Lorraine in action in Nenagh
[First-time triathlete Lorraine Byrne reports on her excellent debut.]
Well it was an early start on Saturday morning for my first trip to a triathlon as a competitor. When the alarm went off at 4.45am it crossed my mind “what on earth am I doing”. Thanks to Ciara for keeping me company on the way down, kept the nerves at bay for a while.
For my first time as a competitor the North Tipp Sprint was a very good experience. Registration was very straightforward and the transition set up was easy enough. I set up the bike opposite the relay transition rack just so I’d know which area to run for. (I had nightmares about running around transition and not finding my bike.)
The nerves really set in while watching PJ, Ruari, and Peter in their swims, a lot of pacing in and out of the building, it didn’t feel like butterflies but elephants in my stomach. Into the pool and a quick warm up and a chat to the others in the lane put me at ease. The swim went well and I was very happy to see a 14 at the beginning of the clock on my way out the door. Delighted with my 14.57 swim.
Transition went smoothly then it was out on to the bike. My heart sank when I turned out onto the road and the wind hit me squarely in the face. Cycled on, a good few people passed me but I was expecting that. After the turn around it was great, the wind on my back actually felt like someone was pushing me the whole way back. Back into transition and delighted with a 44 .55 time. On the run, the legs felt good for about 1 km then I struggled. It was a tough run but I was determined to keep the legs going. I started to feel good again with about 1.5 km to go, so finishing with a spring in my step.
I had given myself a target of 1 hr 45 mins so to finish in 1 hr 34 mins 32 sec was fantastic. It was a great day, good weather and great support from all the 795 crew. Thanks to Ciara, PJ, Ruari, Peter and Don for all the words of encouragement and Yvonne, Lia, Cian, Barry, Caoimhe, Saoirse and Aoibhinn for all the support. I really enjoyed myself and i’m looking forward to the next one!
Barry’s Photos | Photos from North Tipp Sprint Site
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Racing 795 