I felt it was time to test the old triathlon resolve again so put myself in for this event run by Always Aim High Events. I have previously done their Slateman Tri before which is a first favourite of Stan and Di. The Snowman ups the game a bit offering a sprint, standard and middle distance (The “Legend”) to take in what the Welsh landscape can through at you.
Race HQ is in Capel Curig at the Plas y Brenin outdoor centre. All sorts going on there with and ultra and swim event happening when I registered on the Saturday (in glorious sunshine I add).
Come Sunday morning for the 7 am start, it was breezy and raining as we had a mass start (77 of us) in the 18°C Llynnau Mymbr lake. The start was into the wind, so apart from the mass start washing machine, you also had a face full of waves if you ever wanted to take a breath. But that was only a part of the swim and the rest I was able to plough on to come out in 29th place with a decent jog over to transition. With the weather being warm, but wet, I went for a cycle jersey and gillet which was just right for the ride. The 60-mile ride obviously had it’s up and downs which its crown jewel being the 4-mile climb through Blaenau Ffestniog leading to an 8-mile delicious descent, the first section of which invited to let go the brakes where I clocked 51 mph until hitting some cross wind made things a bit twitchy. At 42 miles you complete the loop and then head out into and out and back section. The out was a gruelling light incline into headwind, but made the return stretch a delight, especially as at last the rain was stopping and the sun made an appearance. A 3hr 45 min ride, I took the liberty of changing my saturated upper layer and socks, so I had some comfort to start the run. You also had to carry your own water, some food and top and bottom waterproofs as safety kit. Additionally, I took some poles as this is the only triathlon in the UK where you can take walking aids on the run.
The run was an 8 mile out and back along the valley which I bobbled along at around 11 min miles. Then the killer blow of the last 5 miles being the 2.5-mile climb to summit Meol Siabod (872m). This was my failing. As soon as this section hit, everybody came passed me. One issue was I hadn’t packed enough electrolytes so was cramping, but the truth is I cannot climb and 90 mins later at the top confirmed that my descending was just as bad and everybody else was able to jog down, but I was stuck with walking. So, a 4hr 28 min half marathon was the 2nd slowest run of the day, and I crossed the finish line in 9hr 5 min.
I was well and truly spent, but I expected nothing else. It was exactly what I wanted (apart from the rain on the bike) and I’m really pleased to have done it. I would certainly recommend it to others (look out for the early bird prices to save some cash).
However, I feel I can put this one to bed and not do it again. Having done Helvellyn and Slateman also, this is certainly the most difficult, mainly from the fatigue of the distance.
Right – what shall I test my resolve with next …. Ah Chris’ Alp Duez report looks interesting!
