Well I'm on my come down after an epic day. Way back in October I registered for the Point Chevalier II 2011 Triwoman. I just figured I'd iron out the details of learning to swim, ride and run later...I left the older two in the capable hands of Grandma and hubby took the day off work to come support me. Even while we were excitedly driving down to Auckland (2 hours), at the back of my mind I had the what ifs about it somehow not happening.
I woke up feeling a bit worse for wear. The baby had had a crappy sleep not used to rooming in with us. I lost count how often he woke last night. Hubby ended up sleeping away on the couch. My stomach was a bit crook, and I generally felt bloated, tired and "heavy". We headed to Starbucks for a caffeine pick me up and headed across Auckland arriving nice and early. We found a found a nice close carpark, unloaded and headed for the "Transition" area. Hubby advised having a spot close to the cycle exit. I eyed a spot. It was next to a 40something lady. She had two large boxes lined up which looked like a large space to be taking up. I mounted my bike and she goes "Not too close". The realization hit me then...we are in a race and some of these ladies mean business. I sheepishly dumped my little bare minimum bag and left her guarding her spot!
We anxiously waited until the race safety briefing. Jeremy Corbett was the race MC, he made funny jokes as we participated in the warm up exercises. Then we walked down the walk way to the beach. I was in wave "B" one of the first groups to start. I was relieved to find when they meant "waist deep water" it really was. I was able to stand and catch my breath if I needed to.
Into the bike leg I found my self being passed by lots of people. In the safety briefing they had warned that the road was not closed and it was extra busy at a soccer ground we had to pass around. The parked cars, the busy road and passing cyclist made it all a bit crazy for me. Being new to road biking anyway I decided the aim and goal for the ride was to take my time and stay on top of my bike.
I made it into the second transition mounted my bike and headed off for the run. Doh! I needed to pee. So I spent the entire 3ks thinking about how full my bladder felt every time I ran and how I shouldn't have had a large Mochacinno for breakfast! I ran/walked as fast as I could all the way to the finish line. Jeremy Corbett called my name as I ran through the big pink finish line. I looked for my support team..My hubby and my brother and sister in law, as I came through the finish. It was so awesome having familiar faces amongst the many strangers. I was given my towel and participant medal. Then I headed straight for the loo!
Overall I think it went well.My only goals were to do it in under an hour and not be last. I was not prepared for so many people! But...I will definitely do it again. I have to. I need to beat my time (Addicted much!). I'm looking forward to next season, but I might check out the events a little closer to home. Who's with me?! Trust me, if this cake- eating- couch- potato can, anyone can :)
The results are in already...
229 Jackie Boucher Swim time- 7:34 Bike time- 25:49 Run time- 25:23 Overall time- 58:46 Placing 189/231.
No comments:
Post a Comment