Liverpool Triathlon 2009

June 21st 2009 sees the first running of the Liverpool Triathlon with around a 1000 competitors expected. The CheapTents.com team have an interest in any such activity, but this is increased when two members of our shop staff (Paul & Martyn) are competing (or turning up!) to race around Liverpool’s Iconic landmarks. The Liverpool Triathlon has a range of events for people of differing standards and experiences, there are full distance and sprint events as well as children’s ones, and it will be interesting to see how well this new event can work with the exisiting local Sefton Triathlon taking place on 27th June 2009.

The Triathlete, the ability to swim, run and cycle. An example of the human machine in peak condition.Source Flickr by charcoalartist

Triathlon?

For those of you, who are new to triathlon, it’s a series of three different disciplines joined together to make a race, they are swimming, cycling and running. More experienced tri-athletes will tell you that the transition, (when one goes from swimming to cycling and then cycling to running) which involves equipment changes is a discipline in itself. So how come its not called a Quad-athlon then? But I digress.

Sledging and no snow!

Back to the CheapTents.com “athletes” where the banter in our shop has risen to a level that would make an Australian Cricketer proud, training has been intense during lunch and after work with open water swimming, cycling and running. Strict diets are being observed to ensure the peak of physical perfection (ok I admit I am stretching my journalistic integrity with that last comment).

CheapTents.Com Competitors

Paul a veteran of many races and triathlons is competing in the Olympic distance race with a swim of 1.5kms, bike ride of 40kms and a run of 10kms, he is aiming for a time of around 2hrs 25 although he didn’t specify if that was per section or for the full course!

Martyn a strong open water swimmer and climber who has never competed in a Triathlon has entered the shorter sprint event of a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. He was just originally aiming to finish, however, when told of Paul’s predictions as to his potential performance, the competitive spirit of Martyn kicked in, his training has increased he is eating raw meat three times a day and raring to go. If you see anyone swimming in the Albert Dock before the 21st it may be Martyn practising, so give him a wave!

Misplaced Confidence?

At this moment Paul is quietly confident that come 22nd of June he will have the CheapTents.com bragging rites by achieving his target time, although Martyn’s odds are shortening all the time and there is a growing belief he will post his target time of around 1hr 45mins especially as he has talked about putting his money where his mouth is, unlike Paul!

The Route

The Triathlon is based around the Liverpool’s world famous waterfront and Albert Dock area, with swimming in the Queen’s and Wapping Docks. The running circuit encompasses Canning Dock, Salthouse dock and the photogenic Liver Building will provide a stunning backdrop. The cycling course is based on circuits of Parliament Street and Great Howard Street, so spectators should get excellent views of all events and please make sure you cheer the competitors around as many will be running for charity. If you want to watch the Triathlon, racing starts at 8am.

For a full route click here or for further information click for the official website.

Finally

Keeping checking the CheapTents.com blog for updates as to how our two intrepid tri-athletes are doing, and why not drop into our shop 240 Manchester Road, Warrington to make sure they are not munching any illicit chocolate bars or to have a chat about training.