The weekend saw a group of Harriers heading south to the New Forest to compete in the Swashbuckler Half Ironman triathlon at Bucklers Hard . At the race briefing on Saturday we were informed that with river water temperatures of only 11c the swim would be reduced to 750mts (normally 1.9k). To coincide with the tide the race started at a rather early 5:45 when air temperatures were only just above freezing – I had the feeling we were in for chilly start to the race and so this proved. Exiting the cold water and jumping onto the bike with cool air and wind chill of biking on a fast course made for an uncomfortable first half of the bike for many which saw quite a few withdrawals. During the second half as the sun rose and air temperatures increased things started to become more comfortable and by the time we started on the run it was actually quite warm and in fact towards the end of the run it was good to get into the wooded section of the final few miles. On the short climb from the river to the finish we were eagerly  greeted by the Harriers support crew. Congratulations should go to Gill For finishing 4^thLady & 1^st LV45 despite still suffering the effects of her MK Marathon efforts 2 weeks ago and Ian and Dave for completing in their first long distance triathlon. Thanks to Angie for encouraging us all to enter a well organised race in a beautiful location.

Kevin

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