I did my first ever Duathlon on Sunday. All the elements seemed to be within my capabilities when I signed up: 2 miles run, 10 miles mountain bike ride, 2 miles run - and I was originally going to be doing it with K. However, she had to pull out as she's struggled to get her fitness back following a nasty bike accident a couple of months ago. I was really chuffed that Husband came along to support me - especially as it required getting out of bed at 7:30am on a Sunday! Freezing cold, crisp, bright day - minus 3 when we got there with a hard frost. No wind though.
With Husband's help, got my bike set into the stand ready for transition (see - I have the jargon!), dangling the helmet and my very-not-racer back pack with it - water, pump, inner tube, multi purpose repair tool.
Within a couple of seconds of starting, I realised my running was completely outclassed! So I stuck to the back of the group and did my best to keep to my pace. The running loop was partially off road - but it was the tarmac that scared me as it was so icy.
Transition to cycling - and I started to catch the others up a little. Two 5 mile loops - and I was lapped towards the end of my first. Little technical uphill at the start, but it was mostly tracks across the Studland heath. Crunching through sections of icy mud holes proved to be the biggest obstacle on the course - fun but messy. There were great views over Poole Harbour - whetting my appetite for a return visit!
On the second lap, I overtook 2 blokes - very satisfying! I aslo passed a few riders who ere having bike problems and 1 accident. To be honest, I felt my performance was very much down to Husband prepping my bike well. A marshall called out to me towards the end to keep my legs spinning as would help to keep them fresher for the run, but I was focussing on the black ice on the road.
Final run and my legs felt like frozen lumps - I wasn't sure I could run at all. My feet were drenched and I was feeling cold. For the first kilometre, I just focussed on getting up to the next gatepost, the next bend, the next hedge and ignored my time. I was really expecting the blokes I passed earlier to pelt past me. Final track section and I managed a very slow lolloping "sprint" - and was chuffed to see people still at the finish to cheer me back! Very surprised not to come in last.
The winner completed the course in 55mins - my time was 1 hour 35 mins 6 seconds - 20th woman out of 23. but I'm really chuffed to have finished. I'd love to do another mountain bike based
duathlon sometime - maybe not the next Rempstone Roast in Jan 09, but poss Dec 09. Might try & persuade C & M to give it a go - I can imagine M especially enjoying the event.
Pleasantly surprised that my cycling was OK - not surprised that it's my running that needs work. Given how athletic everybody looked, I did feel a bit intimidated initially, but soon found that people were friendly and chatty - and very supportive of my efforts! Husband found some people to chat to whilst waiting for me, but I'm very conscious that he was amazing to come out & freeze just to support me.
Went to G's for lunch on the way back - yummy burgers and a very appreciated hot shower.
Cycled home today with my colleague B who's just moved to the area - he's definitely a road cyclist - he got a bit frustrated with my traffic free route!
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