Epic events laid on a multi-distance event from Ullswater lake near Penrith.
I was there with Robert Bacon and Paul Fairchild to take on the middle distance with Scott and Julie Bringloe doing the standard distance. Weather predictions during the week suggested it was going to be full on rain and unfortunately, the met office was bang on with rain all night while camping at the race venue and continuing throughout the event.
With weather conditions noted, I left my A-race bike (Princess) in the dry and used my winter bike, donning mudguards and my winter jacket as my bike set up. Swim (3 waves for us) was great in clear water around 17°C in a simple single lap swim, so no awkward turns. Out the water and run through some mud, making transition in 38 mins. Considering the garb I put on, my T1 was fairly quick and out on the bike into some heavy drizzle which developed into full on rain during the ride. Bike was a 2-lap affair taking in some lanes (with hills) and B-roads. Amazingly, I didn’t see a single puncture which was a relief to all of us. At least the temperature was OK, and I didn’t overheat in my jacket, but many others seemed comfortable in just lycra. Back in from the bike with a 3:13 ride which was fine considering the weather. Then the run which for us was 4 x 5Km loops which was a bit of road, a ¼ mile steep climb (the bit I walked each time) and across some sheep fields to descent to the lakeside. I was glad to use my trail shoes as the multiple laps make the off-road sections muddy and skiddy so having some grip was welcome. Run over in 2:05 for a 6:04:36 finish.
So, a tough day out, but Epic Events lived up to their name with some excellent organisation and marshals. Apart from the weather, I would recommend this event. Plenty of options for distance (including sprint and relays) and a good entry price. (My middle was £99 and you get a hoodie : compare that to other middle distance events for value!). Results were immediate and they put all the photos on Facebook. They ran the event at Windermere previously so if they return there, I’ll certainly give that a go.
For this event, it is entirely manageable. The bike wasn’t overly hilly as the Lake District can be and the run had just that one hill (x4). Don’t need to tell you the Lake District is lovely so it’s well worth the trip.
All of team Tri-Anglia finished with Paul Fairchild having a broken chain just a couple of miles from the bike finish so they gave him a lift back and allowed to do the run (another blessing for the event team). Sorry, Julie : couldn’t find your pic in the 100s of photos! You need club kit for me to find you!
