Almost two years ago I completed my first ever Triathlon. It was such an amazing experience and achievement but to be honest, it is all a bit of a blur.
The Olympic Triathlon involves a 1500m swim, followed by a 40km bike ride and a 10km run… most people thought I was crazy, but I had to know if I could do it or not. I had to push myself to achieve something far out of my comfort zone (from the point of me thinking I was going to race) & know I could achieve it. And I did, with a lot of hard work and training. Albeit probably still too many beers in the lead up to the race.
I was so nervous. I felt very much like an imposter and was intimidated as soon as I entered the Excel Centre here in London. Mostly because I didn’t really know what to expect!
I remember worrying about how to setup transition area, counting out the rows to where my gear was stored, trying to remember how many laps of each section I had to do, about missing turnoffs and either not doing the full distance (and being disqualified) or doing to much and running myself ragged… all the pre-race anxiousness and I forgot at times to simply enjoy myself!
I remember doing the research beforehand online. But none of the blogs or articles I read focussed on the emotional side to prepare you for the race. Just the physical training involved… but I completed it, and did the full Olympic distance in around 3.5hr. I was on track for under 3hr, but on the second last lap of the run I drank too much water and started to feel very sick, so walked part of it but I always focussed on finishing!
But since that race, I have switched my focus to travel and work, and as a result have been ‘letting myself go’ so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been definitely enjoying myself! And have put on about 15kg in that time! (So maybe I’ve enjoyed it a bit too much ?)
But here we are almost two years later and I wouldn’t be able to complete the shortest distance Triathlon, let alone the Olympic!
Line in the sand, all that stops this week!
With the onset of the heatwave here in London, and I mean actual heat (30deg or higher!), I got back on the bike to avoid the even hotter trains & underground. But now, I have managed to rank up 30mi this week so far, and I will do more depending on the weather this weekend!
Today, I didn’t ride in, but decided I would take the stairs and avoid using the elevators. Walking up/down to level 9 in a building takes the wind out of you the first time you do it! ?.
But from here on out, I will get fitter and stronger and I will aim to beat the 3hr mark my next triathlon (still planning a date).
I am also considering trying my first marathon next year, as my sis and friend are both talking about doing the Paris Marathon, so plenty of time to prepare!
After all, what’s life without a little challenge? ??♂️