I'd like to say a big thank you to every one of you who sponsored my triathlon endeavors this last weekend. The total raised is standing at over £1,100 at the moment, which is just amazing too be honest, and I'm so proud of all our efforts. There's still time to make a donation if you haven't done so yet - the easiest way is via my justgiving page at
www.justgiving.com/jasonboswell.
I completed the race in 1 hour 36 minutes, which is around the time I was expecting for a first timer. The enjoyable moments were few and far, as the rain lashed down the whole race and stringing the three events together for the first time really tested my resolve. Surprisingly, the lake was nice and warm, and after the initial burst of energy when the race started I quickly tried to settle into a stroke that I could keep up for the whole 750 swim. Back in January I set myself the goal of doing the whole thing front crawl, without stopping for a crafty breather, and I was determined to do just that. At times it felt as if I was going backwards, but after 17 minutes of slogging it out in the water a helpful hand extended down from the jetty to pull me out of the lake - I could have kissed the lass who helped me out, but my I could hardly stand and no sooner had I found my feet than I was unzipped out of my wetsuit, pushed through the shower, and sent on my way to the first transition. All very undignified.
A long slog up the path to the first transition, I found my little pile of sodden things and set about trying to get the wetsuit off and some dry-ish cycling clothes on. Not easy, especially in the pouring rain, and if I ever do another triathlon it's in the first transition that I will find time to gain. And so off on the 20k cycle, which was tougher than any bike ride I have ever done before. It would have helped if I had done the hard hours in the saddle in my training, but I was so involved in learning to swim properly that I neglected the cycle training bit - I mean, how hard can it be, really? Anyhow, determined to make up some time on my training partner, Rich, who I knew couldn't be that far in front of me, I put shoe to pedal and went for it. I passed loads of folks on really expensive cycles with all the gear, which is always nice, and in turn was passed by my share of folks on even more expensive cycles.
And, having done three laps of what would otherwise have been a pleasant cycle, I came into the second transition to go out for the run. All that's required in T2 (as it's called) is to dispense with the bike and helmet, and then leg it. Or hobble it in my case. The dreaded cramp had set in, as I thought it would, and, like a fallen hero, I urged Rich (whom I had now caught up with) to go on without me. He did of course, and I made my way gingerly around the first of the 5 kilometers trying to run through the pain. Feeling much better at the 2k mark I cracked on a bit and steadily made up the pace until I had once again caught up with Richard and we rounded out the 5k run in much the same state we had started our training back in the dark winter months - totally exhausted and barely able to put one foot in front of the other.
At times during the race I swore I would never do another Triathlon (mainly during the swim, quite a lot on the cycle, and a couple of times on the run) but looking back now it's been a great experience. I've learnt to swim properly for starters, and, in common with many men of my age I'm now lusting after a proper road bike with drop handlebars (as we once did when we were 10). Oh, and I've lost a few pounds, which is always a bonus.
And of course we've raised a few pounds for a wonderful cause. As I wrote on my justgiving page, my efforts in training, and now the race, simply pale in comparison with the effort and determination that the small babies, their parents and the nursing staff go through every single day in the neo-natal intensive care unit at St Georges hospital. And so it really is great that we are able to donate over £1,100 to the Friends of NNU to help with not just purchasing vital equipment, but with all the work that goes on at the unit including training new staff and supporting parents during their child's time at the unit and long after.
If you haven't yet sponsored me, then please take a few minutes if you can spare a few pounds. My page is
www.justgiving.com/jasonboswell and its easy to do. If if you have already, then big thanks to you all.
Until next year... ;-)
J--
IMG_2007.jpg <--- that's me on the right, btw
10-May-2009, 23:26 
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