2004 Race Report - 17th July

Glenridding, the base for the inaugural Helvellyn Triathlon, Saturday 17th July 2004. Similar to the Slateman event last run 10 years previously the race was going to be challenging, 1 mile swim in Ullswater, 38 mile cycle, undulating was an understatement as cyclists climbed the Kirkstone Rd from Ambleside to Kirkstone pass, then finally an 8 mile run to the top of Helvellyn and back. Friday was fine and dry as the triathletes poured into town and the course and transition was all laid out.

Having reccy’ed the bike course a few weeks previously and the run route whilst marking the course on Friday, I had a good pasta meal and some sticky toffee pudding and hoped the miles in the bank would leave me well prepared for the next days race.

On Saturday morning we woke to the sound of rain on the tent, no problem, it was still only early, plenty of time for it to stop, but in true Lake District fashion it didn’t. I felt for the race organiser, rain and low cloud on a tough and new course like this was the last thing you needed.

As the start time approached, marshals and spectators stood cowering in waterproofs and sheltering under umbrellas. Athletes favoured wetsuits, we were going to get wet anyway,the lake felt nothing like the stated 12.5 degrees, and just a few strokes of crawl led to brain freeze, but perhaps that was best given what laid ahead for us. The hooter went off and we swam, it wasn’t that bad once you were going and one by one each buoy was passed, take it steady, save some energy for the bike and run. 31minutes later, out and running up to transition, it was still raining, so time was well spent on putting some layers on. Then out onto the bike, this was where the best of the race began for me. I felt a bit sluggish at first, but was soon passing people by. An energy bar eaten at 30mph down the A66 did the trick and my legs just kept feeling stronger and stronger, up and over Dunmail Raise and topping 45mph, exhilarating.

The weather was lightening and the mist clearing all the time, for a brief moment the cyclists created shadows on the road in front and the scenery was bright and fresh and green. Helm Crag, my first Wainwright conquest at the age of four, rose invitingly to the west.

Then all of a sudden we were into Ambleside and the Kirkstone Rd appeared like a brick wall in front. Amidst frantic clicking of gears downward, we started the ascent, 20minutes of weaving and grinding, stand up, sit down, anticipating the short stretch of comparative level to gain some relief before the final struggle. Spectators were out in the kind of force the Tour would be proud of, and many thanks go to those who stood for hours at the top to cheer us all on, there was no getting off now. At last the top and a great sense of achievement, only 8 miles to go, downhill all the way. Still felt strong and having the time of my life (I need to get out more!) I flew down the last stretch into transition. 2hours 9minutes, wow! At this stage I was 2nd lady and over five minutes behind, come on legs we can do it. Running wherever possible and sometimes even when not I reeled people in by the minute, (sorry to all the guys whose souls I destroyed by flying passed you!) making use of the stretches I had to walk by refuelling on jelly babies. At the top of Mire’s beck there is a nice runnable stretch over to Red Tarn. Fellow competitors were very supportive and now the leading lady was in sight. Up to Swirral Edge and all fours to the top. More dedicated supporters all cheering me on and only ½ minute behind now. I forced my legs back into running and the front lady showed her weakness by frequently turning round. I left my brains at the top, passed her by and made a kamikaze descent, just praying my legs would still have the strength to get me to the finish. The tarmac road was welcomingly flat and smooth and the crowds that had gathered in Glendridding spurred me on to the finish. 4hours 21minutes 31seconds, the race was won, complete elation.

Jen Milsom (in the days before becoming joint race organiser!)