Sunday 19th April dawned bright and sunny (and following a brief diversion in Ilfracombe town centre!) the chosen gathered at the swimming pool for a test of fitness, strength and in some cases ego but for all a sense of fun. The Ndevon Tri In-club tri boasts a really tough cycle followed by a hellish run.........I'm not speaking from expereince but from the comments of those who have taken part previously and those about to do so. As ever there was a really good mixture of the expereinced and the not quite so but all looked forward to getting out there, and probably, looked forward more to the food and social afterwards. As for me, following my dodgy hip I've been trying to keep things sensible and given the difficulty of the course decided that given I have an aquathlon coming up plus two tri's in May then discretion was the better part of valour and offered to take part in a tri-rely with me doing the swim, Stu on the bike and top runner Helen finishing off our crack team.

The swim was organised into two waves and numbers meant that people could have some resonable space in the lanes, me and Havoc ploughed our furrows and I was much relieved to see the board indicating two to go. I felt able to push the swim along given I didn't have to worry about cycling and running so handed over to Stu in what I hoped as a decent time. Off he trotted to get on his bike........I trotted in for a nice shower and prepared to do the bike timings.

I haven't watched close up many triathlons as normally taking part but I certainly learnt alot from watching those trying to get on their bikes...........the key seems to be able to clip into your peddles easily and probably more importantly be in the right gear..........there were a few wobbles as people didn't quite manage one or both but as ever plenty of support from family and friends.

Some rather anguished looks on the way back in confirmed the bike had been tough and then off they went for the run........Helen was worrying about when Stu would get back and kept disappearing to the loo and trying to get her sat nav to work.........technology great... when it works!

Anyhow all went out and all came back safely. Rod was first back from the run but it was discovered Tim's cunning signage hadn't quite worked as he'd come back the wrong way but fair dues to the guy off he went again and finished it all off........top effort. Runners kept coming back in and I was impessed by Dave L ploughing up the hill with Pam shouting "sprint".......that's what we like total committment from all the team :)

Helen came bouncing back in - she reckoned she'd got lost a bit and Coach T hadn't told her the right way..........intentionally I wonder?? Watching Helen and Rosie run is amazing I just don't know how they do it but they don't half shift in the bouncy front foot styleeeee.

Top honours this year went to Tim so congratulations to him and all round to those who took part, it was real achivement to get through it....... it clearly wasn't easy.

Sarah, as ever, has provided some top photography on the flickr site so have a look there at some anguished and some smiley faces.

As for me..........happy with the swim, it did feel a bit weird not to rush out and get on a bike........will I do it next year?.........I'm tempted but not going to put it in writing here........Iain will hold me to it. Never say never...................

The sun continued to shine and everybody went off for a post event social..........I had to get back home for other things but feeling guilty did squeeze in a run in the afternoon.

I enjoyed helping out with the timings and things....we had a real laugh and thanks to all the families and friends for their support throughout......... a great day out. I'm really looking forward now to my next events......... :)