London Triathlon - Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint

Am usually a strong swimmer. Was so nervouss at start,when i got into the water, it instantly calmed me beyod belief. HOWEVER, when i started to swim, i put my head in the water and could see NOTHING. Totally panicked, was gasping for breath and couldn't focus, considered giving up as just couldn't cope mentally. Did most of the swim in breast stroke with some segments toward the end in front crawl, when i really motored. Just a shame I wasn't brave enough to do it all the way! Lots of marshalls and life savers on boats, very well crewed, very impressed.

Try swimming in a wetsuit for the first time BEFORE the race, not IN the race! Do more murky water swims to try to numb those prehistoric fears that took me totally by surprise. Swim the whole thing in front crawl, as i would then poss take 1/3 off my time.

Really took my time in traansition as i felt a little shakey and wanted t make sure idid everything correctly, i.e.,helmet on before removing bike. Got disorientated and couldn't remember where to go to leave transition to the bike run.

Arrive earlier so i can familiarise myself with layout,wear a tri suit, practise jumping on bike, buy bike shoes.

Bike shoes would have been a good idea, as my trainers were soaked for the run. The BTF drafting thing confused me, had a lot of people who overtook me but couldn't maintain the pace, causing me to have to drop back 7 meters (21 feet) each time, made things very difficult and really slowed me down.

Exercised more! Due to back injury, i lost a lot of fitness and only did some training in the month before the event. Wear bike shoes. Do more hill work and longer distance so legs felt stronger.

Got off my bike at the dismount point and didnt feel like i had any bones in my legs!! Def couldnt run. Walked to T2 until the blood started circulating properly. Made sure i drank some sports drink before i set off, left my bike gloves on. Due to a cold, my nose was running uncontrollably and i thought they may come in useful!!

Wear tri suit, more brick sessions.

mostly ran it, walked 3 times ( i think). plenty of water stations. Spectators and crew fab and really motivating.

Run right through.

Walk to transition and back to car with kit!!


injury resulting in lack of training. lack of sleep the night before,lack of food, and the fact that i left my stuff in wales and didnt have a chance to familiarise myself with layout. Although i have swum in the sea before, more open water -murky- swims and practise in the wetsuit beforehand would have definitely been beneficial.


Very well run, lots of marshalls, lots of water stations, scale of the event took my breath away. Excellently organised.