14
Sep

Julian Reiter, AKA Mr Rotivator, London Duathlon news

Posted by mhonan on 14 September

9am, 11th September 2011 saw the start of the first racers in the 2011 London Duathlon – the biggest duathlon in the country. Supporting the very worthy cause of the MacMillan Nurses, yours truly, Mr Rotivator, was there in body and soul.

There were three different races – Ultra which was just bonkers at 22k run; 77k bike; 11k run – and the Challenge which was 11k run; 22k bike; 5k run which I took part in. I won’t mention the Fun Run which so many of my so called friends dropped down into at the last minute (5k; 10k; 5k!). Having sloped off home early on Friday afternoon with a hacking cough and minor temperature (I know), 48hrs of Actifed and Vitamin C doses meant that I appeared on the starting line at the allotted time of 9:45am alongside my merry mates and 3,000 others all competing on the day (have to say we didn’t all start at once as that would have meant more carnage than even the transitions that saw many a brave soul being T-boned at the bike turn in point).

Having been told to turn off at the Fun Run 5k point due to ‘ill health’ my heart led me on to ignore best advice and to go the full distance (something my legs and body was to regret later that evening!). But then faint heart never won fair lady and all that, and there were some very fair ladies out and about on the course, and so 2hrs and 1 min later (I know – imagine if my Dad hadn’t given me his cough and cold….), I dragged my worn and beaten body over the finish line to the cheers of many, and a placing of 243 out of the 3,000 competitors and a large smile on my face.

Next year….well yes there will be a next year. Sub 1:50hrs the target and in the 4wk build up to race day, anyone within 10yds of me who looks as though they may have a cold will be taking their lives in their hands believe me.

Oh and a big shout out to the guy who did it in 1:30hrs. Astonishing!!

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