The Bala Middle Distance triathlon

Now I know why it is ranked in the top 10 toughest middle distance Tri's in the world - OMG!  It was the Welsh & British Middle Distance championships at the same time so some serious athletes around - a total field of about 650.  Before the swim I was nervous but excited.  I had never swam 2 km open water before and it wasn't helped as the wind picked up and waves started to appear.
I had set myself a target of 45 mins and made it in 42.  I was pleased as I had been sick at the furthest away point due to taking a wave full on in the face.  I also suffered cramp in both hamstrings and thought my race was over.  Not as bad as one guy who was 2 hours in the water and wasn't allowed to go on when he got out - well done though for perseverance.
The bike was the toughest 81 km I have ever ridden.  I lost 10 mins on the first 20 km due to hills and wind.  The hills were never ending and I thought I might end up being last cyclist back but in the last 15 km I started overtaking people.
The run can only be described as cruel / brutal.  Undulating long hills the whole way.  My coach had told me not to walk so I didn't although plenty of people did and at times I would have loved to.  It hurt but I had a great run finishing the 13 miles in 1hr 48 mins which was under the 2 hr target I had set - really pleased with that result.
Total including transitions was 6hrs 14 mins.  Lots of lessons learned on the day that I can use in Copenhagen but probably the most important one was keeping the voice in my head positive and having a purpose such as raising money for Maggie's meant I couldn't give up.  I was quite emotional when speaking to my wife on the phone afterwards as this was a big stepping stone for me in my goal to become an Ironman - lots more work to do starting again on Tuesday.

The waiting game

I arrived in Bala at 9.30 on Saturday as I couldn't get out of that hotel quick enough.  After some breakfast I went for a wee cycle and came to the conclusion that Bala is beautiful and hilly.  Checked into the Red Lion Farm B&B - highly recommended, so friendly and even gave me £10 for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres!  Went for a swim in the lake - baltic but after the first 5 minutes yo warmed up or was I numb? 
Didn't get to see my club mates so had dinner of steak and pasta before retiring to watch the world cup - not so many red crosses down here, can't imaging why?  Too much time to think and had to work hard to rationalise with the voice in my head - "yes it was 11 months since my last triathlon, but I had done the training"! Bed by 10pm.

Going commado

I Travelled down to Chester today (Friday) so I would only have a short trip tomorrow to Bala and not be too tired. Busy day meant I didn’t manage to get on the bike but I did get to speak to my coach and run through last minute preparation. Here is what I packed:
Swim: wetsuit, trisuit (for bike & run), cap, goggles, contact lenses, heart rate monitor & watch. Bike: bike, foot pump, shoes, insoles, shoes, sun glasses, helmet, gloves, socks, tribelt (to hold the number)inner tubes, repair kit, WD40, sun cream, bum cream, 6 protein bars, 6 gels, High 5 and 4 bottles for the bike, towel Run: shoes and hat. With all that to think about I forgot my boxers so I’ll be going commando!
Arrived at The Comfort Inn; good marketing in the name, it’s a dump. You couldn’t swing a Manx cat in the room and in one of the drawers along with the managers welcome letter are two free entry tickets to a lap dancing bar in town – in all the hotels I have stayed in, this one definitely has a different marketing approach and no I didn't use the tickets!
Went out for some dinner in a friendly pub, strictly fresh orange, but needed to ask what the red cross flags were for?