Tri Athy 2008
The weather made all the difference ! At 8am, arriving at registration, the sun was already beaming down, putting everyone in great form and helping pre race nerves. Many of the Pulsers arrived at the same time and the car park was a flurry or bikes, wheels, new Pulse gear and excitement. Down in transition, it felt more like a holiday camp than a triathlon, with many people stressed because they had forgotten their suntan lotion and it was getting quite hot. The Ironmen were feeling confident of a good race, having spent the past week in hot windy Lanzarote, while others were wondering how the run would feel in the heat. As this was my first Olympic race, I stayed in transition fussing over my bike, shoes, food and debating whether I needed to go to the toilet again or not, rather than heading over to the Pulse tent for pre race chats
The Olympic race started on time and we were led by bagpipes and flags 750m upstream to the race start at 10.30. The fast men started first, with many of the Pulse hopefuls pelting down the river and the difference between the fast and the really fast was clear after just 50 metres. A few nervous competitors in this wave turned back and decided it might be better starting again in a less competitive wave. Next were the fast woman, again with some very strong swimmers leading from the start. I started in the last wave of slow swimmers and was glad to get out of the sun and into the cool water after standing around in my wetsuit for about an hour. I chatted to Rodney for a bit to calm the nerves and then we were off. The swim was perfect for a first Olympic triathlon. Cool, clear water, very little current and plenty of room. I finished the swim feeling good and headed for my bike
Out on the bike it was great to have closed roads and a flat course ahead. The course featured 2 laps of 20km, giving me a perfect opportunity to see all the competitors who were 20km – 30km ahead of me, including the peloton – did anyone else see that? Anyway, the 40km flew by and then it was on to the run… the hot run. It was picturesque and it wasn’t hilly, but it felt tough. And then it was all over and the post race analysis in the Pulse tent commenced.
Photos of Tri Athy 2008
Written by: Shenda Loughnane