An inspirational account of a first time duathletes Gower experience, read on................It was with some trepidation that I pulled into the Rhosilli car park at 6:20am for the inaugural FRF Mazda Gower duathlon. I’d arrived the day before and set up tent with my family down in Port Eynon before meeting up with the other competitors for registration and the pasta party. I knew the area pretty well from surfing at Rhosilli and Llangenith but the stunning view of worm’s head and Rhosilli bay never fail to impress me.
This was to be my first open-road duathlon (rather than racing circuit) and my first at a distance of 5m/21m/3m. Having bought my first road bike in November I am very much a duathlon newbie but keen to get a good selection of different events under my belt in my first year.
I racked my bike, collected my chip and went for a gentle jog out towards Worm’s Head to warm up and take in the scenery. I met John and Nicky Russell of BAD tri (they spotted my BAD Tri top!) on my way back to transition and we had a chat about the event and how we thought we’d get on.
At 7:10 the race organisers gave a comprehensive talk though of the route and then we lined up for the start. The buzzer went and off we shot along the National Trust path towards Worm’s Head. I checked my watch and realised I was doing 5 minute miles, the joys of adrenaline! I pulled back to a more comfortable pace and watched most of the field hare off ahead of me.
I felt good on the run and was able to soak up the views as I trundled along. I came into T1 with 39:22 on the clock which I felt pretty happy with. I haven’t yet stretched to clip-ins so my transition was quick and this allowed me to pass two other competitors as I headed out for the bike leg.
From the detailed course notes (including photos) that were provided during the pasta party I had a reasonable idea of the route and the four climbs that faced me. Given my lack of bike experience I knew it would be tough and I wasn’t wrong. I munched on a SIS bar and lined up my gel for the 10 mile mark. The route was very well signed and marshalled and again provided some stunning views and some great downhill runs. Spectator support was provided by sheep, ponies and the odd rabbit.
By the time I was back on the road to Rhosilli I was really feeling the hills and wishing I’d packed a second gel. I pulled into T2 a little less enthusiastic than the last time I was there. As I set off, heavy-legged, for the final 3 mile run I passed Nicky Russell who I’d met earlier. Unfortunately for me she was heading across the finishing line to win the woman’s race whilst I was on my way back out to Worm’s Head.
I finished the final run in just over 20 mins with a total time of 2hrs 23 mins, a little disappointed with my bike leg cycle but generally pleased with my performance.
The event was a great experience and was very well organised with a friendly feel to it. I’ll definitely be back next year and might even try the Gower Monster (very tough 10k) on the Sunday next time.
