Tri-a-tri - My first triathlon appetiser

Sydney International Regatta Center, Penrith

There is always that sense of disappointment that I could have done better. The immediate thought was that I will never be up to it and when asked I said I had fun but without being truthful about it.

So I got up at 415 AM (yes, AM) , had 2 pieces of Gozlem and coffee and groped around in the dark to get my bike on the rack. The drive was a breeze. Its 56 km from where I live and took about 45 minutes.

Registration was easy, I got my arm marked with number 64 (like real); I asked the marker if there is white paint for me, I mean I am honestly really dark from being outdoors almost every day then the marshalls were really helpful in giving you tips about how to remember where you put your bike.

Then off to the grand stand for the swim.

I am not comfortable in water and to me that few minutes treading water waiting for the start was already quite sapping. When we started I found face in many legs until I got trailed behind simply because I wasnt a strong swimmer. Then I veered off and almost hit the wooden platform. I could not calm myself to keep my strokes slow and even, instead I kept switching to breast stroke and probably lost momentun that way. And because I swam close to the bank, it was shallow and the sea weed was a little distracting. I also forgot what my arms were for.

So when I got out of the water, my legs were like jelly. I imagine this must be how the Little Mermaid felt walking for the first time. It was so wierd. So I hobbled to my bike, wasted time because I put on my helmet, then tried to put the running top on, bodoh, so had to redo the whole thing, cap, helmet and sunnies off again, I decided to leave the socks because you just can pull on anything when wet you know, and then off with the bike. Someone had a wobbly start and almost hit me, I almost hit the post but managed not to fall off somehow.

My legs felt fatigued. But I was mostly on the biggest gear. I managed to take my water bottle out and drink some, only I couldnt put it back. So I held on to it till I finished 5km, put the bike back on the rack then off for the run which was 1.5 km. Again that strange feeling, as if I always had wheels and never learnt to walk.

They tell you that a triathlon is a runner's sport. It doesnt matter if you're not a strong swimmer because swimming is the shortest leg and if you can run better you'll easily catch up.

So leggies, no more excuses for you. Lace up now.

An event always brings me back down to earth and tells me I am not as good as I think I am. The disappointment doesnt last. It makes way for motivation to keep fit, which to me, is the only way to enjoy the great outdoors.