Water, Wheels and a Winner!

Unfortunately I didn't get around to posting anything last week. It does mean that this week's effort is action packed!

Chris and Mike took on the Devizes to Westminster canoe race over the Easter weekend. This is definitely one for the serious endurance athlete. The 125 mile course involves paddling non stop along the Kennet & Avon canal before joining the Thames at Reading and finishing opposite the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Bridge. If the distance wasn't bad enough, you have to carry the boat around 77 locks. The crew was ably supported by Teresa, Dave, Jane and Bryan who also suffered the tough and cold conditions through the night.

Unfortunately after an unscheduled swim at Sonning and signs of hypothermia, they were forced to retire at Henley. When you look at the list of those crews who failed to make it, and see that it includes teams from the Forces, you know you've been in a tough event.

Over the same weekend Angela, Anne, Linda and Tracy completed the 65 mile Cotswold Spring Sportive in support of 'Against Breast Cancer'. The route included 1312 metres of climbing so plenty of excuses for stocking up on cake at the end!

Moving on the weekend just gone, once again there were a number of members out and about. Mark and Stu both completed the London Marathon in the unexpectedly mild conditions. Mark finished in what was probably an annoying 20 seconds over the 3 hour mark and Stu followed him in at 3 hours 38 minutes. Although most eyes were on London, Phillip celebrated his 70th birthday in style by finishing the Blackpool marathon in 5:12 to clinch 4th in his new age category.

At last - triathlon; It was the traditional season opener - the First Tri at Lydney, where Nick clinched 1st overall in a time of 1hr 3mins. He was followed over the line by two newer members of the club Pete (1:37) and Mark (1:39) who both showed significant improvement on their previous year's performances. Nice picture but unfortunately Nick had long disappeared into the distance.....I know the feeling from the parkrun!

Finally. unless you know differently, there was a good turnout for the Bath swim which saw 16 members and friends complete a tough but rewarding session in the 50m pool under Caroline's guidance.

Don't forget, I can only report on things that I hear about so if you're a current member, let me know what you've been up to or about to be up to. If you've got a picture, even better!

Looking forward, it's not long now to our first Spring Sprint Triathlon at the new Leisure Centre. If you're not marshalling, it would be a great chance to see how much an extra year of training has helped and to cheer on this year's Try a Triers!