My first 70.3 was a real step up for me especially at what I hear is regarded as a challenging course. I was daunted but tentatively looking forward to it and it was even better than I expected.
OSB organise great races and Holkham Hall in beautiful North Norfolk is the perfect setting for such an event. I live in Norfolk and had some mates (Lincoln Tri club members) stay at mine. We drove over to Holkham Saturday afternoon to register/rack and attend a race briefing, all very efficient and easy. There was a great atmosphere with so many people camping on site, running events taking place and the decent weather.
Up at 4:00am Sunday for the drive and race prep, we gave ourselves plenty of time to avoid any stress. We timed it well but I still managed to forget to put suncream on and regretted that later...
Swim: Disconcerted by deep thick mud which stirred up when everyone began made for a difficult start but I found my rhythm eventually and plenty of other people seemed to be doing OK! I thought the narrow lake made sighting/navigating easy and managed a decent line.
Ride: Undulating & scenic, there was a real mix of differing road surfaces with some good fast stretches. The wind made some bits tough but the coastal 'breeze' could've been so much worse. Well marshalled/signed & with potholes marked clearly along the whole route helped to make it an enjoyable ride. The last road section towards Holkham Hall was deceptively hard and slow which everyone seemed to be suffering with and the 'sprint' down the estate road towards the obelisk was not as quick as it can be with the wind but the end was in sight!
Run: Tough! With the sun out in full, the 3 lap route which incorparated the private estate roads, some decent packed track/trail and a climb which took its toll a little more each lap, was a real challenge. However the scenic nature, brilliant support and well placed feed stations made it psychologically easier for me than I'd expected. I'd managed to pace myself OK but don't have a watch so didn't have a clue as to my times, it was all about just finishing... Seeing a mate in the distance with about 800-1000m to go was the incentive I needed to finish well. I surpised myself with enough left to finsh strongly and as a result achieved just under 6 hours, beyond my expectations!
Overall a fantastic weekend. It felt good to be part of a 'big' event. Hat's off to OSB and Holkham Hall for hosting such a great race.