A cold morning at Sherwood Pines Duathlon

[Mike1942]

Sorry it took so long. The official results only came out this evening. ,,08.30 and it should have been 412 starters but the rain put off around 50. But as expected I was last finisher number ,305 with 35 ,DNFs I was a very happy chappie. With a time of 4hrs 1min 38secs. Not bad for an O A P. in company with top British athletes. The ,5 km start run was good , I lead the field for the first ,250 meters ( photos will follow I promise,) then it settled down and 35 mins later I left transition on my bike. The next 3hrs plus were possibly the hardest I have ever taken part in . Words fail me to describe the conditions in the forestry commission trails .Rain overnight followed by rain for breakfast and it was mud ,/ mud and even more fff..nn mud . Numerous forays "off trail" resulted in my now looking !Ike I had a run in with Bengal Tiger. Thinking it was a pleasure to get off the bike ,(after ,17km ) with only another 3.5,,km to go it was another ,"first,," for me. Your bloody legs don't want to run like they used too. It takes about 1/2 km at least to get some semblence of order into your routine. After 4 hrs plus I was glad to cross the finish line last but not least to a tremendous reception from the crowd. And the rain had stopped. But I did it. Already signing up for next year. I do have more photos including me leading the start but have problems with finding them in my tablet. Yes I know I am old enough to know better but I loved every minute. Mike

[Razouski]

Wow, that’s fantastic Mike1942 i don’t know where you get your stamina from. I was knackered just reading your post. I hope you’ve had plenty of R&R today.

Congratulations- did you get a nice piece of bling at the end? 🏅

[Mike1942 Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

Morning . Bit short on bling ( no medal ) but really cool T shirt.

Must get this Tablet up to speed again. I have masses of photos but having problems posting them. M

[Hidden]

That's just brilliant Mike. Enjoyed reading the race report. Amazing job, you must be very proud

[Wantorun2013]

Oh my goodness that is just fantastic well done you total respect 👍🏃

[Millsie-J]

Fantastic achievement Mike! Great photo too!

[poppypug Graduate10]

Good on ya Mike ! Well done , you’re an inspiration for us all xxx

[Tanethra Graduate10]

Great achievement. Love your race report too.

[misswobble Graduate10]

Go Mike! Well done man! 💪👍🏃‍♂️🚴‍♂️😃

That route is horribly rutted and uneven. I wince now at the memory and I wasn’t on a bike Ouch!

I hope you feel restored now after a bit of rest 👍

[Hidden]

Respect, that was a tough one! You did it and finished it so well done. I would like some of your energy, stamina and determination to help me along! Hope you have had plenty of rest.

[Decker]

Wow - that sounds brutal Mike - especially those trails. Huge respect - An incredible achievement. Hope you are well rested by this point.

[Mike1942 Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

Thanks everyone . Yes rested up fine. , but still frustrated at not being able to put up my photos

[roseabi]

This is wonderful, jolly well done!! It sounds like a marvellous event, too.

What tablet do you have? Maybe we can figure it out between us?

[Mike1942 Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

Hi roseabi it's a Lenovo yoga. I have some photos but the one I really want has been downloaded from an email and will not upload to the site. I have managed to send it on to two members of family it's the one where I briefly led the field thanks in anticipation of any help. Mike

[roseabi in reply to Mike1942]

Sent you a private message

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Very, very well done!!! Just brilliant... and a great photo !

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Mike you are an inspiration. Congratulations - I would not even have gotten past the entry form!!