Page 32 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

1st Military Working Dog Regiment Triathlon Team
The newly formed Regimental Triathlon Team headed to Hohne for their first triathlon of the season after one practice bike ride together. Unfortunately, although LCpl Higginson attempted to man up in time for the race, he took over camera and support team duties in between running for the toilet. This left the RSM, Cpl Woolfe and LCpl Mather to fly the flag for the Regiment, and Sgt Gurung of the AGC saving the Army fuel by vehicle sharing with us. This sprint triathlon consisted of a 500 metre pool swim, a 20 km bike ride and a 5.8 km run to finish. The start of the pool swim was an interesting affair with all 40 competitors starting together in the water, Cpl Woolfe shot off with a good start whilst the RSM and LCpl Mather waited for the masses to leave and then leisurely started their swims. Whilst LCpl Mather immediately tried to empty the pool with her poor attempt at freestyle the RSM applied his arm bands and doggy paddled. Cpl Woolfe was out of the pool, and after a slick transition was cycling by the time LCpl Mather finally got to her bike and gave chase. After the swim and true to his trade the RSM was careful to dry his feet before putting his bike shoes on, paying particular attention between his toes.
LCpl Higginson managed to stay away from the toilet long enough to see LCpl Mather come back into the transition area ahead of Cpl Woolfe after she overtook him
By LCpl Mather
on the first bike lap. A few choice words were said by the RSM as he raced into the run phase. The run was hard for everyone in the morning sun as runners danced over the road chasing shadows. It was especially hard for Cpl Woolfe who unfortunately became injured, but still made the finish line. LCpl Mather successfully achieved first female on her first triathlon, although she may neglect to tell people she was the only female!
With the next triathlon only a week away our triathlon team returned home for a quick rest before training for the Army 3/4 Distance Triathlon this time in the UK. Due to his continuing injury Cpl Woolfe couldn’t enter, and LCpl Higginson was still unwell, so only the RSM and LCpl Mather made the journey to the UK with Sgt Gurung. The hardest part of this triathlon most certainly was the journey to the UK. Having still not left Germany after four hours I’m sure everyone was ready to about turn and go home. Luckily this triathlon had a midday start. The 3/4 distance triathlon is three quarters of an Olympic distance, a 1000m swim (in open water wearing wetsuits), a 30 km cycle and 7.5 km run. The 1000m swim certainly felt never ending for all of us with the RSM actually asking one of the marshals if he was moving at one point! Wetsuits did make the swim a little easier, but LCpl Mather still felt the need to thrash at the water and several fish were beaten in the process. The cycle was relatively fast with
a few cheeky hills, and the run was flat and fast. All three of us clocked three passes of a PFA back to back, so hopefully that’s PFA 1 completed! LCpl Mather couldn’t achieve first at this triathlon as there was more than one female present, but she was happy with 2nd AMS female, but with a 14 minute gap between her and the leader; she has some work to do! The RSM was very happy with his times with some good overtaking especially on the run.
The team are now looking ahead to future events in Germany and further afield, and if you’re interested in joining the team please email LCpl Mather: rachel. mather100@mod.uk
LCpl Mather will be attempting to complete Ironman Wales (2.4 mile sea swim, 110 mile bike ride and a 26 mile run) in September, and is raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund and Hounds for Heroes so please support by visiting her web page at www.justgiving.com/teams/ Rachael-Mather
PRICE £14
ISBN 978-0-9927980-0-0
Who was Sapper Brown?
Remembering British Military Burials in Cyprus
Written by Colonel David Vassallo L/RAMC
Foreword by Major General Cripwell, Commander British Forces Cyprus
Limited-edition soft-back copies available from the Army Medical Services Museum, Royal Engineers Museum, and The Hive, RAF Akrotiri, BFPO 57. Also by email from djvassallo@aol.com
Printed by Crest Publications.
Profits go towards the maintenance of the cemeteries where British and Commonwealth sailors, soldiers and air force personnel,
of all faiths and none, are buried or commemorated in Cyprus.
32 Chiron Calling