Kudu Bikes Lancaster Duathlon

Yet again I have been seen stepping over the line towards the dark side, taking part in an event which did not solely involve pedaling. The Lancaster Duathlon was my first event of this kind, and it was certainly interesting. The distance was short, with a 3km Run, 15km Cycling (around the Salt Ayre circuit racing track) and then another 3km Run.

I started off without a proper warm up, as I had been late arriving, I thought the run was probably going to be a disadvantage for me, mainly because I don't do any running! I was right, after about the first 20metres I was passed by about three other women, and my legs just didn't want to go any faster. I only seem to have one gear for running. I was well back by the end of the run, getting to the transition area mine was one of only three bikes left hanging on the rack! I started the bike leg feeling psyched to catch as many people as I could, the circuit was really fun, with no corners that needed braking, and a long section with a head wind where you could really get your head down and push. I managed to pass quite a few people, and ended up being first woman into the transition area after the bike leg, not bad when I hadn't even seen the women starting the bike leg - they were that far ahead of me after the run. After a slight mishap where I was unsure if I had done the required 10 laps of the circuit, and the person marking this down wasn't sure either, I still managed to be first out of the transition area.

However, this lead was fairly shortlived, after about a third of the way through the run I was passed and once again my legs just wouldn't go any faster. I finished the race in 2nd place and happy with the effort I had put in.

Things I have learnt from this are; a) Do some running before you try and do a running race b) cover your carbon seatpost and your saddle rails with tape before hanging them on a metal pole (mine are scratched, sob) c) White cycling shoes were not meant for running through mud.