King’s Lynn Triathlons club’s Geraldine ‘G-unit’ Jordan wanting to expand her event portfolio with something a little different, chose a week long triathlon from Loch Ness to London. A total of 1055 km, all powered completely by swim, bike, and run. | |
H.Mitchell G.Jordan P.Jordan
Her latest escapade, with an event tagline of 'The UK's hardest triathlon’ was the Monster Triathlon. No timing chips, no leaderboard, just the physical and mental strength of the human body pit against a 5km swim in Loch Ness, 5 days of cycling, and finishing with a 50km ultra-marathon. "Sometimes things don't go to plan" Day one should have been the 5k swim in Loch Ness and a short ride to Fort William. Having her commuting train cancelled, Jordan decided to fly. Unfortunately, Jordan’s luggage was missing from the flight to Scotland, and even after frantic efforts to gain spare kit, Day one wasn't meant to be. Day 2, with luggage now in hand, and accompanied by her brother Paul, the duo cycled from Fort William to Glasgow through the majestic countryside including the iconic Glencoe Pass and the shores of Loch Lomond, facing rain and headwind for a large proportion of the ride. Still, thankfully the sun shone for the last 48 km. After a slight navigational error which added distance the pair clocked up 207 km and 1497m elevation before the much-needed rest in the event hotel. Day 3- Glasgow to Carlisle - 190km The ride followed a direct route through the Scottish Borders as it cut through the rugged landscape. ‘’We’re back in England. It was a brutal day out and we hated every second. We had horrific weather, with headwind and lashing rain the whole way’’ Monster Day 4. Carlisle to Haydock. 190 km 1626m elevation "A much better day weather-wise, sunshine and just a few showers, but another very tough day in the saddle with some punchy climbs as we passed the Scottish border" Day 5- Haydock to Droitwich 200 km 1759m elevation. "Beautiful sunny weather to start and a lovely ride with lots of smiles. Some punchy climbs again until a storm cut our ride slightly short as it was deemed too dangerous to continue with flooded roads and thunder. We still clocked 156 km before much need rest" Day 6 - Cycle from Haydock to Kidderminster - 195 km 1376m elevation. Another long day of riding sees riders enjoy a relatively flat first 80 miles before a hilly section through the Shropshire hills and on to Kidderminster. Day 6 Cycle from Kidderminster to Windsor 198km 1595m elevation. This was the final day of riding and another long day with riders passing through Shakespeare country and the lovely Warwickshire countryside. The final few hills of the trip are found as the route crosses the Chilterns before the descent down to Windsor. Day 7 and ‘only’ an ultra-marathon (50 km) along the banks of the Thames to go. The route utilises much of the Thames Path as it winds its way towards the finish venue in Richmond. The pair were joined for the ultra by friend Helen Mitchell, furthest Mitchell had run before was a half marathon.
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G-Unit
Summing up the event G.Jordan, ‘’Scotland to Slough, five days of cycling. We’ve had some very very dark moments. Dreadful weather. A new wheel for Paul Jordan. Gear shift problems for us both, but not one single puncture. On day two we had the worst weather imaginable, we bumped into some other Monsters competitors when we were lost in a storm. We teamed up and felt so lucky. They have become our amazing new friends’’ ‘’The Monster Triathlon team were sensational and looked after us all like royalty, hot bowls of pasta en route, our luggage waiting in our chosen hotel each night, and help with our mechanical issues’’ After returning home G.Jordan completed her 5k swim with fellow KLTC member Mark Fountain for support in her local open water swimming venue. |
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P.Jordan G.Jordan