The morning of the race on Sunday just passed, after a long night of little sleep with heavy storms outside, we headed to the race. Weather looking rather miserable with cloud cover, we arrived at the event where like minded crazy people were up and also gearing up to race no matter the weather condition. Queuing to get my race chip and goody bag, I realized this was not a small event. Apparently sold out. So my first instinct was get in front for the swim and all will be okay. 
Heading to transition with my bike and helmet, I had to remove my tri bars as they don’t have safety grips yet, then sending Aiden to the car to get tools to remove it with less than 20 minutes till briefing, we managed to make it in time and get in transition and set up. While heading for the water I was greeted by my fellow athlete Mnandi Weber (winner of her age group) and then it all sank in…its time to race.
Getting into the water was a bit of a mission as it was cold and green and slimy, but one minute to go, so lets get to the front and get going. I couldn’t hear much of what the announcer had to say and next thing off goes the gun away we are…Trying to break a gap to get into the lead, I found myself heading for the wrong boi now having to swim towards the wind to catch up and make up for lost time… Not impressed, however I was 6th to exit the water after 10:51 which should be 9min…
Heading for transition, getting my bike and helmet and heading out to the track to mount our bikes and head out on the 20km route. The cycle part was my favorite part. My new bike – Nijma (Its Arabic for Star) was a dream to ride. Smooth ride, no hassles that I was stressed about, and about 5km into the cycle it started raining with lightening thunder and the harder it rained, the more I smiled…would be the day I decide to do my first road try…of course it had to rain. Out on the bike leg, I spent 44 minutes cycling, which was slow, as I can feel my body wants to go faster, but my legs are not yet strong enough. So training is in order and then we will take down some time.
Heading back to transition to dismount my bike and start off on the 5km run of which 2.5km was uphill with uneven ground and potholes and rain and rivers flowing down the road, the conditions were not that great, but bearable. I lost a lot of time on my run as I had a stitch that just wouldn’t go away and my feet were numb for some reason. So 36min is really slow for me. All in all I finished the race in 1:31:52 which is now my bench mark for the next one. I am to shave off at least 15minutes on my triathlon time…This weekend I look forward to round #2 of the BSG Energade Triathlons. This time I am hoping for better weather, though I have to work the night before, so ill be tired before I even race. Either way, the race was well organized and a lot of fun. My first road triathlon in 13 years…about time I came out of retirement!
A big thanks goes out to my support team, Hawk and Aiden…and all my friends for all the crazy messages…
