The first GO TRI event of the Somerset Series was held at Quantock Lodge on the 18th October. Competitors travelled from all over South West England with the ambition of challenging themselves, learning triathlon training tips and for most to complete their very first triathlon.
The first GO TRI of the Somerset Series was held at Quantock Lodge on the 18th October. Competitors travelled from all over South West England with the ambition of challenging themselves, learning triathlon training tips and for most to complete their very first triathlon.
GO TRI has been set up by Triathlon England to enable people to compete in an achievable, short distance triathlon in a relaxed environment without the pressures of competing against hardened triathletes. Triathlon is becoming more and more popular and this is a great way for people to get involved. Not only was the venue unique, on the edge of the beautiful Quantock Hills, but this event was also unique by offering training and tips for participants before the competition started.
The training allowed participants to practice mounting and discounting their bikes at varying speeds in a safe environment. They also had training on how to best set up their bike, helmet and shoes at transition and tips like putting talcum powder in their shoes.
After the training phase, competitors got changed into their swimming gear ready to start. The swim was 280m/ 14 lengths in an indoor heated pool. After exiting the pool they ran to collect their bikes, jumping on and cycling around the rural lane bike course. This was virtually flat until a climb to the transition area where they left their wheels to head out on foot around the cross-country run course.
This route had a few hills, but nothing the competitors couldn’t handle as every single athlete crossed the finish line with an immense since of achievement. Following the triathlon one competitor said "It was a great event and nice to meet all the other competitors. Maybe I have been slightly inspired to do something like it again?! I am not suggesting I will be doing an Iron Man Challenge anytime soon, but the GO TRI distances seemed just right to push me and they didn't take up a whole day!"
Amer Dehaini from XMan Events an extreme events company based in West Somerset mentioned “It was fantastic to see local people taking part in their first triathlon and really enjoying it! To add to this, there were some really talented competitors.”
Interested in getting involved?
You cannot beat the feeling of being motivated for an upcoming event, so enter today and surprise yourself with what you can achieve. The next competition is an Aquathon, a pool swim followed by cross-country run on Sunday 15th November. You can enter on the SASP website by searching for GO TRI Somerset #2 under events.
Further competitions in the series see a duathlon (run-bike-run) kick starting spring on 6th March and a triathlon (swim, bike, run) on the 27th March 2016. If you are interested in joining a club and reaping the benefits of training within a social situation check out Exmoor Triathlon Club on Facebook.
