Beforehand
Training had gone well. Extra core work (mainly planking) to attempt to combat diaphragm cramps I'd previously had on the run.
Swim
Was overtaken on the 7th length of the swim - I'd put an accurate swim time so was very surprised when this happened! This gave me some focus for the rest of the event and helped me to push on when I was flagging.
Bike
On the ride I caught the bloke who passed me and we swapped places several times. I eventually kept in front and got back and out of transition about 30-60s ahead of him. This was the first time I'd used tri-bars in an event, they definitely worked well and I'll use them again.
Last year I'd been held up on the ride by the Police helicopter taking off so was happy not to have a repeat of that this year!
Run
The run went the best it ever has in a Tri. No repeat of the diaphragm cramps I usually get and I was able to run well. The bloke who overtook me in the swim passed me about a 1/4 of the way around the run, but as he was in Hadleigh Hare's running club gear it was to be expected that this would be his strongest discipline.
In the end I came 15th overall, 5th in age cat!. Best result I've ever had by quite some margin!
Bike + T2: 00:35:12
Run: 00:19:51
Total: 01:01:42
Family came to spectate this year (Mum, Dad, Wife and daughter) this is the only event of mine that any of them have ever been to!
