I signed up for the Pier to Pier Swim event at Bournemouth July. Then I saw an advert for The Timex 2 Women’s Only Triathlon at Eton, which looked like a good event to do a first Triathlon attempt. I signed up for that too.
Then 2 weeks ago whilst doing some Open Water training with Will (oh yes, after the 12 weeks were up he agreed to continue train me), he encouraged me to look into doing the Beaulieu Triathlon 15th June. I got really excited and phoned Richard Isles of Race New Forest, he said there were some places free still. I signed up on line. The countdown to my first ever triathlon was on.
I had a peep at some of the timings from last year and came to terms I may not be in the first 200!! For me, it was more a case of just completing not competing. I love OW swimming, cycling but the run bit, I thought was almost impossible. Due to holding all that weight for more than half my life my knees were badly damaged and I have osteoarthritis.
The day of the triathlon came fast. I got to Bucklers Hard, a beautiful part of the New Forest and the start of the race. I got my number written on my leg and arm, so strange it’s normally me doing that job. As I racked my bike I had to pinch myself that it was me doing this Triathlon.
Managed to get my wetsuit on without falling over, (it looks like a kind of reversal to what Harry Houdini does). I waddled and squeaked my way down to the bank of the river. Richard gave a great and reassuring briefing. Just had to watch out not to swallow jellyfish!!
I was in the Red Hat Wave which the last in. It looked like there were quite a few Triathlete virgins in that group. Before I knew it the claxon had gone off. My practised bi-lateral breathing a good crawl stroke went out of the window as I became a cross between a windmill and a dog. It’s strange swimming with people bumping into you. I was surprised how fast the swim went. Only one little panic when I got trapped next to buoy belonging to a boat. So I waited till people has passed and set off again. I made a dramatically ungraceful exit from the river.
Sailed through Transition 1. Found it a bit hard to catch my breath and think I was one of the last ones through. The marshals made me feel like I could have been Chrissie Wellington, they were brilliant, no less enthusiasm for me.
I did the cycle course on my own, (no dander of drafting). The marshals again were all there waiting with cheers and encouragement. Being on my own and in such beautiful surroundings I had to remember I was actually in an event, so I got a move on.
I have to admit I was glad to see the Dismount Marshals. 25k was just enough for me.
As I started the run most people had finished. Yet again a beautiful setting, along the side of the river, mostly shaded with an arch of trees.
I forgot myself again, 3 years of marshalling is a hard habit to break. As I saw a few of the runners coming towards me I stopped and cheered, then remembered again I was doing this too.
There was a welcome drinks station on the run. I did a power walk/hobble. I just wanted to finish.
Towards the end of the run I turned to the final few yards. I thought most people would have gone home to their Sunday dinners. There were a few people having a picnic and gave me a clap as I went past. This was brilliant as I have never had a clap for doing anything sporty. I heard some cheering up by the finishing line. Thought that must be the award ceremony going on. Then it got louder. I saw Will and his family at the finishing line cheering and clapping. I looked to the left and saw about 200 people cheering and giving me a standing ovation. It was like a film.I couldn’t hold the tears. I made it. I may have been last but I was on top of the world.
I would encourage everyone to have a go at a triathlon. If I can do it anyone can.
Then 2 weeks ago whilst doing some Open Water training with Will (oh yes, after the 12 weeks were up he agreed to continue train me), he encouraged me to look into doing the Beaulieu Triathlon 15th June. I got really excited and phoned Richard Isles of Race New Forest, he said there were some places free still. I signed up on line. The countdown to my first ever triathlon was on.
I had a peep at some of the timings from last year and came to terms I may not be in the first 200!! For me, it was more a case of just completing not competing. I love OW swimming, cycling but the run bit, I thought was almost impossible. Due to holding all that weight for more than half my life my knees were badly damaged and I have osteoarthritis.
The day of the triathlon came fast. I got to Bucklers Hard, a beautiful part of the New Forest and the start of the race. I got my number written on my leg and arm, so strange it’s normally me doing that job. As I racked my bike I had to pinch myself that it was me doing this Triathlon.
Managed to get my wetsuit on without falling over, (it looks like a kind of reversal to what Harry Houdini does). I waddled and squeaked my way down to the bank of the river. Richard gave a great and reassuring briefing. Just had to watch out not to swallow jellyfish!!
I was in the Red Hat Wave which the last in. It looked like there were quite a few Triathlete virgins in that group. Before I knew it the claxon had gone off. My practised bi-lateral breathing a good crawl stroke went out of the window as I became a cross between a windmill and a dog. It’s strange swimming with people bumping into you. I was surprised how fast the swim went. Only one little panic when I got trapped next to buoy belonging to a boat. So I waited till people has passed and set off again. I made a dramatically ungraceful exit from the river.
Sailed through Transition 1. Found it a bit hard to catch my breath and think I was one of the last ones through. The marshals made me feel like I could have been Chrissie Wellington, they were brilliant, no less enthusiasm for me.
I did the cycle course on my own, (no dander of drafting). The marshals again were all there waiting with cheers and encouragement. Being on my own and in such beautiful surroundings I had to remember I was actually in an event, so I got a move on.
I have to admit I was glad to see the Dismount Marshals. 25k was just enough for me.
As I started the run most people had finished. Yet again a beautiful setting, along the side of the river, mostly shaded with an arch of trees.
I forgot myself again, 3 years of marshalling is a hard habit to break. As I saw a few of the runners coming towards me I stopped and cheered, then remembered again I was doing this too.
There was a welcome drinks station on the run. I did a power walk/hobble. I just wanted to finish.
Towards the end of the run I turned to the final few yards. I thought most people would have gone home to their Sunday dinners. There were a few people having a picnic and gave me a clap as I went past. This was brilliant as I have never had a clap for doing anything sporty. I heard some cheering up by the finishing line. Thought that must be the award ceremony going on. Then it got louder. I saw Will and his family at the finishing line cheering and clapping. I looked to the left and saw about 200 people cheering and giving me a standing ovation. It was like a film.I couldn’t hold the tears. I made it. I may have been last but I was on top of the world.
I would encourage everyone to have a go at a triathlon. If I can do it anyone can.
