Velopark Duathlon, 12 Jan 2020

The aim of this early season duathlon was to focus on the process. Pace my runs well, practise my road bike handling around a technical course and give the bike as much power as I could. The outcome, overall female winner by 3mins, was a bonus!

This was a circuit I have raced at many times before. A 1 mile loop of twists, turns and short little lumps and bumps. The race was a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 1 mile run.

I set off on the first run feeling good. I have been having a break from running speedwork for the past couple of months so the pace was less important to me, but technique and feel was! I felt myself getting too carried away and knew it would hinder my bike leg if I continued, so I relaxed and allowed another lady to zoom past-I’d catch her on the bike. I came in to T1, found my bike and ran to the mount line quickly - the actual mount... not my best!

On the bike I felt quick. My legs were turning over nicely and I was handling the bike well around the corners. There was a very strong headwind along half the course which was tough, but I eased my gears to allow my legs to keep turning at the same cadence, which propelled me past many who were grinding away. I overtook the first lady within 2 laps and pushed my lead from there.

I came in to T2, dismounted well and set off on my final run with a serious bounce in my step. It hurt, but I stayed strong, kept my form and crossed the finish line with a smile! Eight weeks until the European sprint duathlon championships and things are looking good!

Megan Powell

Tim Phillips13 January 2020Duathlon