Mike Denny finished 5th in the Southam Triathlon to be crowned LC&AC club triathlon for 2009. 

Read Mike’s report from the race:-

“I have just completed southam triathlon 2009 and wanted to put together a few words to try and encourage a few more members of LC&A to have ago.  The weather was absolutely perfect for the event slightly cool, glorious sunshine and no wind.  Standing by the poolside I recognised the face of the gentleman standing in front of me and after asking his name started chatting to a school friend I hadn't seen in nearly twenty years.

The swim puts a lot of people off  it can be a bit like a washing machine on spin cycle however keeping a cool head and realising that you cant win a triathlon in the pool but you can certainly lose it in the pool helps conserve energy for the much longer bike leg.  This year I only struggled with tying my shoelaces, in previous years at differing events I have lost my bike and pulled the fastening buckle off my helmet while trying to do it up.  The change of the bodies attitude from horizontal to vertical can be a little disorienting.

Southam bike course is a bit like a roller coaster grinding uphills and exhilarating downhills but the marshals were excellent in directing and keeping me moving when the traffic was clear.  The weather was perfect and all the practice I've been putting in with LC&A wednesday time trial nights meant I felt like I was 'flying' rather as previously 'dying'.

Running after cycling is just not natural is it?  This is how it felt for an entire lap and half of a four lap running course.  However friendly people cheering me on at various points and the lovely feel of cushioning grass under my feet eventually turned my leg action from entirely rotary to mostly linear.  Passing under the finishing banner to cheers and applause I received a medal around my neck and a bag containing much needed crisps and a banana.

Nigel says and I have heard it before that doing triathlons is not cheap.  The most expensive item all cyclists already own and I'm sure more than a few athletes do as well.  Doing an open Time Trial or a 10K running race will cost you a tenner and if you add in swim you can start to see that the southam entry fee is not so bad.  There were lots of marshals noting times at various points around the course and the event ran smoothly and well.

Doing multisports is good for your health we spend all day sitting in our cars at our computers and finally in front of the telly.  Trying some different sports opens that hip angle and improves all round strength which carries through to your specialised discipline.  There were people of all shapes and sizes having a go at southam triathlon only two competing and one watching (as far as I know) from LC&A. The event raised over three thousand pounds towards an Alzheimer's charity and an all weather football pitch for southams children to use.

I would like to thank all at LC&A for making me very welcome at the club having only joined June this year.  I haven't enjoyed riding my bike so much since my teens!”

Mike Denny - 2009