Sep14200811 a.m.
Blackwater Tri
Blackwater Sprint Triathlon - 14th September 2008.
A last minute change of plan meant that I could do the Blackwater tri after all. But with only one day's notice I wasn't exactly well-prepared for it. My training had been pretty much non-existent and I was almost tempted not to do it. I had paid my entry fee however and so I thought I may as well give it a go.
I regretted that decision when the alarm went off at 5:00am on the Sunday morning. No matter how many events I do I always wonder what the hell I'm doing getting up at that time on the weekend! Once I'm up and getting ready I'm fine though.
Having done this event last year there were no worries about finding the Leisure centre or checking where to go for transition so it was very relaxed. The weather was promising to be quite pleasant too which made a nice change.
I felt almost as if I knew what I was doing this time as I racked my bike and put my shoes out for transition. I was going to try not wearing socks for the run to save some time so put plenty of talc in my bike shoes and my trainers. I still don't feel comfortable enough to run in just my tri-suit so I still had a top to put on during T1. This time I remembered to roll it up to make it easier to put on. I also remembered to open up my bike shoes, at the Ongar Tri I forgot, what was the point in having Tri specific shoes if I forgot to open the Velcro straps up!
I knew a few of the other competitors from work so we compared our training (mainly lack of) and other events we'd done this year. Soon enough it was time for me to line up pool side and I was off.
I'd put a realistic swim time based on last year's performance so I was surprised to be in a lane with a couple of fast swimmers. I was very aware of holding them up and as I had a feeling my time would not be particularly good I made sure they could get past me and I didn't hold them up. The swim went pretty well, I stuck to the tried and tested breast stroke and the lengths went by very quickly. I lost count and was somewhat surprised to see the 2 lengths to go board being lowered into the water. Lucky the marshalls were counting properly otherwise I would have done another four lengths!
I felt fine as I ran out into transition - apart from trying to take the swim hat off before my goggles! T1 went very smoothly, rolling up my top did the trick and it went on easily. I'm even getting confident enough to attempt a little jog out of transition. Although the thought of getting my cleats clogged up with mud does put me off running on the grass, I've done that before and then had trouble clipping in and out - the end result was concussion so don't want to do that again.
The bike leg was fun, I know the course and so was confident on my gearing and pace. I kept the cadence high and tried to keep my head low and hands on the drops. Not having done much on the bike meant that I found it hard to keep that position for long but I tried my best. I didn't seem to find any problems with draft zones this time, overtaking went well and whenever I was overtaken it was by someone fast enough to stay well in front of me. I was actually a bit disappointed when I finished the bike leg, mainly because I knew the 6k run was next and that's my least favourite bit of a tri.
T2 went smoothly. I know the routine well now, bike on the rack, helmet off, bike shoes off and trainers on, race belt turned and I'm off again. No socks really helped to speed things up but I was hoping I wouldn't regret that decision during the run.
The run at Blackwater is an interesting one. The course takes you through the promenade park but it's not closed to the public. I always find myself smiling at the people out on a Sunday morning stroll, they watch all these mad people in top to toe lycra run past them and you can just see that they're wondering what the hell we're doing. Actually, thinking about it, I wonder what the hell I'm doing quite a lot too.
I remember last year struggling on the run and I'd been dreading it this year. But, I soon relaxed into my pace and the first lap seemed to go by very fast (unlike my running). I didn't get the cramp feeling that had happened at Grays and Ongar, I think that was because I'd remembered to drink more when on the bike so I was pleased with that. Another lap soon went by and soon enough I was crossing the finishing line!! And the best thing about this race, bacon sandwiches and coffee at a friends house afterwards. Many thanks for the great hospitality guys!!!!
I was happy to see that even though I'd done absolutely no preparation for this race I'd taken 1:22 minutes off last years time. It's a great event and is now on my list of 'must-do' events for next year and next year I'll try to train properly for it!
|
Blackwater Tri 2008
|
400
|
23
|
6
|
Total
|
|
|
Swim
|
Bike
|
Run
|
01:40:53
|
|
|
00:12:36
|
00:51:56
|
00:36:21
|
|
Post views 381
Add to scrapbook
Comments (2)
Account_closed 'Very impressive, given that there was no preparation. Out of curiousity, how long did it take you to prepare for your first Tri ?' added 18th Oct 2008
Report as inappropriate
ginagordon 'Hi, Thanks for commenting. I can't really remember how long it took to prepare for my first tri. I was training on the bike for London to Southend and I was running to prepare for the Southend 10k, I think I just did a bit of swimming and a few brick sessions the month before. Certainly got the bug though! By the way, are you a member of Runners World?' added 21st Oct 2008
Report as inappropriate