After a stormy night on an Exmoor campsite, I reached the start line, did the swim in a reasonable 35.26, it was very cold so having realised it is important to get past 'mammalian shock', I focussed on getting my face used to the cold whilst we waited for the deep water start. Others didn't and were soon gasping after the start which led to a chaotic 2,000 competitor battle to get round.
The 54 hills over 56 miles of Exmoor were steep and seemed even steeper on the second lap, 4 hours 11 mins, a lot of people were swept up and did not make the cut off, so I was just happy to survive the leg.
Into the run, I could not believe the hill, which was added to with squelchy mud and then a dramatic run across a very high dam, which for someone with vertigo added to the drama. My pb half marathon of 1 hour 49 minutes, turned into 2 hours 28 minutes!
Anyway, completed in 7 hours 27 minutes, no record breaker! But for a course with steeper hills than Richmond park can prepare you for, I was happy to get round.
Thank you for the sponsorship, you've helped the children's hospice, they and I, are very grateful.
10km open water swim next :)