TRI | CHECK | DO: Final Windsor Preparation

Photo Credit: David Shepard

It’s been a whole month already since I tested out the triathlon waters at Eton Super Sprint Sunday 17th May 2015. A whole month later; that means I’m days away from Windsor Triathlon. The main event. The catalyst for me learning to swim at aged 30.

I had some goals to meet before Eton SS in preparation such as ordering spare inner tubes for my bike and planning my race day outfit. This thankfully all got done which means I have less thinking to do for Windsor.

In The Know. 

I’m glad I read up about triathlon. The book Tricurious, filled me in on everything I needed to know and maybe some of what I didn’t need to know. The thing that stuck in my head was the mention of early starts.

I wasn’t sure they were accurate when my Eton SS start time was approx 10.30 but then when I received my race pack for Windsor and saw I’d be STARTING my swim at 06:16 it sunk in.

I didn’t even want to think about what that meant in terms of arrival time ….and waking up time. Was there any point in going to bed the night before?!

The Plan. 

Speedo Coach, Dan Bullock said to me in an email “Rest up a little next week (this week) and plan plan plan for the Windsor race! Know every map, direction and detail.”

I’ve been trying not to take the order of rest to an extreme whilst attempting to dig my head out of the sand in regards to knowing every detail. I’ve chosen to focus on the fact that the swim route has been changed and is now downstream for the majority. Hopefully the current will carry me the entire 750m?! Does it work that way?!

The cycle is just a little longer than last month. Don’t remind me it’s actually on the road though. And the run? Well, I think I could drag myself 5km after all that!

Photo Credit: SportCam

Lessons From Last Time. 

• Not to store food that can melt in my cycling bib.
• To remove my watch from my wrist before attempting to take my wetsuit off.
• I don’t need a sports bra.
• Drink more water.
• Pee in the water so I don’t spend the whole cycle and run needing to pee. Yes, I said that.
• Take cash for my triathlon day license. £6 to be exact.

So, there it all is, in black, white and pink. I’m nervous, excited …but ready as I can be! 

Feel free to chime in right now with any advice, tips, other gems of wisdom in the comments below! And keep an eye out for my next update…

Elle