Having participated in the Nepean Triathlon 2 years ago in a team event it was a real nice change of pace to actually take part in the full event this year. And for anyone who know's me well, it was nothing new to see my first picture come up in my FB album as this organised spread. OCD, anally retentive - I have come up with a new name for it - compulsively organised. It's quite funny actually to watch me sort it out - I walk around acting like I am doing the race and pretending to put things on and take things off so I know I have everything. I pretty much do the same when I am setting my stuff up in transition. Everything has to be just right and it helps me settle my nerves, not that I had an awful lot this time around. I was just happy to be getting out there and doing this awesome race which is such a part of Penrith's and Triathlon's history. To check it out - click HERE and HERE.
It was so great seeing everyone again having been a bit distant from club racing for a while and it was even better to be in amongst all the racing excitement. I had missed it so much. Walking up to the start was just how I had remembered it. I had chosen not to wear a wetsuit on this swim - I really struggle with it and was happy to forfeit my warmth for comfort and freedom in my swim.
And it was probably the best swim I have had in ages. I found a nice decent space in amongst it all and was really able just to do what I enjoy most - and that was swim. I could stretch out nice and long and really just get into a good 3 stroke breathing pattern which feels the most comfortable for this pool swimmer. And the water temp was just perfect - 21.8 I think I heard it was. So as I rounded the last bouy into land all I could do was smile cause I felt so good. Have a look for yourself as to how good I felt. Still had energy to goof around as usual.
Heading out on the bike was an absolute blast. I loved rounding the corner and going out on the back stretch to all the rest of the competitors waiting for their wave to start, yelling and screaming my name. It gave me such a buzz and made me peddle alot faster too. The Nepean bike course is a fast one with alot of cool swervy corners to take and a couple of tight turns, but I enjoyed them so much. I was like a BIG kid - I just couldn't stop smiling. However my smile came to abrupt holt when I got cautioned for drafting. I didn't mean to, I just didnt pull back quick enough to allow the other person to pass ooooppps. Won't happen again.
And then came the dreaded run. Uhhhh, it hurts so much but I stuck to a plan of 5min run 1min walk which soon decreased to a 30sec walk, but MY GOD being on land running feels like alot of hard work. But I am pleased to say I got it done and was just super proud of my accomplishment. All it will take is persistence and that I have a boatload of and I trust wholeheartedly my program from SPARTA - PT.
If you get a chance to participate in this Triathlon I am sure you won't regret it. It is a great race, held in a great venue, supported and run by great people. Give it a go. And we got some cool race gifts as well. A shirt, a finishers towel and my most precious medal. Can't wait for next year :)
