Halfway up Heartbreak Hill, something gives. My hamstrings, which have been grumbling with increasing regularity for the last three miles, tighten up altogether. I stop, limp to the side of the road and try to stretch some flexibility back
sweat. Once you've warmed up along quiet residential streets, you'll have to slog it out on a single trail climbing the tough Leckhampton hill. At 5K the slope finally plateaus so you can enjoy the stunning Malvern Hill views and look out for the Devils
with this adrenaline-fuelled trail adventure. Endcliffe Park and Whiteley Woods provide the perfect setting for a two-lap extravaganza - with a challenge en route to keep you on your toes. As soon as you spot the 100m long MIZUNO Hill, it's time to push hard
, 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
along the way making sure you'll never have a dull moment. Some fast times will be notched up in this event, chosen as the County 10 Mile Championship and the final race in the 2011 Leicestershire Road Running League. However, even if you're not a speed
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
