Etonman Day of Endurance

After my first Half Ironman in Austria in May 2013 where the swim was cancelled due to cold weather,  I decided to take a part in a local event called Etonman Day of Endurance organised by Votwo. It was held at Dorney Lake also known as Eton College Rowing Centre and as a 2012 Summer Olympics venue.

Hundreds of triathletes turned up on Sunday 22nd September 2013 from all over the country. It was the first event of the HalfIronman distance 70.3 around the lake. 

 

 

The registration was open on the day from 6 am in the morning. My wave start started at 7:30 am. I was a bit nervous but I knew what to expect. 

The race structure started with 1 swim lap of 1,9 km course. The course was marked by orange marker buoys. The temperature of the lake was 16 degrees but it felt much colder. We all wore wetsuits as it was compulsory. During the swim I got a few cramps in my right calf. I did not have a time to stretch so I started to kick my legs. As soon as I had done that then the pain was gone. I came out of water close to last as a few meters before the end two girls managed to over take me.

The bike course was 10 laps and each lap was 9 km long around the lake. The course looked like a U shape. There were several 'dead turn' bends. We had to slow down as we could crash into barriers. During the bike ride we caught some rain and these turns become slippery. We had to have a speedometer to count our laps. I had one but as a part my nutrition I had 10 jelly beans in my pocket to help me count the laps too! There was also 1 drink and food station if someone need it to top up. I managed to overtake a few ladies on this course.

The run was 4 laps which was 21,1km long. On the registration we received 3 coloured bands to help us to count our laps. There was drink and feed station in the middle of the course. The atmosphere between competitors was brilliant. We were supporting each other as we were passing by. Also high fives were popular. Around 8 kilometres my stomach started hurting. I had to slow down but I did not want to stop. In despite of the pain I got some cramps too. The pain was going on and off. I also took less energy gel as I planned. On my last lap I managed to run faster. I really wanted to finish the race. From that point I could not feel any pain. I also overtook another ladies. When I was approaching last 500 meters my sister was running beside me. This gave me such a buzz that I was almost sprinting. When I crossed the finish line I was so relieved and very happy. I hugged my sister so hard that a few tears came out from both of us! I was really surprised that my sister and friends who were cheering me told me that I was looking very strong on the run.

So my time for my proper first Half Ironman was 6 hours and 22 minutes. Overall 11th from 23 ladies and 5 th in my age group. I am very pleased with my result even though I had some pain to deal with. I am definitely mentally positive about my next challenge which is 'Ironman Sweden 2014'.

I would like to say big thank you to my family, friends, supporters and fellow athletes. Without your help and encouragement then I could not do it!   ;0)