Issy Stoate, Centre Manager and Health Advisor Blackberry Clinic Exeter, shares with us a blog about what she gets up to at weekends. No lazing about for Issy! She came in as first female in a a recent triathlon event in Dorset. Well done Issy!
The return of sporting events
For anyone who likes to take part in sporting events, like most things during the Covid pandemic, it’s been a long waiting game but we are gradually seeing events start up again albeit in new well thought out formats.
For me, this recently saw the return to triathlon racing after 22 months of no competition. I’ve taken part in many triathlons over the years starting my first at the age of 9. Somehow I wasn’t discouraged from a bike puncture and completing the run with my helmet still on! This year brought the new Covid edition of racing, involving pre race temperature checks, social distancing, and limited spectators. I took part in The Race to the Bill Short Course Triathlon which is a well established race around the Isle of Portland in Dorset.
It involved a 1500m swim (swimming 2 loops around the breakwater in Portland Harbour), 17.5km bike (1 lap around Portland, seeing the famous Bill lighthouse and fantastic Chesil Beach which stretches for miles along the Jurassic coastline) and finishing with a 10km run around the Osprey Quay area of the marina which was the venue of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing. There was also a shorter sprint distance event taking place with 50-60 competitors in each.
Registration and bike racking was open from 5:30am so there were many tired but excited looking faces as the 7am start time loomed. There was also an eerie stillness over the misty water which got the nerves racing. When the water temperature measures under 13c British Triathlon rules imply the swim distance should be shortened to 1000m. The water temperature was averaging a chilly 12.5c but because the surrounding air conditions were good with calm waters the event organiser decided to stick to the full 1500m distance.
Unlike a mass start this socially distanced event involved 3 people entering the water every 10 seconds so you are racing against yourself with no idea which place you are in. Having only had two very brief dips in the sea this year where my hands and face went numb I wasn’t quite sure how this would go but I must have had enough adrenaline running through me as I didn’t really notice the cold and was just trying to focus on the beautiful setting of the harbour and sighting of the rocks and big yellow buoys which meant I was going in the right direction!
When I finished the swim it was up the exit ramp and a run into transition to quickly locate my bike, take off my wetsuit, put my helmet on and off onto the bike course. My hands must have been cold as I dropped my hat and then goggles running into transition so had to double back to pick them up. I also noticed my hand bleeding which must have happened trying to get my wetsuit off in a hurry on the tarmac! There was a steep climb heading out on the bike to the lighthouse and then a fast descent back in. Once back in transition there was just the small matter of a 10k run to finish off the legs.
I finished the race in 1 hour 43 minutes being the fastest female by 4 minutes and 6th overall. Also with the 4th fastest swim of the day (fastest female). A good day out.
There was a really nice atmosphere at this event and it was great to see so many people getting involved. As covid restrictions ease it’s fantastic that events can start up again and event organisers are doing a super job to get going again under tough restrictions. Regardless of whatever level you are at, setting individual goals and entering events gives you clear targets and can provide that extra bit of motivation we all often need to get out and exercise.
This coming weekend I’m sticking to one sport and competing in the Dartmouth 1500m open water sea swim which takes place at Blackpool sands beach in Devon.
Having recently qualified as a British Triathlon technical official, which allows me officiate at permitted events (ensuring races are run in a safe and fair manner for all competitors while also creating a positive race experience) I’m looking forward to not only being a competitor but also helping with the running of events behind the scenes.
If anyone is interested in getting into triathlon or wants some advice leading up to an event feel free to get in touch.
Issy Stoate
Centre Manager and Health Advisor Blackberry Clinic Exeter
