Storm the Castle

Race Reports

Storm the castle is one tough duathlon, not my favoured event duathlon but dragged myself out in the early hours to a cold bright frosty morning. I was very nervous as last month I pulled out of Forest of Dean half after 4 miles with a groin strain so confidence was at an almighty low however I battled on and surprised myself today how strong I felt. I ran conservative being fully aware of any niggles but successfully finished the first run, 10k in all; just my course: steps and hills and mud! Then the bike where I felt good as no injury worries with biking, which was undulating course through Leintwardine, Wigmore, Leinthall Starkes, Pipe Aston, High Vinnals and back in and ready for the run where I grounded out again and to my disbelief finished and, boy, was I relieved to just finish and a bonus being a good time and 6th in my age group!
Hopefully puts me now in good stead for my season and Europeans in Austria in September. It was great see so many crofters doing great performances too.
Simon
Officially 350 had entered the duathlon, but only 296 (I think) actually completed the course, three dropping out after the start. A good Croft turnout was headed by Simon who was 32nd overall in 2.17.33, followed in by Sam M and Mark L (37th [2.18.28] and 38th [2.19.45]).Toby is showing great promise, finishing 70th (2.28.04), ahead of dad Stuart in 125th (1.38.50). Next came the youthful Ashley, 144th (2.42.20), completing the course solo, 2 minutes in front of me (and my cycling partner) who had the luxury of a rest between runs. Neil T was 196th (2.54.13) and Rob Wood 266th, in 3.18.48.
Full details of the results are on www.splitsecondtiming.co.uk

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