Sunday 1st October 2023

The day has come and I was going to test my stamina, perseverance, and all my preparation and training from January in my first ever triathlon at Warwickshire Triathlon in Stratford Upon Avon.

• 200 m swimming in a sort of heated swimming pool
• 18km cycling around Stratford through Hampton Lucy back to leisure centre
• 2.5km running by the river Avon on a canal path

We did a 5km Park Run on Saturday morning (not sure it was a good idea), went to pick up my registration envelope and listen to the brief and tips given to us from the organisers and rested in the afternoon. I was nervous all afternoon even though I extensively researched what to expect, the steps especially in transition between disciplines.

I had toast with butter and a coffee for breakfast with all family driving me to Stratford to support me. I was advised to bring distinctive towel, so I did – pink Barbie towel. 

30mins before my starting time at 10:06, I went in to rack my bike and prepare my station.

Queue was forming by the pool to listen to the race briefing with wearing our tag on our left ankle and a tag on right wristband.

I was number 500, what a number! In line with my celebratory number.

I went into the warmish water knowing 45sec before me will be a gap so had the swimming lane for myself really, even though I overtook the girl infront of me (she only started swimming lessons 6 months ago) and the girl behind me overtook as both. 6 pool lengths to swim in 3 lanes was ok, get off dripping water and walk on matted area to find my bike feeling slightly cold. The kids and Steve were somewhere on the top in the audience. 

I dried myself properly, put my headband on to keep my head warm (I was worried I will be cold), put my number on, helmet and gloves on and off I rode. Full of apprehension as I was convinced I will have an accident. Steve and kids stood by the roadside to see me off – I think.

I pushed at the beginning, but as the steepness of Hapton Lucy hill was climbing, so was my energy declining, however I kept pedalling and even overtook a lady (she had a very heavy bike) on that hill. What a surprise when my friend Helen stood on the road side in Hapton Lucy shouting encouraging words – I felt special. And she did that one more time on the top of  the hill and run with me – so sweet of her. Coming to Stratford from the hill was marvellous and the best feeling from the race. As I was approaching the base station, I was preparing in my head for running. Our next door neighbours Ali and Chris were in pol position to see me arriving with Steve, Misa and Emi by their side.

My legs were like jelly when I stood down, rack my bike and took my helmet off, so it took me a while to realise I need to use my legs for running.  I did as comfortable as I could as my balance is not good with my core strength particularly non existent, so I have to be careful how I put one foot infront of the other. One lady said to count 1, 2, 3, which was helpful.

I have to admit the run was not as bad as I thought it would be (perhaps I didn’t push hard enough!) and soon I was at the finish line – Misa saw me approaching and run with me (not sure he was allowed to do that, but he said I wanted you to feel loved – I did feel his love).   

I felt so good, emotional actually that all my hard work, determination and perseverance paid off – I finished my first ever race of such nature. Alone. I wished my friends or some family members were doing it with me. 

My friend Anita with her son was there to greet me too with all the others. So sweet of them.

Was it fun? Not really. 

Was it enjoyable? I suppose so. It was easier than I expected and faster than I expected.

Race time was published almost immediately and I knew I was faster than the dummy run in Sri Lanka in May by 5 minutes. Time 1hour 14minutues and 32 seconds.

I was waiting on red traffic lights in time, which they didn’t didact from my time, but that is ok.

Next time on Sunday 28th April 2024 I hope to beat this time – no pressure.

Happy birthday to me! What a celebration.  I loved my Number 500!

If I can do it, so can anyone. 

I urge anyone to do a challenge like this – it pushes you to the limits, keeps you disciplined and above all, it gives you motivation and a huge sense of achievement at the end.