Long Course Weekend – Wales

Clive Patterson-Lett has reported in from an action packed, medal collecting weekend in Wales:-

“I’ve always said, “you can’t beat a Tuff Fitty road trip” and this was so true of the 2019 trip to Tenby, Pembrokeshire for Long Course Weekend. 

In terms of venue, atmosphere, support, surroundings and accessibility (ie there is something for everyone) there is nothing like it.

This year’s gang from Tuff Fitty was made up of Jon & Tiff, Steve & Jane + Rhiley, Debbie & Marc + Obi, Nic & I oh!…….and Glenn😠😜!

Location 

We based ourselves at Meadow Farm Campsite in Tenby. It’s easy to walk into town for the various event starts, as well as registration and the pubs and restaurants always an essential part of any Tuff trip.

Swim (Friday)

All Tuffs present undertook the “long” full IM swim distance from the beautiful North Beach. The gun went off precisely at 7pm with accompanying fireworks and cheers from the massive crowd. The full swim is 2 laps with an Australian exit. I enjoy a mass start and they are becoming rarer in events with the increased number of rolling starts. All Tuffs safely home despite some chop and jelly fish. Nicole was first with a 57-minute swim-5 mins faster than pro Lucy Gossage!

Bike (Saturday)

Nic, Tiff, Jon and Glenn all tackled the full 112 (very) hilly miles of the IM bike course. Debbie and I took on the metric 112kms. A bit overcast but warm and dry made for a pleasant days riding. Plenty of supplies available at the aid stations and again the stunning Pembrokeshire countryside all helped tick off the miles along with brilliant crowd support-Again all Tuffs home safe-Jon was first back putting his recent big miles in the Alps to good use. If you’re thinking of tackling this event make sure you put in the hilly miles in training-you’ll need it! 

Run (Sunday)

All Tuffs had entered the half marathon apart from Steve who was down for the 10k. The race doesn’t start until lunchtime so it was a civilised wander into town to get the bus out to the start in Pembroke. The great thing about this is that you get to see those running the full marathon come through before the gun goes and joining them for the return to Tenby. It was very hot as the sun came out and the hills hit hard. Over a 1000 ft of climbing made for a tough but beautiful course. Steve joined the course at Manobier Castle for the 10k at the bottom of the longest climb on the course! Again all Tuffs home safe along the red carpet finish chute greeted by massive crowds.

Highlight of the day was Dominos Pizza back at the campsite with 80% discount as LCW athletes!!! The discount scheme applies to lots of businesses in Tenby for The LCW on production of your wrist band. Pizza was topped off with chocolate birthday cake 😋😋😋

If you’re thinking of IM at some point in the future LCW is a brilliant introduction to give you an idea of the task ahead without the pressure. The support is immense from the crowds and the town of Tenby and all in a stunning location. See you next year?!?!

Clive