I TRIed!

Well, I ticked another thing off 'my list' - a standard distance triathlon!  After a week-long rotten cold and almost zero training (no open water) my new wetsuit got a surprise outing at the Ardgartan Triathlon Festival yesterday. I'd resigned not to go but spontaneously on Saturday morning at 5am I decided to get up, pack the car and just do it! 

Loch Long - our swim part of the tri

This decision was almost instantly regretted when I arrived at Ardgartan and realised I was just 1 of about a dozen competitors with no sign of the organisers, marshals or signs anywhere and the midges swarmed round me making me looking like I was wearing a black onesie.  It became obvious that this wasn't the best organised race and safety concerns at the race briefing when they announced the bhoys hadn't been put in the water yet as the safety boat wasn't working....  Suggestions of it changing to a duathlon (10k run, 40k bike, 10k run) was met by the other competitors up in arms (they were all super friendly and up for a challenge) and starting a discussion into disclaimers, waivers and how they could get a swim anyway - this was not helping my fear of the open water swim at all but I'd made the journey now and I was in my wetsuit, I might as well try a swim.  Just as I was getting my head round this plan, the organisers came back to say they were going to row out to put the markers in the water and the full race was back on!  An hour later than planned, we were off!  

This was no ordinary triathlon - what a magnificent setting in Ardgartan but that was really the only positive I could see.  The water was freezing but it was clear, and as I struggled to swim in a straight line round the triangular course twice, as I looked up I couldn't help admire the fantastic views and Argyll scenery.  As I scrambled, slowly, out the water after an OK swim (just pleased that I had completed it) I climbed upon my bike and set off.  The wrong way.  There wasn't any markers or marshals so I added on an extra mile getting out the hotel grounds but that was a drop in the ocean of a challenge compared to climbing up the Rest and Be Thankful on the bike.  Twice.  Up and Down.  Did I say twice?!!  I got no rest and I was not thankful!  It was a lonely journey in a way, barely seeing any of the other competitors but a few friendly words of encouragement were shouted as we cycled past each other - the rest of the time it was only whizzing cars and lorries for company.  Barely getting any speed as it was hill, hill, hill all the way and even the downhill at other side had the breaks on with the turn at the other side so you had to slow, wait for traffic and turn back.  Then back on to the hill with all momentum broken.

My poor bike took a beating on the Rest

I was so pleased to finally get off the bike and start the run.  I found that my legs could barely move - they felt like lead weights and I could feel blisters on my bum!  As I started on the out and back 5k route (or so I was told but it actually ended up being 6.5k) I was met by another competitor "take it easy, it's VERY hilly".  Oh joy!  And so it was - resembling a combination of the Gobagrennan Road and Carradale Road - some wonderful scenery but tough tough hills.  And virtually not a soul in sight.  As I turned to do it all again I grabbed an energy gel - it was 3 hours by this point and I was getting low on energy and I just wanted it over!!!  It was a total plod finish but was just ecstatic to have it finished.  Albeit in LAST PLACE!  Out of 12 people, all triathletes, only 1 female, I wasn't disappointed in anyway.  Well actually I was 2nd lady too!!  Weirdly I got a buzz from it - I did it!!  Quick change and a sandwich later and was back on the road, bum blisters and all!

At the end and still smiling.  My shorts are white with sweat/salt and my face is COVERED in midges.  Nice.

Lessons to learn:

-Don't wear your trisuit the day before if there is a slightest chance you will compete

-Banana soreen slice isn't good enough breakfast for a 3 hour + endurance event

-Vaseline isn't just for getting your wetsuit off quicker

-Do not spit in a headwind!!

Will I do it again?  Probably. A standard distance yes, not that one again and definitely not one that's organised by NRG Events!