Iliyra

The London Triathlon 2009

This is one of my favourite events, and holds some 'sentimental' value in that it marked my first foray into the world of Triathlon (I entered the sprint distance back in 2003). Like many others, it also marked a change in my lifestyle and general attitude towards what was achievable in life. I went on from my first race in 2003 to completing my first Ironman (2006) followed by the Etape du Tour and many other endurance events (including giving me the confidence to embark on a 25-day Arctic expedition, but that's another story).

Anyway - all dreamy reminiscence aside - I'm obviously passionate about this event, as the fact that I've done it every year since 2003, and talked a number of friends a family into entering over the years, might just testify.

Over those years I've read plenty of criticism about the London Triathlon, from the entry fee to the 'impersonal' nature some people seem to experience. While I can understand an event of this size (10,000 competitors over the weekend) and in this location (East London) isn't going to be every body's cup-of-tea, I think those factors just add to the enjoyment for me, the atmosphere, sense of occasion, the enthusiastic spectators (including those enjoying a beer or five in a pub garden edging the run course). Oh and how can I forget - a bike course that loops out to Westminster, through the Limehouse tunnel, on completely closed roads!

Overall it's a particularly flat course - and that means fast. Even for a very recreational triathlete like myself, I can manage a fairly impressive-sounding finish time of 2:20 which always feels good. And lets face it - fast, flat-out races can provide just that extra bit of adrenaline.

The swim leg usually provokes the biggest reaction when talking to others about this race - 'eugh, you swim in the Thames??' to which I respond with a positive 'yes - apparently it's up to EU bathing standards' which is usually met with some surprise. In all honesty I don't know what that really means, other than I've swum in this particular part of the Thames seven years in a row and never felt any ill effects (I'd estimate I've probably drunk at least 1 litre during that time!). How does it taste? Warm and slightly Briny.

So how did it go this year? Well - I guess (2hrs 20mins, and 54th in my age-group). I was over a minute faster than last year overall, although my swim leg (my weakest discipline by some margin) was poor - over 29 mins. My wave start was at 8am, and the swim heads out in an easterly direction, right into the rising sun. I never remember this being much of a problem before, but this year It really seemed to impede my navigation (well that's my excuse anyway - it didn't seem to bother those who finished in 22 mins!)

Given that I'd focused on cycling over the past 6 months or so, I expected that to be my strongest discipline, however it turns out I was a few seconds slower than last year (this has obviously justified a large expenditure on a Tri-specific bike sometime in the next 12 months - in my mind anyway). I guess the run provided the biggest surprise - I was worried that the complete lack of run training over the past months (knee problems) would be telling in my run time, but quite the opposite. I completed the 9.4k run in 38:50 - which for me - is considerably faster than I ran last year!

So I'm already thinking about the 2010 event, and it's early enough in the year that I can ponder over some completely unrealistic goals for next year - like turning that 54th place age-group finish into first place. All I need is that incredibly expensive Triathlon bike...