Druridge Bay, Northumberland is an ideal place for a triathlon, provided the weather is good. This year, unlike last year, nobody could complain about the weather. Today held many challenges for Ponteland Tri members, it was the last event before tapering for Ironman for David Stroud and Duncan, it was the first standard distance for Mark, John and Tina, and it was the first open water for myself doing the sprint distance along with Richard, David Legg and Danny.

As a nervous open water swimmer I kept out of the way at the mass start and this proved a good plan, it was very crowded cornering at the buoys even after the main field had gone. I managed a steady swim but struggled with removing the wetsuit in T1, lesson is I must learn from others on how to better manage T1. Although given it was my first attempt then maybe a 3 minute T1 isn’t all that bad???

The Sprint started at 08:00 with the standard following quickly at 08:05. With just a 5 minute gap I had the great experience at the end of the swim lap of having the leaders from the standard wave swim straight over the top of me, not fun!! Anyway I survived.

The bike leg was great, conditions were a little breezy by then but nothing to complain about, and the run was a lovely reverse lap of the park run route. Although we had also all found out that the new run route has added a little distance to the 5km on the sprint and the 10km n the standard making them 5.6km and 11.2km respectively.

Sprint results below, fantastic swim times from both Richard and Danny. I have to say I’m really pleased with my swim, it was all about getting round and “ticking the box” of having done open water. I’m encouraged by the performances of many of the other club members and really want to try and crack open water now……

Now the standard, great to see David and Duncan in with such strong performances, obviously ready for the challenge ahead in three weeks. Now I must mention John’s swim time which just shows how well John is swimming now, absolutely brilliant time, and also John’s first standard distance tri. Mark and Tina took their first standard in their stride and both finished looking comfortable and very happy. Well done all.

Picture to the left shows John flying into the finish looking happy and very pleased with his first completed standard distance.

Best finish photo has to go to Tina, see below. Next tri race report will probably be QE, watch out for the details. Hopefully with weather as good as Northumberland.