By kazimladimeji 
I entered my first cycling race in the form of the Westonbirt Duathlon on Sunday May 16th 2021. A duathlon is run cycle run format and the Westonbirt Duathlon consists of a 5K Run, then a 22K cycle followed by a 5K run. Having developed both a running and cycling hobby during the lockdown, curiosity and an absence of team sports led me to try a duathlon. I was drawn to the Westonbirt duathlon as it was within 30 minutes drive, was a relatively flat course, it was a picturesque location and it was a good all-round stretch for my current abilities.
How did I train for my first duathlon?
- Midweek Wednesday social ride of 1 to 2 hours intense riding
- Sunday ride of 2-3 hours intense riding, usually hill-climbing, my masochistic hobby.
- Weekly 5K run
- 2 weeks before the event did a trial full distance 5K run 22K cycle 5K run
- Watched a couple of Duathlon First videos which I have included below. These are aimed at absolute beginners and delivered by very down to earth but positive and inspiring presenters. They gave me a welcome boost of self-belief and know how. My main learnings from the videos
- Be realistic
- Push yourself
- Enjoy yourself and the whole event
- Visit the event location prior to the race if possible
- Don’t bother changing from running trainers to cycling shoes unless you think the performance gain will compensate for the time lost in transition.
What Were My Performance Expectations/Goals For My First Duathlon?
- Let’s be honest, not having a coronary was the priority but I would have been disapointed if I had not finished as my running and cycling training suggested this was within my reach.
- I am not a fast runner, as 5K times average about 33 minutes which is 2 or 3 minutes below average and after looking at previous year;s finish times, the goal was not to finish stone last.
- I was more optimistic about the cycling stage as my strava data puts me as a 3rd quartile performer and near median performer on flatter courses, (on occasion) so it would have been nice to get close to halfway.
- The reality was you had 2 hours to complete the race and so this was my time target!
- The family was coming to cheer me on and of course the other goal was to enjoy the family experience.
How did my first duathlon experience go?
- Overwhelming to begin with but this event seemed to be full of positive, supportive people which gave me confidence and alleviated nerves.
- Lots of race organizers and stewards cheering you around the race course
- You can form race friendships with other runners who cheer you on if you appear to be struggling
- Never enjoyed a bacon and egg roll and a cup of tea so much as after the race
How did I Perform In My First Duathlon Vs my Goals?
- Finished 180 out 222 participants in an overall finish time of 1 hour 55 minutes and 45 seconds.
- 212 out 222 in the running race so I was not last!
- 115 out of 222 in the cycling section and was pleased with being just off the median.
