A Triathlon consists of 3 disciplines, swimming, cycling and running. The Classic or Standard triathlon is the distance used for the Olympics, 1500 metre swim, 40 Km bike ride and 10km run.
Having completed a sprint distance earlier this year which was shorter, I was really looking forward to this test of endurance. The South Coast Triathlon is held at Seaford in Sussex and is renowned for strong winds and heavy seas, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when I work up to heavy rain and Force 6 winds.
He hasn't seen the sea conditions yet!
Two years ago UK Triathlons the organisers, cancelled the swim as there were very bad conditions so this was a distinct possibility this year. However it was agreed with the local lifeguards that it could go ahead but with a shortened course. Buoys were put in place but there were worries as to whether they could be seen from sea level as the waves were so large.
Hmmmm not so sure about this.
In my case it didn’t help that I am one of those people who cannot walk on pebbles so despite wearing footwear to the waters edge I was unable to stand properly once in the sea. There were about 200 of us on the waters edge , we were given the new route and a safety briefing. Unfortunately, the noise of the wind and sea drowned out any other orders and when some of the swimmers leapt into the waves I followed on. I got as far as the first bouy when I was confronted by swimmers turning back to shore. It was a false start!
I was one of the last back and by the time I had regained my feet the start klaxon sounded. A huge wave was about to break so I dived into it.
The water was like it was in a washing machine and conditions were very difficult. I had to swim breastroke for much of the way so I could see where I was going.
Which way did you say?!
Two laps around the buoys and we headed for shore. Landing was even harder than starting. Most swimmers were helped to their feet by lifeguards. This was permissible in the race, unlike several swimmers who just couldn’t cope with the conditions and were rescued in the sea by lifeguards on surfboards and in boats. Their race was over even though they were allowed to do the other disciplines just for the satisfaction of completing them.
Some help needed to get out of water.
Once out of the water we made our way to the transition area where our bikes and kit had been lovingly prepared and laid out in the pouring rain. This first transition consists of taking off the wetsuit, putting on cycling shoes and helmet and pushing the bike to the start of the bike section. After the fun and games in the sea I was feeling quite tired already and my transition took as long as the swim!
Now where are my bike shoes?
Eventually, I was underway on the bike and starting my 12 laps of the coast road which was flat but very exposed to a strong onshore wind. An experienced triathlete friend of mine had warned me to take care as he had been blown from the bike and received nasty wounds a couple of years ago.
Off I go just 26 miles of this section.
Fortunately, I managed to stay on but the tight turns at the end of each lap were a little fragile. The road surface was very wet from the rain and although the weather was brightening up it remained quite slippery.
Now that's how to take a turn
To ensure I kept count of the laps I had 12 pieces of tape on my crossbar and one was removed each lap. I also had the enthusiastic help of my wife Sue who reminded me of my laps and was invaluable with her support throughout. She was also the photographer.
No it's not beer.
40 Km completed and then I made my way back to transition to change into running shoes and take on some fuel. I had made up some ground on the bike but getting off I found it difficult to walk with some pain around the hips.
C'mon knee you can do it.
The first kilometre or so was like running on jelly. The legs wouldn’t do what the brain thought they ought to be doing. Fortunately, I was ready for this from my training and I soon got into my stride. I am a slow runner and I watched many younger legs than mine go past regularly throughout the four laps of the 10km section. Whilst I was naturally concerned about my artificial right knee, it performed extremely well and I had no problems. I was starting to grit my teeth in the third lap but by the last lap I knew I would do it and the adrenaline carried me over the line.
Pleased and relieved
I had taken 2 hours 43 mins and 24 seconds overall, which cannot compare with other triathlons as the swimming course was much shorter. My swim time including the transition to my bike was 15mins 34 secs. Bike time was 1:24:22 and my run was 1:03:28.
Still able to climb the steps for a medal.
I came 95th out of the 114 finishers and I was the third oldest person in the race. I do not know how many did not finish but I was the winner of my age group so I happily accepted the medal and some goodies as a prize.
Did I enjoy the challenge? You bet I did. Will I do another one? Well I told Sue I wanted to do this challenge because in my running days there were no such things as triathlons and I thought this might complete the set of marathon running, cycling and swimming which have been my favourite events. However, I didn’t swim the full 1500m this time so I really should do just one more to get it right. The London Triathlon in Olympic year? I did the swim section in a relay a few years ago, but to do it on my own would be the icing on the cake.
Ironman? No thank you, there comes a time when enough is enough.