I entered the Duathlon after hearing about it through my sister and a friend of hers; I’ve never entered an event like it and I was super nervous! I started training for the FullX almost as soon as I entered and managed to pick up a niggling hip injury, so I contacted the team and they couldn’t have been more helpful. I switched onto the HalfX quickly and easily without any fuss and felt much more comfortable.

Come race day, despite the announcement about a robbery-related hiccup, everything ran smoothly and to time; the bike and run courses were well mapped out and the briefings contained all the information we needed to guide us through the event. The marshalls always had a smile and words of encouragement which is so nice to see and hear when your ‘wall’ is looming!

There were some ‘grumbles’ about the bike course being fairly difficult but I’ve got to say I thoroughly enjoyed it! I would like to think I have a fairly intermediate skill on a mountain bike (generally of the downhill persuasion rather than XC) and can certainly vouch for the fact it would be manageable for someone with basic skills. All in all, for a first time Duathlon-ist (is that even a word!?) it couldn’t have been a more perfect introduction.

Well done guys it was a cracking day and it’s a shame I’m going to miss the Easter event! You’ll definitely be seeing me soon though!

Info about the TrailX Easter Duathlon, near Reading

All photo credits to Sheena Booker Photos