I was at Wasa Triathlon at the weekend – first off, I have to say, it was a GREAT event, and those guys really paid attention to the details that make a huge difference, as well as making it fun and enjoyable for all – I’d highly recommend it!
Our friends Keith and Linda came over Friday night, which was great, ready for us all to travel over on Saturday together as Keith was racing as well.
Race day comes around, and I’m feeling good and ready to go – feeling confident about my asthma plan too, so all in check. I had an ok swim, not sure if it’s the cold of the water that tightens my chest up but my swim never quite meets my expectations from the pool (or perhaps I ought to change my expectations!) I think I was about 8th out of the water. Anyhow, off onto the bike. Took a little for the legs to get going, but apart from one woman that passed, and FLEW by me with her disc wheel whooshing away (think she was the eventual winner) I just passed more and more men and a few women too (the men started half an hour before the women). I took a puff of the inhaler before I got off the bike and again at the start of the run, it seemed to do the trick. I also pulled my pace back a little to make sure I didn’t have an attack. There’s definitely way more in the legs, it’s just trying to get the chest to match! Anyhow, I passed a few more women, and more blokes, and felt light and strong. Overall, I came in 1st in my age group and 10mins ahead of the next woman in my age group and 4th out of all women (not bad for a 40 year old!) – total time of 2hr 20mins. My own target was top 5 before the race (Wasa attracts some top athletes some of which are pros). I think the first 3 were all elites, so I was happy with that – oh, and I won some cash too – even better!
As the race was only 1.5 hrs from Fernie, there were lots of locals there too, which was really good. We actually entered a Fernie team into the club challenge – and came 2nd! Which I think is pretty damn good! Next year we’ll get top spot for sure! Awards, lunch and a lazy afternoon lying on the grass followed – a fab afternoon all round.
I’ve put some photos in the gallery
