Only 5 more sleeps until I make my half distance triathlon debut. On Sunday 2nd June I will be taking part in the Primera Swashbuckler Race. This race is not an Ironman or Challenge branded race. It is a race that is held in a beautiful part of England, New Forest. The distances are slightly different aswell, 1.9km river swim, 80km bike and 22km run. The cut off time for completion is 7.5hours from start time.
How do I feel?
Physically I feel fit and ready. I know I can do the distance and my focus to race within myself. My aim from this race is to get it in the bag, to complete it. I am not going for times or PB's, I simply want to complete it in the designated timeframe.
One thing that worries me a little is the swim. I know I can swim 1.9km in roughly 46 mins at the moment. The river has a strong current so it is ensuring I do not tire myself out whilst completing this part of the race.
Details of the swim:
Swim 2 laps in the tidal Beaulieu River.
NB. the tidal river is likely to have a strong current in one direction so this swim should only be undertaken by Triathletes who are experienced and strong swimmers. The event is NOT suitable for weaker swimmers (you need to be able to swim 1900m in normal conditions in under 45mins) Wetsuits compulsory.
Cut off time strictly 1 hour.
The river will also be cold so getting out of the water, removing my wetsuit etc is another concern for me. I have been down to my local lake -
Shepperton Lake to practice. On Sunday it was freezing for me, I only managed 426m, however when I went back again on Monday it was surprisingly a lot warmer and I managed 1.9km. I just need to remember to complete the swim in less than 1 hour.
Then we move on to the bike course. According to the website, the bike course if flat. We have to complete 2 laps of 40km. I will endeavour to reece the bike course either pre or post registration. I always like to know what to expect. I feel that with all the training I have been doing and the cycling the Nove Colli only last weekend, that I should be able to complete this under 3 hours. However you never know what might happen on the day.
Details of the bike:
Cycle 2 laps in the southern area of The New Forest – Beaulieu to Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Applemore, Dibden. Cut off time is 4.5hours after the race start!
Lastly the run, which is two laps and again a flat course. On the run I will continue to listen to my coach, pace and stay focused on my race. Its about being able to complete the distance.
Details of the run:
Run 2 laps on the lanes and then river footpaths. Course cut-off is 7hours after the race start time.
Beautiful venue: Race based at Buckler’s Hard on the Beaulieu estate
The end game is simply to complete this race. Get a feel for the distance. It is a training race, basically a line in the sand so my coach Toby Smithson @COACHtobydotcom and I both can see how my training is progressing.
I am looking forward to this race and seeing how I perform. It is also my triathlon clubs @ThamesTurbo, Middle Distance Club Championships. I am currently ranked 2nd in my age group (35-39) champs within the club. Doesn't help any when the bloody Chairman who is also in my age group, qualified for Kona and is leading my age group and overall. I've got no chance, LOL. Oh well, it will still be fun to race with my mates and pick up some more points.
Good luck to everyone who is racing, my fellow Turbos, @MissNicM and another friend who I met on my Italy camp - Rebecca.
Till post my race
Thanks for reading
Smooches
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