Triathlon debut!

The day started early (which wasn't a bad thing as the forecast for later was 25 degrees), with a 5 mile cycle to the event (with a killer uphill at the end).

Once there the nerves then started to kick in as I really didn't have a clue of what I needed to be doing. After finding registration and talking nervously with other first timers, I then parked my bike in the transition area and watched as the pros lined up their kit getting as many tips as possible.

Then it was off to the pool - sitting at the waters edge, I managed to distract myself by talking to fellow competitors (everyone seemed very friendly). Once in the pool 50m (one length, of 15 to do - eeek) looked a long way. Doing breast stroke I was worried I would be overtaken by everyone behind me, but I even managed to pass a few other swimmers. Feeling that I had held my own it was with wobbly legs that I headed off to transition.

Trying to put a vest over wet swim wear isn't easy and I lost a minute having to re-pin my numbers on. Tip to others, invest in a tri belt as it saves you valuable time and faffing! I had been warned that the first thing you face on the bike is a steep hill, however knowing that didn't make it any easier to climb (9 times in total). The cylce route was up hill for the first 3rd and then downhill the rest of the way and was enjoyable. I just hope I managed the right number of laps as at the end I ended up talking to one of my new found triathlon buddies and he had done 10 laps!

Getting off the bike and into a run was much harder than anticipated. My legs felt really strange running, and the 5k (also with the same steep hill twice) felt really really slow. I never thought a 5k could be so difficult.

Finishing in the stadium with an announcer calling (or trying to call) your name was a nice touch. I even got a spot prize of a swimming hat at the end on top of a medal and a nice t-shirt!

Thanks to Martin (esp. after working a night shift and 2 hours of sleep) for his support on the course - cheering me on really helped :-)

YEAH I've completed my first triathlon - another......... we'll have to wait and see!