Steyning AC

Aquathlon 1500 swim/5.3K run at Southwater on 25^th June 2012

Results

So how did you do:-

Note: * Apparently one of our competitors didn’t fancy going around both the swim buoys so for that privilege it was deemed necessary, by the learned race committee, to award a +15 secs time adjustment!!!

A more detailed spreadsheet is also available (here) showing run splits, etc – which makes quite interesting reading – it was decided not to give swim lap splits, as not always easy to recognise you in fancy dress – i.e clad in wetsuits, goggles et al!!!

Race Report

Well, now that you have read the important bit (above) and are now party to all the naming and shaming – it’s time to wax lyrically on the evening’s event.

At last, we were finally granted a fabulous true Summer’s evening to hold our Aquathlon and the venue looked quite spectacular to greet our eager competitors.  No worries here of chilly water or threatening rain clouds driven by howling gales, merely, peace and tranquillity – well for some!!!!

A superb turn-out of 11 of SAC’s finest athletes assembled to battle their sporting prowess against quite a testing course – the swim being 3 laps of the lake, was unassisted by tide and free of surf crashing waves, although it did have the complication of 2 swim marker buoys  and the run of 5.3K, again 3 laps, was deceptively challenging with quite a few strength sapping climbs to endure and of course we threw in a few canoeists crossing the route, pedestrians and the like to maintain focus on the run!

These minor points to contend with we were off……..

Race briefing given the swimmers entered the lake – 5 secs countdown and they were off like a power boat they all speed off carving a V through the calm of the lake and trailing a wake of white water as they went.  Gary was first to return in approx 7:30 mins with Brian in close attendance; these two seemed inseparable throughout the swim as did Jon and Frank. The rest of the fleet all looked very comfortable and competent with their swimming a credit to SAC’s swim coaching and lake training – some even stopped for a chat to discuss the quality of the water and the benefits of having goggles full of water!!  The swim wasn’t over yet, there were attempted tumble turns at the ends, more canoeists and wildlife to negotiate before the ever-so graceful return to the land – if we weren’t so busy taking times we surely would be forced to award marks out of 10 for technical, artistic and damned right impossible manoeuvres emerging from the lake – it was almost evolution take 2!!

So to transition, with Gary and Brian emerging first and generally chatting throughout the transition – fortunately, Joan assisted them by gently advising them that this was a race!!! – Gary was off as Simon was fast approaching but at least it was someone else for Brian to chat with – enlightened by the chit chat of the competitors in transition it was important for us to stay focused on our swimmer in/runner out timings – phew, all safely out of the swim  it was just down to runners times now – although Liz kept us nicely entertained with a very relaxed transition.

The running was getting exciting and it was interesting to see if Simon could close the gap on Gary, as the 1^st lap indicated it could be close!!!!  Whilst, Simon got quicker every lap Gary settled into a consistent pace/lap which was just enough to maintain the lead.

Inevitably, there were a few near misses with things/people etc strolling across the run route but award must go to Sue who on her final lap towards the finish was confronted by the world – complete with canoes, stationary, over the entire path!!!!!   How she came through that we still don’t know but it was akin to the parting of the seas!!!

Generally, there was some good strong running from everyone with paces ranging from late     6 to 9:30 (min/mile)

In Summary

Whilst, within the content of this report I haven’t been able to mention you all individually – please be aware that you are all ‘Stars’ and regardless of position – the common thing is you all looked and competed strongly, so I hope you enjoyed the event and beat or equalled your personal targets – ‘cos that’s all that matters really!

THANKS!!!

As always, it is the merry band of happy helpers and the considerable effort behind the scenes that make these events possible, in the first place!

My HUGE thanks go to Jon for notifying/promoting the event and providing all the back up/info needed, Joan for her experience and calm during timing/transitions and for placing, recovering the buoys, final sweep of signs and encouragement, Carol and Alison for timing and making sure we all stayed hydrated and for keeping us cheery.

Added by Jon

And my thanks to Graham for managing the event so well.