Dave Furlong Piranha Duathlon Race Report 2021

I started running a little over 3 years ago, by doing parkruns with my kids to try and get some exercise with them. I also commuted 10k per day by bike, back when commuting was a thing, so around a year ago when a friend suggested I try join Piranha triathlon club, I thought, why not I like a challenge.
This was a few weeks before lockdown started, and so I haven’t had the opportunity to take part in any races, but the club has been great about organizing events virtually to keep us engaged and plugging away.
I’ve tried the (Virtual) 1k, 5k, 1 mile and 1k relay runs and getting together for training when restrictions allowed. I’ve tried to take part in at least one turbo session a week to, to keep my legs turning too as I miss my daily commute. Thanks Ian for the great sessions.
The club suggested doing a virtual duathlon, and I find these events really help to give you a focus.
I’d never tried a brick session before, so first thing I did was take out the bike, cycle out to the limit of my 5k radius and back, and then pull on the trainers and try to jog a bit. I’d heard of the term jellylegs, but it wasn’t until I tried to put one foot in front of the other, that I really appreciated that my legs kept wanting to go round and round and not up and down.
You notice an increase in the club banter before an event which really helps to build an atmosphere, and there was a great buzz on the new to tri chat with everyone giving support and encouragement all week.
On the day I just went as strong as I could on the bike, and I found great support with Ian giving encouragement on the zoom, and my kids jumping up and down beside the turbo telling me to just pedal faster and catch the bike in front.
The best part was out on the run in St. Anne’s afterwards. Waving and giving as much encouragement as you could muster to people you saw wearing the Piranha colours. The support really gives you the lift you need.
I’m really looking forward to training again with the club in person when it’s allowed and to have the opportunity to take part in my first “in-person” race.