Event review
Event Review
Before coming onto relay success & the aquathlon, going to highlight two exceptional results at Gasteiz Vitoria Ironman. Ironman’s 45 day no refund cancellation policy, encourages some athletes put themselves on the start line, when not fully fit. Thomas Snell was still in hospital after an appendectomy five weeks before & Ryan had been withdrawing from sessions due to ill health for the majority of the month leading up. That they made the start line, was impressive enough; their performances up there with the best triathlon results we’ve seen in previous years. Ryan’s 4:51 bike leg put him onto the run in under 6 hours, where he battled shin pain to record 9:51, whilst Thomas paced a fabulously even run to come home in 10:28 (easily eclipsing his 11:36 at Thun last year).
Also, last weekend at Dorney, Lauren marked her return to action with a dominant win (finishing 3rd overall, only seconds behind the lead man), before rebasing closer to Loughborough as she makes her final preparations before Paris. Also at Dorney, Caoimhe & Richie have both given themselves excellent chances of qualifying via roll down for the European Sprint championships in Istanbul next year. Tim Cox was 14th in the British Middle Distance Champs at the Ironbourne event in 5:15.
Gail Edmans continued added to her impressive resume of adventures, joining a channel relay swim, which managed the crossing in just 12 hours 5 mins (the wonderfully straight path a benefit of the neap tide). Two other non-standard long distance events to update on, both completed in just over 8 hours. James Pank completed the 36km (28km coastal path, 8km swim) Hokey Cokey swim run event in Cornwall, described by the organisers as “brutiful” in, whilst Mark Fielding Smith took on the Castle to Coast (swim in Dorney, cycle from Windsor to Hassocks, then a half marathon onto Brighton seafront).
Also a few running times – Nicole finally officially broke 40 mins (39:55) at the Saucony 10k, whilst only marginally slower (40:48 in the middle of a 30km pre-Berlin run) at Elmbridge 10k, where Mike Deevy came home in 39:43. Also on a personal landmark, Tim recorded his fastest Parkrun time for 6 years (18:54), clocking an 82% age grade time (only the 2nd time he’d been above 80%) – this comes as little surprise to those who’ve watched him work so hard and improve at track over the past months.
Next, a small, but crack relay team took to Imber Court last Tuesday. The team of Ben, Ani, Jess & Sam stormed home to take the mixed team prize – some absolutely storming legs run by Ben, Jess and Nicole, running in Stragglers colours & taking home the women’s team prize.
Then last Thursday night we had our reverse aquathlon as a fundraiser for https://dylanhowellsfoundation.org/ Once again, over 80 juniors and seniors took to Bushy Park and HOP in glorious evening sunshine – with huge thanks to all those who helped marshal & time-keep, and particular thanks to Jon, Martin, Angelo & family for manning the BBQ. In the seniors’ event the women were led home by Nicole, followed by Jess & Kayleigh. Very much the youngsters amongst the men, with Spencer cruising home in the pool after building an unassailable lead on the run, followed by Harrison & Atharv.
This weekend sees Adam Wells take on the Outlaw in Nottingham, whilst Jess Rusby, Tim Cox and Sam Holness join the pros on the London streets for the T100. Go Turbos!
Just on a side note, we now have 15 signed up for Weymouth 70.3 on 15th Sept, with the numbers growing, it could be our biggest Turbo event of the year.
Social events
Given the aquathlon was on a 3rd Thursday, we’ll have Thirsty Thursday drinks in the Beech House tonight after training this week instead. Usual area reserved – non swimmers and friends hugely welcomed.
It’s been great to see groups of Turbos gathering socially. Jon’s baking is helping to draw large numbers to the lake on Saturday mornings. And it’s been brilliant to see both the Friday bike and beer and Sunday rides well attended, especially by some more infrequent riders. The best way of gaining confidence cycling in a group or finding others of a similar pace to ride at, is by sticking your hand up & getting involved.
It’ll be groups riding the “paceline” route through Windlesham and Chobham on Friday, but meeting in the pub after. The more who sign up, the more likely you’ll have others of your pace.
Finally, returning to relays, Ham Lake Relays return on Tuesday 20th August 2024. The teams of 3 are assigned to try and balance up throughout (so you’re not swimming with your friends necessarily, but faster swimmers are paired with slower ones, to make the event more even and exciting as a result. The event is primarily attended by members of Wimbledon Windmilers, KitKat club and SOLD, and has had a strong Turbo presence in recent years.
The entry form is attached, but please contact Julian Ward via WhatsApp or by email julian@swimconnect.co.uk if you have any queries.
If you’re enjoying Turbos, please share this with your friends. A reminder that if you recommend someone who stays as a monthly member for 6 months, you’ll be entitled to a refund of a month’s membership.