BLACKWELL athlete and massage therapist Sam Boswell went through the pain barrier to be crowned national champion in her age group at the National Triathlon Championships at Rutland Water in Leicestershire.
The location is ideal and the ‘Dambuster’ race, which closes at 1,000 entrants, fills up fast.
Boswell had a strong, comfortable swim to exit into transition with the first athletes and start the 42km bike, but unfortunately she experienced drastic mechanical problems with her bike, meaning the back wheel locked into the frame when maximum force was applied through the pedals.
It was fine on the flat and fine on descents, but completely locked on any climbs. This course is hilly so, rather than become a ‘did not finish’, Boswell dismounted and ran, pushing the bike up the hills, of which there are three main ones and they are long and steep!
Boswell reached T2 exhausted and with extra aches and pains than she would normally expect. The 10km run – normally her favourite element – was extra hard after she had already run with the bike up several steep hills wearing her cycling cleats, and her run split was far slower than she would normally perform.
However, through sheer determination and not wanting to let her husband and son down who were cheering her on, she continued and was pleasantly surprised to find she had actually won her age category, so now holds the title of national champion.
Boswell is very pleased to have won this title, particularly under the circumstances, but equally disappointed with the overall time and knowing she could have been far faster without the mechanical problems she experienced.
Changes will be made to the bike ready for her next race – the National Sprint Triathlon – in just over a week’s time.
As well as now holding the national title, this result also means Boswell has qualified for the World and European Triathlon Championships.
Boswell is also a qualified sport and deep tissue massage therapist working locally and is now treating people in the area. Anyone interested can find out more by visiting sbrmassage.com.
