Once Inspired

This is something very special. My girlfriend completed her first triathlon. After a lot of disciplined training and money well spent, she was certainly ready – and definitely pleasantly surprised herself, as I had told her should would for weeks leading into the race. Here’s her experience of her first triathlon.

The day that I had been preparing for had finally arrived. This time there was no stage and music to set the scene but rather the vast ocean and flat road to contend with. A world away from the theatre and examination rooms that I had grew up in. One act, three scenes. Swim, bike, run. First up was the ocean swim.  Sure we all have a splash in the ocean and that one swim where we congratulate ourselves for crashing through a few waves but today would be my first proper ocean swim.  The fear consumed me!  Sure I could swim pretty well in the pool but we all know how different ocean swimming is compared to the pool.  Before I knew it we were off and there wasn’t time to think about anything.

The first “little” wave came towards me and I dove through it with all my courage. Coming up on the other side all of a sudden that bone-shattering Atlantic Ocean cold hit me and together with all the nerves and anxiety I was struggling to breathe. Every sense is hit by the sheer immensity and strength of the ocean.   I panicked! I would not give up no matter what. This was my chance to prove to myself. I could do it. “Just get on with it” I said to myself. At last the first buoy was near. At this point I had flipped over and started doing backstroke. The panic had disappeared but now I started to get tired. The second buoy was in my peripheral vision and I was on my way back to shore.  Thank goodness I thought! Doing backstroke allowed me to see when the dreaded waves were on their way. I managed to catch a wave and get a short lift towards the shore.  The swim was over! I was tiered. Already! Thinking about the next task I told myself to take the top half of my wetsuit off. This is something I was particularly worried about. My mind at that moment was something like this; “Run Lauren run, get you arms out. Pull, pull! Oh don’t forget your goggles. Oh no it’s the first transition. Hurry, hurry. Where my bike? I’m tired. More panic. ” This carried on for what seemed like a lifetime in the first transition. I didn’t have the proper triathlon kit so getting another top on over a wet body is something I will never do again.

Right. Now it was time for the bike leg. I had never ridden with many people before let alone ever participated in any cycling event. As we hit the West coast road I found myself holding back thinking I needed to pace myself. However the pace was just too slow and off I went. I found myself passing a good few people and having a great first bike leg. My spirits were lifted. On the way back to Big Bay the South Easterly wind was alive and well. It was tough. I was going solo for most of the way and losing my water bottle in the process didn’t help. No water until the run.  Otherwise, so far so good. I was having a blast. It was great cycling on home territory.  What a view with the ocean on my right and Table Mountain in front of me.  Very thirsty and determined I “flew” through the next transition.

I knew the last leg was going to the toughest. I knew running is my weakest out of the three disciplines.  The sun was blazing.  The next thing I knew I was back in transition area. This time I made sure I got out of there in a flash. Running shoes on and off I went.  The run was short but I was exhausted. All the nerves adrenaline and exertion   had taken its toll and the body was ready to call it quits.  All the hard work on the bike seemed to be wasted on the run. It didn’t matter though because taking part and finishing meant so much more.  I crossed the finish line with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

As tough as that swim and run was I loved every second of it and can’t wait to do it again.  I could never have done it without Nic Muhl. <— (that’s me. Coach Nic)

The start of her run. Beating a guy who started 10min before her.

Applause please.

Hey, how amazing was that?  It felt like I was having a go at my first triathlon whilst reading that.

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