Dunmow Sprint Triathlon

Where did you say? Why are you going there for a Triathlon? These have been the two most common questions people have asked me about my first triathlon. In short – the answers are ‘Great Dunmow’ and ‘because I couldn’t find a local suitable triathlon’ (with the Bungay one being booked).

Rewind to Whitlingham Broad - 5 July 2009. Myself and my mate, Stefan were riding our mountain bikes down that way when we came across the Norwich Triathlon. We watched the start of the Olympic event and were soon talking about whether we could do something like that. After initially agreeing that ‘no’ was the answer to that question - we discussed it a little more and decided that we should at least dip our proverbial toes in the water with a sprint.

Two months later we were lining up for a 400m swim, 23km ride and 5km run in Essex. I had been pretty nervous for the past week and the sleep the night before included dreams where I forgot to leave my bike in transition, missed the start time and rode off course. Getting to Great Dunmow was good as it all started to feel very real and it was comforting that all the anticipation would soon be behind us.

The main concern for us was the terrain. It was probably more hilly that we had expected and neither of us had done a heap of climbing. The only other thing of concern was our endless discussions around what to do in transition. Should our bikes face this way, where do you exit, how do race belts work, do I leave my shoes in my pedals, and so on. So after answering these questions by asking others or making up answers we felt satisfied we were ready to go. 

The swimming start times were all staggered – two people to a lane (one half each). We had submitted ‘fastish’ predicted swim times and had thus been allocated later slots. Whilst it was good to watch some of the earlier competitors start (and thereby learn a few things), it also meant a steady flow of adrenaline which was reducing us to nervous wrecks. 

To the start! The swim was over so quick I hardly even remember it. I just remember being happy that the lap counters had got their count right and emerging from the water feeling fairly fresh and confident I had swum well (thanks to Mark Williams and his Open Water Sessions). Transition was good and my attempts to keep things simple were effective insofar as I stood there - helmet on, race belt on, shoes on, bike ready and wondering what I had forgotten. Nothing as it turned out.

The ride was the best fun I’ve ever had on two wheels. The first 6 miles were really hilly (by my standards) and into a fairly stiff head wind. Fortunately I was really hyped and managed to get into a really good rhythm. My legs felt good – actually I couldn’t feel them at all! The last 8 miles varied between cross and tail winds – slightly less hilly but great for riding. Well sign posted and well marshalled (loads of encouragement). 

And the run? Well – you can’t have everything in this life. I emerged from the transition feeling good but knowing that there was some pain on the way – and that my legs would start to feel it. I was surprised when the pain came about a minute later in the form of an evil and never ending stitch (I can still feel it now as I write). The further I ran the more painful it got and the slower I ran. Strangely, upon reaching a killer hill and thinking that I may be reduced to a walk – it started to subside. I think the hill kind of forced me to slow down to a level where I could better cope with the knife being stuck in my side.

The last 2 km were little more than a plod. But I got there. I don’t need to explain how I felt getting it done. It was the end of a journey – but the most exciting thing is that I hope it is also the start. I loved it, want to do it again and am already planning how I do it better.

As for the race.. Well organised, great atmosphere, friendly people, helpful officials and a course that I absolutely loved. It’s a hike to get there but it was well worth it!

Tri-Anglia Results

Article by Christian Totter
Page created: 16th September 2009.