Russell Finishes Triathlon Double Header

The Vitruvian - 10th Sept 2005, Rutland Water
swim 1900m
bike 53 miles
run 13.1 miles

The Vitruvian lived up to it's bill as a hard race again this year with the elements deciding to join in. Just as the swim started the rain joined the wind, leaving most competitors to empty puddles out of their bike shoes before setting off to do battle with roads that had turned into rivers. In the constant heavy rain, punctures were the order of the day for many, I caught 2 on the first lap from debris being washed down the roads. This meant the first bike lap time was a massive 1:53:05. The 2nd being 1:08:10 was more on the pace but that's what you get for having to sort punctures on deep section aero wheels in the rain. The grassy sections of the run in the mean time had turned into an energy sapping mud bath with the wind across the dam just adding to an excellent day's entertainment. Nowhere near my PB for the event but fun anyway.

Times:- swim = 34:05, T1 = 01:53, Bike = 3:01:25, T2 = 01:36, Run = 2:07:17, Total 05:46:17 353rd / 463 starters

Derby Sprint Triathlon - 11th Sept 2005, Etwall
swim 400m (pool)
bike 12 miles
run 5km (but nearer 6km)

Probably the largest pool based triathlon in the country, with about 25% novice entries, Derby Sprint Triathlon is now in it's 14th year. I hadn't done a sprint race for a couple of years and had set my self the challenge of doing it the day after the Vitruvian, the first time I done back to back races. The aim was to get under 1hr 20 mins (given the day before). The swim went ok despite the legs protesting at every turn, out the water in 6:40, the 400m run to transition turned into a jog but suprisingly the bike felt good. However, just after the halfway point Joe decided to come off her bike about 100m in front of me. Decided to do the decent thing and stopped to pick her out the hedge. Lots of gravel rash, blood & tears saw me sorting out transport for her & her bike to get some first aid. Eventually 20 minutes later I remounted. The run was easier than I was expecting probably due to the unexpected rest. Still didn't managed to finish last depite all of that and I guess I of hit my aim time.

Times:- swim & T1 = 10:15, Bike & T2 = 50:13, Run = 31:12, Total 01:31:40 427th / 520 starters (time includes 20 mins tending injured rider)