One of my goals for 2018 was to make the step up to a standard distance triatlon, so I knew from fairly early on that the Lake 62 event in July would be the one...

As with other LPS Events races, this one was very well organised from start to finish. Sign up and pre-race information was easy and informative, and setup on the day was clearly marked out and directed. The marshals were extremely friendly and suportive and the supporters around the lake gave a much needed boost, particualrly towards the end of my race.

The race breifing was very helpful, and given the appauling weather, also gave useful safety pointers, particualrly for the bike leg. The swim was a deep water start in fairly small waves. Two laps around the lake were fine (other than the really choppy conditions because of the wind on the day) and again well marshalled from a safety point of view. The transition area was very well laid out and led straight out to the bike course. For this year, the bike course has been changed, meaning it was one small lap followed by the larger, main lap. The route was interesting, particualrly up past the Cotswold Airport and also fairly flat, with just a few small inclines and declines in places. The worst part about the bike was the weather... the wind was gusting and very challenging in places and the rain made for slippery conditions. The run was six laps around the lake, which although I expected them to be mentally quite tough, the excellent support around transition and the race village certianly gave a nice lift on each lap. My only regret was not wearing my trail shoes as the run course was quite muddy in places given the rain we had.

All in all, a very well organised event and a great race for my first go at a Standard distance triatlon. I would certianly reccomend it and will be returning again in the future...