Adam's story - the Grafman Triathlon

I spent today beside Graham Water in the company of Kate, Arthur and Elsie whilst Adam completed the "Grafman" Half Ironman Triathlon.  This comprised a 1.9km swim, a 91 km bike ride followed by a half marathon (21 km) run.  Adam completed the course in 6 hours 13 minutes and 38 secs.  I arrived after the swim had started, so my photographic record starts with Adam in the Transition area after his swim as he changes to get on his bike for the second phase.  The Transition Area is a large compound where all of the athletes kit lives whilst they are completing each stage.  It is policed by "Technical Officials" who ensure that the minutiae of the rules are obeyed

Having met up with Kate and the children we went out to the road, to catch Adam on his return from the first short leg to the bike ride:

Now we went to have breakfast whilst we knew that our hero would be absent for about three hours. Then after 2:59:09 min the saddle, he was back in Transition to prepare for the run:

And then, he's up and running.  The course consists of two unequal loops which together make up 10.5km, so are run twice:

After the first lap is looking very weary - perhaps  he is anticipating the climb which starts the second lap.

Towards the end of the first loop of the second lap he looks much better

And then - the finish! Arthur joins him for the run up the funnel to the Finish and earns his own medal!  Adam and his friend Jem enjoy the competitor's reward of a pint of (alcohol-free) lager