Pool swim with a seeded start. As I couldn't swim 400m when I applied I had left the estimated swim time blank so I was off in the first group.
Went out a bit too quick for the first 50m. Then calmed down a bit. Had a lane to myself for most of it, then the next starter got in and I shared with some guy doing breaststroke for about 6 lengths. He kindly let me pass at one end of the pool so it was all good.
Jumped out, 9min! Cool, was expecting about 10 :)
Posed for a photo for Holly and was on my way to the bike.

Not much.

Wrestled a cycling jersey on to my wet body, not easy!
On with the arm warmers, helmet, socks & shoes. Sunglasses steamed up instantly so I held them In my hand while I walked to the mount line.
A marshal shouted "Hey you, no walking in our transition"
"Do you know how difficult it is to run in these things?" came the reply.

Wear a tri suit, got to buy one first though ;)

My cycle computer read 15.72miles for this so I think I'm not 100% sure of the official distance (27km = 16.7miles).

Lovely downhill shortly after transition, hit 42mph and was loving it. There was a real beast of a hill about a third of the way round and I tried to take it easy before it, plan to get over it as easy as possible and then see how much energy i've got left after it for the rest of the bike.
It was HARD work.
My lowest gear is 39-25 and I ended up standing up a fair bit near the end as this thing got steeper as it went on.
Overtook 3 or 4 people spinning with their triple chainrings. I found myself wishing I had a triple for a second and then though Bollocks to that push it!
Was gasping for air at the top but recovered pretty quickly. Rest of the course was great, undulating country roads with very little traffic but a fair few potholes. Hit a couple pretty hard and was worried I would puncture but it was all good :)
Started to rain about 10 minutes from transition so I put the hammer down to ensure I got off the bike before it tipped it down.



Not a lot. Really enjoyed the bike. Maybe more hill training!

Unclip and walk to the bike. Helmet off, shoes off, shoes on, cap on RUN!

Nothing.

Down the really steep path into the park. Took it easy for the first mile or so, pacing myself off the lady in front of me.
Then I upped it a little, and passed her.
Really picturesque run, in this country park around a stately home. Deer running wild etc. Ran within about 3 feet of some grazing deer next to one of the paths.
Just kept on plodding along. The guy I talked to at the start overtook me (as he did on the bike, I came into transition right behind him and got out in front of him). I tried to keep him in sight and managed for most of the run.
There was a water station where they gave you an elastic band "This is just to prove you got here," said the Marshal "this is the halfway mark."
"Oh god, is that all!" I quipped muttered as I was struggling a little at that point!

Struggled on a bit more, then down a steep bank onto a valley floor which was a long gradual downhill (upped the pace a tad) to the bottom of the steep path up to the car park & finish.

I decided to run the damn thing and did, had to stop so a guy walking his dog could let me past. Got to the top of the path and it flattens a little before another little incline into the car park, stopped to walk and catch my breath and then another triathlete ran out of the car park and I couldn't let anyone see me walking so I started to run again!
Gasping for air as I crossed the car park and then I could see the finish line. Upped the pace a bit and could see Hol waiting for me with the camera.
Done it, first triathlon and I've smashed my expected time. (Think I was a bit conservative with that).

Not much, the run went pretty much as expected.

Went to get my stuff out of transition and then stuck some warm clothes on as it was chilly and raining a fair bit.
Went and grabbed a coffee and watched a bit of swim/transition from the athletes that started later than me.
There was a Cervelo P3 on one of the stands OMG SEXY!
Stretched a bit then headed home for what will I'm sure become the post Tri tradition.
A nice warm bath with a Beer and a Cigar :)


I'm well pleased with how I did as my goal was just to do it. Breaking two hours is well pleasing.

My time was 1:52:53 by my watch but will have to wait for the official results.