Trace - The Triathlete!

Just in case you didn't know... about two months ago I decided to sign up for the BRW Triathlon (click to see some photos).
It involves a 400m swim at Elwood beach, a 10km bike ride and a 4km run. The most I had ever done before was a 5km run... so it was a challenge... and there is nothing I like better than setting a challenge - and doing it!

To start running I followed the Couch to 5K running program (which you can find here). It's a podcast that you listen to on your iPod while running (just like having your very own trainer!).
I finished the program and did the Susan Fun Run in December last year and came third in my age group!

So now I just had to worry about the swimming and the bike! I worked out a bit of a program and I don't think it was until two weeks before when we went for a practice session at Elwood that I really felt confident that I could do it! (And that was my goal - to finish)

So here is a run down of the race day...

And the results are in.....
Swim: 11:43
Bike: 35:39
Run: 17:57
Total: 1 hour 5 min

Our team time was 3:05:50

The Swim
The water was FREEZING!!! But it was so calm. Compared to the day before - this was the best possible outcome for us. I don't think I put my head under the water until the first turn. Then I got into a rhythm and was actually swimming properly. Then there was the second turn and we were heading straight into the rising sun. I couldn't see a thing, so I just kept swimming with my head down. But then the marshalls had to push me back on track when I started going off to the side too much! Before I knew it, the water was shallow enough to run again. This was the worst part of the race for me. I couldn't feel my feet! They were so numb from the cold and then we had to run up to the bike enclosure across bitumen! That was horrible! But I think that is when the adrenilin was just pushing me to keep running.

The Bike
I really look my time doing the bike transition. I sat down, dried my feet, put on my socks and shoes, had some Gatorade jelly beans (these were to be my secret weapon!!) and then I got going. I really didn't expect much from the bike leg. During training the week before with the guys from work, everyone was going faster than me. Even someone who had the same bike as me! It puzzles me, so I guess this is something I could really work on to improve my time.The RunThis was pretty easy for me, and I did take it easy and didn't really push myself. In hindsight, I kind of wish I did, but then again, at least I didn't feel sick afterwards.

Transition went well, my team mate was waiting there calling out my name and then they were off! I couldn't believe it was over already! I actually made the comment to our third team mate that I felt like I could do it again... to which he replied that I could if I wanted to! Ha ha, I don't think so!!!!

It was a fantastic day, I loved the atmosphere. Our marquee was so cool with balloons set up and full catering and three massage tables set up.

Our company won the best uniform competition too! (Though that may have been because we were the loudest!!!!!)
Gee there were some shocking uniforms out there!
I have noticed that there is a triathlon coming up on the 30th March... I'm thinking of entering... since I am already trained up!
The only thing is that this one is going to be another big challenge - with only three weeks to get ready...

It is a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

So far I have run the 5km and I went for a 19.5km bike ride on Friday (I know, I should have kept going for that last 500m!), now I just need to have a practice at the swim before I make a decision.
Yep - I must be crazy! :)