Another New Year's Eve, another Milford duathlon. My third in four years and, in my humble opinion, another fantastic event from David Denton. Much like last year the weather was crisp and clear and brought a good turn out of 44 athletes including the relay teams. I was lucky enough to have a small support crew this year (three friends wanted a lift to London and they had no choice but to come with me to the race) and as they sat in the club house I went through the motions of a warm-up before concluding it was far too cold and retired to the club house as well.
It was a cold morning, the lack of hair may have had an impact...?
As always we started at 10:00 prompt and about five athletes set off at the front for the first of two 2.5 mile runs. The undulating course is always a challenge and having not run quickly in many moons my legs spent the first couple of miles wondering why I was going at quicker than Ironman marathon pace. Darren Ridout, an accomplished runner with a sub-34 minute 10k, led the way and we arrived into T1 neck and neck.
Rarely do both feet leave the ground AT THE SAME TIME!
In a moment of deja vu from the 2008 edition he told me that he wasn't the sharpest biker on the planet but I knew the short opening run wouldn't have done much to separate the field and so did my best impression of a quick transition and led onto the 9.2 mile bike leg. Within a mile a cyclist (who I hoped was from a relay team) flew past me and I later found out he posted a huge 23:26 bike split, more than three minutes quicker than my own time and nearly five minutes quicker than the third fastest cyclist on the day! Knowing I stood little to know chance of catching him I settled into my rhythm and focused on beating last year's bike time.
Sometimes people like to know who they're lapping
As I approached the short climb to T2 the relay team (my Mum as communications director reliable informed me I was first individual!) were a considerable distance in front and I had a good lead on third place. Not being one to hold back, and with my coach having given me the rare treat of permission to go hard I pushed as much as my leaden legs would let me and managed to finish with an advantage of just over two and a half minutes from second place Tony Caulton. Slightly slower than last year on the run but seeing as I've spent most of my time over the last two months in the pool this didn't come as much of shock. To cross the line first today was fantastic.
This face is why I race Ironman, lactic acid is not my friend
As always a marvellous race and as well organised as any I have taken part in. The hospitality shown by organisers and competitors alike makes this one of my favourite races of the season and a great way to round off a wonderfully enjoyable 2009. Thanks to everyone who has helped me this year, Alex at La Bicicleta, Sheffield, Lee and Sam at Tri-Topia (can't wait to head back this summer), Scherrit and Corrine at the Bike Whisperer and everyone at Hillingdon Triathletes. What ever 2010 may have in store I wish everyone the best of luck for their up and coming racing season.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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