I competed in my second ever triathlon on Sunday morning, in conditions that were more conducive to spending the day in bed than partaking of a multi sport event. A view confirmed by the current Mrs John!
The alarms sounded early, but we were prepared(egg sarmies,
coffee, etc.,) and we loaded up the kids and headed to the seaside.
As we passed the Amex community stadium, I realised that there was
no horizon, as the grey mass of the oceans joined hands with the
grey fingers of the rain. At least the temp was in +. We arrived,
decanted the various bags and "kuthundu" required, before being
asked to drive the car up to the top of the car park so as to have
"something " to watch!
Eventually found the transition zone, after expecting to find it
closer to the water. Racked my bike, donned my wetsuit, and readied
my belongings for transitions. And then it started to spit. So I
covered everything with my bag, only for it to roll off my shoes
and display my clean smalls to the gathered audience! Quick
briefing and a surprise visit from my sibling!
So we embarked to the start of the swim, me trying to herd a
chattering of kids and uncles, only to realise that they were about
to start the race! Water was indifferent, but at the very least it
was not freezing. As a result of my faffing, I swam 1040m! Pull
pull breathe, and the added salt buoyancy got me out in just over
18mins, despite the two run ins with kayaks( turn around now sir,
and , watch out for the quay!) and some entirely unneeded comments
about sturdy ladders for sturdy athletes. Long t1 (wet feet, wet
socks, bag again!) and off out on the bike!
After the first zip along the coast road, I regretted not wasting
another 30sec not putting on a jacket. Not because of the chill,
but more to do with the needling rain. Turned left at St dunstans
and into ovingdean. So far, so good no hills. How I hate hills.
Drag myself up one, telling myself that the down hill will make up
for the pain. Only to brown short it due to the wet roads. Up, up,
up and away to woodingdean, and the singular most vile bit of road
ever attacked by yours truly. Recovery roll across the top of the
downs, one small rise to cope with and then the glory of the
sweeping accelerating decent back into Brighton. And then do it
again!!!
Repeat last paragraph!
Rolled back down to t2, and realised there were still bikes out
behind me. :-) change of shoes, cries of cant feel my feet, can't
feel my ears popping around as I managed to ejaculate Iso gel all
over my hands. Nice!!
Out onto the run, and realise that the cliffs offer a lot more
respite from the wind. Lots of "serious" athletes returning from
the run leg, and some compatriots in the slow lanes overtaking each
other provided some entertainment. " keep going mid Sussex, you are
looking good " did boost my stride. Thank you. The feeling of
exquisite agony on turning around, realising that I've done this
once, I can do it again. No more overtaking, lots of smiling and
then finished! Yay!
Swim. 1000m. 18.04
T1. 7.44
Bike 32km. (90.). 80.12
T2. 3.48
Run. 8km. 46.40
Total. 2:36:18
Lets do it again!!!