Capital effort from duo

Published on 14th August 2008 in Ents

London Triathlon/Askern 10

Stalwart Striders Karen Mitchell and Dot Pullman, investigating the possibility that life exists outside running, have been in not-so-secret triathlon training for some time.

When they started turning up to running sessions wearing wetsuits and riding bikes, it became obvious that their minds were on higher things, and the completion of one or two low key triathlon events has reinforced their determination to succeed at their new disciplines.

The London Triathlon at the weekend was proof that their training is paying off. The so-called Sprint Triathlon consists of a 750 metre swim, 21k on the bike followed by a 5.2 k run. There is little to choose between Karen and Dot running and cycling, but Karen's fantastic swim phase gave her the bragging rights with an excellent 165th place out of 715 female finishers.

Dot was slightly further back in 327th place, but factoring in age and lack of experience these were both quite sensational performances.

Split times: Karen swim 14.28, bike 45.40, run 29.05. Dot swim 23.15, bike 47.13, run 27.29.

The mere mortals who, rather pathetically, restrict themselves to running, contested the Askern Ten Miler the following day. Sensational is not a description you will find repeated here, with a series of times lacklustre but just about creditable in view of the tough course.

Emerging with credit, however, were Giles Harris, 27th out of 379 finishers, Michaela Shepherd, three minutes off her PB, and Karen Harper, a very encouraging debut.

Striders' times: Giles Harris 62.43, Mark Thompson 74.22, Julie Masterman 75.42, Ray Smith 80.37, Keith Wilson 83.17, Patsy Fenelon 83.23, Rob Oldridge 89.40, Debbie Andrew 90.55, Jo Mouncey 91.46, Maria Stanley 93.15, Michaela Shepherd 94.45, Sandra Brooks 96.45, Karen Harper 100.30.