one...two...three....GO!

For something new and exciting I joined the Concorde Triathlon Club. They host a season of aquathons (swim + run events) around the Bay area. Our first event was a 200m swim, 5k (or so) run, 300 m swim. I didn't die and I even got an honourable mention in the newsletter! Check it out!

October 14 – First Aquathon at Drummoyne Pool – Everyone races well and safely - congratulations

Our first aquathon of the season got under way under a threatening sky and cool and blustery conditions. Despite the weather, we had an excellent turn-out with 32 competitors setting off for the Brent Street Single event.

Again it was great to see many new (and I must say anxious) faces awaiting the starters gun. However, to be expected, with so many having a go for the first time with CTC without having seen one of the aquathons before. To that end, a big welcome to: Julie, Cathy, Tim, Fiona, Rosemary, Bianca, Vicki, Pauline, Sam(uel), Fiona, Mike, Steph, Steve, Brad, Helen, Nathan, Lindsay, Beccie, Dan, Anthonys, Phillip and Georgie who raced with us for the first time last night. We trust you enjoyed the experience and we will see you at more races this season.
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Group 2 set off 8 minutes later. First home in this group was ‘Slim’ Jim Kirkpatrick - showing the benefits of some sneaky personal training in the off season. Well done Jim - looking good. Group 3 next week can be your reward! Jim was closely followed by Mike who is also a member of our sister tri club - Balance.

This group also contained our recent acquisition from Georgia USA - Lindsay, who managed to post a very respectable time despite a relaxed approach to her transitions. Leaving “room for improvement” as she noted later.

Another import - Beccie from the UK , raced hard becoming the first female home overall. Well done Beccie. Special mention in this group also goes to Anna who is showing off some new running form this season.
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So a great effort to all who competed. Conditions weren’t easy. That head wind out made life tough for all competitors. (Wait till summer however guys, the prevailing wind is usually a North Easterly, which means you are running back into it!). The breezy conditions also made it hard for Marshals - in particular Brett, who apparently was almost was blown away with all his equipment on more than one occasion.

Next week’s event is the Duke Avenue Single; a 500m swim followed by 5.6k run. (Those concerned about their swimming might think about having a practice run over the weekend!).

At the time of writing, the long range forecast is for very warm conditions - 30 degrees. Hope to see you all there. Until then - train well.

Steve Nielsen

I guess that means I better get to the pool before next week. 500 meters, yeah--that's going to be "interesting."