, with the main challenge coming from a headwind rather than hills. The run was reminiscent of a school event - three laps around the sports fields. First-timers agreed that the event was a perfect first triathlon experience - not intimidating or too challenging

for wondering if they'd turned up at the same venue; in 2010 the rain came down in torrents, but this year's event was blessed with sunshine.The perfect conditions made for a trouble-free swim in the lake. The 43K undulating bike leg didn't present too many

, old satan was in a very bad mood that day.This incredibly tough triathlon - which was moved from its September date to make way for the 2012 Olympics sailing test events - is one that earns you brownie points for life if you make it to the finish

Distance: 750m/ 20K/ 5KWhere: Karnes, Argyll, ScotlandWhen: July 3First man: Graham Leitch 59:13First woman: Kerry Macphee 1:10:12Last finisher: 2:04:29No of finishers: 117This new sprint-distance event is bound to become a season favourite

advice anyone could give you when you're attempting the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon. The race was started four years ago by French triathlete and ITU 2002 World Long Distance Champion Cyrille Neveu. He used to invite friends to train with him in the area

or the really bad news?" he asks. With a week to go until we tackle the Norseman, the world's toughest long-distance triathlon, I'm hoping he'll tell me the event has been cancelled. I ask for the really bad news.  "I've just looked on Facebook and someone has