The Bala Middle Distance triathlon

Now I know why it is ranked in the top 10 toughest middle distance Tri's in the world - OMG!  It was the Welsh & British Middle Distance championships at the same time so some serious athletes around - a total field of about 650.  Before the swim I was nervous but excited.  I had never swam 2 km open water before and it wasn't helped as the wind picked up and waves started to appear.
I had set myself a target of 45 mins and made it in 42.  I was pleased as I had been sick at the furthest away point due to taking a wave full on in the face.  I also suffered cramp in both hamstrings and thought my race was over.  Not as bad as one guy who was 2 hours in the water and wasn't allowed to go on when he got out - well done though for perseverance.
The bike was the toughest 81 km I have ever ridden.  I lost 10 mins on the first 20 km due to hills and wind.  The hills were never ending and I thought I might end up being last cyclist back but in the last 15 km I started overtaking people.
The run can only be described as cruel / brutal.  Undulating long hills the whole way.  My coach had told me not to walk so I didn't although plenty of people did and at times I would have loved to.  It hurt but I had a great run finishing the 13 miles in 1hr 48 mins which was under the 2 hr target I had set - really pleased with that result.
Total including transitions was 6hrs 14 mins.  Lots of lessons learned on the day that I can use in Copenhagen but probably the most important one was keeping the voice in my head positive and having a purpose such as raising money for Maggie's meant I couldn't give up.  I was quite emotional when speaking to my wife on the phone afterwards as this was a big stepping stone for me in my goal to become an Ironman - lots more work to do starting again on Tuesday.