Post Race Report :: Cranbrook Triathlon by Cullum Parker :: June 2017

Super Sprint Tri No 2 of 2017

So it was my second Tri, slightly longer distances this time 450m pool swim, 22km ride and 5km trail run in the woods (with hills!!). Overall times, well only professional/serious triathletes worry about those; I’m more interested in T-shirts and medals!

Quite a few ATC members took part in this Tri based in rural Kent.

They say life is about the journey and learning as you go along. So what lessons did I learn form this Tri (and apply from the first)?  Well here’s a few…

Lesson one: Gravelled/hardstanding transition areas hurt feet. A lot.  Remember to pack spare sandals/flip flops/trainers.

Lesson two: Be grateful when the ATCer in front (you know who you are Peter Heckel) is so zoomy in the pool you have a free run for you own version of freestyle x breast stroke x doggy paddle, and the zoomy ATCer behind (you know who you are Sarah Spencer) gets delayed with a missing timing chip so you have nobody behind you for a lane or two – though to be fair they quickly caught up!

Lesson three: Enjoy staggered starting positions. There is no way of knowing where you came in the ‘race’ when you all start at different times (like Hythe Bay). I like this set up!

Lesson four: Do not take as long as your last tri in transition. Having a family member or friend giving you a pensive/stern stare surprisingly reduces time spent in transition!

Lesson five: Always stop at a ‘Stop’ sign. I don’t care if it adds 20 seconds to my cycle ride. I want to complete and get home safely. Not worth the disqualification, or worse.

Lesson six: Save time on the bike ride by not saying hello to fellow supporting ATCers riding to Cranbrook. 🙂 But to be fair that gave me an extra boost! And never mind I’m only completing not competing, I’d rather be friendly when Tri-ing in ATC club colours 🙂

Lesson seven: Running. Probably best to do some actual running before the event…

Lesson eight: Never underestimate the secret weapon of triathletes. This takes the form of supporters.  Support was focused to the transition/finish areas and the extra boost this provides is immeasurable. And don’t forget those who race with you and the race marshals can also be a source of this strength. The extra ommpf having a fellow triathlete giving you encouragement is but another reason why triathlons are so great.

Lesson nine: Make sure you have family or friends to take group photo at the end – see pic!

Lesson ten: Try to remember lessons for next Tri. Especially lesson seven and eleven.

Lesson eleven: Have fun!

Lesson twelve: Go home and start looking for your next event/adventure 🙂

Here endeth the lessons.

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