It’s now just four days until my first triathlon and I’m actually really nervous! I’ve finally managed to shake the persistent cold that put my training on hold, but I’ve been left feeling pretty unprepared for the task ahead.
I’ve managed to squeeze in a few spin classes and some good runs in the last week or so, but I’m worried about the swim as I haven’t been in the pool for weeks.
While I probably don’t have time to make any great gains in the water now, I’m still going to get to the pool this week to boost my confidence, tweak my stroke and get used to swimming in my trisuit. Hopefully that will be enough to see me through the swim! It’s only 400m, but I’ll need to hold my nerve to dive into open water along with hundreds of other competitors. Scary stuff!
Yesterday (last minute, I know!) I also realised I don’t even have a wetsuit! The wearing of wetsuits is governed by British Triathlon rules and is dependent on the water temperature on the day. So I don’t know whether I’ll actually need to wear one or not yet, but I definitely need one to hand just in case it’s too chilly! Luckily Aqua Sphere came to the rescue and are loaning me a wetsuit to wear for the day.
Apparently if the temperature is between 14C and 22C wearing of wetsuits is optional, but on the Human Race website they recommend wearing one, even if it’s optional – for buoyancy and warmth. It probably won’t be my most stylish look of the day, but if it keeps me warm and keeps me buoyant, I’m game!
While I’ve been pedalling away in spin classes, I haven’t been on my actual race bike for a while. I’ve been moving house and, as a result, my lovely bike has been stuffed in a cupboard with the front wheel detached for a week or so – not exactly ready and raring to go for the big adventure on Sunday. So tomorrow I’ll be dusting it off and taking it for a spin in an attempt to get back in the zone.
Today I had a good look at the course map and event info, and apparently it’s all quite flat – which makes me feel more confident about getting round in one piece! I’m slightly nervous about the transitions between stages though as (serious triathletes look away now!) this isn’t something I’ve practised.
Every blog, article or post I’ve read about triathlon has emphasised the importance of practising the transitions, so I think I may have to spend some time this week getting used to peeling my wetsuit off, lacing up my trainers and putting my helmet on at pace. Otherwise I may end up faffing around with my kit for longer than I’m actually racing! I also plan to get to Eton Dorney quite early on the day to ensure all my kit is in the right place. Fingers crossed it all comes together!
While I’m nervous and feel underprepared, I’m actually very excited! I’m still wishing I’d been able to do a lot more training and wishing I was a lot fitter, but I’m confident that I can give it a good go. As long as I make it to the finish line I’ll be happy!
For more information about the HSBC triathlon head to humanrace.co.uk
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