A Deluded Triathlete’s Story – Beast of the East 2010
So I have a confession right, I had no idea what Beast of the East was when I signed up. Seriously, not a clue. I thought it was just another in a long line of stupid macho names on races designed to make the organisers and athletes feel great about themselves. Beast, smeast, whatever.
The date suited me to do a race. I saw a list of the ones that were on and thought – great, Wicklow is close to home, I’ll do that one. Signed up reading nothing about it and then when I told people, they just laughed or looked at me as if I had ten heads. After a good ten reactions like this, I thought it best to actually read about the course. And then I got a lot more scared!
But not too scared. I was on the phone to Michelle Banks the night before the race and she was anxious about the race. Being my deluded self I told her not to worry – sure everyone said Kilkee was tough and the run was grand. What hill – it really wasn’t that bad. She agreed and hung up happy in our delusion.
Arrived down at Lough Dan at the crack of dawn – the early mornings don’t suit me and I moaned and complained and grumbled my way around transition, cursing the fact that I should only be coming home from a night out and not putting on a hideous looking wetsuit. All of Pulse were racked together which was great – everyone else seemed in great form and didn’t seem to have any sneaky race escape plans, like me as I thought about faking an injury. Aidan in particular was far too cheery my liking!!
Kilkee was a rude awakening for me on how little work I have done on the bike. I don’t cope well with hills it seems. So the few weeks before the race I was doing my best to go on lots of hilly cycles. I did the beast cycle course one day and was glad I did. It was tough but manageable. Tough climb at the start and one tougher climb at the end. In between was all ok.
As it came closer to the off – I started to wake up and get a little more psyched. Under the tutelage of my gel advisor Martin Hernon I had half a gel before the swim to really load up on the energy! I’ve been annoyed in my races so far that I haven’t pushed myself enough. So I was all set as the gun went off for my wave.
I was lucky I was in wave three – it was less crowded than the two before and the swim was relatively easy. I was a bit afraid of punches in the head from the guys in my wave – so I stuck to the outside until I reached the first buoy and managed to keep my goggles in tact. I felt good in the swim – but with the benefit of hindsight I think I should have pushed harder. The lake was pretty dark so I saw nothing other than other hats when I came up for air. It was a bit freaky and I did have a silly few minutes towards the end of the swim when I let my mind wander and imagine loads of massive fish and possible Lough Dan monsters that were underneath me. I didn’t do it as a motivational thing, but it definitely made me swim faster!!
A helpful hand from a marshall and I was out and off towards transition. The race was only really starting now as I faced the dreaded bike course.
I was so glad I had this course cycled. I knew the start was tough and I didn’t panic. I just did my best to spin up the hill, keeping in the saddle and not making it too tough on my legs. Hill over and off I went. I knew that for any chance of an ok bike time I had to use every second of the flat and downhill on this course. I got down low on the bike and pushed my legs. I felt good even though I was in pain all the way. I was glad of this, I was finally getting over my fear of hurting!
Before I knew it I was approaching the turn for the final bit of the bike – a tough, tough climb. I dropped down the gears as I rounded the corner and tried my best to keep positive. As I started up the long hill I saw a girl ahead of me walking her bike up the hill. I felt sorry for her, but felt good that I didn’t need to do that. Kept spinning, tried to stay in the saddle and I actually passed people out.
There was no overtaking on the final descent, so I worked hard to pass the few in front of me out before we started the descent. I had to make up time here and I didn’t want to get disqualified for overtaking. Threw myself down the ropey descent and back into transition.
Off on the run and my quads were burning and cramping for the first few kms. This is where I really underestimated the course. I had worried so much about the cycle that I didn’t give a moments thought to the run. Boom, here’s two kilometres of climbing on the back of the cycle. Nasty! Started off with positive thoughts and passed a few out – but coming towards the top of the hill I was ready to throw myself in the ditch. It was disgusting. I eventually got over the top and over the next few kms started to find a rhythm.
I kept pushing as much as I could and I was picking people off, which kept me motivated. The best one was at about 6k. I saw a girl in an Ireland tri suit ahead of me. I could see I was running faster and I knew I had her. There was a big hill around 7k and the only way I got to the top so quick was because of her. I passed her out feeling great about my little victory and pushed on for the last few kilometres. It was a tough run and I felt my legs every step of the way!
Just when I needed a bit of support – I hear a voice coming from a car behind me – go Sarah! It was Alma on the way to the finish line from her NCT! I barely raised my hand – but it kept me going. Thanks Alma! Then before I know it I’m coming towards the finish line. I crossed the line knowing I couldn’t have done more, so I was happy. Alma and Michelle were there to hear me utter, NEVER AGAIN when I finally caught my breath!
Beyond doubt the toughest race I’ve done – I was seriously deluded beforehand, but I’m glad of that. If I had known the reality maybe I would chickened out. But I think I may be sticking to the flat courses and the races that start after 12 for the future!
Well done to all the Pulse crew that took part. Massive respect to each and everyone of you for getting through that and big congrats to Joe Lynch who came third. Phenomenal!
Writtern by: Sarah Mulkerrins