Harwich Triathlon Saturday 18 June 2011 - Maureen Farish

Yet another sentimental journey back to my teenage years [see Olympic triathlon July 2010]. Travelling down to Harwich the horizon was alternately thick and black with cloud and sunny with bright blue skies. Rain threatened and so it came to pass.  This was my second triathlon trip to the Essex seaside but this time I was competing in the shorter and much easier sprint competition. The 300m swim was in the pool; the bike was 24k and the run 5k.

I was greeted like a long lost friend by the organisers which was very comforting except for one woman who asked me –“were  you the one who came in last [45 minutes behind!]  in the Olympic last year? Unfortunately yes - that was me - so this year  I forewarned the organisers and very cheekily requested an early swim start. The triathlon  started  at 4.15pm with each competitor going at 30 second intervals. Swimmers went up and down the lanes, slipping under the lane ropes and completing 12 lengths. I went off at number 2 and had a wonderful free, unimpeded swim.

It was warm and sunny as I cycled away on the 24k route along country lanes although enormous black clouds hovered in the distance. The ride was relatively easy, only a few hills. One hill caught me unawares; as I pressed on the pedals I tried to change down, accidently knocked the gear lever, the gears clicked into a higher wheel and I was struggling to stay upright! Because I have cleat pedals and could not wrestle my foot out the pedal,  I fell off! I fell off! Fortunately no one was around to see it happen and I climbed back on with a bruised and bloody knee.

Darkness fell [made even darker because I was wearing wrap around glasses with black lens] and the rain and wind swept across the fields. Cycling downhill with a river flowing under your wheels was very scary although exciting as well. Transition was a sea of mud and I was absolutely soaked. However my running shoes were dry and I was off on the 5 k run. The rain had stopped by now.

The run encircled a large playing field and then out and back along the promenade. Two women in front of me were running and walking and as I passed they were trying to keep up with me. No way was that going to happen! As my legs adjusted to the transition from bike to run I increased my pace significantly and therefore ended up running style="mso-spacerun:yes">  a very good time [for me] – 33.26 – about average for Park run times recently. I finished second from last and have apparently won an age group prize which wasn’t difficult as I was the oldest by about 8 years in the entire field of 250+! My request for an early start time – earlier than my swim time indicated -  was vindicated because as usual my bwas vindicated because as usual my bike time was relatively slow.

At the finish it was lovely to meet up with my old school friend who was there with her daughter. Diane and I used to swim in the sea and the pool the entire summer holidays.  My daughter Jane and family had also braved the rain and to round off the day we all enjoyed a buffet in the local rugby club organised by the triathlon club. Altogether a successful and very happy day despite the gusting wind and rain.

	Swim (330m)	T1	Cycle (24K)	T2	Run	Finish
Maureen Farish	7.36		1.18.14		33.26	1.59.16

Tonbridge Lions Triathlon Monday 2 May 2011 - Maureen Farish

 Triathlon season underway again. Two Bromley Veterans, Les Humphrey and myself, and two ex club members, Mike Abousselem and Katrina Patching competed. A bright and breezy day, in fact too breezy for comfort at times. Helen James was spectating and waiting none too patiently for the day she will be back after her broken hip episode.

My start time for the 400m swim in the Tonbridge School pool was 8am. The swim was slower than usual because I did not hear the timekeeper say go and lost a good few seconds. The same thing happened to Les. Though in the  end that few seconds was not going to make much difference. Transition was a bit more efficient this time and I clattered off in my new cleat specific shoes to the cycle start line. Cycling with cleat pedals is still very scary but you don’t usually have to stop in a triathlon.

But my chain came off at the bottom of a hill so I did have to get off the bike! I did not fall off the bike which is liable to happen with cleats! However the hills were neverending and steep, everytime you turned a corner there was another hill.  We had also been warned by triathletes and marshals in the know to be wary of Carters Hill, a very steep and bendy downhill. Here it was – steep and bendy but much shorter than I remembered. So all the worrying was for nothing.

The run was 5k around flat playing fields which I quite enjoyed despite gale force winds. Although the 5k time was acceptable I was disappointed with my overall time. The swim and cycle was much slower than last year. As can be seen from the times below Mike, Les and Katrina were infinitely more successful. Les was at least 10 minutes faster than last year which is excellent considering he will soon be 72. Congratulations to Mike and Katrina on their forthcoming [or maybe it has happened] marriage.

	Swim (400m)	T1	Cycle	T2	Run (5k)	Finish
Les Humphrey	11.04	1.43	1.04.13	1.17	23.43	1.47.50
Maureen Farish	12.07	3.50	1.37.18	2.58	34.51	2.31.05

7Oaks Triathlon Sunday 19 September 2010 from Maureen Farish

Four Bromley Veterans competed in the 21^st Whiteoaks triathlon; Linda Grey, Les Humphreys, Helen James and myself. Weather conditions were very good; the heatwave had cooled a little and helpfully the start  was scheduled for very early in the morning – 6.30am. But there were a few problems for three of us.

The swim was 400 metres in the pool, 27 k on the bike in a big circuit of Swanley, Dartford and Bexley and 8k mainly cross country run in New Barn park. Les Humphrey had the first problem. He was convinced he had completed the 12 lengths of the pool but the official maintained he had swum 10. Les showed the official his stopwatch which showed his usual swim time for 400m – 10 minutes - and he was given the ok to continue out of the pool and onto the bike. Later Les found he was not listed in the results and thinks he was probably disqualified for allegedly not swimming the required number of lengths. Hence his times are based on his own watch times.

According to Linda her triathlon was not up to her usual standard; Linda passed myself and Les in the run, gasping out to Les as she disappeared into the distance, that she was not running very well that day. Linda easily won her age group and her times are excellent for a 60+ athlete. Of course times are relative and each competitor has their own standard to achieve.

Helen was not feeling well that day and unfortunately did not finish the run section. This was the first time Helen has ever dropped out of a triathlon and she is now very keen to come back next year and try again. Despite finishing second to last I had a good triathlon, only a few seconds slower than last year. In fact the 8k run in the park was exactly the same time as last year – to the second.  Well done to the Bromley Vets Tri team because at whatever level the athlete competes, triathlon is a tough sport.

This was my first [and probably my last] Olympic triathlon. I have competed in several sprint triathlons but  before I become too  old  and decrepit the Olympic tri was a challenge I needed to complete. I chose Harwich because I used to live there many moons ago [50+ years] and swam the 1650m sea course frequently then, cycled the 45k country lanes and often paraded   along the 10k promenade run course. It was quite a daunting course compared for example to the London triathlon which is 1500m in the still waters of docklands with a  relatively  flat 40kbike/10krun. There was also the added difficulty of the event starting at 12 noon to coincide with high tide on the hottest day of the year so far!

 With 90 competitors and three waves of swimmers we were sent off at 15 minute intervals and I was in the second wave. The sea was cool, not cold  at all but  there was a considerable swell which was difficult against a rising tide. The course was parallel to the coast, from the furthest end of the promenade, along  and around  a lighthouse, back to the exit point close to transition. The lighthouse never seemed to get any closer although  I really enjoyed the swim. The transition onto the bike was appalling. Helen James who travelled as a very active supporter was extremely  frustrated with my inane fiddling about ? hanging my wetsuit up and generally not getting out on the bike quick enough.

 The bike was tough, quite hilly, long and very hot. As I am not an expert cyclist and quite  slow  I had to suffer the ignominy of finishing last, with a big white van sweeping up behind me. Luckily I did not know this at the time. The 10k run was hard and my feet were very sore at the end. I was exhausted. But I did have a nice young man [Steve Cooper] escorting me on the bike during the run. Turned out he used to live near Hayes Station and still belongs to Blackheath and Bromley and is friends with Paul Austridge and Nigel Keogh. Small world.

 If you like a friendly, relaxed triathlon with very helpful and kind officials, this is the one for you. Even though I finished 40 minutes behind the previous competitor I had a rousing finish and even a prize of a pair of socks. My husband, Richard, when we got home, said well done  but don?t do it again ? wise words.

1650m swim - 44.25
45k bike - 2.13.23
10k run - 1.22.34

I was the only Bromley Veteran competing in this seaside triathlon and I chose to enter because the swim section was in the sea and I have a longer sea swim triathlon at the end of June. I was very concerned that the water would be too cold as triathlon rules do not allow an open water swim below 12C. The temperature on the day was 13C!

The start time for my wave was 7.50am and fortunately the day dawned bright and sunny. The distance in the sea was 750m. Surprisingly [in my wet suit] after the initial frozen face feeling I did not notice the cold but found the swim tough as there was a strong current pushing us along the coast so I probably swim a good deal further than 750m. There were several strong young men to drag me up the steep beach and I walked [most people jog] to my bike in transition. I broke my own transition personal worst from swim to bike – it took me 7 minutes!

After the hard swim the bike [20k] and the run [5k] were relatively easy. The cycle was along roads parallel to the sea and the run was similar along the promenade. I relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed myself as there were loads of enthusiastic spectators urging you on. Later when the results were uploaded I was delighted to discover I had won a prize. I was first ultravet [indeed the only ultravet!] and a parcel arrived this morning with a trophy and a voucher.

Swim: 26.52, Bike: 57.52, Run: 34.12, total: 2:07:08

 Tonbridge Triathlon Monday May 3^rd  from Maureen Farish

Six Bromley Vets competed, Mike Abousselem, Mike Turner, Linda Gray, Les Humphrey, Helen James and myself [please let me know if I have left anyone out]. It was a very cold, sometimes wet, sometimes sunny May morning. If you glanced quickly to the side on the country roads as you whizzed past on your bike there were bluebells and primroses filling the woods. Though serious triathletes; of course kept their heads down.

The three triathlon disciplines were: 400m swim; 25 k bike and 5 k run. The swim in the Tonbridge School pool was over very quickly apart from a massive kick in the head for yours truly. Then out into the freezing cold and  away on our bikes. The cycle course was tough, plenty of hills and most scary of all, two steep down hills. Not only was it cold but it rained hard at one point and the down hill was very frightening. Wet road, bends, flickering shadows and the sun reflecting off the road. Please god don’t let me hit a pothole! One competitor did  fall off and presumably was then out of the race – I don’t know if he/she was injured.

The run was straight forward – two laps round Tonbridge school playing fields on nice flat grass. It felt like a long  5k, longer than the local Park run in Norman Park, but times were similar so it must have been exhaustion befuddling my brain.

Good results for everyone although I was disappointed with my time – slower than last year. Some of Mike A’s results are missing as well. One splendid and interesting result is that four Bromley Veterans were Age group winners.

Linda Gray:          1^st F   60-64
Maureen Farish: 1^st F    65-69
Les Humphrey:1^st   M     70-74
Helen James    1^st F     75-79

Triathletes World

Helen James and Les Humphrey both feature in an article in the June 2009 edition of Triathletes World magazine. The article is entitled Coming of age with the strapline "Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you can't continue training or even take up triathlon for the first time. In fact, it could be good for you."

Whiteoaks Triathlon Swanley Sunday 12 July - Maureen Farish

This was Whiteoaks Triathlon Club’s 20^th annual triathlon and the Bromley Veterans competing were Helen James, Linda Gray and myself. I think Whiteoaks tri club decided to celebrate this anniversary with a very early start. The first slower swimmers were away at 6.30am with the swiftest swimmers at 9.05 so the whole competition was finished by about 11.30. Helen and I were starting our 400 metre swim, 12 lengths of the pool, at 6.50 and 7.10 which meant [for me] getting up at 5am

The cycle was 28k, around the local roads of Swanley, Dartford and Bexley. The weather was a bit wet and the country roads were quite muddy and potentially slippery. You heave a sigh of relief as you turn left at the mini roundabout just outside Old Bexley – it’s not far you think to the finish. But it is still a long drag up North Cray road to the roundabout where we turn left for the last long drag up to the finish outside the Whiteoaks leisure centre.

It is however interesting to examine the split times of the three Bromley Vets. Linda is the champion over 60  

There were 263 competitors; Linda – 229 Maureen – 258 Helen - 2622

Women only Timex Triathlon, Dorney Lake, Eton Saturday 4 July - by Maureen Farish.

The 800 metre swim was in the open water of the lake and because of the heat wave wet suits were banned – the first time this had happened at Dorney lake in 18 years. All those early morning practise swims in Tooting Bec lido with a wet suit were not needed in the end. However the weather was not quite as hot and worries about dehydration and sunstroke in this long event did not materialize. Women only Triathlon races of various distances were scheduled all day from early morning till late afternoon and our Challenge event [the longest event] started at 12.45. The 800 metre swim, 30 k bike [flat and fast around the huge perimeter of the lake] and 7.5k [3 times up and down one side of the lake]. Brilliant for spectators, unrelenting for competitors.

Three Bromley Veterans competed: Janice Bailey, Helen James and myself. We were definitely the oldest competitors although we were placed in the 40+ section! There was a mass start of about 50 women for the swim and the water felt very comfortable. The swim was exciting and very enjoyable, twice round a 400 metre course. A jog to the bike and away on 6 laps of the lake. Because there were several different races of differing lengths, the bike course was like Hyde Park corner in the rush hour!

Although I was first [of us three] out of the swim, Janice soon caught me on the bike and in fact lapped me again! Janice is an expert cyclist. My abiding memory of the bike ride was seeing competitors [with big fat bottoms and sit up and beg bikes] from shorter races passing me at speed! Then into the run, all three of us were fairly tired by this time and Janice was suffering from breathlessness because of asthma as well. Despite a cloudy sky most of the time Helen managed to get sun burnt and also had to suffer a photographer poking his camera in her face during the crucial transition period. Helen was apparently featured on Meridian news [where is that?] later that day. Such is the price of celebrity.

Altogether a successful triathlon day. In fact Monday’s [July 6^th] Daily Telegraph featured two celebrities – Gaby Logan was one - who had competed in the novice race and a photo of a mass swim start which happened to be our race – and there I am in my white goggles with black lens amongst all the other anonymous swimmers in hats and goggles. Only Janice and Helen would know it was me!

Janice Bailey 2.26.23 = swim 21.29, cycle 1.03.43, run 56.16
Maureen Farish 2.39.07 = swim 20.04, cycle 1.22.40, run 50.41
Helen James 2.52.15 = swim 22.30, cycle 1.25.34, run 58.58

214 competitors ages u30/30-39/40+ competed: Janice – 187, Maureen 201, Helen 209. Not bad for three pensioners.

Sussex Triathlon Ardingley College Nr Haywards Heath Sunday 31 May 2009 – Maureen Farish

A bright golden summers day, blue sky and a slight breeze to cool the air. Perfect for sunbathers but not necessarily for triathletes. Nine Bromley Veterans competed: Mike Turner, Katrina Patching, Greg Morris, Janice Bailey, Helen James, Claire Clarke (nee McGavigan), Clive and Lynette Walker and Myself.

Ardingley College is a private school deep in the Sussex countryside with beautiful green and pleasant grounds large enough to accommodate a huge triathlon. Triathlon is a very friendly sport, supporting and welcoming all abilities and ages. Helen and I had some interesting conversations with quite a few handsome young men while we waited patiently for our turn to swim.

Because there were some problems with the organisation of the 500 metre swim. Contestants were requested to line up in number order and each had a specific start time. But there were so many contestants by the time the 300’s should have been in the water the event was running an hour late. The pool was quite small and only had four lanes. I was supposed to swim at 10.40 but eventually was in the water at 11.50! However once you had finished your swim the boring wait was forgotten and you were off.

We were told to leave shoes outside the pool because it was 200 metres over stony ground to the bike transition. They did not tell you about the steep hill you had to climb to get there. The bike ride was 15 miles approximately and a pleasant route including some nice flat fast bits. There was one nasty hill which we were warned about. Be in a low gear they said. Well, I was in a low gear struggling up the hill that led to the nasty bit. I had to get off and walk. Also my chain came off which cost me several minutes.

The run was 5k and was four times round a huge field which had a steep hill at the start. The sun was very hot by this time and with so many contestants when I stumbled across the finish line there was no water! However that was a minor quibble in a triathlon that was altogether a life enhancing experience. The free pasta meal [very generous servings] in the college refrectory was excellent too.

Mike and Greg achieved very good times and both are in training for the full ironman [2.4 miles swim, 112mile bike and marathon 26.2 miles run] later this year. [Absolutely awesome]. This was Katrina’s first full triathlon sprint and was excellent as the times below indicate. Janice achieved some very good times; obviously the triathlon club training is paying off. Helen managed to beat me yet again with her bike riding skills [ but I did lose time when my chain came off].

Tonbridge Triathlon, Monday 4 May 2009 - Maureen Farish

Five Bromley Veterans competed in this bank holiday triathlon; Janet Bailey, Maureen Farish, Linda Gray, Helen James and Les Humphrey – all of us aged 60 plus. The race was based at the magnificent Tonbridge School, a school which has vast grounds, a swimming pool and an athletics track. The ideal venue for triathlon [and a splendid place to be educated!].

The swim was 400m, bike ride approximately 15/16 miles and the run around the playing fields 5k. The weather was settled and comfortable only raining later when we had all finished. As usual the hardest bit for me was the bike ride. This was around local country roads and was quite tough with several steep hills up and down. I had been driven round the course earlier in the week but we managed to miss the key uphill bit so this long hill was rather a shock. The long, bendy downhill was also very scary. The run around the playing fields was on grass, flat and very pleasant, especially when the sun came out. An enjoyable experience – in retrospect of course.

Les Humphrey did extremely well as he had completed a longer distance triathlon the day before at Steyning, Sussex, in preparation for a half ironman in the Autumn.

SV = Super Vet [except Helen is SSV on account of being 74] 

South Coast triathlon, 31 August 2008 - Maureen Farish

Helen James and myself travelled the long winding A26 to Seaford in Sussex to again tackle the South Coast Triathlon. After last years ignominious tow to land by canoe Helen was not going to be defeated this time by the choppy seas. The weather was decidedly unsettled with stormy clouds gathering.

First the 750m swim [or more as it turned out] in the sea, the start was off the uncomfortable shingly beach. We had been warned of a strong current moving right to left along the coast. Which meant once we had rounded the first buoy, there was a long swim against the current before we could head back to the finish. Most competitors, including Helen and myself,  swam yards off course and out to sea! The canoes gently pointed us in the right direction. You thought you were swimming in a straight line but lo and behold the evermore distant orange buoy never seemed to get any closer, in fact the increasing swell meant when you looked you could not see a damned thing! Of course on the way back that naughty current swept you too close to shore and we had to swim out to sea again in order to pass between the “gate” marker buoys and into the landing point. Then there was the ungainly stagger out of the water and up the beach, the run [or exhausted walk for some] to the bike and then strip off your wetsuit as quickly as possible. I was ahead of Helen at this point.

The 20k bike ride was 6 laps along the seafront on a flat traffic free road with the added delight of pouring rain. The run was 5k along the promenade for 2 laps. Very boring and therefore very tiring to complete. Helen is a master cyclist and although I was pedalling like mad she passed me in the third lap and beat me by 4 minutes. A deficit I could not make up in the run and Helen was in front by a whole minute in the final overall time. We were not last either – 14^th and 15^th out of 17 finishers.

Helen was pleased to complete the triathlon and had beaten the challenge of the sea this time. I was just pleased to finish. And to top it all when we had changed and were ready to go home the sun came out. We both improved our times from last year by at least 15 minutes. Roll on next year – well maybe not.

Helen James swim 29.26, bike 54.44, run 38.08, total 2.02.28
Maureen Farish swim 28.58, bike 58.11, run 36.16, total 2.03.25

London triathlon, 10 August 2008 - Les Humphrey

1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run.

Held over the weekend of the 9/10 August this years London Triathlon attracted over 13000 entries competing over various distances from super sprint to Olympic. I opted to take part in the Olympic Distance event

My start wave on the Sunday afternoon consisted of about 400 competitors which given the physical nature of the start was in my opinion probably to many and far exceeded previous years.Normally I would expect to establish some clear water after about 100yds but all through the swim I seemed to be encountering other swimmers.

The bike leg consisted of two laps out to Tower Bridge and back via the Beckton roundabout in very windy conditions. On the final leg i missed the turn off into the Excel Centre and having realised my mistake had to retrace my steps losing a couple of minutes.

The 2 lap 10k run around the Royal Victoria Docks was at least flat apart from the steep ramp up to the centre and again like the cycling was made more testing by the very stong winds.

Les Humphrey 37/63 M55+ 2hrs 59mins 36secs [PB]

Bannanaman triathlon, Dorney Lake, Eton 20th July 2008 - Maureen Farish

Helen and Maureen competed in this very popular triathlon. Hundreds of athletes took part in six separate races. The venue is ideal for triathlon and spectators as all the disciplines take place in and around a huge lake. The weather was not too promising as a brisk wind was blowing but at least it was dry.

The swim was 800m in cold, clear water which because of the wind was choppy as well. Helen and I climbed into our wetsuits and set off in the women’s race. Everybody starts together as this is an open water swim and there is a mad thrashing of arms and legs as you try to find a space to swim. After a short 400m circuit around some huge buoys we had to climb out of the lake and run back to the start and jump in to complete another lap! Helen and I had recently enjoyed a  holiday swimming in the sea between Greek Islands and had no problem with this relatively easy lake swim.  

We then struggled [at least I did] out of our wetsuits and immediately pedalled off to cycle 30k – six laps of the lake – against a howling wind! The cycle seemed to last forever but finally we began the run – 7.5k – which was 3 laps up and down the towpath of the lake. The swim was the best bit as the cycle and the run were rather boring and flat. It was in the end a very tough triathlon because you were relentlessly pedalling or running without a change of terrain – no chance of a rest as you would normally freewheel down hill. Or I would anyway.

Helen James swim 22.22, bike 1.31.27, run 57.52, total 2.56.52
Maureen Farish swim 19.48, bike 1.27.11, run 48.35, total 2.41.41

White Oak triathlon 6 July 2008 - Les Humphrey

Swim 400m Bike 27k Run 8k

Based at the White Oak Leisure Centre at Swanley this years event attracted a field of 253 starters. After exciting the swim competitors were faced with a 27k cycle ride on a reasonably flat course and apart from the first 5miles on good road surfaces.The run followed part of the Kent Fitness League Course in Swanley Park consisting of three laps.

Despite returning from holiday the previous evening were she alleges she done little training Helen James [the ageless warrior] finished with a fine 2hrs 30mins 44secs. Rumour has it however that Helen was not on holiday but with the British Triathlon Team training for Bejing.Maureen Farish competed on here new bike and was pleased with her time of 2hrs 25mins 49secs.

Linda Gray 104th, 1hr 38min 33secs
Greg Morris 109th, 1hr 39min 01secs
Les Humphrey 191st, 1hr 50min 25secs
Maureen Farish 248th, 2hr 25min 49secs
Helen James 249th, 2hr 30min 44secs

ITU World Championshis - Linda Gray

I went to the ITU world champs in Vancouver. It was very cold - 11 degrees - and after getting in the sea for a warm up it proved even colder and it was decided to change the race into a duathalon. 3k run, 40k bike, 10k run. I was wet and cold and the whole experience was not very nice. It was not the race I had trained for and I came 5th. My world medal still eludes me but I am not going to give up - hopefully Aus next year!

Tonbridge Lions Triathlon - Sevenoaks School, 5 May 2008 - Maureen Farish

It was the weather that took us by surprise – hot sun! Helen James, Janice Bailey, Michael Abousselam, Linda Gray and myself competed in this tough triathlon [I thought it was tough anyway]. The 400 metres swim in the indoor pool was easy as can be seen from the results. The  20k bike ride was almost continuous up and down hills, especially the infamous long, steep Hubbards Hill which in the heat was energy sapping as we struggled to the top at the end of the 20k bike ride. Into the 6k run. My daughter Jane shouted I would be ok now because running was my forte! This was an off-road, there and back run in Knole Park and those devious organisers made us run up a steep hill to get to the water station which was at the turning point. Helen was having difficulty and was finding it hard [ so it must be if Helen says that]. I fell over four times and ended up in the ambulance being checked over. The diagnosis was exhaustion and dehydration. Next time I will take on more water. But I did finish at least 25 minutes faster than last year so I got something right. The picnic in the school grounds with my family was a relaxing finish, laying in the grass thinking how lovely it was not to be swimming, cycling and running.

From the following results Janice, Linda and Mike don’t appear to have had any problems having finished in excellent times.                                 

Michael Abousselam 7^th vet 50: Swim 7:58, bike 46:04, run 27:50 = 1:21:54
Linda Gray 1^st vet 60 : Swim 8:26, bike 48:59, run 24:59 = 1:22:26
Janice Bailey 2nd vet 60: Swim 10:39, bike 59:57, run 35:53 = 1:46:32
Maureen Farish 3^rd vet 60: Swim 10:25, bike 1:11:39, run 39:49 = 2:01:55
Helen James 4^th vet 60: Swim 10:09, bike 1:17:02, run 51:55 = 2:19:06

European Championships 2008

Congratulations to Les Humphrey who came a very creditable 4th in the European Triathlon Championships in Lisbon in May 2008. He was beaten by athletes from France and Spain.

Swim (1500m) 35.17, bike (40k) 1.34.19, run (10k) 59.17 - Total including transitions 3.14.37

Les writes:

"I travelled out from Gatwick on the 7 May to be part of a 160 strong Great Britain team to take part in this years European Triathlon Championships situated just outside Lisbon.In total there were nearly 800 athletes taking part from most European countries.I was representing G.B.along with one other G.B athlete in group M, 65/69 years old. In my group were competitors from France ,Spain and Italy.The age group events were programmed to take place on the Sunday so this gave me the opportunity to watch the Elites on the Saturday many of who were still looking for final qualifying places for Bejing.Unfortunately the Brits did not feature in the medal positions.

Having watched the elites it was my time on the Sunday to put in to practice all that i had learned from the Elites.Sadly the legs,heart and lungs had other ideas.

The swim was a 1500 m open water swim held in a generally enclosed dock with water temperature of 18 centigrade therefore a wet suit swim was compulsory.The course was in the shape of a letter M so three bouys to negotiate.My age group was included in the over 50s male swim wave which meant that there were about 100 of us starting from a deep water position.The start wave was very physical with swimmers fighting for a favourable position, however after about 100m i was able to get some clear water for the remainder of the swim.I eventually completed the swim in about 35 mins to make the short run up the slope into Transition No1 to collect my bike.

The bike leg should have been two legs of 20k but due to the problems of finding a suitable turn the total bike leg turned out to be an extra 5k long, and this incorporating a very bumpy cobblestone section around the transition areas..This was all held on closed roads including part on the local 3 lane motorway. Imagine the M25 beng closed to traffic just for the use of cyclist no i was not dreaming we did use the local motorway.

Into the final discipline of a 10k run which consisted of two laps, fortunately flat, run along the coastal footpath.

The last 800m approaching the finish were lined with many of the GB friends and supporters whose support at the end of three hours was very wellcome.I later learned that i had finished 4th in my age group and first of the two Brits."

Magazine coverage

"Helen James is proof that age is no barrier to triathlon. The oldest competitor at last year's Blenheim Triathlon, the 73-year old is still going strong and looking forward to hitting the course again in June.", says thelondontriathlon magazine (picture right).

This magazine coverage of Helen's experience in tackling triathlons notes that she did her first triathlon in 1987 but became a more regular competitor in 1992, with her first open water swim in 2005.

Carrying on tri'ing Helen!

East Grinstead Triathlon - 18 May 2008 - Les Humphrey

Three of the more mature members of B.V.A.C who should no better, abandoned their Freedom Passes for the weekend and took part in the East Grinstead Triathlon based at the Kings Centre.

Helen James, recently named the Ageless Warrior by a magazine,Janice Bailey and myself were all allocated early swim starts. There was clearly no sympathy from the organisers for our advancing years. With the outside temperature hovering around 7centigrade it proved a very cold run after exiting the pool and running the 200 metres into transition No 1 to collect our bikes. All three of us spent longer in transtition than we would have liked putting on exrtra clothing.

The bike course was quite hilly with a long climb up from Wych Cross to the edge of Ashdown Forest. It was on the long descents where the wind chill factor played a part and the extra clothing proved beneficial.

By the time i arrived back at transition to start the run things were just starting to get warmer,so more time lost removing extra tops.The run was a mixture of off and on road through local foot paths and local housing estate. All three of us were all pleased were our overall times.

261 Les Humphrey 1hr 44min 32secs
293 Janice Bailey 1hr 54min 48secs
306 Helen James 2hr 13min 24secs

Fastest 1hr 06mins 55secs; slowest 2hr 21mins 17secs; starters 313

Seaford Triathlon - 2 September 2007- Maureen Farish

Three athletes, Maureen Farish, Les Humphrey and Helen James competed in the Sprint Triathlon on Sunday 2 September. “Sprint” translates as 750m swim, 20km Bike and 5 km run and the swim was in open water in the sea. We all wore wet suits although it was voluntary; wet suits give you more buoyancy and protect from the cold of our seaside waters. The photo [hope it is attached!] is Helen and I minutes before the start. I am wearing a red cap the result of some confusion because I was listed as a man!

Helen and I struggled over the pebbles to the water’s edge and realised that the sea was actually quite rough with a distinct swell and waves crashing on the shore. It was a very tough swim. We were plunged up and down as each stroke seemed to push us further away from the buoy where we had to turn. Helen and Les needed assistance from the canoes in order to make the shore or I think they would have been swimming still. I was exhausted as I staggered up the beach but there was still the bike ride and the run!

The bike ride was 6 laps of a circular course along the seafront with the wind against on the outward section. Helen and Les came into their own here and both had excellent times. The run was a 2 lap course along the promenade. We all did remarkable times considering the swim difficulties and we were the only 60 and 70 + competitors. It was certainly a testing triathlon although the facilities were non existent. It was either changing in the local beach toilets or the front seat of the car!

Maureen Farish  33^rd [out of 35] women - Swim 26.42, bike 1.13.48, run 33.22 - Total 2.13.52
Helen James 35^{th -} Swim 40.00, bike 59.52, run 38.28 - Total 2.18.20
Les Humphrey 58^th [out of 80] men - Swim 18.27, bike 45.28, run 29.50 - Total 1.33.45

White Oak Triathlon - 15 July 2007 - Les Humphrey

Swim 400m/ Bike 27km/ Run 8km

Based at the White Oak Leisure Centre at Swanley, this years event attracted a field of 235 starters slightly down on last years entry. As has become the norm for all the Triathlons I have competed in this season, the weather was decidedly wet particularly for the early starters. As Iwalked down to the Leisure Centre from the adjacent car park Icould hear the sound of thunder in the distance. By the time I reached the transition area to leave my bike we were faced with torrential rain to accompany the thunder and lightning.

Fortunately by the time I had completed my 12 length swim the rain had virtually stopped before setting out on the bike leg Extra caution was needed on the downhill sections and bends as the roads were very wet and in some places muddy Having completed the bike leg, the run covered three laps of Swanley Park using some of the course used in the Kent Fitness League cross country series.

Special mention should be made of Katrina Patching who completed her first full Sprint Distance event in a very creditable 2hrs. 15mins [Do I hear thoughts of an Iron man in the future or should that be an Iron Lady to be PC correct?]

58 Mike Abousselam      1hr 31mins 41secs [2nd Male Sen Vet]
59 Mike Turner              1hr 31mins 43 secs
84Linda Gray                 1hr 36mins 11secs [1st Female Super vet]
88 Greg Morris               1hr 36mins35 secs [4th Male Sen Vet]
109 Claire McGavigan    1hr 39mins 20secs [8th Female Overall]
183 Les Humphrey        1hr 52mons 18secs
217 Katrina Patching    2hr 15mins 50 secs
221 Helen James         2hrs 23mins 06 secs

Mid-Sussex Triathlon 2007 – Sunday 24 June 2007

Swin 400m Bike 25k Run 6k

Novice
Katrina Patching  01.33.28

Sprint
Michael Turner 01.20.47
Michael Aboussalem 01.21.27
Claire McGavigan 01.26.22
Janice Bailey 01.54.09

East Grinstead Triathlon - Sunday 13 May 2007

Swin 500m Bike 27k Run 5k

Based at the East Grinstead Leisure Centre this years event attracted a field of 330 entrants plus 42 for the Try a Tri Event.

An indoor swim of 500metres[20 lengths], followed by a longish run from the Leisure Centre to the adjacent field for the transitions. A circular bike route of 27K climbing up to the edge of the Ashdown Forest. Finally a 5K run with a mixture of off road paths, undulating, to pick up the main road back to the Leisure Centre.

The early starters whilst having to rise early[ like half past four],benefited from dry conditions whilst the later starters had to contend with the wet and windy conditions.

Bromley Vets had six entrants but a special mention must be made of Katrina Patching who competed in her first Triathlon in the Try a Tri event where her run split gave her sixth overall and first in her age group. Over the three disciplines she finished twenty eighth.

110 Mike Abousselam 1:26:37
120 Mike Turner 1:27:08
129 Claire McGavigan 1;28:14 Third in age group
267 Les Humphrey 1:43:03
309 Janice Bailey 1:59:44

Tri a Try
28 Katrina Patching 55:49

Tonbridge Lions Triathlon, Sevenoaks School - Monday 7 May ^– Maureen Farish

Following days of warm, balmy weather, on Bank holiday Monday and Triathlon day the rain poured down. Making roads slippery and muddy in places causing several fast cyclists to fall off! The emphasis is on fast – those right at the end of the field did not take any chances and took it carefully [that’s my excuse].

The swim was 400m followed by the cycle of 13 miles. It was a tough cycle with driving rain [for some] and several hills, particularly the steep climb up Hubbards Hill. You had to be there to experience the full challenge of this mini mountain at the end of the 13 miles. The 5km run was a pleasant cross country out and back in Knole Park and finishing on Sevenoaks School running track

Nine Bromley Veterans competed and as the results below indicate there were some excellent performances. Although she will not thank me for drawing attention to her age, Helen James deserves special praise. Helen is 72 and a super, super vet. How many women of 72 do you know who can swim 400m in approximately 10 minutes, cycle 13 miles in 1 hour 17 minutes and run 5km in 33.35 minutes?

Transition time between swim, cycle and run is included in each competitors final time. Finisher number 254 can actually swim 400m in about 10 minutes; 17.45 represents the walk from pool to bike and the struggle to put my shoes on! More practice is evidently necessary. Well done to everyone who took part and good luck in the forthcoming triathlon season.

64 Mike Turner Male 0/40 1.20.42
65 Greg Morris supervetsM  1.20.42
69 Mike Abousselam supervetsM 1.21.28
79 Claire McGavigan Female U/40 1.22.31
146 Linda Gray supervetsF 1.31.12
172 Les Humphrey supervetsM 1.35.41
233 Janice Bailey supervetsF 1.52.56
246 Helen James supervetsF 2.05.10
254 Maureen Farish supervetsF 2.23.20

White Oaks Triathlon 2006 - Sunday 9 July 2006

Swim 400m Bike 27k Run 8k

Les Humphrey 197th (4th in category) 1.50.10
Helen James 261st (1st in category - Prize winner) 2.21.40
Phil Greenfield 166th (48th in category) 1.44.57
Mike Abousselam 53rd (4th in category) 1.31.53
Miek Turner 100th (32nd in category)1.36.51

This event at Swanley was well attended.

It was a really windy day which make a couple of the cycle climbs particularly difficult. Helen won the first prize in the SuperSuperVets. Les finished one place higher in his age group than last year. The two Mikes did particularly well and Phil managed to fall off his bike! Great turn out though!

European Triathlon Championships 2006 - 23/24/25 June, Autun, France

Swim 1500m Bike 46k Run 10k

Les Humphrey 8th Group M.65 to 70 age group

The course consisted of a Lake swim of 1500 m, and this year due to the very high temperatures was designated a non wet suit swim. The temperature in the lake being about 25°c.

The bike leg was the most demanding with two laps of a 23k circuit which included an 8k climb and a further 2k climb to the hills above Autun. There followed a very fast descent back into town.The run consisted of four laps around the lake with a small diversion to incorporate some short sharp climbs.

Les' event was held on the Sunday afternoon with a 3 o’clock start. The temperature there was 32°c which was alright for the swim but not too good for the other two disciplines. The swim went quite well although very physical at the start with 200 eager swimmers fighting for positions. On lap two of the bike ride however it starting raining which made the descent down into Autun very tricky. By the time Les started the run the rain had got considerably worse with thunder and lightning making the run quite spectacular.

This carried on throughout the run making the running course more like a winter cross country event. Nevertheless he did manage to complete the course to finish eighth in his age group, not as high as last year, in an event not surprisingly dominated by the French. "Good experience", says Les, "which hopefully will help me to qualify for next years event to be held in Copenhagen".

Crystal PalaceTriathlon - 28 May 2006

Swim 750m Bike 20k  Run 5k

Les Humphrey 1:32:41

Held entirely in the grounds of the sports complex, with the swim being held in the 50m pool. As most pools these days are 25m in length it was particularly nice to enjoy swimming in an Olympic size pool, suggested Les.

The bike discipline consisted of nine laps of part of what used to be the old motor racing circuit which ceased to be used in the early seventies. Judging by the road surface this had not been re-surfaced in the intervening years. The big advantage was that the circuit was traffic free.

Finally the 5k run was two laps of the bike route, coned off to segregate the runners, followed by two laps of the athletics track. Les says "When I eventually entered the stadium not surprisingly there was not the hordes of spectators normally encountered at a major meeting. Still, a good place to finish the event. Excellent event, very spectator oriented."

Dorney Lake, Eton Women’s Triathlon - May 2006

Swim 800m; Bike 30k; Run 7.5k

The woman’s only Triathlon was held at Dorney Lake, often used for International Rowing events.

Helen opted for the longer distance [typical of Helen] which consisted of an open water swim of 800m, followed by a six lap bike ride of 30k and finally a three lap run of 7.5k.The bike and run taking place in a traffic free environment within the grounds of Dorney Lake.

Helen successfully completed the three disciplines in a good time of 2Hrs. 49Mins 59Secs. and as the oldest competitor beating a few ladies younger than herself.

Following some training with Les at Tooting Bec Lido she was able to get out of her wet suit without too much difficulty!

Well done Helen!

European Age Group Championships - Sat/Sun 20/21 August, Lausanne, Switzerland

Swim 750m; Bike 40k; Run 10k

Les Humphrey 3.35 (Bronze Medal, M65-69)

Congratulations Les - terrific effort

White Oak Triathlon - Sunday 10 July 2005

Swim 400m; Bike 27k; Run 8k

Les Humphrey 1.47.54 (5th male vet over 60)
Helen James 2.17.35

Les & Helen featured in Triathletes World

Helen's magazine coverage

Seaford Tri2007

White Oaks Tri 2006

Les: BVAC winner
'the continental' award 2005

Les takes bronze at Euro 2005

We'd let her catch you Les!

Told you it was worthwhile!