Saturday, April 9, 2011

I did it! Triwoman *ticks off the bucket list*



Well I'm on my come down after an epic day. Way back in October I registered for the Point Chevalier II 2011 Triwoman. I just figured I'd iron out the details of learning to swim, ride and run later...I left the older two in the capable hands of Grandma and hubby took the day off work to come support me. Even while we were excitedly driving down to Auckland (2 hours), at the back of my mind I had the what ifs about it somehow not happening.

I woke up feeling a bit worse for wear. The baby had had a crappy sleep not used to rooming in with us. I lost count how often he woke last night. Hubby ended up sleeping away on the couch. My stomach was a bit crook, and I generally felt bloated, tired and "heavy". We headed to Starbucks for a caffeine pick me up and headed across Auckland arriving nice and early. We found a found a nice close carpark, unloaded and headed for the "Transition" area. Hubby advised having a spot close to the cycle exit. I eyed a spot. It was next to a 40something lady. She had two large boxes lined up which looked like a large space to be taking up. I mounted my bike and she goes "Not too close". The realization hit me then...we are in a race and some of these ladies mean business. I sheepishly dumped my little bare minimum bag and left her guarding her spot!

We anxiously waited until the race safety briefing. Jeremy Corbett was the race MC, he made funny jokes as we participated in the warm up exercises. Then we walked down the walk way to the beach. I was in wave "B" one of the first groups to start. I was relieved to find when they meant "waist deep water" it really was. I was able to stand and catch my breath if I needed to.
Into the bike leg I found my self being passed by lots of people. In the safety briefing they had warned that the road was not closed and it was extra busy at a soccer ground we had to pass around. The parked cars, the busy road and passing cyclist made it all a bit crazy for me. Being new to road biking anyway I decided the aim and goal for the ride was to take my time and stay on top of my bike.
I made it into the second transition mounted my bike and headed off for the run. Doh! I needed to pee. So I spent the entire 3ks thinking about how full my bladder felt every time I ran and how I shouldn't have had a large Mochacinno for breakfast! I ran/walked as fast as I could all the way to the finish line. Jeremy Corbett called my name as I ran through the big pink finish line. I looked for my support team..My hubby and my brother and sister in law, as I came through the finish. It was so awesome having familiar faces amongst the many strangers. I was given my towel and participant medal. Then I headed straight for the loo!
Overall I think it went well.My only goals were to do it in under an hour and not be last. I was not prepared for so many people! But...I will definitely do it again. I have to. I need to beat my time (Addicted much!). I'm looking forward to next season, but I might check out the events a little closer to home. Who's with me?! Trust me, if this cake- eating- couch- potato can, anyone can :)

The results are in already...
229  Swim time- 7:34 Bike time- 25:49 Run time- 25:23 Overall time- 58:46 Placing 189/231.

12 comments:

Happy painter said...

Wow that time is such an achievment!!! and certainly not the last home by a long way. Whopeeeeee! one would say :):) You look very pretty happy and justfiably proud with your medal

Brigitte said...

Oh BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is SUCH an achievement and you should feel extremely proud!
Love reading through the details of the day - very inspiring. You are a LEGEND and I'm sure you will inspire others to join you next time!
And yes, it does become addictive ;-) X

Weza said...

Great stuff Jackie! I bet you feel on top of the world. Fantastic time too. xxx

Anonymous said...

Congrats Jackie! What an achievement. You did so great and with that big smile of yours :) So awesome and what a great memory!

PaisleyJade said...

So happy for you Jackie - and would have totally been there to support you if it was closer to home. I can already imagine your book "from couch potato to racing machine" ;)

The South African Kiwis said...

You totally rock!

Leonie said...

awesome for you Jackie! and what a great time you did it in too!! You are an inspiration for the rest of us.

Meghan Maloney Photography said...

Great lowdown on the race. You look like a natural out there - very inspiring stuff! Hope you were able to chill out with a nice treat last night :-)

DeXaNiX said...

Good on you Jackie! Yep, I was already planning my next event the day after my first :)
Well done on completing it (I think the tummy thing is a nerves thing too, I had that prob before any event I have done also)

Lyns said...

Well done Jackie, that is an awesome achievement!! xx

Anonymous said...

Holy smokes that is fabulous! Congratulations! I hear this excercise stuff is very addictive!

Anonymous said...

Nicely Done!!!
and
Happy Birthday!!!!
(over form PJ's place)

love and light