This was just an excuse for a couple of nice photos.
I waved around the Spartan like an idiot for about 2 minutes before resorting to taking some pictures.
Great location, wannabe photographer still in training.
I should have come back a bit later as it got darker. The Nathan water bottle is both reflective and insulated. OK I couldn’t have photographed the insulation in an interesting way but it would have lit up like a Christmas tree with the flashlight.
Compass calibration worked. It now points North, declination can also be set but as I had to Google it, it proved that I didn’t really need that functionality.
Last Updated on 16 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
