BY LLOYD CULLEN
I joined up with Magda about 3 months ago. I followed a couple of the training sessions set out but I probably missed more than what I followed. Due to the amount of training I felt pretty confident as I had not trained like this ever before. Knowing I was only doing the sprint I was worked up and ready to go. The atmosphere at an event like this is awesome, and it really got me excited to be partaking in a triathlon. It is well planned and it just has a feel about it that is addictive. On race day I was excited about the race ahead. I woke up with a headache which is not great but it was not too bad. I got to the start line and was good to go. I had set a few goals that I hoped to achieve but more on that to follow. I got in a good position for the swim start and went off. The swim was nice although the start was a bit hectic. I now know for future events to start a bit slower and manage my own pace. I got out the water within the time frame I had set. So I was happy with the swim. My race was off to a good start. Transition 1 went as planned, I got out of my wet-suit well and got changed the way I had planned. Looking at the time frame of this transition I definitely need to pay attention to saving some time here. The bike ride was also pleasant - I set myself a goal of trying to achieve an average speed of 30km per hour. I did not achieve this but managed an acceptable 25km per hour. So I was pretty happy at this point. In transition 2 I could feel the effects of not training the way I should have. I spent a lot of time in this transition which also needs a lot of work. The run is the event I like least, I do not train a lot on running. The route was tough and I struggled to find a rhythm. As you can imagine this was a horrible run for me. I failed completely in my goal for this event. Hard work needs to be done in the future to get my running up to standard. In general I wanted to complete the event around the 1 hour 30 mark. I further said I have to break 2 hours. I finished the race in 1 Hour 58 min. So I achieved the set out goal. I am somebody who believes that as long as you finish the event entered you have achieved something. So I am happy for finishing this event. My swim was on target, my bike was not on target but it was much better than previous rides. The run was poor. The reason I mention this is I fully understand that due to not committing and following the set out program left me feeling a bit unsatisfied with the race. I fully understand that I need to commit to be able to better my personal feeling when completing a race. I partake in the events because I enjoy doing a triathlon. it is fun and I want it to stay fun. The better I perform the more fun it will be. At my current state of fitness I do not fully appreciate the nature of the event. This is a pity as you get to see some awesome places, but I concentrate so much on finishing that I do not enjoy the experience. What I've learnt and my future goals. I need to commit and follow the set out program and my race will be much better because of it. I will change my approach in trying to do it as fast as possible but instead focus on enjoying the event. With the right training and enjoying the event, my times will improve. I am not there to race, I do this for self satisfaction. I will enjoy the "Red Carpet" when finishing the event as this moment has gone by to fast and unnoticed in the past. Durban is my next event, I have started training harder and am enjoying it. I am working hard at having full satisfaction when I cross the finish line on the 18th June. Happy training till then.
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