Lessons from My Debut Event

Arrive early

Iknow, I know, everyone advises it, and for good reason. Being a first-timer, I quickly found myself at the mercy of my peers when working out the sign up system and associated race prep. The valuable minutes add up and, before you know it, you’re half way through the bike course questioning why you didn’t leave your Garmin on your bike. So arrive early, with plenty of time to “faff and fuss” ahead of the race.

Speaking of valuable minutes…

Nail the transition. And by “nail” I mean simply have your stuff ready for the next leg, and not in your bag, which is, of course, nowhere near the transition zone. Once you’ve rummaged through through your bag you’ll be way back. Every man and his dog, triathlete or not, knows this top-tip, apparently.

Course changes happen. Roll with it.

Open water is mind-boggling. I can swim for hours in a pool; I find it incredibly relaxing, in fact. But plonk me in a murky lake and replace those glorious lane marker lines with unrecognizable “things” floating in the water (what you cant see, you can feel, because let’s face it you can’t see anything), and everything goes to pot. There’s only one way to tackle this. Opting for the shortest distance offered at my first race, I was confident I could complete the run and bike without an issue. The main challenge would be the swim, as is the case with many first-timers.

That was until they cancelled the swim. Obviously disappointed, I respected the decision, which had been made for safety reasons, and went on to enjoy my (now) duathlon that consisted of a run, bike and another run.

Know the course

Pacing yourself for 5 km isn’t the best way to win when the run course is actually half that distance. “Hey is this a 5-km or a 3.5-km run?” “2.5 km. You’re almost there!” “Really? Oh, OK, Thanks.” I dart for the finish line, still full of beans.

Don’t ride over the line

I know; it’s a new one on me too. As a cyclist, my main goal is to ride over the line, any line really. Not only did I cross the dismount line, I actively threw myself over it, swerving around the guy in front, who had (quite rightly) stopped just shy.

Thankfully, this being a Tri-a-Try, race organizers expect rookies like me to turn up, so I wasn’t disqualified. A five-second penalty and a metaphorical rap to the knuckles later, I was back on my way.

Unsure how the penalty would be applied, I assumed they would deduct it from my final time. Then it dawned on me: the “chat” was my five-second penalty, and so probably not the best time to embark on a friendly conversation with the ref. No wonder he ushered me along rather quickly.

Talking of numbers…

No one warned me they would print my age on the back of my leg in big bold black type for everyone to see. Great when you are 23, not so flattering at 38! Until you start overtaking athletes in the age category below you, and the one below that. Then 38 becomes a badge of honour. Either way, be prepared to wear long pants for a few days following the race. That ink isn’t coming off without a fight.

Most importantly, have fun. You’ll be back, I’m certain!

Given how nervous I was leading up to my first event, not to mention my lack of experience (and research, evidently), the goal was always to “give it a go,” learn and, most importantly, have fun. All of which I achieved. I’m already looking forward to the next!

An avid cyclist, Lorena Jones works for Gripped Publishing and continues to train for her next triathlon.