Well I went to bed not quite as early as I hoped but earlier than the norm of late. It was so hot the duvet was off and the fan on. It did not help for a full nights sleep. Strange dreams about totally random things were in my head and then I needed the loo (too much water). Back to bed and then I got cold but didn’t have any energy to pull the duvet back on, I did turn the fan off. Next while freezing I heard people fighting outside. I was pleased to hear the alarm. 5.30am.
At 5.45am Martin and I were leaving to head to Wainuiomata. As we were getting closer I said to Martin “Where are all the cars?” as I thought there would be more. There was supposed to be people there from 5am. Anyway we were nearly there when we started seeing cones and signs indicating something was to happen. We pulled in and found we were the 1st to arrive of competitors. How keen is that.
I got my hat I ordered and then got my timing chip and wheeled the bike in to park it. My bike has a stand so had it in a set place. I put it near the end as in direct line for where you come in from the run and also near a bin to use as a marker. While waiting two other ladies parked their bikes near by and we chatted while our feet got wet from the dewy grass. I ate my breakfast and then had a toilet stop.
The announcement was made as to what to do and the swimmers were advised to head to the pool. They started the 1st swim wave at 8am. Those doing the Duathlon waited around till 8.15am and cheered the swimmers on that came through to start the bike section. I was nervous as I looked around and most of the ladies looked slender and oh so fit, I didn’t look like them so I was sure I would be left for dust. We were then called to take our place. I wondered where we were going as walking away from the track the website showed. We were advised we would be running down Moohan Street 750m and back.
So here we are standing around waiting and then GO. It was time to start this final stage of the journey I have been on. There were 31 approx of us in a bunch trying to find our place in the group to suit our stride. Due to this a lot of ladies moved ahead and I was sure there were 2 behind me which boosted my confidence a little. It didn’t take long before my breathing was noisy and probably off putting to the others near by. I was doing the in the nose out the mouth but it wasn’t helping. A couple of ladies started walking and I kept going telling myself I can do it I have been training for this and know I can run the full 1.5km. I continued going and did overtake a few more as they were now walking too.
I got back from the run and saw the family there which got me a little emotional as I waved to them. As we were being directed to our bikes the 1st of the Triathletes arrived in to the finish line. I continued to run over the timing mat and got my bike. I had a drink and put on my helmet and walked the bike out and mounted and off I went.
I was going well or so I thought, it was a calm day. 1km up the road I was over taken, I didn’t like that so much lol. I continued and realised that we were going somewhere different to the map, but I knew that was a possibility as that would make it a true 10km bike. The problem though is that this way had several hills to climb. I even had to stand to get up some of them. I wanted to call out to those heading back in “how far to the turn point?” I didn’t though. I rode and was passed again. I was now determine to eventually pass somebody. Finally we got to the turn and it was narrow but I didn’t fall off. All of a sudden you could feel the wind (I hadn’t noticed it before) this was hard as there was a hill straight away and you are pushing up a hill into the wind. I was truly puffing. About 2 hills later I passed someone. I then hit another hill and tried to pass someone else but we were at the same speed. A little while later I tried to pass another person but she was all wobbly so couldn’t get passed safely. The next hill someone was walking their bike up and at this point I passed 3 ladies. I knew we had to be close to the original run turn point so 750m to go. That was a nice ride in to transition even though I was passed.
I dismounted and walked and ran the bike through the timing mat. Had a drink took off the helmet. I then walked out the bike rack area. At that point started to run with Jelly legs.
I passed the family and the emotions welled again but I stayed focused. I had to do a bit more walking than I hoped as I was knackered but I still ran. The heat of the day was rearing it’s head by now and I could feel it on the face (I had on sunscreen). I ran 667m aprox and walked 1333m approx of a 2km portion, this was run then walk and run etc. I was making sure I saved myself for the last part of this course. There was one lady who was constantly ahead of me and every-time I ran she would too so I couldn’t make up any ground. As we turned into Moohan Street for the final 1.76k. I ran, it was tough but I refused to walk I wanted to run in to the finish. It was nice seeing that last round about. BTW I passed the lady and 2 others way back at the start of the street. I got to the car-park and picked up my speed a little and came in to the red carpet finish line. I was stuffed but I did it and have a medal to prove it and photos. I gave the kids a hug they didn’t do the final run but were right there at the end. I nearly cried but not a tear escaped.
I was offered oranges and chocolate bars and energy drinks from different sponsors. I had the oranges only, took the other things for the kids. We waited for the prize giving and official photos of the family etc. No I didn’t win shoes, bikes, sports equipment etc.
I am pleased I have done this but don’t feel the emotional roller-coaster of the past 5months has been realised by myself yet. I haven’t jumped up and down with pride which I thought I would. It is all just sinking in.
The official times have not been posted yet but I think I read my watch at 8.13am and at the finish line 9.31am, so 1 hour 18mins. This time and so does the official times include transition times so I will never have an accurate recording. But I am happy with that time for doing 1.5km run 10km bike and 3.7km run with transitions. Especially for my 1st event.
Right so where to from here. I found another Duathlon on 5 April which is 10 weeks away so training starts tomorrow. I have also found another for 1 March. After those I will learn to swim and do the MoreFM Triathlon in 2010.
Photos will go on Facebook later, there is one currently.