Top Of The Morn Tri 2012

Well folks as the call didn’t come from London i headed up north to Rostrevor Co down, the beautiful Kilbroney park was the venue for this one, as the camp site was already full when we arrived friday we were allowed to park up in the large car park less than 1k from transition, happy days.

Race start was changed to 1pm let the tide come in so had a nice relaxing morning. Light rain fell at first then the sun came out as 170 of us headed off to swim in the nice calm Carlingford lough. I took a few slaps and bumps at the start but soon got going but the brand new goggles leaked a bit , I enjoyed the swim triangular course had to tell myself to get a move on from last bouy onwards. Tricky transition across a busy road, some how baby oil got into flip flops nearly went flat out on my face.

On to the bike I knew it was going to be hilly had some steep climbs especialy the spelga dam got to top of this decided was time for a gel only it slipped from my fingers, then came the decent where I held on, gripping the brakes the whole way down, finally on the flat and at the last turn 6k from home my water bottle took flight across the road, i hadn’t pushed it down the cage.

Was glad to get to the run some water and a gel i was off , lovely scenic route very hard inclinces and a killer hill at the end where there was sambos and a free massage.

PB for me 245. 3rd female and 1st in age group not a bad day. Decided to stay week end had the company of 14 italian campervans on Saturday night as they had to be pulled out of the field they were camping in. nice food I the Kilbroney inn. next race for me a trip to chantilly in northern frace as part of my wine tasting holiday.

Written by: Irene O’Connor