The race is a part of the Tri-Anglia Club Championship. So, without having any hopes of winning my AG in the Club Champs, I entered it in order to help support my club.
I had also competed this race last year, so I would be able to make some comparisons and compare my fitness, too.
After the fiasco that was Beccles Tri, I was all over my pre race checks and equipment packing!
As it was so last minute, rather than bother Ruth (coach), I just used the Beccles Tri taper week, to cover me on the lead up to this. The week had gone well... My swim wa still improving and also my weight was still dropping, so I was quite buoyant, come the race.
With registration completed, I made my way to transition, to set up the bike, etc.
Now, for a slight change... In a bid to speed up my T1 time, this would be the first time I would try to mount the bike on the fly, with my shoes already secured on the pedals! I had drilled this a few times, over quite a while, so was confident of the technique. I had almost tried it last year at this event, but, as the T1 exit is strewn with pea shingle, with it's inherent dangers, I had opted to don my shoes in transition then step over the bike and commence the ride. I remember being amused by the riders leaving T1 ahead of me, tip toeing and 'pussy footing' through the gravel.
With transition set up, I went off to get my wet suit on, returning to the main area for the briefing.
Now, the butterflies normally begin to flutter a bit. But, I wasn't that nervous. I had done this swim before. I train in this lake, very week. So, now I found myself in the unusual position of feeling calm at the beginning of a race!
I watched the first wave go (women and relay teams), and then it's a ten minute wait. A quick exchange of light banter, with other competitors and then the familiar blast of a horn.
As I was feeling stronger as a swimmer, I had decided not to hang back, but to aim to start about midfield, and mix it with the others in the 'washing machine'!
I had one guy swim straight across my back! 'No big deal', I thought, feeling much more confident in my swim, I just carried on, mindful of my own swim. There were a few times when I had to catch myself, as my mind drifted from the job in hand, and I had to re focus.
Out of the water, and hello T1. A bit of a struggle with my lanyard and neck velcro, on the way to the bike, but eventually I got free.
Helmet on, number belt on, I grab my bike and we're off.
Exiting T1 was no trouble, I didn't even notice the gravelly surface.
As I passed the 'Bike Mount' I made my move to board the Canyon... Ooff, bang, clatter... I was on the deck!
WTF!... I immediately knew my error. I had opted to use a tool kit bottle in my seat mounted bottle, but hadn't allowed for it as I swung my leg over the bike, and struck the tool bottle, basically, kicking the bike clean out of my own hands. Putting my left foot out to steady myself, I slid in the gravel and went down, quite heavily. I got quite a few areas of gravel rash, worst was on my toes.
Quick as a flash, I was up and away, having made a second and successful attempt at mounting. I hadn't taken any time to check my injuries, too intent on getting going.
Out on the road, I concentrated on getting my head back into the race. I had observed my hand had been cut and could see a few marks coming out on my legs. I just hoped that I hadn't manage to hole my new CS speed suit!
the bike went reasonably well. Just a few brief bouts of very light rain, but nothing to worry about.
Completing the second lap on the road, I headed in, for T2. Out of my shoes on the lead up to the 'Dismount' line, I stepped off the bike and ran into transition.
Racking the bike, I removed my helmet and stooped to pull my running shoes on... Then I noted the cuts to my feet, mainly my big toe!
What could I do... I just pulled the shoes on and started out on the run.
My toes were really quite uncomfortable in the shoe, like running on blisters. I also felt that I must have caught my ribs as I landed, as I was really uncomfortable, breathing on the slight climb during each lap. I just concentrated on maintaining a good cadence, and hoped the finish wasn't too far away, trying to take my mind of it by targeting everyone in front.
Race over, I was so glad to have beaten my target 2:30. Albeit only just, but, 2:29:40 will suffice, this time.
Even better, was comparing with last years timings. This years swim was almost 1800m, yet I was still 8 minutes faster during the swim. Bike leg couldn't be compared, as this year had a diversion, due to roadworks. And the run, even with so feet, was 5 minutes quicker.
So, all in all, a 'bloody' good day! Oh... No holes in my tri suit, either ;)
I'm looking forward to going faster again (without incident), in three weeks, at the Norwich Olympic Triathlon.
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