I nearly forgot: The New Year’s Day Tri! I managed to haul my sorry backside out of bed on the 1st of January this year for my usual test at the NYD Tri. It was the 25th running of the event this year, and I’m sure it’s enduring charm is due to its simplicity: 8 lengths of the Commie, cycle three laps of Arthurs Seat, and then finally run a single lap of Arthurs seat. There’s a lot of punch in such a short race, with a good amount of climbing and exposure to chilly winter winds. Additionally, there’s the very real risk of hitting some still-drunk schmuck wandering around the course. Not long ago I was that “still-drunk schmuck”, but in recent years I’ve been a (still-drunk schmuck) competitor in this race instead. I feel this is progress.
No official Carnethy entrants on the start list (I thought I’d entered as Carnethy but there you go), but there were a few of us there. I spotted Ian and Ann Nimmo, Jeremy Milne and also Kirsty McBirnie all at the edge of the pool. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone. The race itself was a fast and furious affair. The swim was over quickly, thankfully, and then out to into the cold for the remainder of the race. Cycling round Queens Drive is never fun: the climb to Dunsapie is always torturous, and this year the strong winds stunned you to a halt heading beneath Nether Hill. The reward at the end of each lap is the descent back down to Holyrood, assuming your nerves can handle that pesky roundabout at the turn for the Commie. The run had the same problems as the cycle, but only one lap which made things easier. That wind was still a pain though. Anyway, cross the line and it was all over! As an additional reward: you’re probably now sober or your hangover cleared! Yay!
Great marshals, great Carnethy shouts on the way round, and just a great event! Great results for our guys: Kirsty was 1st Vet (and 2nd overall), Ian was 2nd Classic, Jeremy was 5th Super Vet, I was 7th Vet, and Ann was 9th Vintage.
Results here.
Jim