What Goes Up Must Come Down

Race Report by Carmel Moran.

Swim at Alloz Reservoir

Late last year, when I heard about the European Middle Distance Championships due to take place in Pamplona, Spain in May 2025, my eyes lit up. I banked that information and wondered if I had done enough in my 2024 National Series races to earn an age group spot. The race would consist of a 1.5 km swim, 84 km on the bike and a half marathon. I had not raced this distance since 2018! Fast forward to March 2025, when I received confirmation from Triathlon Ireland that I was eligible, it was game on.

Not a Pool Fan

I got busy registering for the race, booking flights, accommodation, figuring out logistics and last but not least, training. I had maintained steady training on the bike and to a lesser extent running over winter, but swimming? Not so much. Unfortunately, I am mentally and physically allergic to the pool – I suffer terribly from an overwhelming urge to get out early and it makes me sneeze. So, the Irish Sea in late March it was. The face pain was real during the first few swims as I gradually started building up the distance.

Time began to go very fast as I kept myself busy training wise. Pulse track sessions every Wednesday are brilliant for building speed and endurance. I invested in a new time trial bike that I got the day before the Phoenix Park Duathlon. Just like that, I shaved a minute off last years 20km bike time. The open water swims gradually became less Baltic and a spell of good weather in April really helped.

The longest run I managed was 18km, I was experiencing reoccurring blisters on my feet that I was trying everything to rectify. A fall off the bike just over a week before race day knocked my confidence. When it was time to taper, I convinced myself I had done enough and that it would all be grand on the day. Before I knew it, it was time to pack up and head to the airport. I got to Pamplona on the sunny evening of the 15th of May in time to collect my race pack and have a look at the run route. There was a great buzz around I felt excited to be racing for Ireland in this beautiful city. Carb loading may or may not have commenced with some local pintxos and wine..

Friday 16th May, the day before the race was a busy one. The bike had to be dropped to T1 located at the Alloz Reservoir, about a 45 minute drive west of Pamplona. The first glimpse of the bright, turquoise water of the reservoir again roused a feeling of excitement this time tinged with apprehension as we drove up numerous, steep switchbacks to get there. What goes up must come down, this was the beginning of the cycle. I met up with a few other Irish age-group athletes at the reservoir and carried out some further carb loading. Friday evening was quiet – home cooked dinner and some final preparations.

Race Day

Saturday 17th May was race day. The start time was not until 1:30 that afternoon, it was nice knowing I didn’t have a very early start and slept well the night before. Due to road closures, the only permitted way of getting to the start was by bus from Pamplona. By the time we arrived at the reservoir, the midday sun was beating down. After a final check in T1, I found the rest of the Irish racers hiding out in the shade applying sunscreen and trying to stay hydrated. I held off getting into the wetsuit for as long as possible to avoid overheating.

The swim entry was narrow so we entered the water in twos. Soon after starting, my goggles got knocked out of position but I managed to get them back on without too much hassle. By the time we reached the first buoy I had settled into the swim. Waves of faster swimmers coming from behind were both unsettling and useful for some impromptu drafting.

Next up we were on the bike, it was a fine line between a fast transition and making sure I was well prepped for the cycle. Almost straight away we were heading down the dreaded switchback descent. I approached these like a sloth on sleeping pills as many, many brave riders whizzed past me. The rest of bike the leg was undulating so I was able to pick up the speed. The scenery around was stunning and to my surprise I didn’t find it too hot. I made sure to keep on top of hydration and nutrition. As I rolled in to Pamplona I remember feeling very relieved to be that far. Now I just had to get through the run…

The course was 3 laps through Pamplona, along the city walls and through a shady park. During the first lap I was distracted by how cool the run was and the energy of the crowd. I took water or electrolytes at every station and grabbed extra water throw over myself as the evening sun still had a bite. Into the second lap I started to feel drained by the heat, I was ready to be done. The dreaded blister situation seemed to be at bay, it was a mental game now, I just needed to be patient.

Finally, it was my third and last time coming up the hill from the park to the old town, the end was in sight. The crowd that lined the streets of the old town were still as enthusiastic as when I started running, I soaked up the atmosphere and soon I was taking my last few steps up the finishing chute and across the line. Delighted. There were no medals but a traditional Basque scarf that was tied around each athletes neck. As I was getting mine, I thought I heard my name called out as fourth in my category. Disappointed briefly that I had missed out on a medal, I was quickly distracted by the refreshments and shade provided in the finishers tent. I wandered through and met up with the other Irish finishers, had the usual post-race chat and enjoyed that satisfied relief that the race had gone well.

Team AG Ireland

A European Medal

It wasn’t until I left the tent that I found out I was actually third in my age group, I couldn’t believe I was getting a European medal. Due to logistics of bike collection and different transition areas I missed the ceremony but was still able to collect my medal. There was a street party atmosphere on the narrow streets around the main square in the city, so I didn’t have to go far to get involved in the celebrations.

Things I learned:

– Do not attempt to put race tattoos on before having coffee on race day..

– Check your shoes before putting them on. After the race I found a stowaway gel in

my right runner that accompanied me on the half marathon

– If you get a stitch on the run, grab a handful of grass and it will go away. Fact!

I highly recommend the experience of participating in a race like this. Anyone who is interested should contact Triathlon Ireland to find out more. There are twenty spots for Irish athletes in each age group and multiple European and World Championship events on each year. At the very least, it’s a great excuse to have a holiday!

Carmel & Louis

– Carmel Moran