The one with my first ever Triathlon

Having been writing my blog for 9 months now I generally just write whatever comes to my mind. I find this a cathartic process. This week I have been dreaming about the hopeful crossing of the finish line of the PMA Racing Etwall Sprint Triathlon. I have been following another excellent blog called sober Ironman and he used this structure for reporting this race, so with his permission. I used the same headings. Thanks pal! Check out his blog…

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How did you feel going into the event?

The week before the event was quite stressful. I was having doubts about my ability to complete the swim element of the triathlon I had been spending as much time as possible in the Pool. I had practiced the 12 lengths tonnes of times and was as prepared as somebody who had been having lessons for 6 weeks could ever be. Decision had been made – I would be swimming the whole event ‘front crawl’. In the week before the triathlon I had also been having some technical problems with my gears on my new TT bike. The gears were not changing smoothly and we could not figure out the reason why. We (me and my mechanic mate Josh) had changed the cassette and checked the chain, found a kink in the cables – but still could not get it shifting smoothly. So with 18 hours before the race I made the painful decision to switch bikes and ride my trusty Bianchi. Now this bike deserves a special mention. It was my first ever road bike and I have owned it for 16 years. It was a basic model in 2004, but has been upgraded onto Ultegra and Open Pro wheelset (thanks Rich!) and is almost like an old friend that holds a special place in my cyclist heart. Part of me was a little relieved that I would be taking this challenge on using my trusty steed. Not the fastest bike – but I love it!

The week before I was getting nervous, my mate Ian (thanks!) has done the event before come round my house and talked me through everything.  He even took me to the venue and we walked around showing me where we go and what to expect.  This really did ease the nerves, one of the worse things I find being autistic is when I don’t know what is going to happen (the unknown).  Ian helped massively.  Two days before the race my son was sick, this raised the stress levels – but he was ok after 24 hours and the Saturday I was able to relax.  I spent the day chilling out in front of the TV catching up on the Tour de France and football.  The evening was watching Boxing.  Perfect really 😊.  About ten o’clock, with a little pressure from Linda I switched the TV off and got my Transition Bag ready.  I felt strangely proud hanging up my race suit on the wardrobe and took a pic of it hanging there, just waiting to do the race together.

The morning was completely stress-less to be honest.  I woke at 04:45 had my breakfast and loaded my bike into the car.  Me and Linda made a couple of strong coffees in Keep-cups and set off for the short journey to the village.  We were early as usual and arrived before most of the marshals had even arrived.  We sat and chilled in the car – I were far too chilled!  After about 20 min we headed off to registration where we had our temperatures checked and got my race numbers.  At this moment I thought ‘I best go get my bike racked’ – check me out! Sounding pro!! Linda gave me a hug and kiss as I didn’t know when I would be seeing her next. 

I headed to the racking and could not for the life of me figure out where my space was (they were all numbered), it must have been the early morning start. When I found my rack I started to get a little nervous. Fortunately the bloke (Paul was his name) next to me settled my nerves and helped me set my bike the right way and gave some advice on what was to come. Once racked I kind of hung out with my trusty Bianchi not really knowing what to do. I wish I’d have kept my phone with me but Linda had it. About 30 min before I de-robed and set off to the start of the swim in my flip flops. As I passed the toilets there was nobody there so I quickly nipped inside. When I came out a guy gave me a mouthful as I didn’t realise there was a massive snaking queue 20ft away! I didn’t have my glasses on, as I was swimming, and didn’t see it. Oh well – lesson learned I won’t do that again. So now, being the most unpopular man in Etwall I headed for the start queue.

One point I will make is how self-conscious I was wearing a tri-suit.  When you are getting used to your new body after shedding a lot of weight I personally find myself still self-conscious about lumps and bumps.  If you’ve ever seen a tri-suit you’ll know.  They are tight!

How did each leg go? (What went well? – to take with you for the next race, what could’ve you done better? – what did you learn?)

Swim went ok – I suppose. There were a few lessons I learned here. The first thing that caught me by surprise was the temperature of the pool. I’ve had cooler baths, David Lloyd where I have done 98% of my swimming training is cold as. This took some getting used to, the pool was also really shallow at one end. Your arms hit the floor as you swam. But that aside I set off. Length one, beautiful – like a floating sea mammal I glided through the water, great I thought. I can do this. Length 2 and 3 same again, I was gliding doing exactly what my teacher (Chris) had taught me. I even overtook my new mate Paul who had started before me. Then as I got to the middle of the pool (you started off in lane one and moved through the pool across a lane at a time) the water became very choppy, I started taking glug fulls of water in my mouth. Not the one! I was also tiring massively, I had committed the cardinal sin of endurance sport and set off far too quick.

The drop off was incredible. All of a sudden I was struggling to maintain my breathing rhythm and was getting passed by people. Each time I arrived at the wall I stopped for several seconds trying to get my breath back. It had now become a mental challenge, I saw Linda stood at the side through the window and at one point I stopped and looked at her thinking how on earth I was going to finish this. The end couldn’t come quick enough, my technique had gone up the swanny and it was all about survival now. Without noticing I had reached the end and as I ran out the pool Linda captured the moment – my face kind of says it all.

The bike leg started (eventually) after a 7 minute transition, the swim leg had sapped me. Transition consisted of a run to my rack position and getting my cycling gear on (eventually after I’d caught my breath) and having a banana. I then ran with my bike towards the road after loads of people passed me in transition. Now the bike is my triathlon comfort zone, despite being out of shape I have a few years of cycling in my legs. I had ridden the route a few week previously and done in just shy of an hour. I knew I could beat that. I’d point out here that I was also racing blind! For months I have been running, cycling and swimming on Heart rate to judge my perceived effort. Well, it turns out that in triathlon mode you don’t get alerts as default while riding – I noticed my heart rate hit 189bpm at one point. I was flying (for me) as I left the village we headed up hill and then dropped to Heage Lane. As I hit the lane I started picking cyclists off – sorry, I mean passing my fellow competitors. The competitive dragon within Carlos the Jackal (nod to Ash) was re-borne. I rode on the drops all the way round and as I hit St Michael’s church my legs were on fire.

From the church I know the roads well and flew into Hilton, even remembering the pothole on the bend before the farm.  Coming into Hilton I passed several more people, and every person I passed we exchanged positive vibes and encouraged each other.  The tricky triple islands leaving Hilton were next and I couldn’t believe my luck – the roads were completely clear.  I negotiated these with a feeling of immense pride, but also a feeling of dread as I was concerned I had pushed too hard.  My legs were really burning.  As a result the Hilton-Etwall road I dropped it up a couple of gears and span my legs at a higher cadence.  Within a few min I had hit the Seven Wells pub island and went round for the final approach into Etwall.  I had no Idea how fast I had been as my watch was not displaying my usual settings, but it felt quick.  I reminded myself that the goal was purely to finish today and I was nervous about the run after abusing my legs for 18km.

This transition was going to be my crowning glory – having learnt from my previous lengthy stay I knew I would be quicker.  Dismount line hit like a pro – check, quick run with bike to my rack – check, shoe change – check.  That’s it right??  Giving myself a virtual high-five I ran off only for another guy to shout ‘hey – you.  Helmet’.   Amateur.

The run leg was purely enjoyable. I cannot describe it any other way. There were a few things; I realised with me doing my greatest Milan-San Remo impression previously, I’d not had any of my drink! Doh! But there was a drink station on the run so I didn’t worry. My biggest concern was how my legs would react. Turns out, pretty bloody well! I had spent a lot of time the past few months doing ‘brick sessions’ Bike then run training and this had clearly paid off. The run circuit was pretty much uphill all the way to the exit of the village and I was flying. My watch was behaving now and was showing 6:15/km which is nearly a minute faster than my usual run pace – and I’d just done this running uphill, thirsty and just getting of my bike.

As I neared the top of the hill I saw Linda, I’m not exaggerating I think just seeing her shaved 30 sec of my run time. I felt so happy. It was at this point I knew I would succeed. The rest of the run was dead flat until the downhill run to the end. I was still running around 6:15 and felt comfortable, the feeling was amazing. I soaked it all in and enjoyed the moment. One person I hadn’t seen though was my coach Zoe. Just as I turned into the run for the venue I heard my name – I turned round it was her. I was so happy she was able to share this moment with me and Linda. I then entered the venue centre and as I ran up the chute I was busy looking around soaking it all in, turning round looking for Linda as I’d not seen her on the return leg. The MC said ‘runner #267 it’s this way’ – I thought I best keep going 😊. And with that it was over. Success.

Nutrition (pre, during and post-race)

Before the race I had breakfast of overnight oats and mixed berry’s with a side shake of Protein powder and ground oats.

During the race I had 2 Bananas

Post-race I had my favourite birthday cake grenade bar

Hydration

What did I drink – well not much.  Other than a token ginger energy drink.   I kind of got caught up and forgot about drinking. 

General feeling after the event

I am so unbelievably proud of what I have achieved. This is not the end of the journey, this is the beginning. From being over 22st in January to putting in a respectable time in my first ever triathlon I am incredibly proud. I could not of done this on my own. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this day happen. I will always be grateful x