July 2007

July: This is where the races started to ramp up. I did an Olympic distance race at Eastnor Castle. Olympic distance is 1500m swim, 43km bike and a 10km run. I came 4th out of the women and 1st in my age group. It was again the longest distance I had raced in Triathlon. It was so tough because it was hilly, really muddy and it rained for most of the bike.
My 2nd race in July was a half Ironman at Belvoir Castle. The distance was 2km swim, 82km bike and 21km run. Again it was a really hilly course and I had a few problems during the race. I had a panic attack in the water, I think because I didn't warm up properly. I then got a flat on the bike and had an awful cramp on the run. I came 5th out of the women and 2nd in my age group. I was really pleased with my time and despite the problems, really enjoyed the race. I also learnt that I am really good at being able to pick up the pace on the run in the 2nd half and not 'blow up'.
At the end of July I went out to Sherborne for the official Ironman UK training weekend and got to swim in the lake, run part of the course and do a lap of the bike course. It really helped to know what I was going to be up against. Both the run and bike are hilly which suits me, especially on the run. Swimming isn't my strong point and doing one of the training swims was the first time all season I thought I might actually enjoythe swim.