I DID IT. This has to be placed up there in atleast my Top 5 list of best things ever to happen to me. I knew deep down that I was going to accomplish this goal. I don't tend to back down from any challenge I set myself. What I didn't realise was how well I would go and how I would astound myself. I am so proud of me. Even when things got hard I dug deep and just kept going. And I do believe I did it all with a smile on my face even when my face was under the water. I just couldn't believe that I was doing it and that the day had finally arrived, and everything that I had trained for was finally coming into play.
The swim leg was great. The water was nice and cool but not too cold. I did the 250m in 3min 11secs and didn't feel that pace at all. I felt like I could have just kept going and going. I exited the water and was totally pumped, taking off my cap and goggles as I got to the transition for the bike leg. Once there I was glad I had set everything up in order, sunnies on first, then helmut, socks, runners and off with my bike. It went really smoothly I must admit.
The bike leg felt really good. I know I was pushing hard in the first 5K because my quads started to burn like they were on fire, but I maintained my cadence throughout the next 5K and then as I started to approach the transition for the run I dropped it down a gear and started spinning to loosen up my legs and get them ready for what lay ahead.
That jelly feeling in my legs was quite noticeable to me and my only hope was that it wasn't noticeable to everyone else. I felt like I had not much control over my lower half for atleast the first 250m of the run but after that I just got in a zone. Not a fast one, but one that I wanted to maintain and knew that I could sustain through the remainder of the run. God only knows my running is not great but I was happy. I was happy with my efforts. And why shouldn't I be.
I know there are many things to still work on. Like getting stronger in my run and bike leg, but these things come with time. But I am happy - actually ecstatic with coming 6th in my age group and 11th overall.
Sure I exited the water first and it would have been good to have maintained that the whole way but those other legs are a work in progress. I cannot scoff at coming 6th and I won't. I am SUPER DUPER PROUD OF ME.
The swim leg was great. The water was nice and cool but not too cold. I did the 250m in 3min 11secs and didn't feel that pace at all. I felt like I could have just kept going and going. I exited the water and was totally pumped, taking off my cap and goggles as I got to the transition for the bike leg. Once there I was glad I had set everything up in order, sunnies on first, then helmut, socks, runners and off with my bike. It went really smoothly I must admit.
The bike leg felt really good. I know I was pushing hard in the first 5K because my quads started to burn like they were on fire, but I maintained my cadence throughout the next 5K and then as I started to approach the transition for the run I dropped it down a gear and started spinning to loosen up my legs and get them ready for what lay ahead.
That jelly feeling in my legs was quite noticeable to me and my only hope was that it wasn't noticeable to everyone else. I felt like I had not much control over my lower half for atleast the first 250m of the run but after that I just got in a zone. Not a fast one, but one that I wanted to maintain and knew that I could sustain through the remainder of the run. God only knows my running is not great but I was happy. I was happy with my efforts. And why shouldn't I be.
I know there are many things to still work on. Like getting stronger in my run and bike leg, but these things come with time. But I am happy - actually ecstatic with coming 6th in my age group and 11th overall.
Sure I exited the water first and it would have been good to have maintained that the whole way but those other legs are a work in progress. I cannot scoff at coming 6th and I won't. I am SUPER DUPER PROUD OF ME.
Great job Barb!! You smashed it!!!! Well done, all your hard work certainly paid off.Your a true inspriation.
ReplyDeleteNichole
Thankyou soooooo much Nichole. What a beautiful compliment. It was such a fun day, and just knowing you have competed in what is effectively three separate events all wrapped into one is just such a buzz. I had a ball.
ReplyDeletethat is awesome! the smile on your face in the picture abopve says it all! Congratulations! careful though, this tri thing can be addtictive :) Have a great day! Cheers
ReplyDeleteCongratss! yes, you did it! I am so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that from now on, nothing will be the same.
One more time, congrats, enjoy it. Your smile in the photo says it all.
hugs,
Tania
Thanks Skierz. Have to say I was addicted the moment I opened my mouth and said "I want to do a Triathlon". It was the best day. Will definately do it again and again and again.
ReplyDeleteThankyou very much Tania. You know that smile lasted until about 1130pm. I was sooooo happy and on a buzz that I actually did it. Starting to focus on when my next one is. :) Your right, nothing will be the same.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Barbie! What an amazing feeling it must be to have accomplished such a sought-after goal. You have had an inspiring journey. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you with this hugh smile in your face. Congratulations! You'll be proud of this day for ever. It's not a question of being a superb athlete, it's a question exploring your limits.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lanny.It was the best day. From the moment I dove into that water to the time I stepped foot over the finish line I felt like I was on Cloud 9.
ReplyDeleteXocas: Thankyou.It is so true what you say about exploring your limits.This time last year I was 20kg heavier and in alot of pain. Stepping over that finishing line proved to me that I am capable of anything. All I have to do is believe.