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Race Report: Coniston Tri
I've just completed my first triathlon and it's a great, great feeling.
I joined the club in December 2009, having not swum since my teens and never really run much. But I was really enjoying the training and thought I should enter a race for something to aim for. I know Coniston and the surrounding area pretty well having done quite a bit of walking round those parts so thought this would be a good one to go for. With hindsight it may have been wiser to do a flatter race for my first outing!
The 2 weeks before the race I didn't really do a great deal, having done the Edinburgh marathon towards the end of May I needed to rest. Had a good swim session 10 days before at the aquatics centre and a light run. I really couldn't think about a lot else the week before. A mixture of nerves, anticipation and excitement. I'd done the bike route and much of the run in the spring to familiarise myself, but had never swum that far in open water before, and this was by biggest concern.
The day of the race was great. We arrived early, and I checked out the swim route. Two 750m laps. It looked a very long way! I just wanted to get going now. I watched people arrive, lots of very very super fit looking people with all the gear. Some fantastic looking bikes on display. All very normal sights to the seasoned triathlete no doubt but all very new and exciting to me.
There was a briefing fifteen minutes before the start and then we got in. The water was a good temperature. I'd been advised by several people to avoid the crowds and not to set off too fast, so I went to one side and waited for the off!
The swim went really well and I enjoyed it. Keeping on track was tricky and a couple of times I was heading off course slightly but nothing too disastrous. I got a few kicks and I accidentally smacked someone on the head at one of the corners - I have a nasty bruise on my knuckle as a result. I didn't know whether to apologise!
So I got out of the water in around 32 minutes which I'm over the moon about. I tried to keep my stroke going as much as I could, but by the last 300m or so I don't think Kenny would have been too impressed!
The bike route is very hilly but I felt good and knew the course fairly well. I was trying to take on plenty of fluids but looking back I didn't have enough so I'm going to have to work in hydration in my training. It's a lovely route with fantastic views so although my legs were burning on the climbs I was still enjoying it.
Second transition was good then the run started and I knew I was tired. My lower back was painful but I kept going and managed to get round. I think I need to do some more core work! Again it was quite hilly and I was dropping back quite a bit now. Fellow competitors were great, pretty much all of the willing me on which was fantastic.
I got to the end and was cheered over the line. It felt brilliant. I hopped in the lake and cooled off. I'd not come last, but I don't think I'd minded if I had to be honest. For me it was an achievement in itself and something 6 months earlier I couldn't have even contemplated. Thanks to the coaches and other club members for their advice and encouragement. I just can't wait for the next one now, build on my times and start challenging a bit more. I think I'm hooked!
John Pegington