The HX Tri (Dartmoor Ironman) Race completed by Jenny Rice and Dave Murray:
Swim, bike, run across tough Dartmoor terrain. Swim 3.8KM lake swim• Bike 180KM road bike with 3700 meters of climbing• Run 42KM mixed terrain run• Total distance 226KM
For me, (writes Jenny Rice) one of yesterday's highlights was reaching the halfway point of the marathon at the top of High Willhays which is the highest point on Dartmoor. The highest tor, is 'Yes Tor' - just a few hundred metres away - the run route went via both as the sun set over the coast. The view was incredible and I felt so lucky to still be enjoying the the whole experience at such a late point in the race.
Back to the beginning; the swim was in Roadford Lake, a dam which was built in 1990. The swim began as the sun rose, with a lovely mist on the water it was a beautiful start to the day's events. I was first lady and 5th out of the water - though I think that says more about the other swimmers rather than my swimming - having barely swum all summer. [Note, Jenny is more a winter swimmer!!
A small shower came over us as we started the bike route, but as we climbed up to Princetown from Tavistock the sun came out and it was time for support point 1 where I met my wonderful support team - my mum Susie, and boyfriend Scully. I was fed tinned peaches and pepperami, before continuing the route criss-crossing the moor on two out and back legs to Yelverton and Bovey Tracey - each time dropping down off the moor and climbing back up again.
Of the 60 competitors only 11 were women, and I was informed at checkpoint One that I was currently First lady. Prior to the event, I had no aims to position, my only thoughts were to enjoy as much of it as possible, and finish it. But I think that definitely helped morale. I was overtaken by the second girl on the drag back from Tavistock to Okehampton - there was no way I would have kept up with her so I decided to keep cycling at an easy pace and save my legs for the run.
At Transition 2, I was met by my support crew who once again fed and watered me. At around 4.45pm (I think that was the time, as I actually ended up doing the entire race with no Garmin, no speedometer on my bike and no watch on the run. I have to say it was the best decision and I will forget the technology more often. I followed the trail from Meldon Reservoir (T1 and T2 were in 2 different locations - my support team really were vital!) along a wooded trail before picking up the Granite Way cycle track into Okehampton. I had more support here with my brother, his girlfriend and my grandparents out to cheer me on. The route then picked up part of my old school cross country course, before finally sending us up the East Okement valley onto Dartmoor. At the first run checkpoint I was met by Scully who cycled the two loops of the run route with me (supporters were allowed to accompany runners on mountain bikes). I think I would have had a very different day out if I'd been on my own out on the moor at night.
I was on my own from the second run checkpoint where we had to run up, and self-check in our 'dibbers' at High Willhays and Yes Tor. The boxes were at trig points on each one - and other people I met up there were also stopping to take pictures - I think that shows how much people were doing the event for where it was, as well as for what it was.
Back down to the checkpoint I continued on the second lap with Scully. At the next checkpoint I stopped for a family photo as my parents were both marshalling there! It was only into the last 7/8 miles of the run that I really began to feel like I was struggling - but it was still magical out there - head torches were strewn out across the moor, everyone was so friendly that we passed, or who passed us! The moon was out and the skies were clear - I couldn't help but think how lucky I was.
In the end I caught up the girl on the run and finished first lady at 22:15. Official results aren't up yet, and I had no watch, but I think my time was approximately 15 hours 15 minutes.
Dave Murray finished 7th overall in approximately 12 hours 40.
Thanks so much to everyone who has donated and sent messages of good luck, it was very much appreciated.
See you all in a week, I'm going on holiday now!
Oh, and one last plug for sponsorship I guess:
Also from the Serpentine, Dave Murray is raising money for Rays of Sunshine - his justgiving page is here:
Thank you!
Jenny Rice
