I did this event in 2015 when I first started having a go at multisport events and have been back in 2016 and 2017 to do lane counting at the Lido. So this year, I was really keen to come back again to race the course and see how much I could improve on my previous time.

Registration was very straightforward. I don't have a printer at home so I hadn't signed my waiver but there were plenty on hand to do on the day. Once I had shown my ID, I was given my pack of bike and helmet stickers and the number tattoos for your arms and legs.

I was checked into transition quickly and found my stickered spot to set up in. There were a few porta loos around with very little queuing and very helpful marshals to help you put on your tattoos. The medical team were easy to spot too, so you felt safe before starting.

The race briefing was on time, very thorough and with clear instructions of how the race would start. There were lots of safety points, reminders on not dropping litter and respecting other road users. Plus, the all important reminder to only do 12 lengths as the pool is 33m long! After the swim, you run up some steps towards transition and you're encouraged by the most fantastic Shouting Man who will make sure your path is clear for you. He is quite a regular at DBMax events, and he truely makes my race when he's there!

The bike course is very hilly but with some quick descents too as well as being beautifully picturesque along the coastal road and through the villages on the way. The only gripe I have is that the road surface is very rough and full of holes all the way around. There is obviously absolutely nothing DB Max can do about this but it just made the hills hurt even more!

The run is a mixture of tarmac and trail. It's very pretty along the esplanade and the costal path and again, it has 2 significant hills thrown in for fun. There is a water station on the run, that you pass twice, with eco-friendly cups full of water and Jelly Babies too.

The support on Battery point and surrounding the Lido is really encouraging. However, other supporters and athletes who have already finished, tend to mill about on the esplanade without looking where they're going. I found myself dodging a few dogs and children on my way back in. Once up another set of steps, you do a short loop of the field around a tree and then across the finish line. As I finished, there was a huge tanker sailing across the Severn Estuary which you certainly don't get at every triathlon! DBMax also call out your name as you cross the line which really lifts your spirits.

Once at the finish tent, you are given your medal and your timing chip is removed then you have a huge table full of treats to choose from. I always go for a jelly snake and I really like the Pulsin bars that are now regularly appearing at DBMax events.

Overall, I made a 13 minute improvement on my 2015 time. Then, I was 64th female and 44th in my age category. Today, I was 20th female and 12th in my age category which rounded my day off perfectly.

Thank you DBMax!