	-	12 / 15
3k Run	11:02	3:41	1 / 15
Total	56:42	-	1 / 15

Although I managed to record the fastest time of the day, because of the handicap system I finished the race in 6th position overall.  Congratulations must go to Nick Wood who won the race and Helen Michael for finishing in second place overall and first female.

Many thanks to all of the organisers and marshals who made the race series possible – keeping us safe and on course!

Can’t wait for the club aquathon series now!