The North Lincolnshire Adventure Challenge. May 27th, 2007.

Most of you will know Paul Carvill but for anyone who doesn't, this article pretty much sums him up. I first met Paul on a reliability trial and both of us were in an exhausted state, limping home without actually completing the full run, but enjoying every minute of it. Paul has raced at a pretty high level and is well endowed with athletic ability. Since moving to Brigg, we don't see too much of Paul, but reading through this story you get the idea that he's still pretty crazy and up for a mad time. CR

"My first time in the challenge"

Its 4:30am and I am wide awake, why? I have no idea! My bed is still warm and darkness still covers the house. So why am I wide awake? The reason is my nerves have started to kick in for the race that I am going to do today.

It all started back in February when I met a fellow cyclist Paul Armstrong who suggested entering The North Lincs’ Adventure Challenge. "I can’t run or kayak" was my reply; however the seed had been sown. So later that month I started to do some running, which having come from a cycling background really made my legs wonder what had hit them. I also met a guy called Ken Collier (now a good friend) who taught me the basics of how to paddle a kayak and introduced me to swimming in the Ancholme River early February, which believe me shocks the body to the core and shrinks things to scary proportions. I persevered with the Kayaking and have now progressed to a racing K1, which I still fall out of regularly. My running has improved however only marginally.

So now the day has arrived and my nerves are not the best. I also had the pressure of having to complete the event to honour the over £1,200 I had raised in sponsorship for Children Today. Children Today raise funds to provide special equipment for children and young people with disabilities throughout the UK.

Arriving at the Ancholme Leisure Centre I unloaded my Kayak and placed it with all the others along the bank ready for the transition to the water. The weather was starting to turn cold and the rain was getting heavier. I placed my paddle, life jacket and running shoes in the transition area and then got my bike ready. It was nearly time so I went for a small warm up in the car park and waited for my number to be called. "Number 45" shouted the holding marshall and now my adrenaline started to pump. I rode down to the start and waited for the starter to say "go". When he did, I wasted no time and stood hard on the pedals and started the big gear rolling. I took it steady until I was at least a mile into the bike ride and then started to try and push harder without overdoing it. I could feel the water splashing on my legs and the wind blowing me about on the bike. Heading back into Brigg was hard due to a strong head wind, so I just kept my head down and pedalled hard. The crowd on the bridge really lifted my spirits as I headed down to the final turn. Then it was into the Leisure centre for the transition, the pain was like nothing else when you jump of your bike and try and run. I was 3rd fastest overall on the bike which was not to bad, only 8 seconds of the 2nd place. I collected my paddle and life jacket and headed off for my Kayak. I put my kayak in the river and carefully got in. I set off very steady as I did not want to fall in, especially with such a big crowd on the bridge. My arms felt heavy as all the blood was still in my legs and it took until the first turn before my arms would work properly. The wind was making the water very choppy and was a little unsettling, I just kept focused and kept paddling. I went under the bridge and the crowd once again gave you a lift as they shouted words of encouragement. I could clearly hear my 2 year old daughter Faith shouting "come on Daddy", but I didn't dare look as I would have fallen in.

Steve Price came past me on my 2nd lap, he was flying, his technique was very good and made me realise just how much mine needed to improve. I finally rounded the last turn and headed down the straight to the transition, the straight seemed so long and took forever to get there. I jumped out of my Kayak and headed for my running shoes, my back was aching from the Kayak and I seemed to be running with straight legs. I checked my time on my watch and knew I needed to hold it together for the run as this was my weakest discipline. I headed down the canal path and could hear myself gasping for breath, "just keep going" my inner voice was telling me. The grass was wet as I headed towards Broughton Bridge, the ground uneven, Keith Longney ran past me as if I was standing still, Keith went on to win the event in record time. I finally got to Broughton Bridge and crossed over slipping on the wet wooden boards. Now it was down the lane to the turn and drink station. I turned and started my journey homewards. Giles Byworth was coming the other way grinning as he always does and shouted a few words of encouragement, I passed Giles on the bike, but now he was going to catch me again and pass me. His pace was phenomenal and I could only watch as he disappeared out of view. "nearly there" my inner voice was telling me and then Andy Coultas passed me, I tried to hang on to him for a while, however he was just too fast and I settled back to my somewhat steady pace. I could hear Ken Collier (Race Director) on his megaphone introducing people as they approached the finish, I looked at my watch and knew if I pushed I would do a sub 2 hours 50. I entered Brigg Market place and heard my family shouting encouragement, I tried to sprint a little but could feel the pain biting me. The feeling was excellent as I crossed the line and clocked a 2 hours 48 minutes and 58 seconds and that gave me 12th place overall. I can’t wait until next year.

I would also like to thank my wife Sarah for putting up with me while I have been training and everyone who has sponsored me.

Paul Carvill

Photos available from the website if not already submitted. http://www.briggchallenge.co.uk

Paul Carvill

07989 44 55 01 paul@point7.co.uk