Did I say bikes were stupid? The New Year's Day Triathlon.

It was the last day of 2014 and what was I doing? Planning my transition bag for the New Year's Day triathlon. For many years I have watched this spectacle. Firstly watching Alistair and Hazel tackle the first few races way at the beginning, then more recently watching Tracey tackle it on several occasions. Every year I have to admit to wondering "could I?". Those who know me well know I am a sucker for a challenge, particularly those which take me right out my comfort zone and this one was definitely taking me out of my comfort zone. I have done several triathlons, so not new to them, but every one is a huge challenge as I am not a natural cyclist at all. And my swimming is still very new, with many teething problems. The run really is the only thing which I am confident at. 

So the end of 2014 and here I was getting my gear ready for 2015. The weather forecast was not wonderful, but blocked that out otherwise I might never get up in the morning. 

Went down to Mum and Dad's to see the new year in and then headed back up with Rhona to get to bed.

With the weather horrendous, Rhona and I headed into the Royal Commonwealth Pool, both very nervous. This was really going to take me out of my comfort zone. Still never been one to give up on a challenge. And we had lots of supporters coming out to watch us so we couldn't let them down.

First stop transition to rack our bikes and lay out our things. Rhona realised at this point that she had forgotten to bring spare trainers so had an impromptu run from the car park in her bare feet (funny Douglas did the same thing!!!). The wind was getting up at this point and the bikes were all swinging from side to side on the rails. I did wonder if my kit and bike would still be there when I got out after the swim.

My wee bike - right next to the transition entry point!

Back inside to wait on the race briefing. It was lovely and toasty inside the pool and the atmosphere was great with everyone sharing their nerves and constant chatter about how little training they had done. A quick moment for triathlon selfies. Then off to the race briefing and to get changed.

The pool looked fantastic, all set up for us to swim in. I decided I would have a warm up few laps in the diving pool to try and calm my nerves. In training I swim like a fish, in races. like a brick! I get a terrible case of lane claustrophobia every time and end up not being able to breathe. So hopefully, a warm up might sort that out.

Nope, got into the pool, swam one length and then it all went pear shaped. I got half way up lane two and the guy behind me started bumping into my feet. It was his first triathlon and he had no idea about lane discipline or when to overtake. He just kept hassling my feet. That then started to break my rhythm and I completely forgot my "bubble, bubble, breathe" (thanks to Linda for that). Started to flounder but "relentless forward progress" came into my head and I decided just to get myself to the end so that I could recover my breathing. Gave myself a minute or two to recover my breathing and then set off down lane 3. Bubble, Bubble. Breathe was all I kept saying to myself and it worked by the end of lane 3 I was back in my rhythm and by lane 4 had actually overtaken someone and got back into a real rhythmic pattern of breathing. Thank goodness, the swim is the thing I have been working on the most, I would have been really disappointed if I'd had to give up then. But to the end I got and climbed out, headed to the training pool area to grab the dry clothes I had left there. Struggled to get the skin tight thermal I had laid out on but eventually was ready to head outside. 

Just as I was about to go outside I looked over and this man looked at me and asked if I had two seconds to help him. I giggled and said yes because he was all tangled up in his cycling jersey. I grabbed the back of his jersey pulled it down and then bid him good luck, he grinned and said thanks. We chatted on the way around both on the bike and the run. Good to make friends. 

So headed outside to the wild weather. By this point the wind was howling and the rain was really driving. I took my time to get everything on, socks, jacket, helmet, buff, gloves, shoes. Took my gel then lifted my bike off. Got over the mat and thought "wait a minute, I am a bit out of breath here - INHALER!!!" So dumped the bike and ran back - missing the timing mat so that I didn't confuse the life out of it. Grabbed my inhaler off the ground where I had put it and ran back to my bike. Hopped on the bike, which the marshall handed me, hopped back off again when she and I both remember I was still technically in transition and then walked it to the mount/dismount line which was guarded by Linda (our friendly college triathlon coach!). She shouted at me lots and then I cycled off, way too cheerily for what was about to happen. The cycle down Queens Drive was good (down being the important word) got to St Mary's Loch and prepared my gears for the start of the hill. Gears were not going to get me up that hill. The wind whipped us about like rag dolls on bikes from the start of the hill right to the top. First time around I managed about two thirds of the way up before I ground to a halt along with a whole load of other people. We all staggered our way up the rest of the hill. The top of the hill, at Dunsappie, was not even the rest it should have been. The wind was whipping off the hill and right across the road over the other side of the hill. As a result it was so difficult to keep the bike upright and nearly fell off sideways a few times (Rhona did twice if I am correct). The wind and driving rain just did not let up at all. I was cycling, eventually, for a bit with a nice lady that I ended up cycling with the whole way around. We talked about giving up after one and just running around. But as I got to the bottom of the hill and the wind had dropped a bit by this time, my bloody mindedness kicked in and sent me around a second time. Everything was going fine until the wind hit me again just slightly earlier this time on the hill. So "relentless forward progress" there again, I hopped off and started to run up the hill with my bike. 

Much quicker than just not moving very fast on the bike and killing my leg muscles. Met up with the same lady again and we again debated giving up after two and just running around. 

At the end of Dunsappie, I saw Lesley and her husband Bob, shouted at them that I was bailing after number two and then cycled off. But as I got around the corner i met up with my cycling friend again and we started to talk ourselves into number three. All I could think was Tracey did the half marathon in Glasgow and finished it, so I could blooming well finish this even if I did end up last overall! 

At that point too another cyclist joined me and shouted hello over at me. It was Rhona!!!! I was so chuffed to see her as she had been feeling really unwell at the beginning and I really thought she might not make it out onto the cycle but she was going great.

So between the three of us we talked ourselves into going around a third time. And yes it was just as hard the third time, but at least I knew next time I would be on my feet, a much happier place for me.

So back down the hill and into transition. Saw Linda again, told her I thought bikes were stupid and then ran with my bike into transition. 

Finally, got rid of the bike and put my running shoes on!! A very happy bunny. Passed Mark, my now official photographer, and Nicola as I ran into the park. I think I yelled at them that I was much happier now that I was running! And I was, I could have run around the hill all day. It was still very windy but I was much happier on my feet and knew that it was just a case of running three miles around a hill which I am very used to running around.

Rhona looking strong coming into the finish line.

 Finally, the ordeal was over. It was definitely a huge challenge, one which I am pretty sure I won't need to repeat but I am hugely proud of myself for having the determination, if not talent to complete it. It was brutal conditions for everyone and many people who would normally have finished didn't so for those of us who did, massive congratulations and well dones! (Tracey, Kate, Rhona and Douglas). I did, strangely enough enjoy myself, but then that is my mad world isn't it. Rhona was also third in her age category - Youth B - well done Rhona!!!!!

Next up? Windermere Marathon training starts very soon. Great Winter Run a week on Saturday then the Meadows Half Marathon in March. Bring on 2015!!!

Big congrats to Rhona, Kate and Douglas

well earned medal.

back in the warmth with super supporters Amy and Jessica.

Big thanks to Mark Gene Hughes, Nicola Robertson and Bob Marshall for the photos I pinched for my blog. xx

Oh and Rhona, Tracey, Douglas and Mark - BIKES ARE STUPID - did I mention that???

don't worry, be happy :)