Killarney Duathlon

HARDMAN's Duathlon in Killarney is their first multisport event of the year. It is a Standard or Olympic distance meaning a 10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run in that order. The course is flat and fast with scenic runs through the national park and a straight out and back cycle.

For many this marks the start of triathlon season, just without the cold swim. For others who may be nervous of swimming this is a taster for triathlon. Getting to experience transitions, jelly legs and the time trial format which differs from adventure racing. I completed the race with two friends from school who were in this category, but it was my first duathlon too so I was excited to see what new challenges it would bring.

The Race

Katie and I stayed in our now usual B&B (lots of races are in Killarney) and had a nice dinner in town the night before. The morning was standard enough collecting race packs, pumping tyres, oiling chains and setting up an unusually simple transition that was essentially just the bike.

I opted for non clipped in pedals to avoid changing shoes and had my sunglasses after one too many bugs in my eyes. It was frosty, cold and raining at times so clothing was a tough balance but I'm happy with what I picked. Alan gave a longer briefing than usual to stress the transition rules and at 9:00am we were counted down. Off we went.

As I was still recovering from last weeks Rome Marathon, my goal for this was initially sub three hours. A 1hr run (6:00min/km), 1.5hr cycle (27km/hr) and a 30min run (6:00min/km). Plan was to gauge on how I felt though, with the only real target being not to injure myself.

I set off a bit quick, but settled at 5:00min/km which felt great. Everyone was pushing hard and this definitely nudged me on. The route was unreal, retracing the Ironman loop and all along the lake edge to Ross Castle. Two water stops, great views and only one small hill made the time fly by. My tummy felt a bit upset towards the end but I pushed hard knowing the bike would allow recovery. At 48mins 58s I shattered my first target and was quick hopping onto the bike.

I've done very little cycling this year but don't feel like much has been lost. I used the aerobars for all windy sections (which there were a lot of), allowing my shoulders to rest everywhere else. It definitely got uncomfortable at times and the road felt long, but in the grand scheme of things time flew by. By 17km I'd passed a good few people and was turning in Killorglin. I hoped the breeze would help us now, but physics doesn't like cyclists so it was a windy slog all the way back too.

Making the final turn in Killarney, a car cut me off on the roundabout. The driver couldn't see behind the two marshall's who were too focussed on me. I pulled the brakes, skidded both sides and stopped just before I touched the car. Any faster I would have hit it and I'm not sure how I didn't fall off (glad I wasn't clipped in). They drove off and I was a bit shaken but the last 3km were cycle paths which was a relief. It was only as I entered transition I realised I'd taken ten minutes off my target, making it the fastest bike split I'd ever done for that distance at 1hr 19mins 21s (30.25km/hr).

I was excited for this run. Everything felt good and I tried to set the same pace as earlier to hopefully beat 2hrs 35mins. Adrenaline wore off quick and the legs felt heavy. I sang songs and concentrated on my breathing to distract myself but really wanted to slow down. The route was lovely again. Even nicer with the sun but hard to appreciate in the moment. In the last 500m two people in front of me started to walk and as tempted as I was to join them, I picked up the pace. Approaching the finish I saw the time ticking down and it was an all out sprint to make it over the line in 2hrs 34mins 58s.

Jack finished less than two minutes after me, and Pa smashed his 3.5hr target with 2hr 51mins. Once recovered we got a photo and were all delighted with the day. The weather had been much better than expected and there was a nice atmosphere around the whole thing. With dinner and drinks in town that night it was a fun and easily recommendable weekend which hopefully has planted a seed in the two lads.

Afterthoughts

Duathlon felt unique in a few ways. I thought the 10km run left me more tired than the slow 1.5km swim of a similar triathlon. I still got the multisport benefit of being warmed up and loose on the bike, but it was a different and less fresh feeling than I was used to. It was nice to not get into cold water though, and it's very clear why some people opt for these races.

Overall I really enjoyed the event, especially the run routes around the national park. The cycle was a little monotonous but it was exceptionally flat and straightforward so can't fault it. In terms of my first duathlon it couldn't have gone much better and I surprised myself with my pace. The t-shirts and medals are very nice and I'm delighted the two lads enjoyed it.