Try a triathlon

A few weeks ago I took part in a woman's triathlon. The triathlon was set up about 15 years ago, to get couch potatoes active. The distances are not that big, so that everyone can have a go. And for those that do not do water, you can opt for a duathlon instead. The swim would be in the pool, so I entered the triathlon. My training for this event was non-existent. Having been very busy with rowing I managed to fit in just one swim session 5 days before the triathlon. I was not worried. The triathlon really was all about giving it a try, and with a 200 meter swim, a 15 km bike ride and a 4 km run I thought I would be fit enough to do this. And I probably would have done this quite comfortably, had I not injured myself during Fridays rowing session. Yes, ouch....But still, I wanted to the triathlon, I did not want to have to wait till next year. Come Sunday morning, the day of the triathlon, I took a few painkillers and applied enough Deep Heat to get through the event.

The first discipline was the swim. The first few strokes did hurt, then I just clenched my teeth and went for it. Not quite sure about my time in the pool, Pete was too busy taking photos! Out of the pool and a short run to transition.Put on some clothes and on my bike for the 15 km. I had originally planned to borrow Pete's road bike, but due to the pain in my upper body I just wanted to sit straight hence I used my mountain bike. The bike ride was nice, the conditions were good and I managed to overtake a few people. Back to transition, 'park' the bike and the last discipline, the 4 km run. Quite hard to get into a rythm, after coming off your bike. The running caused me the most grief, but I wanted to finish. My run was not as quick as I would have liked, but still I finished in 1.06.57. Very happy with that, and am already looking forward to do this again next year! I really enjoyed it, and hope to practice my front crawl to be even faster in the pool. Hopefully next year I also have my own road bike. Dear Santa......

Two days after the triathlon, I went to see a physio as my upper body was still sore. I actually overstretched an abdominal muscle during the rowing training and had to take seven to ten days rest. The physio was not amused about me having done the triathlon!!! But at least I did it!