Langport Triathlon - 20th September 2015
Kay Pulsford
What an amazing experience :)
Sunday morning before even the sun had thought about getting up we were up and off on our way to Langport. Cold, foggy morning with the fog getting worse the closer we got to Langport. This was my first triathlon and it had been very on/off whether I would actually make it or not. Adrian had mistakenly told everyone I had already entered when I was still thinking about it but none the less a couple of weeks later I entered.
The idea of stripping off and getting into an open air pool was not really appealing in the chilly early morning light and the nerves were really kicking in, total wreck actually. Anyone who has Parkrun-ed or Langport 10k-ed in recent weeks will know the problems I have been having with my meds and the end result! So in an attempt to prevent this the meds were stopped just to get me through.
Off to set up where I met lots of other first timers, had a look at the pool, water felt warmish and, an optical illusion I know, not that long! Called 5 mins early for my swim which was great, less time to fret! And I was off. Once in the water all nerves disappeared totally and really enjoyed the swim despite one man trying to drown me on every pass. Swim over in what seemed like no time at all and off to transition to find the bike. Weather still very foggy but thankfully it was still early and there was not too much traffic about. The route goes back towards Yeovil and turns off to head for Somerton, nice hill here (!), through Somerton, another hill on the way in and back to Langport. Just outside Somerton I saw a Langport Runner friend shouting and cheering which was great to see.
Through transition again and out on the run weather still foggy but the sun was trying its best. I knew by now the worst was over and did the whole run grinning like a Cheshire cat. The run starts off across some fields and was halfway through these when I realised my legs felt fine, no jelly legs, assume the grass helped with this or maybe the training was finally paying off? Out and back route on a nice quiet lane when you leave the fields.
The finish was an absolutely amazing feeling, people calling my name and clapping and one of the best comments came from the medal lady who said “You’ve obviously done this before” :)
Got to say everyone was amazingly friendly, nearly all competitors we supporting one another with little encouraging comments and the marshals were fantastic. Not just helping to calm down the terrified first timers but checking you were ok when passing through transition but shouting your name as you pass them on route. It is also great that your supporters can see you and are close when you are in the pool, during transition and at the finish line. Fantastic to have Adrian there cheering me on all the time. The weather despite the fog was perfect for me.
This is a very well organized event and would definitely consider doing it again as well as recommending it to anyone else. Well done Total Buzz.