ARCTIC ADVENTURE

The Lofoten Triple in Norway is a multisport festival like no other. Taking on the 'Half Extreme' is a good way to experience the hills and thrills, as our writer

- SARAH BROADLEY

It's 7pm. There is just 5km left between me and the cod drying rack that marks the finish of this race. I've got a cramp in my left thigh. I'm soaked through and just about to set foot into the forest to commence the 300m climb up Tjeldbergtinden. As I slip, slide and grab onto trees in an attempt to stay vertical I question my sanity. Is this really a sensible idea?

I mentally go through the contents of my hydration pack - a long sleeve t-shirt, some water and an energy bar. The doubts creep in... should I have a torch? A survival bag? Would trail shoes have been a better choice? It was just as well I didn't know what I was going to find at the summit.

There were many clues when I signed up to the Lofoten Triathlon that it probably wasn't going to be like standard middle distance events I'd done before. The word 'Arctic' in the brand name and 'Extreme' in the event title all gave subtle indications that I was in for some adventure.

Based on Svolvær, the Lofoten Triathlon is held in the 33rd week of the year as the final event in the Arctic Triple - a series of three annual events. Week 33 provides a variety of races including swim runs and different triathlon distances. I chose the Half Extreme - a 2km swim in the harbour with water temperatures expected to be around 15 degrees, 100km bike ride around part of Austvågøya and a 21km run which promised a wonderful views of Svolvær from the top of Tjeldbergtinden.

The almost 24 hours of daylight mean a nice relaxed start with transition opening at 10am and a 12pm staring gun on the jetty in the harbour. Plenty of time for a good breakfast and to prepare all my kit. I was hopeful that the early morning drizzle would subside and the low cloud would rise so I could see this part of the Lofoten Islands in all its glory. I was really looking forward to seeing the beaches on the north around Strønstad and Grunnfør.