Left goggle began leaking immediately so couldn't see clearly after first ten metres. Too cautious at start and far too slow. Overtaken very quickly by man behind and then by other girl in lane at about 200m mark. Stayed on feet of girl and picked up pace so next 600m much better pace. Time includes getting out of pool and running part of way into transition.

Should have had confidence that I could swim 800m at by usual 200m pace and that I didn't need to set off cautiously. Must remember for next time that it is actually a race! Difficult to know what to have done about goggles (given that they are usual ones which very rarely do leak).

Time includes putting on socks, necessary given toe deformities, and lacing up shoes. That made me 7 out of 8 in age group in transition. Otherwise clipped on number belt and put on hat.

Glad I stuck with laces rather than using lock laces. There was a bit of fumbling with the laces and with the number belt so both of these things could be practised to be made a bit smoother for future.

Please with run, especially given Achilles issues. Managed a sprint at end to cross line as 5th woman. Possibly very slight tendency to go too easily but did pick up pace towards end of second loop. Pleased decided on laces instead of lock laces as shoes felt a bit loose on first lap but just right by second loop. They would have been far too tight with lock laces.

Nothing given current physical condition. Confident times will improve as Achilles mends and lose a little more weight.

Did Achilles exercises and drank rest of energy drink and then made up recovery drink to have on way home. Showered, put on recovery tights and dressed. Lot of walking to get to and from stations. Ate some (not very nutritious) food on train home.


In the swim I should have had more confidence that I could last 800m at a faster pace and I should have set off faster. I don't think my transition times will improve that much. My run will improve when my Achilles improves and through losing a little more weight.


Excellent local race with proceeds going to a good course. Lovely heated open air pool - really good temperature for swimming - and predominantly flat run in local streets and in park next to lido. Well signed on streets and well marshalled on "snail" loop on grassy section in park. Good mix of competitors with wide range of abilities. Shorter race also available for young people and those not sure about the longer distance. Excellent race to choose to return to multisport racing after decade long absence. Really looking forward to doing it again next year.