Published: 23rd February, 2012
There are far too many blogs on here about running...and I'm going to add one more. Except what I do it can't strictly be called running, it's more like a shuffle and a hobble.
I can't believe that it took me over 26mins to run the first 5km. I was dreaming of transition and sticking on my cycling shoes. The run was painful and I have vowed to run more often since I wasn't happy with that time. Thanks to Jay for reminding me via the PA system that I don't have the physique of a runner since my body shape is almost certainly a fatomorph and luging that weight up the Cottage return ain't easy!
The bike section was a blessed relief and coming into T1 in about 50th place there were plenty of people to chase. The abridged Newnham mtb course was ace and much better than running around it. By the end of the bike I had managed to get into the top 10 and then had to slip on my running shoes again for the final, much anticipated Stinger.
I found it quite easy (fingers crossed and blatantly lying through my teeth!). It wasn't until I crossed that first little stream that I realised that I still had my tube and pump jumping out my jersey pocket. It irritated me all the way around!
The Stinger was tough and hats off to the 3 who went past me like I was standing still! Buggers pushed me out of the top 10. They were actually running whilst I was having to resort to my hobbling and shuffling style. The Stinger was hard but for some reason really enjoyable since it was so hard (what a weird bunch we are).
I did an offroad duathlon years ago and to be honest this was much harder and hats off to the Inevent bunch since this was a proper mtb course with a tough and challenging run. I will be back since I can definitely improve upon that run.
Until then though lets crack on with the proper mtb racing and stop making this website seem like a runners weekly mag.
Looking forward to the Welsh XC up at Glen Usk on the 4th March. I've even pre-entered.
Thanks to Charles Wittington for the photo. I'm the one hobbling in the background. Plenty more at www.charleswittingtonphotography.co.uk
Matt Lewis
XCracer.com
Acelerade
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XCracer.com Team Rider, teacher, dad and mid-pack master rider.
Read More By MatthewThis blog post was written by a third party and their views do not necessarily reflect the views of XCRacer.com
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