2023 SunCity Triathlon #RTCRaceReports
Entering this race was a last-minute decision after the disappointment of the Steelman bike section being cancelled.
Pretty much all of my prep was based around trying to figure out if my car would get me to the race without blowing up 
The RAC could get me home 
Other than a quick read of the race briefing and packing stuff into my car, I’d done no prep for this race.
Registration
Walking into registration there were two young ladies sitting on the floor in swimwear, one of them asked me to take some photos of them, only in Sunderland
When I registered, I must have missed the bit where they explained the bike and helmet stickers. I couldn’t find mine 
I managed to get a new set just in time for registration closing. Apparently they were on outside of the goodie bag 
Briefing
When the race director mentioned leaving trainers near the sea exit, I remembered how far it was and grabbed my spare trainers out of my bag 
just walking slowly to the swim start I quickly found myself at the front of the competitors, because everyone else was hobbling around in bare feet.
Swim – 711m 15:02 – 2:06 pace
The sea looked really calm, but there was still a bit of rolling swell, making the swim a bit of a mini rollercoaster. I really enjoyed the swim and it seemed to be over quite quickly. I was surprised to find myself in the main bunch of swimmers as I got out of the water I’ve been really pleased with my open water swimming this year.
T1
I was really glad I left trainers at the steps. I was impressed how well some people could run in bare feet, I’m definitely not one of them.
Bike – 20.5Km 37:00 – 33.2Kph
My bike computer decided it couldn’t find my power meter or HR monitor 
I messed around for a while, but couldn’t get it to work. I didn’t want to reboot, in case I lost count of my laps, so I just used my leg-ometer 
I got stuck behind a learner driver at the roundabout near the marina. I could probably have overtaken them, but felt that would be a bit cruel to a learner. I knew there was a no overtake zone somewhere near the Grand Hotel roundabout, but couldn’t see any signs. I decided it would be safer to not overtake from either direction, I think I only had two or three times where I could have overtaken someone anyway.
T2
Straight in, shoe swap, helmet off and out
Run – 5Km 22:52 – 4:33/Km
Within a few hundred metres I could feel an enormous boulder in my shoe it was right near my toes and it felt like it was cutting all my toes to shreds. I wondering how much time I’d lose if I stopped to get it out. I was also thinking I’d lose the least amount of time if I did it on an uphill section, so I carried on. By the time I got to a hill, I’d forgotten the boulder was there
With about 1Km to go, I could hear someone with a really loud foot strike getting closer and closer. So, I tried to start my sprint finish early and increased my pace (very slightly). He came past me anyway. Then another guy in the same team gear came past too. They were both finishing stronger than me, so I checked behind to see if I was going to lose any more places and coasted to the finish.
Result
Total 1:21:22 – 16th overall – 2nd in Male Super Vet
27 seconds behind 1st Male Super Vet, if only I’d brought my crocs
This race was just what I needed to end the season with (open water at least)
