It
was dark and gloomy at 5:30 Sunday morning when the alarm went
off, but I had an 8 o’clock start in Winchester, so it had to be done.
Friends had offered to come and support and give us lunch afterwards,
so Jan had to get up too – she wasn’t happy!! It was a quiet hour’s
drive, but at least it looked as thought the rain might hold off. The
satnav took us straight to the leisure centre, and the car park was
clearly signed and there was plenty of activity in it too. I went off
to get registered and my number written on my arms and legs (I don’t
think that marker ink will ever come off!!!) and then back to the car
to get my bike and all the other necessities required for a triathlon.
I found my spot in the transition area (you don’t get much room),
and racked my bike and sorted my kit out so that the swim/bike
transition would be as seamless as possible (but I always get
overtaken by loads of people at that stage!) I got stripped off down
to my tri-suit and headed off to the pool. We met our friends at the
entrance and they went off with Jan to the spectators’ area while I
went to the pool side.
We got the
safety briefing and course description; 16 lengths of the pool
(400 meters), 20 mile bike ride and 5 mile run (the run was shortened
by a mile for some reason). |
I didn’t know
the area anyway, so I’d be following signs and marshals. This was to
be my first tri since last April, and I hadn’t done one with such a
long bike ride and run before, so I was a bit apprehensive!
The previous wave
of swimmers left the pool and we all went to our lanes. I was the last
to go in my lane of four, but that suited as I’m not very fast! I was
feeling good during the swim and actually managed to overtake two of
the blokes in my lane. All the other lanes were empty when I got out
though! Ran out of the centre, across a horribly gravely area, and
along a path to transition. Dried feet, socks on, shoes on, wristband
on, gloves on, helmet on, a quick drink and then away. No glasses to
worry about this time, I wear contacts now.
I had wondered
whether to wear a long sleeve t-shirt over my suit, but lots of
people seemed not to bother, so I didn’t either – I wish I had, it was
pretty cold with bare arms!!! The route took us out through Winchester
and then up the A33 to Popham and back. I overtook a few other
competitors, and got overtaken a couple of times. As I came off the
A33, Jan and our friends were at the roadside clapping and cheering –
it’s always a boost to get some personal support! |
