Impressive Cowie heads for a run in the Spanish sun
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A SUPER-FIT Forres pensioner has won a place at the World Duathlon Championships to be held in Spain.
Douglas Cowie (61) defeated 186 challengers in the 60-65 age group at the Dambuster Duathlon qualifiers in Rutland, Wales, and now takes a place on the GB team competing in Pontevedra, Northern Spain on May 31.
“To win was a bonus but knowing I’d finished in the top four with an automatic selection was a total relief,” he said.
“My win on Saturday was convincing - second place was four minutes behind.”
Duathlon is an athletic event that consists of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then more running in a format similar to triathlons.
The ‘Dambuster’ comprised of a flat 10k run around Rutland Water and twice around a dam. This was followed by an undulating 42k cycle around the Rutland scenery then a 5k run out and back over familiar ground.
The fact that challengers could see the competition for much of the run meant it was a psychologically challenging course.
“It was flat, exposed and very windy,” added Douglas. “The cycle was tough, especially for a small framed athlete like myself on a bike in the wind.
“However, my confidence grew coming out at the first transition knowing I was in the top three.”
Douglas timed his daily (sometimes twice daily) training sessions in the run up to the event so that he would be at his physical peak in Wales.
“The mild weather we have experienced this winter has resulted in good training and I went to the race in good form,” said Douglas.
“Of the two disciplines I am weaker at cycling so over the last few months I did more of that than running.
“Training in Forres is easy because, whether cycling or running, the facilities are second to none. I always have training partners and never train alone.”
Douglas is now looking forward to continuing his training at home before competing in the medieval port of Pontevedra.
“I am hoping I will be competing for a medal in Spain,” he said.”And not just making up the numbers.”
