Coquet River Sprint Aquabike and Wilddeer Lambton Castle 15 mile trail run
A double race weekend was something I had not done previously but with a 70.3 and and two ultrarunning events on the horizon, I was looking to bag a big training weekend. In addition I have been managing a bit of a niggle on and off for some time so short high end running was not on the agenda hence the sprint aqua-bike in lieu of the sprint triathlon. It was also a great opportunity to practice fuelling, transitions and also to get some more race swim experience in open water.
The location for the sprint aquathlon (and triathlon) was the picturesque coastal village of Amble and it definitely made the perfect setting for the event organised by local Alnwick Triathlon Club. Race start was at 8am with a swim in the mouth of the River Coquet in Amble Marina.
I had been feeling a bit queasy during the drive to the coast but thankfully it subsided with the fresh sea air as we lined up to listen to the race briefing. The swim start was uneventful although the water at 16 degrees definitely woke you up. The swim course consisted of a single lap around the marina. I got into a nice rhythm and even managed to hang onto some feet. Although I am no sprinter, I was pleased to come out of the water faster than the sprint I had done in June and overall felt more composed over the swim leg.
Run into T1 and transition was relatively quick, grabbing a gel before heading out onto the bike. The bike course was an out and back on the stretch of the Coastal Route with a turnaround in Widdrington then heading back to Amble. Conditions were pleasant and for once the cross winds were kind, time to put my foot down and test bike fitness over a short distance. Knowing I was not running today and with a relatively flat course there was no need to hold back. Felt consistent and strong, and with the weather gods smiling, the usual coastal cross winds were rather gentle on race day.
Aquabike finish is always a bit of an anti-climax but I did run through the finish arch even though timing stopped as soon as I entered T2 with the bike. Super chuffed to have improved my 20k bike time from June, which was virtually on the same course giving a good comparison and a bit of a yardstick going forward.The event concluded with some FREE cake, I repeat FREE cake at the yacht club which was essentially the reason I signed up..and the awards, where I picked up the spot for the 1st lady in the sprint aquabike, and AG 40Vet. I cannot emphasise what a lovely and friendly event it was organised by Alnwick Triathlon Club, and if you wander up north north it comes highly recommended!
The time in between the races was all about refuelling, so good job the husband was the chauffeur to and from the first event so I could relax after filling up with cake after the event, although I did throw a recovery shake in the mix too en route back home. Nice afternoon walk to loosen the body off, followed by a relaxing bath and dinner (not simultaneously obvs!) Focus on plenty of carbs, including plain rice, tuna, some steamed veggies while snacking on some Haribo and throwing in a couple PB&J bagels too. Early bed-time to get ready for the next instalment of the double weekender.
Luckily the start time for the trail run was a slightly more civilised 9.30am and I had purposefully chosen a local event that was only a 15 minute drive from home. The Lambton estate is not usually open to the general public and it was actually nice to run a route that you do not otherwise have access to, oh the excitement! The body was feeling good post aquabike and my hip niggle was behaving so the outlook for the event was good. Furthermore the sun was out so as the plan was to take it relatively steady I did have my own hydration pack with electrolytes so I could keep well hydrated as the temperatures started to rise. 
The 15 mile route wound itself around in loops around the country estate, and what a gorgeous route it was indeed, a wonderful mix of green meadows, open fields, riverside and forest paths alongside some decent up and down sections, and at times quite technical conditions under foot. For me that’s what keeps it interesting and helps me stay focussed.
The views were absolutely wonderful and at times you almost forgot how hard your body was working hard in the hot and humid August weather! The purpose was to test my hip niggle and practice fuelling and it was a tick in the box on both fronts. The time spent doing my physio exercises and strength alongside the rest of my training had definitely paid off. A major win was a virtually discomfort free 15 miles in challenging terrain which mentally gave me a big boost. Though I am not going to lie I did feel slightly jealous of the 10 mile runners turning to the finishing stretch as we had to run past to start another 5 mile loop.
Another goal was to practice fuelling, and my preference is to fuel regularly and often. I aimed to take in a sip of my hydration mix every 15minutes and some nutrition every 20 minutes. Pre-event I took one Maurten 160 gel and fuelled the remainder by alternating the same gel with Precision Fuel and Hydration Chews, roughly getting around 90g of carbs / hour. At the water stations I sensibly took on a couple cups of water as it was pretty hot, albeit the forest sections provided much needed shade on occasion. 
The final big climb from the riverside back to the castle was energy zapping but I nonetheless finished with a big smile on my face. Super happy to finish 10th in my AG and with a good solid weekend in the bag.