Last stop: St Pancras.

We had been up since 4.30am UK time, and the last leg was starting at 18.15: it had already been a long day. Now we faced a 10km run. 

Everyone had been fed, watered and massaged, and off we headed on the coach to Regent’s Park. As we reached the start, it was so nice to see the G/great British public out to support us all especially as the rain had begun to come down.

We started with a warm-up to some of the acts that were playing on the stage, both to entertain the spectators and keep the competitors motivated! Another great motivator was news that we had a glass of champagne and BBQ awaiting us at the end!

Unfortunately, after 5km I had to pull out due to cramp in my left leg, which had started in the bike race. But on went everyone else with Jonny Brownlee coming in first with an impressive 34 minutes! As everyone else passed the finish line, there was a sense of such great achievement by all, no matter what standard of athlete.  Out of 140 athletes, 100 completed all three legs – an amazing achievement.

The whole day was a fantastic experience and one that no-one will forget I am sure. We swam, cycled and ran through three major European cities in one day! There was great camaraderie between all, no matter what level of participant and fantastic encouragement from those on the sidelines.

A big thanks to Eurostar, IMG, the athletes and the volunteers who pushed us though each leg and made such an amazing experience possible. I’m looking forward to the next Eurostar 2012 activation event!  

Definitely a story for the grandkids…

Read about the first leg (swimming in Paris) here, and the second (cycling in Brussels) here

After my old faithful flip flops breaking and Karen Pickering lending me hers, we got off the Eurostar and braved the Metro in Brussels much to the bemusement of the locals. A quick walk and we were there.

To say the bike part didn’t go well for me is an understatement!

Having not been on a bike for the best part of a year, I was wondering whether I should have invested in some stablisers!

12.40 and we are off. Six laps, 40km in total of quite a technical course and a cut-off time to add to the pressure. We have to ensure we get the next Eurostar train back to London. (And oh, London, how I missed your flatness and straightness as I cycled round!)

By lap 2, the cramp has set in on my left calf. And then through came Alistair Brownlee, lapping me already! (I had to remind myself that he does this for a job).

Onward I went, cramp in toe. Lap 4 saw my chain come off my bike, but through pure grit and determination, I made it to the end. I wasn’t last, but almost.

We’re now enroute to London on Eurostar, just having had a massage on the calf and waiting for my dinner.

Looking forward to the last leg in Regent’s Park and determined to finish so hoping the good British public are there to cheer us on. There are lots of tired and achy bodies aboard along with a few injured but everyone is in high spirits and thoroughly enjoying the day.

See you all in London, home sweet home.

Read about the first leg, swimming in Paris, here

And rest between races onboard the ever-relaxing Eurostar. 

So as you were all tucked up in your beds this morning, 120 of us were up at 5.30 French time getting ready to brave the Bassin de la Villette in Paris. 

The competitors range from first timers to athletes such as Karen Pickering, Ewan Thomas as well as the Brownlee brothers straight in from the Triathlon World Series. 

As it hit 7.30 and the light just came up, the gun went, and off we went…  A bit too cold for my liking, but hey ho. 

I managed to come in under 25 mins with the winner doing around 18 mins and slowest about 45 min.  We are now on the Eurostar heading off to Brussels for the 40km cycle. It’ll be interesting as all 120 athletes are starting together. I’m looking forward to taking in sights such the King’s Palace, Atomium, Stade Roi Baudouin and a couple of trams!

I’ll let you know how we get on. Better go now, breakfast is being served :)