On the way back, we stopped in the park to look at the deer (or 'reindeer' as Dora insisted they were) and then went to a steam fair which had loads of old-fashioned rides like helter skelter, carousel etc.
After that, we went over to Harriet and Bill's as my Dad was down and so the run didn't end up happening. Decided to run early doors on Sunday morning which was much better in some respects as got to spend some real quality time with my family but in the weather respect, I got a pasting! The first 5 miles were just a bit grey and windy but then the heavens opened. It hammered down for the rest of the run and when I got back, there was hardly a dry patch on me.
Good run though and felt strong. Had the most amazing bath when I got back and Dora decided it was her turn to scrub me and wash my hair. Better than a hotel.....!
As the day wore on, I felt the nerves rising in my stomach about the Thames Turbo Triathlon I was doing today. By nightfall, my stomach was like a washing machine, made doubly worse by the fact that, based on my estimated swim time I'd given them, they'd put me as the 16th person to start, up there with the elites and best in age group. Had a really fitful night even though Dora was as good as gold and finally got up at 5am to have breakfast. Normally on the morning of a race, I'm so nervous I can barely eat as was even sick before Windsor last year but this just can't happen for Ironman so I was determined that I was going to rehearse eating through the nerves. I managed to do it (and keep it down) and I was really glad that I was doing the race as managing the fear is as important for me as all the hours spent training.
So, onto the race then. Had to register at 6am so cycled down there as Chris, Dora and Dad didn't need to get up that early as there was still ages. It was a fairly wild morning. Windy, freezing cold and with rain spitting at me all the way there. It's only 2 miles to the race start from the house but it was so cold my fingers were numb half a mile in. I was NOT looking forward to this race.
Got registered, met up with my club mate, Sylvia, who was also nervous and cold, had the race briefing and then it was off with those superfast swimmers! I didn't do too badly considering. Only got overtaken by 2 people. Had a fiddly transition trying to get some layers on and then it was out onto the course to Chertsey and back. It was pretty windy but I worked pretty hard and less people came past me than is normal. Also nice to see and hear Harriet at Walton roundabout so that gave me a bit of a boost. Out onto the run and I felt really strong and lovely to have all the family waiting for me at the end. Didn't go mad but think I did OK. I say "think" as the results have been published and I've been marked as a 'DNF' (Did Not Finish). Am absolutely gutted. Worked hard and think I posted a reasonable result but now I'm never likely to know because someone didn't record me going through the finish and my watch was messing about. My heart sank when I read 'DNF' especially after looking forward to finding out all afternoon my result. But, am remaining philosophical and looking for positives. At the end of the day, I raced in awful conditions, I managed the nerves, I think I laid the 2009 Windsor demons to rest and I am now managing my feelings about the inevitability of basic human error. Chris said to me tonight, "what would you feel like if it happened on Ironman?". It's not something I've remotely considered before but it's another learning point. I will make damn sure my number is visible and I hear that chip beep on every single mat on the day.
But for now, I'll content myself with the first glass of wine in 6 weeks : )
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