This all started off with completing my first Triathlon last Saturday. I signed up for the Sprint distance of the London Triathlon in November 2016. Although typical me, I didn't start training for it until a couple of weeks ago.
I really am such a nightmare when it comes to training. I sign myself up for too many things and then I don't dedicate enough time to the training. I managed to have an open water swimming lesson four days before the Tri. The swim was the thing I was most concerned about so spending some time in the water really helped.
I am so lucky to have an amazing group of guys and girls to ask all my annoying triathlon related questions to. They really helped me with understanding what was expected of me and to put my mind at rest.
On the triathlon race day, my brilliant friends Emma, Brett and Lisa came up to support me. Brett helped me loads with what I was supposed to do and how I needed to set up my transition. Before I headed off for my swim, they gave me the lovely pep talk of "Bec, don't be shit!" - loved it.
I was so nervous for the swim. I expected everyone to be swimming over me but surprisingly there was ample room. I swam mainly breaststroke as my breathing with front crawl isn't great. By the end of the swim, I was so tired and although my arms were swimming breaststroke one leg was kicking front crawl and the other breaststroke! I finished the swim in 00:23:42.
After what felt like the longest struggle with unzipping my wetsuit (thanks to the lovely lady who helped me) I was running/walk through to transition when I realised I couldn't find my damn bike. After over 6 minutes, I found it and was on my to the cycle.
As soon as I started riding, the rain and wind set in. I've never ridden is such bad conditions but in a way this worked for me. I was determined to get off the bike as fast as I could so I ploughed through the ride. I was grateful for my 'Don't be shit' cheers along the way.
After the cycle - which I finished in 00:46:50, it was time to run. Transition was a bit easier this time and then I was off out to jog along the Thames. It felt like the route was pretty quick until I headed back into the Excel centre and you realise how big it is! I was determined to keep going and as I crossed the finish line after my second loop, I felt really good!
I somehow managed to get a Personal Best on my 5km run with 00:31:40. I usually average over 32 minutes and sometimes up to 35 minutes so this was incredible - especially after the swim and cycle. Overall I finished my first triathlon in 01:52:42 including transitions. I had hoped to finish in under 2 hours so I was very pleased.
After beating myself up a bit, I got over it. I realised it was very congested and perhaps if the roads were clearer, I could have gone faster.
We had a step challenge at work during the working week and although I was getting up early and clocked up over 100k steps, it wasn't enough to beat my colleagues so I came third. Winnings overrated.
Yesterday bought my biggest sportive of the year, the Prudential Ride 100. It's the third year I've ridden it. I managed to get an earlier start time of 07:36 however this meant being awake at 04:15. My incredibly Daddy drove me to Stratford as I really didn't fancy adding an extra 15 miles to my journey.
I woke up at 02:00 to the pouring rain. I literally said to myself I wasn't going to ride if it was like that. 100 miles would've felt like 1,000 miles! Thankfully by the time I woke up, it had completely eased off to a little drizzle (no more persistent rain!).
It's amazing how well these events are organised. Although it's annoying having to be at the start line over an hour before (I was there 2 hours before just for good measure), you can understand how they need that time to ensure we were off on time - and we were.
I was lucky for the first 48 miles I tucked myself behind a lovely man called Simon. For the first 15 miles, I didn't know his name so in my head I called him Steve (he looked like a Steve). Anyway, I did ask if he minded me being behind him and funny enough he didn't. I was polite and asked if he'd like me to take the lead but he said I was fine - thanks Simon!
I said to myself that I wasn't going to stop until I got to the top of Newlands Corner and I didn't. I was desperate for a wee so as soon as I stopped I had to rush to the loo. After my quick wee break, selfie opportunity and stocking up on water and food it was time to head back out.
Sadly I lost my buddy Simon so it was time to hit the road solo, well as solo as ridding with thousands of other riders can be. Next up was Leith Hill, that came incredibly close to Newlands Corner. I got up Newlands Corner absolutely fine however Leith Hill was a bit harder. Because it starts out at 11%, I puffed myself out half way up and had to get off the bike to walk. I certainly wasn't the only one so I didn't feel too bad.
Back on the bike and I was powering through, I wasn't going to stop until 81 miles however I had a craving for a fizzy drink so I made a quick stop at 70 miles (I think). I only drank half the can otherwise I'd be stopping again for a toilet break.
The atmosphere on the ride is amazing. I love how people come out to cheer and make a real day of it. I like the kids along the route wanting a high five (although I'm always wary if I'm going fast that I may hurt them!). I got to 81 miles and stopped again for a bit. I made the mistake of sitting down whilst I spoke to my parents, when I got back up I was so stiff.
I admit the last 19 miles were the hardest. I said to myself that I wanted to finish in a ride time of under 06:30:00. I kept pushing myself to keep my average speed up. I was lucky to get pace with a few people along the way but then they'd slow down and I'd have to find someone else.
When I got to Chelsea Bridge, I knew I was on the home stretch. After keep pushing I turned left onto The Mall and that was it. It was great getting over that finish line in 06:28:55.
Because of the sheer number of people, it took about an hour to collect my bag and get over to the Park to meet the rest of the Romford Cycle Club crew. Whilst I wasn't cycling in my club gear this year (because I got a place through work) it was still great to meet some of the gang and enjoy a celebratory beer in the park.
The past few weeks have been challenging with training and completing the events however I have really enjoyed it. I admit my body feels pretty broken today. I had so much pain in my knee, ankle and lower back yesterday. I feel physically sick however I've still made it to work.
I want to get back into a clear exercise routine now. I'm thinking of cycling once a week, pole once a week, swimming once a week and hopefully 2-3 gym sessions. I need to be far more consistent with my training and realise that I'm not superwomen and I can't do these things without the right training and diet.
Here are my medals from my events.
