2nd Aegon St Annes Triathlon,

Sunday, 20th May, 2007

 

I’ve always wanted to have a go at a Triathlon but never had the time to train for the normal Olympic distance, (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run).

 

This was billed as a beginners’ triathlon and a sprint distance, (400m swim, 20km bike, 5km, (and a bit! run), and had a pool swim, (as opposed to an open water swim), so seemed the perfect starter.  I started getting out on my bike at the weekends, (I needed a bit more training than the mile that I cycle to work each day), and started trying to swim front crawl in the pool instead of breaststroke.

 

It wasn’t cheap to enter - £22 but considering the amount of organisation required, I can quite understand where the costs go.

 

Various texting and long conversations with Yvonne ensued; she a veteran of triathlons now, (the 1st St Annes Triathlon was her induction).  Unfortunately, Yvonne had to withdraw due to a new job and training for her Lands End to John O’Groats attempt (Good Luck Yvonne).

 

The triathlon required having to register before the event.  This necessitated having to go and pick up my number the day before.  I bumped into Graham Ingham who was also doing a triathlon for the first time.  It was an appalling day with typical Fylde Coast winds gusting down St Annes promenade.  By the race day though, the wind had completely died down and the sun came out.

 

The event required first a 400m swim in St Anne’s pool.  This was held in ‘waves’ depending on your estimated time for the swim. Each ‘wave’ consisted of 18 competitors swimming in 6 lanes, (so three per lane). I had estimated to swim the distance in 8:30 min, (I had little idea really), so was in wave 19 with a start time of 10:25am.  Unfortunately, the event was running way behind schedule so I didn’t eventually get into the water until 11:28am.  After the swim, a mad dash to the transition area where I stuck on shoes, socks, shorts and a vest and towelled myself down. (Should have listened to Richard Davies) – totally unnecessary.

 

“Must remember to put helmet on first before touching bike or else will be disqualified.”

The bike section was two complete laps of St Anne’s promenade which had been closed to traffic.  Then it was back into transition.

 

“Must remember to put bike back on rack before taking helmet off”

 

Then it was off on the 5km run.

 

“I should be in my element now – a 5km run.” “Come on legs – work!”

 

My legs were like lead when I got off my bike.

 

The run went from the baths along the promenade down to the far end of Fairhaven Lake before returning.  Only at the turn did I actually feel my legs were actually working properly. While running I seemed to pass Mark Midgley endless times on his bike laps shouting encouragement.

 

It was all a bit strange though coming through the finish since you have no idea how you have done because everybody started at different times.

 

It was a great experience and a real adrenaline rush.  And yes, I’m already looking for another.

 

As triathlons go, (not that I’ve done any others), this was a perfect beginners event - a short distance and very friendly.

 

Written by: Joanna Goorney

Submitted¨3rd June 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor