I did it, my very
first triathlon and I'm super pleased that I didn’t drown - seriously that was
my biggest fear!! (you might want to grab a coffee)
So as I posted the
day before my race that I had finally taken the plunge and signed up to my
first Tri in Oxford.
We travelled down to
Oxford on the Saturday (missing another parkrun!!) in my parents campervan;
they have been suggesting to us to
borrow it for ages, so this was the ideal opportunity, the only problem was how
to get the bikes down with us. Fortunately they fitted in the back of the van
with a little persuasion, all packed up mum and dad waved us off just us, the
road and every bit of kit you can imagine!
We were soon in
Oxford and setting up camp for the weekend and fortunately the campsite said we
could leave a little later, on the Monday,
than normal 12:00 which meant we could cycle down to the race and back
rather than having to pack up the van….something I was not relishing doing at
6:30 on race day.
On Sunday we headed
off to explore Oxford, I think we were both a little too preoccupied to
really enjoy the city, but we did
explore the local sports shops for any extra bits of kit we may need….cue new
swimming goggles, a new tri suit (for sean), couple new t-shirts for me and a
couple of rucksacks!
We grabbed a late
lunch and the headed back to the camp in order to pack up our gear and prepare
for the next day. I had a mixture of
feelings: anticipation, intrepidation and apprehension and then it hit me…do I
where underwear under my tri suit? I knew I was supposed to wear my sports bra
but no on every mentioned undies :o fortunately I had a friend on hand to asked
to told me NO no underwear was needed, phew one less thing to worry about.
So we turned out the
lights early and went to sleep; fortunately I had no triathlon disaster dreams
and before we knew it the alarm was going off and it was 5:30 race
morning!! A quick coffee, breakfast bars
and fight with my tri suite later and we were heading off to the race start in
Radley. Our cycle ride was slightly
lengthened by a wrong turn but no mind we would count it as our warm up. We had been blessed we a very good day in
terms of weather, it was dry, cloudy (the white ones) with no wind.
As Radley college
came in to view we saw the familiar tell-tail signed that there was a race
going on and we saw people walking with their bikes in the college, we were in
the right place. Quick and efficient
registration and time to rack up our bikes and sort out our transition
area. This means sticking labels to your
hat and bike, sorting out the order you are going to need/put your things on
and trying not to look too nervous. Race
After a
comprehensive briefing (no running poolside, I was going to ask about bombing
and cuddling, but Sean suggested against it) we got into the pool and were
called through in our waves, another quick briefing and it was time to get in
to the water…. 5.4.3.2.1 and your off. Lap 1 and I was struggling with my
breathing but I made it to the other end only 15 more to go. I took them steady and got into a rhythm
although I did struggle with my breathing most of the way, but I was determined
not to panic and to keep calm and before you know it I was at lap 12 and only 4
more to go, 2 more ,1 more and…..now was that 1 more or 2 more, counting my
laps was my biggest problem. Once I was confident that I had done all my laps I
got out, looked across at Sean and headed out to my bike.
Outside it was still
dry and there was lots of people clapping and cheering you as you made your way
in to T1, I was reminded that it was hat before anything; so put my hat on,
socks, shoes, number and shades and I was off out of transition for the bike ride.
I hadn't really studied the map, mainly because it was be all Greek to me and
what was I going to do with the information?!?!? I headed out on the bike and I
slowly started to dry out, it was still quite cloudy so to begin with so it was
a little chilly but after a couple of good inclines I was soon warmed up. I
really enjoyed the bike although I don’t think I was taking it to seriously as
I was too busy looking around at the big posh houses…well their posh gates
anyway. I must admit being a little higher up does help to see over the hedges.
I haven’t said but I
decided to race naked! Well nearly I wasn't wearing my Garmin, mainly because
I couldn’t use it for the swim, I have
to use two different ones for the bike and the run and I just really wanted to
just finish so time wasn't important.
What this did mean in reality was that I wasn’t sure how far I had
ridden or how far I had to go ( I didn't realise that Triathlons do not have
mileage markers, well this one didn’t) but that wasn't too much of a problem as
the course was marked and it was as long as it was meant to be…. well it was a
little longer for me as I too a slight detour, but fortunately the marshal had
a loud voice.
Following a lovely
down bank and I was heading back towards Radley College ready for my run leg;
off the bike and walk up to transition, quickly racked my bike, took my helmet
off and I was back out again this time on foot for a two loop around the campus. We set off along the path beside the road the
bike follows so there was plenty to see, next we turned up on to the trail
towards the fields at the back of the college, around the rugby pitches and
back towards the road for lap one, my breathing on this lap was a little
laboured and I was struggling to get it evened out, but as I headed out on my
next lap everything settled down and I
was getting in to my stride. Or I was pleased that it was nearly all over, I
saw the marshals at the turn around point and knew it was a less than a mile to
go, so I dug deep and keep moving
forward knowing that the finish was not far now. As I rounded a slight corner I could hear
people cheering and clapping urging me to the finish line and then I could see
it. I surged forward and cross the line
triumphant that I was now a triathlete!
They put the medal
around my neck, goody bag in hand and lastly my splits. Everyone was so nice and lovely, really
supportive. I racked my bike had a drink and changed into some dry clothes and
let it sink in. I didn't DROWN!!
