On Sunday last (17 April 2011) I completed the Duston Triathlon. It was a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was the first time that I had taken part in this particular event and I particularly enjoyed it because my elder son and a friend of his both joined me and completed the course. My son had competed in a previous off-road triathlon and this was his first sprint event. It was his friend's first ever triathlon. They both did extremely well, especially for novices - your first event is as much about learning the ropes as it is surviving the three disciplines. It is easy to lose your place in the Transition area when you are unused to them - and this has implications for your overall time.

 I was pleased with my performance as my preparation has been hindered by injuries. A right arm tendon problem, caused by swimming long distance crawl, has meant that I have only put in one short distance swim this year. The doctor who saw me when I had lost all movement in the arm told me that I shouldn't train for triathlons, but just turn up and swim on the day. I knew that he didn't compete in such events! However, I have kept out of the swimming pool and train in the gym.

I received similar advice from the surgeon who performed arthroscopies on my knees. He was very unimpressed with the fact that I run and advised me to stop immediately!  Like the shoulder man, he told me to stop training for triathlons and just turn up on the day - if I insisted on doing them. I have done some running over the last few weeks, but for the most part have kept my training to cycling and gym work. I have also resumed playing squash in the last couple of weeks, something I haven't done for several years.  So, I felt unprepared for the disciplines but reasonably fit overall. 

Triathlons are addictive, I find. Last year I decided to give them up, based on the advice of the doctors - these latest injuries were triggered by the off-road triathlon I did in August 2009. However, after 18 months of inactivity on this front, I was in rebellious mood and booked to do the Duston Tri and one in Crystal Palace in May. I am delighted to say that I had my best ever cycle time last Sunday, and both swim and run went reasonably well. Furthermore, I was back in the saddle and on the squash court today - no after effects from Sunday's exertions.

Triathlons are frequented by extremely friendly and supportive people. The slower competitors start first and the elite go last. This means that I am usually overtaken by a few people on the cycle phase, and many more on the run!  Sunday was no exception. I had to walk/run after the first mile due to my left knee complaining and every person that overtook me offered words of encouragement, despite being in a desparate hurry themselves. I have always found this to be the case and it makes such a difference if one is struggling around the course, or just finding it much tougher than anticipated. Somehow, the pain in my knee just paled every time someone passed me and told me how well I was doing, or how the end was in sight and to keep going to the finish line, which would be a fantastic feeling, and I would break into a jog for another few meters.

Well, the lady that told me the finish would be fantastic, was absolutely right. It was a fantastic feeling! Thank you to all the Duston triathletes last Sunday who offered those precious words of encouragement, and well done to absolutely everyone who competed.