This weekend the Triathlon Season started and for Jacinta, Natalie and myself , this is what we have been training for for the last 6 months! Got up at 5.15a.m to get some breakfast inside me, then headed off at 6 to Brighton, with near-on perfect conditions. Just amazes me how many people are crazy enough to turn up for these events so early on a Sunday morning AND to pay good money for the privilege of putting ourselves through this anguish! (nearly 1000 participants!).
So, you are given a swimming cap coloured according to your age category (gold for us) and are sent off into the water in "waves" according to the colour of your cap. We were off at 7.15a.m. There are 2 big buoys out in the water to mark out the distance (which looks so far when you are standing on the beach!) and also lots of people on rafts to help you if you get into any trouble. Because Jacinta and I were in the last group to go off the water was all churned up with sand and you couldn't see ANYTHING in the water except dirt - it was disgusting! Also, the fact that there are 30ish people all jumping in the water at the same time is pretty daunting and you get kicked, bashed and swum over! Anyway, I survived to tell the tale but didn't do too well, coming out of the water in 16th position.
You then have to run up the beach, trying to undo your wetsuit at the same time, run up some steep steps (they don't make it easy for you!) and "transition" onto your bike, (which is hiding somewhere amongst 900 other bikes!) This involves trying to get out of your wetsuit, putting on socks and bike shoes, putting on sunnies and having a drink all at the same time and as quickly as possible! (whilst trying to catch your breath and with the adrenalin pumping!) You then have to run with your bike to the exit point where you can get on your bike and head off.
I felt like I was steaming it ( it's a great feeling passing other people) and I was, making up lost time from the swim and coming in 4th.
On finishing the ride, you have to park your bike in the same place, take off your helmet and bike shoes and exchange for running shoes and start the run. Even having been on the bike for a short time, your legs are like jelly when you get off and have to start running - it's a horrible feeling. Managed to pass a few more people on the run and came 6th making my overall position 7th - not bad for the first one, especially since I was only 15 seconds behind 5 and 6.
And then the endorphines kicked in...!!! Felt fantastic to have finished and then to find I'd gone from 16th to 7th just made my day! If I improve on the swim who knows where I may come :) Can't wait for the next one - December 6th at Mordi... BRING IT ON!!!!
