Well, I did it!

Yesterday saw the the first ever national Disabled Triathlon Championship take place and my own first competition. I shall post photos and video footage hopefully in the next few days but what an event! I came third in my disability category and know I can improve in several areas:-

1) acclimatise to the open water for longer/do more open water training.

To me, swimming in a lake compared to swimming in a pool is like chalk and cheese. I was doing well at the start of the swim but then after 75 or so metres by body just appeared to start closing down, I couldn’t move and dropped to dead last in the race. I was very close to getting in the rescue launch but managed to pull myself together and get moving again. Actually seeing where you are going is also very difficult in a murky lake without your glasses on and my breathing was erratic so more work is needed here!

2) Transitions

It took me forever to a) get out of the lake and b) get out of my wetsuit and I really lost a competitive advantage here. The answer? practice but also a wetsuit with zips on the legs.

3) Cycle

I lost some time here despite putting full effort in so I can only assume that and cycle technology has come on somewhat in the last 10 years! I shall check this out as a priority.

I complete the course in 1 hour 49 minutes and 9 seconds and to break 1 hour 50 mins was I personal target so I am delighted by this. A big ‘thank you’ has to go out to ‘team Fletch’ a motley gang of friends and family who helped me in the transition phases and motivationally generally.

Fish, chips and mushy peas followed by chocolate digestives went down a treat after the day’s exertions!

Right, when’s the next one?!