Getting into the quieter time of year now, with only a few events taking place, but it gives a chance to take stock and look at events that people would like to enter next year, whether these be triathlons or other types of events. With some new events to report on and also a fantastic achievement for one member out in Hawaii.

Barafundle Bay TrAIlathlon

No it’s not been spelt incorrectly, it is a trailathlon, not a triathlon; it is about taking part and enjoying the best of the Pembrokeshire landscapes. The participants have to take on a trail run, a woodland obstacle course and then a splash along the water’s edge, and with a choice of distances, it caters for everyone, with a 1.5 mile course for the kids and then a three or five- mile run course covering countryside terrain.

The obstacle course offered a muddy challenge, and then a quick splash in the bay, before the route concludes with a final run across the headland back to Stackpole Quay.

Alex Merrony and her son Raf took part in this first holding of the event, although I am sure that it will appeal to more members when it is held again.

Aspire Night Swim

And now for something completely different, a night swim in the dark. This was being run by Aspire, a national charity that works with people with spinal cord injuries to create opportunity, independence and choice.

The event, being held to raise funds for the charity, was held at the Queensford Lakes Water Centre, Berinsafield, Oxfordshire, and gave swimmers the choice of swimming 750 meters (one lap), 1500 meters (two laps) or 5km, although this was only for experienced swimmers.

Now we usually know what to take when we swim in Tenby, a wetsuit (generally) and goggles, but with the water temperature, wearing gloves and socks were optional, but also in addition to these, you had to have a glow stick and a whistle.

Ceire Merrison and Mel Morgan took on the challenge, with Ceire taking on the 5km and Mel taking on the 1500 metres. Mel completed the course in a time of 38:00 and Ceire completed the 5k in a time of 1:32:24 giving her fourth place female swimmer. Well done to both on completing a new and interesting challenge.

Ironman World Championships, Kona

As most of you will know, Claire Stubbs, competed in the Ironman World Championships last weekend out in Kona, Hawaii.

Qualifying for the world championships is one thing, but there is so much to sort out, without the training, the logistics of the trip make it very difficult, so it will have been great for Claire to have her husband Steve and her children Tom and Jas out there cheering her on.

The world championships put you up against the best in their fields and also pit each competitor against the very different conditions that they have to face. The swim is a non wetsuit swim, so considerably harder, the bike course takes you out on an unforgiving highway, which leaves you totally at the mercy of the heat and strong winds that blow over the lava fields, before taking to the run course which again takes you out on a very lonely course, and also without the support that you get around the course in Tenby.

Despite all these hardships, Claire came over the line smiling in a fantastic time of 13:14:49, this being made up of a swim time of 1:28, the bike in a great time of 6:51:00 and the run in a time of 4:44:27, a great performance and one to be very proud of. We are all sure that you will enjoy the rest of your trip.

Mr & Mrs

Charity Night

This coming Sunday we will be meeting in the Tenby Ex-Serviceman’s Club from 2 pm onwards, holding a Mr & Mrs themed day/night, raising funds for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Withybush Hospital.

One of our members and best friends, Simon Rossiter, has been undergoing treatment at the unit and he would very much like to show his support back to them. So all are welcome, members and non members, come along and show your support for this great cause.

Activities for the coming week

Friday, October 14 -Slacky’s Swim Session for those booked in. Tenby Leisure Centre at 7 pm.

Sunday, October 16 - Club Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 9 am.

Sunday, October 16 - Mr. & Mrs. Charity Raffle, raising funds for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Withybush Hospital, 2 pm at the Tenby Ex-serviceman’s Club.

Monday, October 17 - Turbo with Rhys at Tenby Bowling Club, 6 pm to start for 6.30 pm.

Wednesday, October 19 – Aces Run Session, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm.

Thursday, October 20 - Turbo with Mike Lindsey at Tenby Bowling Club, 6 pm to start for 6.30 pm.