Last chance saloon - Calfman Duathlon

 After the previous weeks effort at Oulton Park, I had done some man maths, and was reasonably sure that although I hadn't finished in a qualifying place, I was near and about 103-104%, which in a normal year, could see me with a roll down, however, with 2021 event not moving forward and participants deferred, that would make it tricky and I would need to finish top 4 to have a chance. 

The Cowman event has four options , catering for everything from sprint distance to long distance. I was entered into the Calfman qualifier, 10k run around Emberton Country Park, 40k on the bike out on open road, and then another 5k lap of the park to finish. I can say that even they were slightly long, I have the 1st run at 6.37 miles and 2nd at 3.20. The event was easy to find after a night in a travelodge on the M1, and conditions for the day reasonable for the time of year. Racked early, last minute pee, and then off to the start....

Run 1 = 47.42

The run was a mix of terrains which I liked. I wasn't sure which type of shoe to wear so hedged my bets, starting in my usual Brooks but having some light trail shoes available for the second run. After an initial run on tarmac path, there was a grassy off road section and then back on tarmac which felt a bit slippy underfoot. Some more grass and then some field paths with some climbs and then a nice long descent back into the park. Lap one dispatched , and second one put away in a disciplined manner. In good form at the end of the first run and on to the bike. 

Bike 1.05.58 

After 51 secs in transition, I was making my way out of the park, slowly as it's not race friendly. A two footed stop and then out onto the main road - now we're cooking. Not at all like Oulton Park, just plenty of undulating A roads , a couple of stingers, but nothing my single ring 60T set up couldn't handle.  I aimed for 230-240 watts and mostly could keep that. My position was more disciplined this week, only sitting up on the climbs or when I was in traffic at the end of lap one. I counted the people I passed on the second lap, and then set myself the target of not being overtaken by that number on the second run. Back into transition via on my god what was that - hop up onto a path and avoid the man with the Alsatian !! 

Run 23.56

41 seconds this time and back out for one more lap. I opted for the light trail shoes this time and that bode well. Nice and grippy, they were perfect.  I had a good first mile, and then really started to grind on the climb straight after the caravans. Runners started to pass me, and I had that feeling of deja vu, but after a brief flurry there were no more. I stuck with it and was thankful to reach the top of the final climb and really enjoyed that final descent for the last time. Over the line in 2.19.08 which was 4th in 45-49, but would be worth 5th in 50-54. My luck was in as the first two weren't in the pot for qualification so by my reckoning, I should get the third qualifying berth so we will need to wait and see.

Whatever happens, I am really enjoying the Duathlons and will be working hard over winter to have a better year next year.