"Arrived at Helston Sports Centre an hour ahead of my start time and collected both my numbers, a numbered bike sticker and got a willing volunteer to write my number on my right arm and left leg (gotta get it right) - I was a real triathlete now!  Wheeled my trusty / rusty road bike to the transition area and found a space next to Karen to rack it up, Diane was there too, all of us feeling quite apprehensive. Karen was deliberating whether to use her new number belt - number on front for run and on back for cycle, but as we couldn't fix the poppers thought good old safety pins through the vest was the best idea.

Our kit was laid out next to the bike, some competitors seemed to be alot more organised than others - an array of plastic toy boxes lined the tarmac. More deliberating going on as we hadn't thought of talcing our socks, should we leave our trainers by the pool exit? were our bikes racked the right way and is bike set in the right gear? - Virgo's do worry so!

Time to make my way to the pool for my 9.00 wave start. Carole Drew was expertly supervising the rolling start technique with Peter Drew as timekeeper -  there are 2 swimmers to each lane and 16 lengths to swim, a float is held in the water to let you know when you have 2 lengths to go, once the swim is complete the competitor leaves the water and another takes their place. 

 Diane and Karen were already in the water as I sat on the bench at the side waiting for my turn, inching slowly along the line as I nervously waited for my turn to go. I took it easy in the water, not being an especially expert swimmer - no goggles or hat for me. Slipped into my crocs at the pool exit and jogged/squeaked 100m up to the transition area - cheered on by Chris H. Pulled on my talc-less socks, shoes (complete with toggle and elastic laces - I've done one of these before!), vest, garmin and helmet and I was off.

Been looking forward to this stage, waved to Kensa at the first roundabout then more encouragement from Brydie and Rory at the new roundabout, I sped along passed Culdrose, 3 minute miling - my Garmin had never worked so hard. Cheer from Knowlsey as I headed down towards the Lizard, managed to pass several other competitors - memories coming back to me of my time-trialing days! Beautiful section of the course after Cury, through woods carpetted with blue bells and Chrisy B to cheer me on at the junction! Straight run to Garras then steep downhill section, managed to shake off another 2 cyclists up the climb the other side. Back past Culdrose to Helston, was thoroughly enjoying myself then realized I'd entered the transition area the wrong way so had to quickly dismount and duck under the barrier to return to my kit.

Off came the helmet and the dreaded run began, what had happened to my legs? Not liking this at all, only 3.5m to go, wish I was back on my bike. The lanes felt quite hot now, bit of a struggle to get into a rhythym, encouragement from April and Dave marshalling at Trenethick Barton, cheers from Wendy and Steve at the roundabout then down through Pendeen Park passing Roy and Judy. Nasty climb up Belmont Road to finish in the school field to lots of cheers from friends and family.

A fantastic event Ceri, well done, great marshalling and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone."

Does anyone have any pics I can add ? -  Ali

Team Carn Results:   

Juliet Knowles       1:26:00    60th

Barry Drew            1:38:23   130th

Karen Harrison     1:38:52    135th

Alison Galloway    1:43:06    156th

 Results - Split times to Follow

For full results and split times go to:  www.kerrier.gov.uk/leisure

Photo courtesy of John Brady, see all pics at www.flickr.com/photos/trendrennen