Mel’s Snowden Adventure

On Sunday 30th July YOPPER Mel took on the Craft Snowman Standard Distance Triathlon. Located in Snowdonia this event is not for the faint hearted. This Mel’s race report.

The Craft Snowman Triathlon - it certainly didn’t disappoint! Known as the toughest multi terrain triathlon in the UK, I can assure you it was!! The start of the swim was a challenge in itself. I managed to get myself right in the middle of a mass of thrashing arms and legs, along with a good bit of chop, what fun. It soon settled and I had a good swim. Judging by the marshal’s comment “you look very energetic after that swim” I obviously hadn’t tried hard enough.

Fresh from the mile long lake swim

Lots of clothing on then out on the bike. I really enjoyed the bike even with a strong wind and over 3700ft of climbing.

43 mile bike leg with over 3700 ft of climbing

I came into transition thinking I’ve got this and then I tried to run…no legs, I pushed on through. More kit on and out of transition onto the run. I really had underestimated how hard this bit would be, I think my face in the photos says it all. There were several times on the way up...and that’s all it was, for 2 miles over rocks, stiles and bog…that I thought I wasn’t going to make it. A voice in my head kept saying keep going Mel, just one foot in front of the other, and then the summit was in sight. Two fab marshals gave lots of encouragement and then it was back down the way I’d just come up, I knew then I was going to make it, I just had to get back down.

5.2 miles off road with a LOT of climbing!

Don’t think I’ve ever been so pleased to see a finish line in all my life, thanks to @yop_achieve for getting me there. Can’t wait for next year.

She’s mad as a hatter but we love her!