Wednesday, 16 September 2015

13th September: Chesterfield Aquathlon


Place: Queen's Park Sport's Centre, Chesterfield


Distance: 512M Swim, 4k Run

Beforehand: Up until about a week before I was due to be going to Ironman Wales 2015, just to assist not to participate, but that fell through. A couple of weeks earlier my girlfriend had suggested this race as it was close and cheap (£5) and due to the change in plans I could now take part. I narrowly managed to sign up in time as entry closed on Friday the 11th and I snuck in under the wire.


Route: 512 metres in the pool, which worked out as 16 lengths, then 4 laps around the park. These laps took you past the playground, round the back of the cricket pavilion, past the cafe then round by the mini train station before heading back past the leisure centre again.

Race Day: On the day we left the house at about 9am, as it was due to start at 10am and Chersterfield is nice and close. I got there signed up and got changed. There was a small pool on entrants, I think about 12. We all got our shoes and kit ready in transition.and got our numbers written on our arms and legs. I got to be Number 6, prompting some attempts at Prisoner humour, which failed to land.

The swim was in two lanes, and we went off in pairs, at two minutes intervals. I started off doing Front Crawl and carried on for two lengths before heading back to my comfort zone of breast stroke. I did try it again towards the end for maybe a length. I did get overtaken a couple of times, often at the turn. I think that was as they were waiting for an easy pass point and I was happy to let them pass.

After another transition where I struggled to get my top on without it riding up ridiculously, it was out onto the run.

The run was undulating I believe is the word and a nice mix of sunny parts and shaded parts. I was fairly tired after the swim and didn't get my stride until the final lap. I managed to finish with a strong run and was widely welcomed by the local racers. I got my time, no splits unfortunately,had a brief chat with some of the organisers and then it was off home again.

Finish Time and Splits  42 Minutes and 5 Seconds

Swim: Around 12 Minutes
Transition: 2 Minutes-Ish
Run: 28 Minutes or there abouts.

Pros: Friendly, really Friendly
         Cheap
         Close
         Great Varied route, despite short length

Cons: No Splits
           No Swag (But for a Fiver can you really complain?)

Blisters: Nope

Do Again? Indeed, Chesterfield Aquathlon, I'll be seeing you.

What I've learnt: This seems like a continual lesson but my front crawl sucks. As does my transition, although I'm hoping a tri-suit at some point will help that.




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