Triathlon

WOW!!! I actually did it!! I completed a triathlon!! I am so proud of myself. I never would have thought I’d do something like this. If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be living in Auckland, going to the gym and entering runs and triathlons, I’d have laughed in your face. But it’s real and I really did it!!!!!

Today I successfully completed the 2005 Special K Women's Triathlon at Okahu Bay, Auckland, a women's only triathlon consisting of a 300m swim, a 10km cycle ride and a 3km run.

I competed along with my colleague Tess Hattingh - it was initially Tess's idea but I actually went and entered us into it, which she later said she didn't think she'd really do it but then had no choice once I'd entered us.

I completed the course in 1 hour, 2 minutes, 45 seconds, with the split being Swim 11:55, Cycle 24:58, Run 25:56. Tess followed close behind at 1:05:57.

I was so nervous to start with but once we actually got going it was good. We had to wait about an hour after the start before it was our turn - there were thousands of women there. Although I'm a good swimmer I'm not very fast so I immediately fell behind the group but easily caught up on the cycle leg and passed heaps of people (not bad considering I probably haven't ridden in 10 years and didn't do any cycle training beforehand apart from at the gym). By the time the run came I was pretty exhausted but managed to run most of it (albeit very slowly but at least I didn't get passed by any walkers!).

The feeling when crossing the finish line was incredible. This has got to be one of my top 5 achievements in my life. I just can't believe I actually did it!!!

Unfortunately Peter had paintball practice in Wellington this weekend so he was unable to be there to support us or to take any photos. Attached is a photo of Tess and I at a music concert last year.

-Megz