I approached the Hathersage Hilly with some trepidation. (Had I done enough training? Was I too slow on the bike? Would my legs work to run?) The two transition areas lead to a lot of pre-race fretting – did I have the right stuff in each place? Why did everyone else seem to have a bag ? Had I come in too lightly? Had I forgotten something that would get me disqualified?  Sensing my nerves, the marshals were all super friendly, and soon put me at ease – no question was too daft, everyone offered a reassuring smile and message of good luck.  The pool was first – the set up was really well organised, and my name was called.  The swim was fine, though the nerves (and lack of training) meant my self proclaimed ‘brilliant’ style went out of the window, and I was slower than anticipated.  After 14 lengths, I leapt out of the pool and ran to my bike.  Transition one done, I was well on my way, shown where to go and when to start by more friendly marshals.  The bike route is gorgeous – just one, long mean hill and you know you have a long downhill to look forward to before the run.  After the second, somehow slower transition (I was later told there was no need to have stashed away my helmet quite so neatly) I started on the run.  The first section is nice and flat – a welcome relief on bike legs.  After a while, I heard some particularly enthusiastic cheering (thanks Natalie Neville) and then I saw why – a vertical calf burner of a hill.  But it was not too long, and soon it was a downhill finish back to the start.

I really enjoyed it, and I couldn’t praise Sheffield Tri Club more enthusiastically for the event they put on! Certainly hoping to be back next year, and hoping to do more triathlons too! I would certainly recommend any wannabee Striders triathletes to give the event a go.