On the weekend our very own Matthew took on the Castle to Coast Triathlon starting in Windsor heading to Brighton. Matt has taken part in quite a few triathlons and likes to focus on different disciplines. It was a rainy start but an excellent event.
The race starts with the swim in Eaton Dorney (where the olympic rowing took place. Having not been there before it is definitely worth a visit.) The day before it had been ridiculously hot and it was shame that the race did not have the same weather. Starting in rain that continued through the swim and almost the entire cycle, the race threw everything at the athletes. The swim was in warm water and Matt chose to wear a full wet suit (for buoyancy more than anything else) It was a rolling start so you could enter the water whenever you wanted to so there was no fighting at the start for gaining position. The swim went for 1.2 miles round the lake. A simple course that was a clear favourite.
Onto the bike in the pouring rain for around 4 and half hours. This included two aid stations. It was quite an undulating course. There was little wind so if the rain could've held off, it would've been perfect conditions. The course goes through some beautiful villages in the Surrey hills and it was quite a picturesque ride. There were quite a few people with punctures along the route so tip would be to have a few inner tubes just in case. There were a few mobile mechanics floating around that were happy to stop and help. Matt chose to have long transitions between as it was more of an adventure than a race. It was so well sign posted that it was more of a guided tour.
Onto the run going from the leisure centre. All the bikes were taken onto Brighton or back to the start for you. (This was done with care and precision, excellent work!) Matt took transitions to extreme here and chose to take advantage of the facilities. Having a shower (much to the disgust of his fellow runners who eventually left him to get on with it) and putting on some dry clothes and lots of gurney goo. Matt chose the Hoka Challenger GTX. The grip was perfect on the hills but being an all terrain shoe, they flew on the road. He chose the lightweight mini crew Injinji socks with lots of Gurney Goo anti chafe. He didnt get one blister. Matt also chose to take poles for the run. He used the Mountain King Skyrunners. He said he was definitely the only one but managed to over take several people. He used them on the ascents and managed to power past as they relieve the strain on the knees. The clicking of the poles is also good in keeping the pace. Matt chose to run in his OMM ultra fire 5L. His friend bought a Salomon ADV Skin 5 from myRacekit the day before and wore it for the run. He said it was brilliant and can definitely be used straight out the packaging for long runs. They decided to wear the packs to make sure they had nutrition when it was necessary. Matt likes to drink regularly and this helps to remind him to drink during the run. He took Saltstick fast chews for the event as they are so good at preventing cramp. He is a proper sweaty runner and this helps. Precision Hydration chews was also used throughout the race. He nailed the nutrition on the day.
The run finally makes its way onto Brighton seafront. You are very spread out by this stage so you have to weave between weekend tourists. The pull of restaurants and pubs/music was high. There was a festival on too so lots to take your mind off the run. The run ended just near the 360 tower so you have something to run towards. The wind was against you at that stage but obviously Matt is used to battling along Southend seafront! The end was welcomed with people cheering you in with great atmosphere. Matt raced with four friends and they all finished within 15 minutes of each other. You can choose if you want to be taken back to the start (which they did) collected their bikes and bags and headed for home.
Overall a great adventure, well organised and really friendly. You could get out what you put in race or enjoy this one. You should not be afraid of entering, you are encouraged to go at your own pace. There were generous cut offs and a great race to take part in.