By the end of the summer I have done more cycling, not that I am a fair weather cyclist. A weeks leisurely tour of Brittany, got me going.
It was the fifth time I had done the race and as I get older the numbers in my age category reduce, much to my advantage. Living beside the beach gives me an advantage in open water swimming. However with a big swell forecast I was doubtful the swim would be the full 1500m, probably reduced to one lap of 750m. Carnethies have taken on the challenge of the swim before and this year there was one other, Alan Flockhart representing Newhaven tri club. The swim was to go ahead and the sea looked invitingly choppy and 13.9C.
Two waves of swimmers, seniors in red hats, vets and women in white, it doesn’t take long before we’ve caught up with the first wave. The most turbulent time is negotiating the buoys, “after you sir” I proffered.
My head felt disembodied as I run up to transition until more than half way though the cycle. Its 10C and my wet Carnethy cycle shirt is cool outerwear. I’m glad when the sun comes out. Pacing is important, I wanted to have something left for the run, two laps mostly off road. I catch more of the first wave cyclists. Its that time of year with farm vehicles providing additional hazards, draughting opportunities. The only thing that held me up were the lights on Gullane High St.
I was quickly into my Fellraisers and a few minutes into the run, still on the road section, shaking off heavy legs, when I miss a kerb and I was full length on the rasping asphalt. Turned ankle, grazed knee and hip, I’m red faced, fortunately up and running after a couple of expletives.
It’s hard to tell where you are overall but I knew a few Vets were ahead of me in the swim or had passed me or possibly some slow swimmers who were strong on the bike. I held my own on the run although because there are some teams, their runners are fresh and a couple cruised past. I’ve saved sufficient for the run to avoid cramp etc and even manage to enjoy the views across the Forth.
The free massage in the unexpected warmth of the late morning sun was blissful. I heard my name – representing Carnethy being announced. However the massage took precedent. I was happy second V50. a repeat of last years race. My time is quicker but that’s due to a unintentionally shorter swim.
However looking at the results later the first placed SV had somehow managed to complete the two lap 10km in 23 minutes. Me thinks another stewards enquiry is due. I’ll keep you posted the outcome. As for trisuits, I used my lycra sho
Results http://edinburghtri.org/concrete5/files/5614/4146/4392/Gullane_triathlon_2015_draft_a.xls
1. Andrew Scott 2.10.23
12. Mark James 2.24.19 2nd V50
38. Alan Flockhart 2.33.36
138 finishers including 8 teams
Mark James