For this year, my A race was another step up in distance, this time to half-Ironman/70.3/middle distance racing. So what better place to do it than the Ironman-branded event that is right on my doorstep, Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh. Continue reading Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh 2018 – Race report
Tag Archives: scotland
Goodbye 2017, hello 2018
It’s traditional at this time of year to look back over the year that was, and plan for the coming one. As I’ve entered my first half-Ironman later this year, I certainly have plenty to plan for, even if there is not so much to look back on.
To get me started, Strava provided this natty little video of my activities over the year:
Scottish Water National Sprint Triathlon 2017 – Monikie – Race report
After feeling that I didn’t make the most of last year’s race at Monikie Country Park, I came back this year to improve on my race and finally get a famous post-race burger off the barbecue. The fact that it is such a good race, one of the Triathlon Scotland National Championships and one my club championship events didn’t hurt either! Continue reading Scottish Water National Sprint Triathlon 2017 – Monikie – Race report
Lochore Meadows Sprint Triathlon – Race report
Here is another of my holiday catch-up race reports. At least now we are back in the same year as the race. They are a little brief as I rack my brains to remember how the race went down, so here is one from Lochore Meadows Sprint Triathlon 2017. One thing that I do remember is that my Garmin corrupted as soon as I crossed the finish line ☹️ .
Race-day
My usual inability to get out the house on time meant we were rushing into registration with only seconds to spare before it closed. I hate being rushed in transition, but it all worked out fine. I know that it only takes me a few minutes to set-up my transition, but I don’t like to be rushed doing it.
Swim – 750m, 15:54
Little longer swim than usual, although it felt fine. I wonder if the course was a little long – no Garmin to check though as it died…
T1 – 02:37
Smooth as butter, as far as I remember.
Bike – 24km, 43:02
Great time for me, especially considering the extra 4km over a standard sprint distance course. In fact, it was so fast that Wiebke missed me coming back in, as I was faster than predicted.
The course is relatively hilly, and the first few k are a little busy, but as soon as you turn on to the side-roads, it’s a great, fair course.
T2 – 01:35
This time I reverted to type and struggled to find my transition spot, even though they were arranged by number. Idiot!
Run – 5km, 22:27
The run is within Lochore Meadows park on paths and roads and I can only the assume that the course was short. Whilst it was a good run, it didn’t feel like a PB rivalling run. As the Garmin was busted, I can’t be sure though.
Finish – 01:25:38
Position: 102/201
No Garmin Connect
Official Results
Couldn’t have asked for more in my first race of the year. Executed well and put in some good run and bike performances. Only shame is that the Garmin corrupted. I think my 910xt is ageing badly – the altimeter is broken and regularly records altitudes of ~18,000m – and now it can’t be trusted to record events
A day in the life of a Triathlon Technical Official
Triathlon Scotland just posted this great little video about what the Technical Official team (including me!) got up to at the Strathclyde Park Multisport festival this weekend.
I had the privilege to be a part of the technical official team for this weekend, as part of my progression along the officiating pathway. Currently I’m restricted to duathlons and pool swims, but come mid-June, I’ll qualify for the great wide world of open water!
The video is a very truthful depiction of our role at the event; pre-race checks, keeping the race fair and safe during the event and checking the results after the event. The only thing I’d suggest is missing is showing just how much fun it can be and how rewarding it is to be part of people’s races, especially at these larger events where we are working in a small team. It is certainly a great way to get to know the local triathlon community; our work interacts with Triathlon Scotland staff, event organisers, marshals, other officials and competitors. There is even the opportunity to go all the way to the top of the officiating ladder, at major games such as the Olympics!
Triathlon Scotland is always looking for more people to join the technical official team, so check out their website. They’ve just announced a course for the 23rd July, so there is even time to qualify this season!