Weekend Round Up 18th 19th September
The race season is continuing at a fast pace. After last weekends 11 different races we are into double figures again this weekend with some fantastic tales of podiums, PB’s and endurance over a wide variety of events.
First up we are pleased to congratulate Andy & Ellie Crawford on the birth of their son last week. Mother and son are doing well, and apparently Andy is bearing up as well! Weighing in at 7lb 7oz on behalf of us all, we wish Master Crawford every health and happiness.
NATIONAL AQUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS
As you will see from this weeks banner shot, dawn on Worthing seafront produced calm conditions with a flat sea, and whilst overcast, proved to be good racing conditions for the National Aquathlon Championships. This was held over a 750m swim course with transition on the beach, before a 5k run out along the promenade. As a Championship event the standard was expected to be high and so it proved with many Team GB Trisuits in the starting pen. All the men started together from the water’s edge with a similar mass start for the ladies, three minutes later.
Drew Gowland was the first Tuff out of the water, up the beach and into transition in 6th place overall in just 11:07. Nikki Gatland was next in 12:13 with Andy Tester close behind in 12:16. Alice Gatland, Dave March, Tom Goddard all ran up the beach under 13minutes.
As an Aquathlon there was just the one transition to contend with and Nikki Gatland flew across the two timing mats in just 22 seconds, the quickest overall of the day.
Out onto the run and the quickest Tuff split times saw Mark Walford return home in 19:22, Alice Gatland 19:57, Tom Goddard 19:58, Niki Treacy 20:34 and Dave March 20:46
Whilst Tuff Fitty were the largest club present by some margin, we also had plenty of impact on the results from the squad. Well done to Mark Walford, first Tuff home, Alice Gatland, Tom Goddard, Dave March, Drew Gowland, & Niki Treacy all finishing under 35 minutes. Andy Tester followed, and good to see Chris Robinson firing on all cylinders again after injury. Nikki Gatland, Maisie Johnston, Juliette Reader, Les Pearce, Steve Feest, Jo Meaney, James Brock, & Janet Shepherd completed a strong contingent of 16 Tuffs.
However the good news didn’t end there as Niki Treacy stepped onto the top step of the podium -gold in her age group. Nikki Gatland also achieved Gold in her age category. Alice Gatland attained Silver and Juliette Reader was on the podium for bronze in the same age grouping. Maisie Johnston attained bronze in her age group. Mark Walford stepped onto the podium for a bronze medal to ensure 6 Tuffs were called up onto the prize giving podiums. Great work everyone.
Even with the largest racing contingent, Debbie Boxall was Raw Energy’s event manager, Tiff Orton, Jon Roper, Trevor Harvey, Jane Custance & Clive Harvey were on the organising team. Also thanks to all the Tuffs who came along to support; too numerous to mention at risk of missing people but there were over 30 Tuffs on the beach. A great morning’s work, with everyone packed up before the rain moved in. A selection of photos with several from Anthony Towers who photographed many of the Tuffs running out of transition. (click on the photo below)
XBOURNE CROSS TRIATHLON
Tribourne event company is fast developing a strong reputation with Tuffs having raced at Eastbourne & the Goodwood 255 event. This event saw James Mapley attend achieving a very impressive result. James took the fourth fastest bike split. If you have the time, have a look at the You Tube video of the bike course speeded up (Below) which just illustrates how technical and tough it was. Whether this inspires or scares you it illustrates one thing; – total respect to James, who has reported in:-
“93 competitors competed in the inaugural X Bourne off-road triathlon on Sunday 19th September at the Seven Sisters Country Park. For the triathlon, competitors took on a 1km sea swim up the Cuckmere river, a 22km Mountain Bike of two loops through Friston Forest and finished with a lumpy 8.5km run, re-entering the forest”.
“The swim was quick, having been coordinated with a strong incoming tide. Most covered the 1km swim in around 10 minutes once we had all swum over the top or underneath one another at the mass start. Exiting the water up the riverbank, transition was a carpeted area on edge of a farmers field, tucked 300m away from the river.”
“On leaving transition, we started the bike leg across the field and towards what would be two laps through the forest. The start of each lap was brutal with a section dubbed “The Stairway to Heaven”. Whilst I and others were seeing stars at the top – having been forced to push our bikes for 200m or so uphill – I can vouch for it not being a ‘heavenly’ experience. The tracks through the woods were not technical, but did require some bike handling on two steep descents and one pump section through the berms. At the end of the second lap, we retraced our short outward route of 1mile along the road before re-entering the field for transition 2.”
“The hills had certainly hit the legs pretty hard and progressing out of transition for the second time was tough going. The run route snaked its way through the toe paths in the forest and could described politely as undulating……constantly. Some sections required a speed walk whilst others offered their challenge by being off-camber and cascaded with tree roots. It was however, a fantastic route. I was passed into 4th place by a very strong runner who made up a lot of time on the steep sections by keeping a consistent rhythm. Our finish was a cruel 400m dash up a 20% grass bank. Fortunately, the lady on the tannoy was excellent at rallying the crowd to cheer us on for the last dash”.
“On crossing the line I was pleased to feel as though I had emptied the tank which was confirmed by one of the volunteers who informed me “your lips are blue, get some coca-cola down you”. The organisation was excellent, the trails were well marked and marshalled throughout and the atmosphere was great. I would recommend the event to anyone who fancies trying an off-road triathlon. It felt great to do my first official event as a Tuff. Thanks to Wardy and Marchy for the coaching at the track – that really helped me on the run!
James
PORTSMOUTH TRIATHLETES GOLF DAY
A different ‘event’ report, but nonetheless one that encapsulates the togetherness of being a Tuff – Oh and another Team win to report 🙂 – Thanks to Team Manager Jason Rae who reports:-
“On weds 4 Tuffs entered a team in the Portsmouth Triathletes Charity golf day
Organised by Rob Piggott from Believe and Achieve it was a team comp with other prizes including longest drives, nearest the pins and and individual competition.
I put on my best golf shirt , Paul Martin met at mine and we drove over to meet Hobbsie and Mike Barrett at Southwick Golf Course.
Money was being raised for the Portsmouth Hospitals charity. The weather was ideal, very sunny and warm and some of the golf was pretty good.
In all we came away with Team Winners, Individual winner (Mike El Bandito Barrett) Nearest the pin Mike Barrett and Hobbsie and Longest drives x 2 myself.
A lovely curry was served up afterwards which gave everyone a chance to ask Mike where he had tied up his horse, which cornflake box he got his handicap from and other slating that golfers expect when they shoot 9 under their handicap.
The four of us that played really enjoyed the day and have chatted about sorting out a society day so if you play and have friends who also fancy some social golf we will be sorting something out soon.
Jason
SANDMAN STANDARD TRIATHLON
Mixing holiday with races, last week saw Nicole Patterson-Lett complete and this week it was the turn of Clive Patterson-Lett who entered the Superfeet Sandman tri in Wales. Situated in Anglesey in North Wales the event was centred on Newborough Beach – a 3.5 mile long sandy beach with sand dunes bordering the beach with Newborough Forest behind. CPL states “the location is absolutely stunning and none of the pictures do the location justice’.
Unfortunately Sunday produced heavy clouds and light rain and as sea conditions had become incredibly choppy the swim was restricted to 1k. The bike more than made up for it with a longer than standard distance 58.6km. A 10k run followed to reach the finish. CPL had a good race finishing 25th overall out of 260 finishers and attained fourth in his age group. A tough event running across the sand dunes and around the Forest but a good result, with CPL recommending a visit.
ILKLEY SPRINT TRIATHLON AND TRAINING CAMP
Adrian Oliver reports from Ilkley, West Yorkshire on his and Jenny’s away trip:-
“We had been invited to visit our son’s girlfriend’s parents for the weekend and what better family bonding experience than to enter the world-renowned Ilkley Triathlon together. Being in the Brownlee brothers stomping ground, we were expecting the field to be international. With the cancellation of the 2020 Kona World Ironman championships, it was unfortunate that none of the world elite triathletes were able to quality for this year’s 2021 Ilkley (see promotional video here
http://ilkleytriathlon.co.uk). Instead, the event had to make do with what turned out to be very talented local young triathletes…and us “Olde Tuffs”…
Centred around the Ilkley Lido, competitors were started at 1 minutes intervals with a 500m pool swim, 3 lap cycle of a hilly 4.8km loop and a single run lap of the same. Having registered slower swim times, Tom’s girlfriend Lily and her mum Diane were sent off soon after 10am, followed by Jenny around 11am, and Adrian eventually just before 2pm. Son Tom had planned on participating, but due to a common cold (not COVID) was unable to. Tom, along with Lily’s dad Andy, seasoned high level runner, retired due to a recent hip replacement, provided the support for team Kitchen-Oliver. Being experienced triathletes, we were fully prepared with our 5th discipline (excuses!) – light rain, long pre-race travel, work stress, hurty ITB knee, breathing issues, hurty stomach, late afternoon start, walked 8km before start supporting team Kitchen-Oliver…
The event was won by a local young and rising star Nathan Coy (you saw that name here first!) in 0:52:14. Adrian recorded the fasted time of Team Kitchen-Oliver of 1:16:16, followed by Diane with 1:31:48 (beaten by nemesis Alison Bennett), Lily with 1:35:11 (amazing for her 1st triathlon – still beaming with delight as she crossed the finish line!), and Jenny with 1:43:19. Post race, and having seen Tom and Lily back to London to work, the parents enjoyed cycling around amazing West Yorkshire countryside inspecting Brownlee brother cafes and understanding why the Yorkshire region produces such amazing triathletes!”
Adrian
LONDON TO BRIGHTON BIKE RIDE
The London to Brighton Bike ride sounds quite a glamourous thing to do but it probably didnt feel like it at 3:40 when the Tuff contingent cycled a couple of miles to the pick up point. The three intrepid Tuffs of Shelley & Jon Babbage, Malcolm Sheward were joined by Jon & Shelley’s son Sam. Starting from London the traditional 55 miles route straight down from London meant the mile long challenge up to the top of the South Downs – namely Ditchling Beacon. Unfortunately the torrential rain that The Aquathlon Champs just missed ensured it was a moist Brighton Seafront that welcomed them. Perhaps for many that would have been sufficient but the Tuff foursome still had to cycle back from Brighton to Littlehampton. This would accrue a further 20 miles although this did justify a stop at McD’s in Shoreham A true test of cycle endurance but well done to them as they were raising money for Cancer United and have raised just over £620 so far. If anyone else wishes to donate the link is here.
SEASON TRIATHLON FINALE DORNEY LAKE
Staged by Human Race, an event company covering 19 races a year, Their last Triathlon of the season was at Dorney Lake, Windsor, comprising a 400m Swim, 10.6km Bike, and 2.5km Run. Sophie Garbo participated and reports below:-
“This was a huge event at a beautiful location. I did the Novice event as ratio-wise the races were swim heavy, and its my weakest discipline.
I had a tricky swim as my nose clip broke just before the swim, I had a bit of cold water shock and had to do breast stroke for the majority of the swim. I had never swum in a lake before but it was lovely and clean. Although the swim was hard, I did it in my predicted time which was pleasing.
I had a great bike leg and was 7th out of 53 in my wave. It’s fast and flat. (Thanks to Bikefitta Clive for the recent fit and service. I am sure it helped! ) The run was good too – 13th. But overall I was mid table. Really hoping this winter I can improve my swimming to ensure better placings.
Only negative was the transition area was extremely cramped. The only space being directly underneath the bike! Was great to see so many spectators and such a beautiful venue”.
Sophie
EPIC LAKES SWIM – WINDERMERE
Another week and another race from Karen Napleton, this weekend she has been in the lake district at The Epic Lakes Swim
“Just a baby 1 mile race last weekend in Lake Windermere but the medal was fantastic! Lost my hat and goggles half way round, did a bit of frantic treading water and swearing, retrieved both and kept going. All in all a lovely swim-bob and just one lap of the buoys, rather than 5k three laps 🥱 which I couldn’t face…it’s all about the sport-explore for me. I still prefer the sea 🙂 “
Karen
TURNING TIDES -THREE PIER SWIM
Dom Mason reports in from his weekend coastal adventure:
“Dawn on Saturday saw Dominic Mason head out to survey the conditions and declare them perfect for the inaugural Three Piers Swim, with Sussex Yacht Club, for local homelessness charity, Turning Tides.
Dom, Verity-Jane Lacey and Ed Lay, along with eight other swimmers, set out on a relay swim from Brighton Pier to Worthing Pier, each swimmer doing 2 miles.
Here’s Ed: “We were blessed with clear sky and fair weather with Dom Mason, Verity-Jane Lacey and myself and others battling a little tide on our legs. Strong swimming from all 11 members meant that safe and successful swim was had by all. Special thanks go out to all those that help organise the swim, those who took part and everyone including you generous Tuffs who helped raise more than £3.5k. Anyone interested in joining us next year just let Dom or myself know.”
Verity adds: “I’m still trying to decide whether I enjoyed the swim or RIB ride more, ok, I’m not going to lie, the RIB was awesome!!
I did legs 2 and 4, a mile each time. Fortunately I finished leg 4 before the wind picked up and the sea became nicely choppy for leg 5.
All in all, it was a great experience with some great people I hadn’t met before, and for a great cause.”
And Dom: “Perfect conditions, great crew and swim buddies. Sussex Yacht Club were superb hosts and it was just fantastic to go first and swim, past Palace Pier, West Pier and i360. In my second leg I went past Millionaire’s Row and shouted “Hello…” to Adele. The joke was wasted as I was 800m out and it later transpired she was in LA not her posh house in the Shoreham basin near the fishmongers. Like the mackerel there, I was gutted.”
Dom
NEW FOREST SPORTIVE
Finally in respect of race reports well done to Andy Ward who rode the New Forest Sportive on the Saturday. Starting in the South East corner of the Forest the route took riders down to the coast before taking in the whole boundary of the National Park. Andy undertook the middle distance event covering 71 miles over 2,500ft ascent.
PARKRUN
At Littlehampton parkrun Emily Moore closes in on her century of parkruns by completing number 96 & in some style finishing as first female in 19:53. The good news continued as Kev Pearson completed in 21:43. One of our newest members Linda James crossed in 24:46 to achieve a new PB. Thanks to Nick Hartfield and Bob Thomas who were on the organising team.
There was no Worthing parkrun this week due to the promenade being given over to Worthing Pride.
Across at Lancing Green parkrun, Amanda De Ridder was in action. It was a momentous parkrun for Elaine Rousseau who completed her century, with her 100th parkrun – congratulations. Sheila Bailey also ran, and achieving a PB
Maidenhead parkrun saw Trevor Harvey complete his 30th parkrun
Well done to all nine Tuff parkrunners.
