Registered, set up my stuff at transition (with the help of 2 very nice men who talked me through where and how to put it all!) and attended the briefing, and then left Matt, Dylan and Jonathan, to get ready by the pool.
First unsettlement (and nearly some tears!) Due to a mix up with the chips and lining up, I missed my slot for the pool! The man just said "you may not be able to do it " - and then I just wobbled! I was also thrown initially by lots of front crawl swimming.. but after a while some of those people did change to breast stroke and some started with breast stroke.. so I felt better. The people in the line with me were just amazing and so supportive.. I think my bottom lip really did quiver like a child!
However, it was sorted.. and I took the place of a gentleman who did not turn up.. Number 39.. I was originally Number 21 - so I was now a bit further down the swimming time which meant they would all be swimming fast than me!
I got in and off I went. For the two lengths I gave my self a good talking too - calmed myself down and took stock. I was in.. I was swimming and it was fine. Along up and down, and then under for 12 lengths... YAY!
I actually did a little run to the transition area - that was strange, running in bare feet! Into transition, stuff on (ha! it was a funny moment trying to get my cycling shorts on over a wet swim suit! Remember to make sure I had my helmet on before touching my bike ( tip from nice gentlemen... cycle helmet on my handlebars so I could not remove my bike without moving my helmet - thus reminding me to put it on!)
And off I went!
Ahead of me was 3 laps of a 7k route around the school. Flat and actually ok! The sun was out, there were some down hill stretches to rest my legs... and although it did feel like a jolly long way - It was ok! I was aided by my support team who stood by the gate of the school and saw me through each lap - shouting and hollering (in a good way!) at me each time.
3 laps done and then the transition I was not looking forward to. Off the bike, cap on.. and the 4k run was the last thing to do. Sunny, Hot.. and the most jelly legged, wobbly legged feeling ever! The first lap was slow, and hard.. I walked for about 1 min.. just to try and get my legs back again! However, by the 2nd lap they started to feel better. As I came into the last stretch, I was overtaken by a lady who I could see was running at the pace I would normally do. I also realised what I was missing! Usually on my tough runs, I am running with someone else and generally they run ahead of me.. just in front. And I focus the whole time on their feet - not looking where I am, or where I have to go.. just at their feet. This gives me a rhythm and pace and a focus. So.. I took up pace behind this lady. I told her I was just going to run there behind her.. and look at her feet! (which she was fine about!). This made SO much difference! I got focus and pace back and it all felt manageable. She was only on her 1st lap, so when we got back to the field I then moved next to her and we ran the last bit side by side.. had a High Five and off she went.. and I ran through the FINISH!!!!!!
So.. I have done it. And I felt fine. It was hard, but I enjoyed the change at each transition, and the sense of achievement is amazing. Will I do another one.. Oh yes! Ipswich Triathlon hold this again at the end of July - so I aim to go again and this time to feel more in control of everything.
Thank you to each and every one of you for your encouragement and faith in me. For telling me I can! I hope you have enjoyed my journey as much as I have!
