Scott Llewelyn

What had I done! My first season in triathlon and I'd only signed up for a Half Ironman distance. This was an ideal race for me only £50 and a route I could practice on apart from the run as only run when I need too. The week leading up to the race was probably one of the hottest we've had this year leading upto Steelman Day would this affect all my fluid intake I'd practiced and more importantly melt my snicker bars in my bike bag into one big chocolate haribo mess, just another thing to think about I suppose. Friday the night before my race I found my email from Humey with a comprehensive list of all items needed for race day and I must say it worked well and I never forgot anything. So bag sorted and bed at 8pm but for the next 4 hours I just couldn't get to sleep a combination of the heat and brain going over the race!! Alarm going off its 6am so up and ready porridge and more fluid intake, bike in car then off to met Stefan. Arrived at Ellerton Gazebo up and registration done. Why do I feel calm and not nervous about what I'm about to do, it's not like a walk in the park is it? Even racking my bike and walking back to gazebo wasn't fazing me. As all the other Whitestags were arriving I was starting to look even more forward to 10am, next hour was a bit of a daze really before I knew it wet suit was on and we where in the water...."can all swimmers retreat behind the big bouy" 200+ swimmers in about a 10foot gap till the bank. Owww! I've only went and kicked the rocks next to the bank stubbed my big toe, bit a pain but we're off, taking it easy to start with only one whack in the head which was a result I thought I soon got in to my own pace and used people either side of me for direction rather than keep looking ahead which worked well upto the turning points when it was just a free for all people swimming over the top of you and everything (I remembered the second time round got a few back haha) coming to the end of the swim I was really enjoying myself sad the swim was over really now for the Bike. Transition went ok took my time made sure I'd got everything and off I went. Dam left watch on wrist so stopped before the main road and put it on my bike. Now I know this is two laps I had to pace it right but I felt on the short course race I paced it all wrong and could have went faster so off I went just trying to catch the rider in front one after another I knew a few of my teammates would be in front of me so I just wanted to make up a bit of time on the better swimmers. Caught the machine up that is Claire Burns we gave each other encouragement then I could see another Stag in the distance still feeling good I eventually caught Matthew up must be something wrong with him I thought but he was ok just trying to keep in his zones and using the race as more training he never let me lead him for long haha. First lap completed Whitestags support starting the second lap was second to none we have a great club here. Still keeping a good pace on bike I eventually caught Stefan up I knew I had a good bike section avg near 30kmph, just hoped I'd never pushed it too much ready for the run. Left the transition with Stefan that's the last I've seen of him haha, Now the run is the bit that would make or break this Steelman I'm prone to injuries in my legs due to years of playing football and still not fully over a hamstring injury picked up before the Stockton Duathlon. The main difference today was all the advice I'd received about fuelling from not only Matt but every person who has done this distance before invaluable i tell you. When your running your mind starts to doubt you can do it and while fighting these inner demons I tend to think about my kids and always say if you finish they be at the finish line they never are but it always gives me a lift to keep going..anyway that a different story. Shit what's that? a dead rabbit, move quick don't stand on it Owww (again) Cramp in left leg, put leg down Owww cramp in right leg Owww cramp in both calfs Rodger Rabbit certainly got the better of me I was walking like Forrest Gump in stirrups for a few yards then down I went laid on the side of the road in a heap but thanks to a cyclist and two runners who stopped to see if I was ok. Couple of minutes to compose myself and up and off I went again good support from all runners on the run and ran a few Km with Thomas which helped me get to the lake on the last lap. I was going to do this I was actually going to finish The Cleveland Steelman coming round the corner on the last bend again seeing all the Whitestags was brilliant.

Cant thank everyone enough for all the help this past year and to everybody connected with Hartlepool Triathletes. Thank you very much and you've all helped me come on so much in my short time with the team.

Times Swim- 38mins - Bike 3:27mins - Run 2:22mins

Claire Fiona Burns

I really didn’t think this day would come round so soon, thanks to the lovely Chris jenkins letting me race in his place I asked do you want anything for it he said just for you to do it sub 7…...no pressure then lol. Only knowing 10 days before I totally started bricking it. Thinking am i fit enough what if I fail I don’t want to let anyone down. I have trained but not specifically for a race this big. Constantly getting told of James just get out and run and on your bike is better than just sat there moping cos you cant be arsed as your tired from work excuse excuse excuse. I knew my swim was fine and my bike was ok but i would definitely suffer on my run (I HATE RUNNING!! LOL).

Couple of days before my race James sorted the bits on my bike but said I had to wash it. Cleaned it so it was gleaming (I thought) until race day and James spotted all the rusty screws I missed Oooopsie. Getting my bike off my car and a bird had cacked on it (shit for luck I thought) so left it on as this may be the only thing that gets me round! Had lots of advice off Mattey Davey with nutrition and fluids and other teamies on FB I thought I came prepared. 3 bottles of Hi 5 & water about 10 Jells, cherry and coconut flap jack and lots of jelly babies and little water belt too. But I had to buy another drinks carrier at the last minute or my bike which I defo needed.

All set up ready to go, bloody loads of people had my panic toilet stop, wetsuit on then in the lush warm water for the swim. Remembering what Matty said fresh from the water don't rush it. Gets in, smacked and shoved a few times and touched of Reeds….Bork but got the swim done in 34 mins. Happy with that. Took my time in T1 checked I had everything. James told me sip of juice every half hour then jell every half then flap jack. Note to self though strap the jells to your bike cos there a mare to open whilst cycling!

First lap I was happy a few people bombing past me but I was just steady away had lots of support from teamies saying well done and keep going Scott was like a ninja sneaking up on me I crapped myself when he passed haha thanks guys. Was brill to see all the Poolies shouting and James taking some pics. Didn't like the gravely bit much but the second lap I had my head down and dug in deep 3h 33 for my bike was happy with that too.

Gets into T2 again the best support ever trotted in with my bike quick changeover of clothes then it was the dreaded run or what I would call the 13 mile shuffle…...I set off legs feeling numb the first 3 mile wasn't too bad but the long road stretch was a bit boring lots of people passing me and I was thinking orrrrr its their 2nd lap. Seen teamie Richard who had a bad knee had a quick chat and I said ‘Do you think I can have a wee in a bush didn't want to get DQ’ Richard said yeah why not keep going though Claire. Busting I checked the coast was clear found a bush and had to pee through my tri suit cos I wasn't peeling that thing off lol.

Was weird another mile in toes were burning and had to move my socks about but didnt go all together.

Came into the feed station 2 quick drinks and a bucket of water over the head off I shuffled. Seen Steve another teamie thought he was having a sneaky wee but he was just loosening his tri suit. I offered a drink and jelly babies but he was good and we had a quick chat see how we were feeling then I was off again. Seen James on the corner spurring me on and holding another drink for all us teamies to share, quick sup and then off round the lake and again met by fab supporters Andrea pointing to water and sponge and off last lap. Was really struggling on the second lap but dug in came past the pub and the marshall had a pint it gleamed in the sun and I so could have knacked it right there and then. But I trotted past last bit long the uneven path round the lake and back to the finish. Loads of shouting of all the teamies boosted me to trott a bit faster through to the finish 2 hrs 42….had to compose myself cos I think I’d have cried totally gob smacked…... I did it and I did in in Sub 7 didn’t let Chris down get in there best day ever!!!!! 6: 54: 28

But what could I have done it in if I’d have dragged my arse out to run!!!! I need to learn to love running haha xx