EXCEL LONDON DOCKLANDS 8000 competing in very hot conditions over w/e 4/5 AUGUST

Pc 1738 HUGGINS entered full distance 1,500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run in aid of TAPLOW TRAFFIC CHARITY TRUST, having previously only completed shorter SPRINT distances.

Brought swimming up to the required standard 3 weeks beforehand by swimming in the sea whilst on holiday (2 hours on one occasion)

On the day the organisation was more daunting than the race, it’s such a big event.

Once I was swimming I was ok, 10min faster than predicted in 36min 44 sec.

My old bike held out after meticulous preparation, finishing this section in 1hr 15min 59 sec.

I lost my water bottle on the way whilst on the bike phase and as result was a bit dehydrated on the first part of the run recovering to finish the whole thing in just under 3 hours - actually 2 hrs 59m 37 seconds.

Finishing position 146 out of 181 finishers, I believe the starting field was 400 strong. It was very, very hot; my race for 40-54 years men was held at 13.10 in the afternoon.

I intend to organise a Thames Valley Police team for the 2008 supporting TAPLOW TRAFFIC CHARITY TRUST.

On the day I received great support from my wife and two sons and their girlfriends, without their support I would not have finished.

Sponsorship should net £500.

Pc 1738 Dave HUGGINS IS A SERVING POLICE OFFICER WITH TVP CURRENTLY TUTORING BUT WILL BE TRANSFERRING TO NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING IN SUMMER IN THE SLOUGH AREA.