Powerman Zofingen, long distantce duathlon World Championships 2016.

It's been a long time coming !
I had an idea whilst out riding my bike one day a couple of years ago. I wanted a big challenge for the year I was 50, An Ironman would've been the obvious choice but I was tired of trying of making no progress with my swimming. 'I'm a duathlete, why not aim for Powerman Zofingen.?'
Powerman Zofingen, Switzerland is an iconic race and has reputation for its level of difficulty. It is to duathlon what Kona is to Ironman. Mark Allen, 6 x Ironman winner at Kona, described it as 'The greatest race in the world' and said it was the hardest race he has ever done. The race consists of a 10km run, 150km bike, 30km run. Both runs are mostly off road through forest trails and very hilly. The bike leg is 3 laps of a very beautiful but stupidly hilly course....whats not to like?
(history of Powerman Zofingen)
You can enter the 'open' race, or you can prove good performance at long distance and represent your country in the ITU race......for me there was only one option I was interested in.

So, I needed to qualify.

I needed to move from Sprint, to standard, to long distance. The ball really started rolling with me competing in the London duathlon, Ultra distance. (See previous post) I raced well and won the ladies race which 'qualified' me for Powerman Copenhagen 2016, the European long distance duathlon championships, however,  the distances are shorter than the worlds: 10km, 60km, 10km. I raced well and picked up a bronze medal, and used this result to qualify me for the world championships in Zofingen, Switzerland.

Training planner.

So with a lot of hard work, commitment and consistent training my plan had fallen into place, now to up the training, again, even more commitment and consistent training... Hills, hills and more hills, with hilly runs after hilly bike rides. Hill reps running, hill reps cycling. Local Malvern hills, hilly trail half marathons in Shropshire and the Wyre forest, a taste of fell running,  hilly sportives around Malvern and the Cotswolds. Practicing my descending as well as my climbing. Experimenting with my nutrition plans for the race (ie eating peanut butter wraps on long bike rides) and practicing cycling 100 miles in a tri suit with very little padding, therefore also testing various chamois creams.

Emma Pooley Elite.

Race Day, Sunday 4th September. The 28th Powerman Zofingen. 

Bike racking was at 6.30am....more coffee please.
All women, including Elites, of which the top 10 were called forward to the start line and introduced, had an 8am start, with the men following an hour later.
'Come on Emma Pooley' this was her 3rd year of racing this event, could she defend her winning streak  for a third time?

I wish it was a 2 piece suite

Pre start:
Multiple loo visits, the applying of copious amounts of chamois cream every time too! A minimal warm up, which really consisted of dynamic stretches and just a short pulse raiser. And the usual nervous chit chat among the GB ladies. According to the announcer the temperature at 8am was already 18 degrees.







Run 1 (10k, elevation nearly 900ft)
An immediate up hill start from the town (the gradient was a bit like the start of the path that runs up to the Worcestershire beacon !) and into the forest onto the trails,  2.5km of uphill running. 2.5km of down hill running, and repeat ! I had been advised by everyone, everyone, to hold back on this first run. 'Use it as a warm up. There is a long day ahead'. So I held back, a lot, In hindsight, a bit too much. But, better than going out too fast. by the end of this I felt happy and excited, but already very warm !



Bike (150k, elevation getting on for 7000 ft)
I didn't rush transition, at this point in the race it seemed more sensible to me  if I stayed calm for the start of the bike. Again advice from everyone was to take at least the first lap very easy, if not the first 2 laps, as the 'race' doesn't really start until the 3rd lap of the bike, and then there is the killer run still to come. So, I took the advice and really held back. Again, in hindsight, probably a bit too much. However this course is hilly. There are 3 significant climbs.

The first climb comes after about 5 miles an is the 'Richenthal,' it's a category 4 climb and is 3 miles in total. The descent is fast and a little twisty at bottom with temporary traffic lights/chicane to negotiate. At about 13 miles is the most significant hill. The Bodenberg. (various spellings!) its a category 3 climb and in total goes on for 2.5  miles. It's in 2 parts, there was a race commentator with timing and PR system at the top of the first bit. There is a very welcome food/drink/aid station at the top of the second part. The views are spectacular. Lots of cows with the cowbells clanging (just like my Spin classes) and groups of encouraging spectators. It's a challenging climb with a challenging descent, a little twisty with some steep kick ups, some sections with barriers on the bends with drop offs to the sides. 
(The countryside is so well manicured a lot of it looks like Telly Tubby land.) 

Tellytubbies

There is then a few fast miles before the 3rd significant climb, 'Zoffingerstrasse', this is a category 4 climb through a forest area that zigzags up for about a mile. Again several groups of encouraging spectators.

3 laps of this!

Lap 1. I took note of the landscape and scenery and any significant landmarks that I may need later when I'm tired and need reassurance. A noticeable one for me was 'Heidi Coiffure', on the side of a barn at the start of the Richentahl! (my eldest daughter is called Heidi, but I knew it wasn't really her salon as she's not a hairdresser and shes not Swiss!)

Hi Heidi

 I probably took the whole lap at conversational pace, still not sure if this was too slow or not but again thought it better than going too fast. Back in the town and I wanted to throw my water bottle and pick up another....It didn't happen, (Matt Downes I thought of you and your IM race report) I reached the feed station just as the lead man was coming through, very fast, with a car following him and beeping its horn to clear the way, I got a bit freaked out by this and totally missed all the bottles, this bothered me as I had limited Hi 5 left in my bottle and then proceeded to swear and worry all the way to the top of the Bodenburg (about another 15 miles) where I knew there would be another chance to grab a full bottle.

Lap 2. Ok, lets get on with this. I now know the course and none of the climbs worry me, I just need to be cautious (I'm a vertigo sufferer) on parts of the descents. I picked up the pace and put in a much faster lap. So much that I confused Jon  Cowell, the GB team manager, as he was making a list of peoples lap times and positions ! He thought he'd missed several athletes when I came through! This time I nailed the bottle drop exchange !

Lap 3. Two bottle changes on this lap and all was well. As I got to the top of the Bodenburg for the third time the race commentator announced my name and told me I was in first place in my age group....I kind of knew this but it was good to have confirmation. Once again the climbs gave me no trouble, I was still seated for the whole lap, I hadn't had to get out of the saddle for the entire 150km bike leg. (again in hindsight maybe I should've stood for some climbing to rest my quads) My shoulders and neck were starting to ache a bit towards the end of this lap, I thought I was riding the descents and straights as fast as lap two, however checking the stats later this was definitely not the case !! I finished the ride happy, and glad to be getting out of the saddle and to start running.

Again I didn't rush transition, I've been getting a bit dizzy after long bike rides so thought it more sensible to focus and not rush.

Run 2, elevation around 2,500 ft 
The course is out and back and consists of two 15km laps over hilly forest trail. There is a turnaround point at the top of the hill at 7.5km , lots of spectators and another PA system here. Lots of places where you see other athletes running in the opposite direction. It's not boring! Lots of turns, lots of competitors everywhere, some walking, some running, some standing still, some cramping. At 15km you arrive back in transition, you are then cruelly guided through tape right up the the finish gantry, made to run around a cone, and head off to run the whole 15km lap a second time!

Lap 1: I started running well. Legs were working. I thought I'd got this in the bag. I'm running down a steep bit and see Emma Pooley walking up it in the opposite direction. She was proceeded by a mountain bike so I realised she was in first place and probably heading to the finish. I shouted encouragement to her as did the other GB athletes.  She didn't say anything, I think she was crying. By all accounts talking to others later this is normal, she cries. Towards the end of the first lap on the descent to transition my quads started to really burn. I needed a wee too. I couldn't face any more water or energy drink so was opting for Cocoa cola (Neill Williamson told me this would happen!) I ran through transition and up to the tease of the finish gantry, just as the elite women were preparing to step onto the podium to collect their medals, I could see Emma Pooley ready to get onto the 1st place step. I shouted congratulations to her as I ran right past and she gave me a big wave and a smile. On the way out of this area to the start of the second lap there was a toilet, I took the opportunity, and stepped in, as I sat on the throne the national anthem started playing for Emma!! This really amused me.

All please stand for the national anthem

I started the second lap, and for a few minutes felt ok. However, by the time I got to the top again I knew it was going to be a slower lap. My quads were on fire and every incline was an effort. The downhill running was very painful. However I teamed up with a guy from GB who was running/walking at a similar pace and we pretty much egged each other on. I saw lots of GB athletes in each direction and everyone was encouraging each other. We were all in the pain cave together. It started to rain, which was perfect timing, it felt wonderful! I saw people shuffling, walking, and some just standing still, staring into space! The relief coming back into transition and the finish area was indescribable. Jon Cowells wife reached over and handed me a little Union Jack flag to cross the finish line with.

I've done it!!

 Ron was there at the finish waiting, I was sooooo pleased to see him. I was exhausted and emotional. I asked him if I had gone under 9 hours, (before the race I thought I would probably take about 9 hours) He said 'No, I'm sorry its about 9 hrs 20 mins', and my facial expression dropped, 'but', he said,

                                                           'you are a World Champion'

Gold 50-54 age group

Post race.
There was pasta and cake to eat and Erdinger Alkoholfrei. The GB team all gathered together desperate to share stories and congratulate each other.
We saw Emma Pooley, I told her my national anthem/toilet story ! she seemed amused and said that she too had used that loo in between run laps haha!!

After a quick shower it was onto the post race award ceremony and celebrations. GBR picked up 3 golds, a silver and 2 bronze. Camaraderie was fantastic. I'm sure a bond was formed between all GBR athletes that day.







 According to our team manager this year saw the biggest GB team take on this iconic race, and this year each one of the team finished. Times were generally all a bit down on last year so possibly the humidity played a factor here. This race is extremely well organised. The marshals out on the course of both runs and bike really were excellent . It is a fantastic event to be a part of. The ultimate in duathlon racing.

Team GB Zofingen 2016

THANK YOU

To Ron, obviously, the other half of this success. And also to Neill Williamson.

Mission accomplished.

#theTLCeffect

So what is the TLC effect?

This week I have  been showcasing TLC sports 'figure firming leggings' in my Fitness Pilates classes.
A full length compression tight in mat black. The most flattering tight I have ever worn.
These tights are great. The material is completely opaque....yes even when in a deep squat ! (these things need to be checked!)

They fit like a second skin and hold everything in.
The high waistband eliminates muffin top, leaving a smooth line down the sides of the body. The figure firming material lifts the bottom and firms the thighs, giving the effect of slimmer longer legs. They also hold the tummy in flatter. I am confident wearing them with just a crop top as well as with tight fitting gym vests etc over the top.

before

after

Check out the slimmer waistline

 #theTLCeffect

before

before

See the muffin top in these 'before' pictures, eliminated with the higher figure firming waistband in the 'after' pictures below.

#theTLCeffect

The plain black means I can wear them with any of my colourful fitness vests, T shirts or hoodies.

after

after

They feel so comforting when you put them on. TLC sport may have once stood for The Leotard Company but Tender Loving Care seems more applicable to these fab tights. I love the compression and supportive feeling and find them useful to wear when my legs are tired or struggling with a bit of DOMS.

before

after

Check out the the bum lift and flatter tummy !!

I spend 95% of my life dressed in sports wear. Not only do I choose to cycle and run in my spare time but I spend approximately 20 hours per week teaching group exercise. These classes range from Aquafit to PowerHoop, to Studio cycling and Body Pump. I get through a lot of exercise clothing!! Obviously I need my work wear to be practical, but it is also very important to me to wear clothing I feel is flattering as I am 'on show' to up to 200 people per week....mostly women. I often get asked where I get my gym wear from.

TLC sport have over 25 years experience of providing sports and gym wear for women..Style and quality are the two main words I use when telling class participants about their products. I've had no end of their products over the years and always get excited when their latest catalogue arrives on my door mat.

www.tlcsport.co.uk

@TLCsport

Look for #theTLCeffect on twitter.

Aviles World age group standard distance duathlon championships.

Part of the team:
I have just spent a totally awesome weekend away in Aviles Spain with the rest of the GB age group team. And what a team we are. Team manager Jez Cox is just about the best you can get. He is totally on the ball with organisation and delivered a highly motivating briefing the day before our races. The camaraderie, support and banter from fellow GB athletes is what makes these events so special.
Ron and I were stopping about a 25 minute drive away from the Niemeyer international cultural center and the team hotel where everything was centered around all weekend, this wouldn't have been an issue but we were also without internet in our apartment. This is where fellow athletes/friends come in to help out with text messages if things changed or relevant posts were put up on the team notice board or facebook page.

Team GB, Standard distance.

Pre race:
The Niemeyer international cultural center was a great race village, lots of open space, an expo with plenty of shopping opportunities and a reasonably priced cafe/bar. I was totally inspired and excited to see so many athletes and supporters from all over the world blending together in this area and around the town of Aviles. Everybody looked great in their tracksuits in their countries colours.

Chilling at the Niemeyer centre/expo 

Registration was smooth, and each athlete received a really nice rucksack,
water bottle and.....chicken soup. (yes, chicken soup)

Nice rucksack/backpack

There was the opportunity to buy event clothing.

New hoodie

Race day pre start.
My race start was 11.45am, the last wave. Sprint races were over as they raced in the morning and therefore most of the athletes were out to support us standard racers. Thanks to Graeme, the team mechanic, for pumping up the tyre  on my disk wheel before the start of the race in the transition area.

Transition area

Several GB women were warming up together along side other nations when we were called into the pre race start pen. The sun was hot and it did feel as though we were hanging around exposed to the heat a little longer than needed. But the music was loud and team GB ladies sang the loudest and danced the best to the likes of  'I don't care, I love it' and 'shake it off' !!! good fun. We were then called to pre start 2, basically the start line, where the serious heads suddenly appeared on all athletes.  I clocked the piece of music playing as we set off at the horn blow...'bring me back alive'.......

Run 1.
Run one was 2 laps of a 5k loop up and down the river with a couple of turnaround points, one of which was through the stadium so supporters got to see us and cheer us on. I had made the decision not to use my TomTom GPS watch for this event so as not to be faffing around in transition switching it from run to bike and back to run again. So I used the 'freestyle' option which meant I pressed start at the start and stop at the very end of the race, I'd get no stats to speak of but I would get a heart rate reading. I'm not sure if this was a great idea as I had no idea of my pace on this first run, and what with the adrenaline/excitement/nerves I may have gone out too fast. It felt like a long 10k, which later I discovered it was, by about half a kilometer. I had settled into a small group consisting of me and two other female GBers in the agegroup below me. This was good, I really believe we pushed each other on, I was aware they were racing head to head so no words were spoken!

Run start

Run lap

 I raced hard and was a bit nervous as I had started to get the first signs of calf cramp in both legs towards the end, but I  came into T1 generally happy with my effort and hoped the cramping would go once I was on the bike. ( it eased a lot but I was reminded of it every now and then during the bike leg) 

I felt that I had pushed hard on this first run.





T1 was smooth., probably one of my best!

Bike:
This was just over 42kms consisting of 2 and a half laps of 3 points of turnaround. Sounds complicated and originally I found it very confusing so spent a long time the day before making sure I knew exactly where I was to go. However as usual on the day it was a lot less confusing than I had imagined.  There was a short leg, a medium leg and a long leg. Plenty of time for settling down and TT'ing with a few little rises in the 'Quarry loop' to test the legs, and some fast descents and S bends in this section too.

I loved the bike course and it felt like I was racing hard and fast, overtaking all the way.  The support en route was great, and we passed the Niemeyer centre several times with huge support here.

We also rode through a small village called Zeluan, it seemed the whole village were out to support/marshal and offer drinks here. Unfortunately my water bottle fell off the bike here on a rough bit of road. After negotiating the bike course correctly I rode fast into the stadium ready for the last run feeling that i had cycled the bike leg as fast as I could. 
As I went to dismount I was overcome with cramp in both quads...I've not experienced this before . This shocked and disappointed  me. I couldn't do my usual dismount so instead slowed, took my time, uncleated and gingerly got off before the dismount line. The cramp was horrible at this point and I just had to wait for it to go, it felt like a long time but was realistically about 15 seconds. Enough for several participants to overtake me on the dismount line sadly.

T2 was as smooth as it could be but I hobbled out of the area a bit still trying to regain regular feeling in my quads.

Run 2:
This was 2 laps of a 2.5km course, again up and down the river., and passing through the stadium again after the first lap. (Unfortunately several runners got disqualified as they only ran one lap therefore not completing the race) I found this run so hard ! I was hot, cramping, and basically just knackered! I gave 100% effort despite being really uncomfortable. It felt long. Again I found out later that it was long by about half a km! I wasn't running with anyone else, at least I don't think I was, I didn't notice anything and could only think about putting one foot in front of the other and wishing the finish line nearer. There was plenty of water on the course to drink and pour over our heads to try to keep cool as there was no shade at all.
I have never been so pleased to see the blue carpet and finish gantry. I had given 100% for the whole race. I was exhausted. As soon as I crossed the finish line I could see Ron the other side of the railings, thank god he was there to congratulate me. He told  me I was 4th, which is a tough position to finish, but at this point I didn't care. I knew I had given everything and had not let myself down. I had done my best, It wasn't enough for a medal but that didn't seem to matter as I knew I had made no mistakes. I felt very emotional and found it hard to fight back tears. I have no idea where this feeling came from and was not sure why I felt like crying. I think it was just pure exhaustion.

Post race.
The finish area was fab! Tables and chairs, water, protein shakes, and proper food ! a choice of chicken/meat or cheese salad with wraps and dressing!
There was a finishers medal for everyone
A finishers photograph
and medal engraving.

A few favourite weekend 'moments!'
The police escort on the team GB bike recce.
Our hire van being 3 times the size of the one we actually booked !!
Transporting fellow GB athletes in the van, and their partners, and their bikes!

I'm a duathlete get me out of here

Our friend Pete was stashed away in the back of the van alongside 2 bikes with his wife riding up front with me and Ron several times....on one occasion we had a bit of closed road trouble, Ron walked over to a couple of policemen to ask for an alternative route....he came running back across the road shouting,,,'Pete, jump back in the back of the van quick we've got a police escort back to your hotel!' Pete's wife said, 'take a picture take a picture' and 'I wish they had flashing lights on'!! It was crazy, our escort took us through red lights !

Police escort

We went to the medal ceremony (10pm!) and thought we'd park the van on the railway station car park. As we were crossing over the railwayline (a tight turn and bumpy ground)  a siren sounded, the lights started flashing and the barrier started to descend !...It was a definite 'my life flashed before me' moment but we made it !

The inspirational medal ceremony with winners as young as under 20 to two men in  the 85-89 agegroup !

Discovering that history was made with Chris Mosier from the USA competing in the sprint distance...he is the first transgender athlete to compete in a world championship race.

The elites, notably Emma Pallant and Richard Murray (Gold winners the day before) cheering us agegroupers on.

The bonding, support and banter of team GB and of course the awesomeness of Gill Fullen. The clear winner of my agegroup (50-54) and 2nd female over all agegroups!

Thank you so much to Ron for getting me there, prepping my bike and generally looking after everyone!
Thank you to Neill for all his input into my training and generally taking care of my legs!

Next stop ZOFINGEN! long distance world championships in September.

British age group duathlon championships, Windsor.

Windsor duathlon. British standard distance age group duathlon championships. Windsor great park.

This event attracted the whose who in the duathlon world world with a chance to bag the title of British champion. It was a tough field of competition on a challenging but beautiful course. If you're going to hold a British championship why not hold it in the Queens garden on private closed roads? 

Recce, 'The long walk'

A minimal recce on foot the night before was all we could do as some of the roads we were going to use for the race were private and not normally used by the public. 

Unfortunately the race was delayed by 30 minutes as there was meyhem with hundreds of people trying to enter the park to the parking area via one small gate. Some of us had paid for parking when we booked the event and some had to pay on the day, except I don't think this was enforced! The parking area, race village and transition area was an absolute quagmire. This also caused chaos. 

Phew, got my sunglasses before the start

After racking my bike I discovered I'd lost my (expensive) sunglasses. To cut a long story short I was reunited with them before the race as some kind sole had handed them in. Lucky girl. Just before we started it was announced that the race would be stopped for a few minutes whilst 3 members of the royal family crossed the bike route in a car on their way to church! If you were caught up in the stoppage you would have your time adjusted to compensate for the time you were stationary!! 

The race started in front of the Copper horse

So the course.. The first run was a 10k loop on road, trail, bridle way, and grass... Off road shoes were a good choice by me here. It was tough, undulating and muddy at times. I was pleased with my first run and 'enjoyed!' It.

The bike leg was 4 laps around the park totalling 25 miles. It was quite congested at times because of this ( plus there was also a sprint distance race doing 2 Laps) undulating with several punchy climbs and sharp turns and fast decents. We were either going up down or around a corner! I loved it! 

Exiting T2 was like a scene from bambi on ice due to the mud! The last run was an out and back (2loops) up and down the 'long walk' running in front of Windsor castle twice. It was so hard as you could see the whole loop. Shoes were caked in mud... I pulled over to try and remove some of it which                                                                          helped a bit. 

2nd run was tough

I was sooooo happy to finish but because of all the laps I had no idea of my placing but never fear...friend  Jayne Ackroyd had been following me on the live tracker so she text me! Ron was with me and he'd received an automated text from tracking with similar results, however I then had to wait and see If Sally Goble, in the same age group and just behind me, had been held up by the royals and therefore would have time taken off.

Is it over yet?

 Prize giving was delayed whilst adjustments were made. I won silver in my age group! I was thrilled as the women that won gold in my age group was Gill Fullen - this woman is fast becoming a household name as she is so phenomenal, at age 52 she consistently finishes top 3 overall in all distances. I couldn't have hoped for a better result really but,boy, did I work hard for it?!

Podium girls

Podium prize giving and I managed to lose my sun glasses again, but unbelievably somebody spotted what had happened and he got them back to me, weirdly he was standing next to the man that had found them earlier in the day! With a couple of thousand people there I found this a little spooky !

Thrilled with a Silver medal

However, the highlight of the day for me was discovering that the large black jaguar estate carrying the party of 3 royals to church was actually the Queen and she was driving the car!! Who knew? Can you imagine the 90 year old queen driving a massive car and the race having to stop for her? Hilarious!

DRY-U waterproof bags

This is my DRYU waterproof bag and I use it everyday! 

DRYU waterproof bags are so versatile and look really cool too. They can keep the wet out and they can keep the wet in! Depending on your situation. 

I had one of these bags as a present from my daughter and it's perfect for my sporty active lifestyle. I have the 10 litre size and its big enough to get my workout gear and towel and water bottle in for my daily trips to the leisure centres where I teach group exercise sessions in Malvern. These dry bags come in 5, 10 and 20 litre sizes. They can be carried by the 'handle' on top 

or slung over your shoulder with the strap. 

In my pre DRYU life I would use non waterproof bags, resulting in wet car seats, as I would jump in the car after class, throw my bag (with wet kit/towel in) onto the passenger seat and it would soak through.  Also carrying a bag over your shoulder with wet stuff in is pretty grim against your dry clothes and body so problem solved with my DRYU dry bag.

On other occasions I use my bag to keep the wet out. It's a perfect bag to sling over your shoulder on rainy days keeping valuables dry inside. I 'scoot' to work on days I don't have the car, wearing rain proof jacket and trousers, keeping my dry change of clothes inside my lovely blue waterproof bag!

I've been using this bag for a couple of months now and around Christmas time it generated a lot of interest in my classes from the participants, especially when I showed them all the bright colours they come in.  Some of them added a DRYU bag to their Christmas wish list!  

One of them took hers to the New Year's Day sea swim she did in Holland! Keeping her valuables dry and free from sand on the beach and then keeping her wet clothes in it on the way home! 

As a  multi sport enthusiast I also find this bag great for open water swimming and pool sessions... Every triathlete should have one... A perfect eye catching little triathlon bag.

So I use mine primarily as a gym bag however these bags are also great for any out door activity, for example sailing and boat trips - keeping things dry on deck. Not only are they waterproof they are great for keeping dirt/sand etc out... So a must for the beach this summer. Think how great they are for camping and summer festivals! 

With a range of vibrant colours and 3 different sizes there is a bag for everyone! Great gift idea. 

Tempo winter series

Tempo events from Stratford upon Avon host several events throughout the year.  Their winter series is a series of five 10k running races held at Ilmington.  The series starts in October and there is one race per month through to February. The 10k route incorporates running up the infamous Larkstoke hill, and also loops around the village of Ilmington. Starting in October the route is run anti clockwise, November clockwise, and continues to alternate direction for all 5 races.

You don't have to do the whole series but if you sign up to the whole thing straight away you get discounted entry (this year £55!) bargain.

If you complete the series you get a free hoodie. 

Purple hoodies this year

There are series points too and this year there were prizes for first second and third female/male overall and first in age group prizes.

Engraved crystal glass for 2nd female in the 2015/2016 series

The event is extremely well organised and has a lovely friendly atmosphere. 

Rob Minton, One of the tempo team,  starts the race off and then magically appears at the top of the hill to encourage and praise everyone and is there again at the finish to do prize giving with Sarah Bland, another member of the hard working tempo team. 

Prize giving with Sarah Bland

This series for finishing each race you receive a pack of quality sausages from the local butcher!
If you're a vegetarian you get chocolate instead! 

Sausages from Barry the Butcher

There are cash prizes  at each race for first 2nd and 3rd female/male and firsts in age groups.

Cash prizes!

I have done this series twice now and can thoroughly recommend if for value for money, atmosphere,organisation, a 'challenging' course (!!) and great consistent winter training.