This was a pool based sprint triathlon held by Race Time Events in rural Leicestershire. For me it was a rehab exercise, and rather ambitious too, only 3 weeks post head injury, so I intended to enjoy it. It was a lovely sunny day, if not a little windy. I simply wanted to see if I could complete it without mishaps.
It was based in a village community college, ample parking, easy enough to find, and even warm showers afterwards (ok, I was in the first wave, so by the time the last competitor finished, maybe they weren’t still warm!)
A few set up glitches delayed the start by around 30 minutes, so the first wave went off at 9.30am. The race was fully chip timed, including transition. You, as is usual, were expected to count your own lengths. No swim hats were provided, so I wore my own.
A short run round the back of the building to transition and out onto the bike, this was going to be a test of the race organisers signing. I had only glanced at the course map (which meant nothing to me because I do not know the area at all) and had not driven the course in the car because I did not have time. It was a lovely rolling course, a few short cheeky climbs, all perfectly clearly signed and marshalled. A few unavoidable right turns on route held me up slightly with traffic, but such is life. I went out on the bike well clear of all other competitors, and in fact took some of the marshals by surprise. This was perfect for me, as I didn’t want the distraction of having anyone else in front of me that I may be tempted to ‘chase’!
The run was round the school fields, a little surreal because one field that I had to run round had a football game being played on it at the same time! There were no signs, but the race organiser had explained the route to us in the race briefing. Although it was obvious to me, I think in future races, he could do with a marshal or two and a couple of arrows. I was almost a lap clear of the next person behind me, and I felt ok, pleased that I had no one either in front or directly behind, it was almost like a race simulation training session: perfect, and just as I wanted it to b.! Until I started the second lap, this one being considerably harder on me. I definitely felt the fatigue hit me, as it can do, it seems, (a post head injury symptom). I braved a smile to complete the race. 
For me the race went well, because I got to the end without any major head injury related mishaps, which was my sole aim!
Organisation: admirable for a first ever event from a brand new company. A few small glitches, but all dealt with very well.
Race goodie bag: free technical T shirt, high 5 gel and money off voucher for the sweat shop
What I liked: very friendly volunteers and staff, scenic course with some cheeky little hills, mostly flat run
What I would like to see next time: coloured hats for each wave of swimmers, arrows and Marshalls on the run course, move the bike mount to a straight section of road, possible numbered racking.
Recommend to a friend: yes. It was a lovely little small local race, and I am sure as the company grows, so will its popularity
Well done Mel - welcome back!
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