A rude awakening at 5.30am signalled the start of my first Olympic distance triathlon. Shovelling weetabix and banana down at that time in the morning, at break neck speed was challenging in itself...All washed down with a strong cup of coffee, which definitely helped get the engine running! Car had been packed the night before and all energy drinks were chilled ready, all that remained was to slick on a streak of my pink lipstick (starting to become my triathlon trademark)and I was off.
I was nervous for sure even though I'd done numerous sprint triathlons, this was different and a lot harder than anything I'd done - ever. Druridge visitor centre was a buzz of excitement with loads of triathletes milling about and making their final race preparations. Nerves building I started to queue for my race number and in no time at all I was joined by a friendly face from Tri Northumberland..my team mate Karen Singleton also waiting in line. The great thing about race day is that everyone is always nervous for different reasons...we chatted and discussed our worries and I certainly left the queue feeling a lot less anxious - I hope she did too.
8am was race start - 30mins to get my bike racked, wetsuit on and ready for the off. Sporting my new tri-northumberland tri-suit under my wetsuit I was ready to go...joining more of my team mates on the start line. The Olympic distance competitors were off first and the sprint distance second...meaning we got a head start on our two lap course. We moved into the water and had a few minutes to acclimatise before the air horn went and the race began!
The water was lovely - so still (unlike the chop of Lake Windemere) the swim section was a joy and went over so quickly...before I knew it I'd done my two laps and it was time to get out.
Next was the wetsuit wrestle - a really fun part of the race for the spectators, but not so much fun for the competitors. Try taking a sodden wetsuit off while running and at high speed, I can tell you it is not easy. Reluctantly the suit hit the floor revealing the gold and red colours of Tri-Northumberland...an honour to be part of such a fantastic club! Helmet - check, Tri-belt - check, Bike shoes - check, lets get going! The run/hobble to the mount line began and at last I was off on the bike section.
The course was long and flat...The type of course which I love...I was in my element. My only concern was the rapidly increasing temperature and the final run section where I always struggle and the mental battle begins. I put it out of my head and concentrated on the matter in hand, hammer down and do the best I could on the bike. It was over in no time and my legs felt pretty good - the hard hill training had paid off when it came to cycling on the flat.
The greatest challenge was about to begin - the part of the race I think most triathletes dread - The bike to run - I went as close to the dismount line as humanly possible so I had less distance to run...time to get off the bike and start the run in - and out- of transition.
Bike racked, helmet off, trainers on - let the torture begin. Legs are always like jelly for the first half mile - I slammed them down hard on the ground to get the blood flowing and before long I was in a comfortable (all be it slow) stride. First lap of the four was fine - by this time all my team mates had finished and were cheering me on, along with some friends (thanks for that guys!)
The second lap began and I was starting to get a little pink in the face. It was getting warm and I was slowing down. I figure it was a case of giving up and walking a bit (over my dead body!) or plod on and battle my demons. I still had three laps to go and I did not want to walk - I had a word with myself (and thought about Dad and his fight). I broke each lap down into sections and told myself it was only one hour out of my life - imagine how good I would feel when I crossed the finish and completed my first olympic distance triathlon. If I could do it without stopping I'd be well set up for Ironman next year which was just over double the distance of Olympic.
I dug my heels in and slowly chipped off each mental marker on the way round - I was very hot and I was very red but I was still running/shuffling along my last lap - I told the marshals (politely) that I was thankful for their support, but I would be pleased not to see them again today!
At last the finish line was in my sights - I'd almost done it...a few more hundred metres and I'd be there. Just keep running Triathlotte...and I did.
I finished in a respectable 3hrs 15mins - I was VERY hot and VERY red, but VERY VERY happy!
Another milestone ticked off and another step on the road to Ironman Mallorca 2014!
Thanks to all my team mates for their fantastic support - great guys - great team! Also welldone to Karen who completed her first ever open water triathlon despite her fear of the open water - no mean feat.
Dad has been progressing with his treatment and continues to amaze us all getting out on his bike and even doing a little running recently. He's amazing and a great inspiration as always - my hero.
More updates coming soon - I start a proper Ironman training programme at the beginning of August. Very excited about this and hopefully more positive news about dad to come :-)
Triathlotte x
Speeding along on the old Jo Waugh bike in my new Tri Northumberland Tri-Suit. Thanks to Brain Singleton for the photo.
