The best inspiration is not to outdo others, but to outdo ourselves

This year saw my seventh running of the Derby Triathlon, a run that I'd like to keep up.  I enjoy this race and certainly wouldn't want to miss it.  I can't quite believe that I've been doing triathlon long enough to have done anything seven times, but it would seem that I have.  This is always a good race, a beginner friendly one which is probably why it was the first race that I ever really enjoyed.  The first time I raced there was my make or break for triathlon, was I going to keep doing it or was I going to decide that it really wasn't for me after all.  All th

Etwall

Nearly There

The Bike

So, here I was making my sixth assault on the Etwall course. I always look forward to this race and make sure that I am signed up for it each year. Sadly, things didn't go quite as I'd have liked this time around, but the general experience of racing there was still a good one. Previously I'd managed to improve my time with each running of the race, this time that was not to be and I surprised myself with just how disappointed I felt about that. Anyway, enough of the self-pity! Here's my report on how the race went.

Setting Up

By the Pool

Swim

The Race This is one of the races run by Punishing Events, and the fact that this was my fifth running of the same race says it all. This event is always very well organised, cheerfully marshalled and great fun. I use it as a bit of a gauge for how my racing is progressing, the aim being to do a little better each year.

A well deserved drink

At the finish

An early start