Sunday, 5 June 2011

QE2 Ashington Tri, Northumberland

Travelled up to Northumberland yesterday for the second competition in the British Paratriathlon Series. Registered in the afternoon, then watched Haseeb, Alan and Jane play in the Lake with Penny doing water handling training for volunteers. It was freezing and I didn't want a soggy wetsuit for today, so I decided not to take a dip.
Went into the Pub by the Lake for a warming cup of tea and ended up having a Pub meal with Jane. Neither of us fancied being billie-no-mates later. Left the Pub about 9:30, got to the Holiday Inn 11 miles down the road, only to be told they'd double booked. Sent off to find the alternative by SatNav, arranged breakfast for 7am and went to bed.
After very little sleep and no breakfast, I arrived feeling quite ill to set up my hand bike and race chair in transition. Just enough time to put on my wetsuit and the third wave was called-over 80 women and 7 Paratriathletes. The whole lake was choppy with swimmers and I had to stop twice to compose myself. I kept swallowing water every time I took a breath, very disconcerting. I didn't have any energy in my arms at all.
Penny and her crew stripped my wetsuit off and I felt dizzy again, but was expecting it this time. Gill helped me in transition and out onto an undulating, windswept bike course, with hardly a soul in sight. Alan passed me and then I was on my own, trying to distract myself as I huffed and puffed up the hills.
Back into transition still wet and cold, but soon warmed up on the run. Interesting bumpy and gravelly run course round the lake negotiating bollards, railway tracks and cobbles and some slight inclines which I found hard.
A nice crowd still at the finish was very welcome and instant feedback from Trihard timing showing all my splits was handed to me by Chris from Spalding Tri Club. A disappointing swim but a good bike section, so things are going in the right direction generally.

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