When I signed up for the Spring Duathlon, I had visions of a bright clear day, a nice little scamper followed by a pleasant bike ride through some woods, then a fresh little jaunt over the finish line. Maybe there might even be some bluebells.  Lovely.

I have no idea why I thought this. I had actually done a TrailX event already, so I should have known what I was in for.

On the day, the only word that can be used to describe the weather was ‘vile’.

During the race briefing, I squeezed as close as was decently possible to poor person next to me, but I was still shivering.

But, once we got going, and warmed up, it started to be fun.   

The run course was tough, with the second half solidly uphill.  The bike course was tricky and testing in places, with tight turns, loads of tree roots and mud, plus some great open farm tracks to get up some speed.  The second run was on the same course as the first, but seemed infinitely harder.

This was a tough event, but what a sense of achievement to finish.  As soon as I got home, i was thinking about entering the next one.

The marshals were brilliant, I can’t imagine how cold they were. The organisers were amazing, managing to keep this event running, despite all their equipment being nicked the night before.

Info about the TrailX Easter Duathlon, near Reading

All photo credits to Sheena Booker Photos