What a nice way to end the season (almost as I am down to go Grim this weekend!) and a new Duathlon (relaunched) to boot.

Never mind that I haven't really been running (certainly not off road over hills) and that my mountain bike hasn't been out in anger (other than towing the kids) for at least two years - how tough can it be? Well 700m of climbing later I knew the answer to that particular question!

The alarm went off on a crisp and very cold day last Saturday and as I popped the bike in the car and grabbed a extra warm layer I wondered whether the rest of the family had the right idea by staying in bed (this winter racing lark is much harder that the nice warm summer days like the UKIM this year!!!)

Down the M3 to find the race venue and set up in transition. First the off road runners set off to do a quick 7.5km run and then after a short briefing ("Don't worry the bike course isn't as hilly as the run" - Joun Lunt Human Race) it was the turn of the duathletes.

Ouch Ouch Ouch - we were warned about the 5 times (on each run lap) that we would have to climb "Heartbreak Ridge" but that didn't stop it hurting each time - on to the bike for two laps (more ouch) and then the final 7,5km run back of the same run course as before (a lot more ouch!)

Finally crossing the finish line to get the only treat of the day a good bag of gifts from Merrell (that's the kids Christmas presents solved!)

Well done to Matt Ford for his results (and the encouragement on the course)

Despite the aches etc I would recommend this for a little somethiong different - check out the Human RaceWebsite for the next race in March 08.

TTFN,

Toby