Stockton Mini Triathlon

Sunday, August 21, 2011

swim 260m, bike 13km, run 3km

Lindsey Brooks

Alister Robson and myself did the mini triathlon which as a first for both of us.

The mini triathlon was one of three being held for the Stockton Tirathlon Festival – there was a sprint and standard distance later also being held which a few other triathlon club members were also doing, including Alister’s wife Jaquie, and my hubby, Peter. The mini triathlon is particularly aimed at first timers but is open to anyone.

I was quite looking forward to the triathlon – it was my first one and looking forward to the challenge. The mini triathlon consisted of a 260m pool swim, 13k bike followed by a 3k run [the bike and run were both on closed roads].

The swim consisted of just over 10 lengths. The swim is started at one end of the pool, and at the end of every second length you dip under the lane rope and start up the next lane. This is done for 10 lengths and at the end of the 10th length, dip under the lane rope again and swim to the exit half way up. I must admit, once I got to the side of the pool waiting to start, it hit me what I was about to do and if I would get to the end! I had to stop in the pool a couple of times just to get my breathing right – I’m unsure if this was nerves or what.

Next was the bike, which for me was the my best part. The course was pretty much flat – the odd slight incline but nothing to shout home about; I don’t like hills but I loved this route. The course is 3 laps of a 4.3k circuit. I was unsure how hard I could push myself with having the run afterwards but I thought do my best and worry about the run afterwards.

Then it was the run; before the triathlon, I had been dreading getting off the bike to then do the run as I didn’t know how I would feel. Sure enough my legs were just like jelly and could barely run at first. I had to walk some of the route but I did manage some running. I was pleased the run wasn’t any longer as I felt at the time I couldn’t have done it. The run was one lap of a 3k route which finishes on the riverside.

I thought the overall organsiation was great, the marshalls friendly and encouraging along the way. I was a bit wary of entering any more triathlons before I did this one as I didn’t know how I would enjoy them but I cannot wait for my next one.

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