My First Open Water Triathlon At Lake Bala - Brenda Wane

Well it must be serious when I turn down a Saturday nite out to go and swim in a freezing cold lake at Bala.
Well Terry Hughes, kindly picked me up at 5am in the morning, off we go to Bala only us up and car booters ha ha. Didnt take as we thought, only us there and marshalls, better being early than late .
Terry said lets have a look at the transition point for the bikes, Terry counted over 800 spaces for bikes, what a lot. Looking around I said to Terry where is the lake, he said its there where, you could not see it for the mist. I thought at that point it wouldn't go ahead, wishful thinking , now it was time to get my numbers and goody bag. Really nice towel and lots of goodies not bad.

Time was getting near Terry said lets go and rack your bike. By then my belly started to wobble cause I knew no turning back. My start time was 9.40 in the lake. It was put back till 10 because of mist on the lake. Anyway 10 o'clock came we were all in the lake freezing cold waiting to start, I have never done this before, but it was that cold, I had to .....to keep me warm. Hooter went we were off arms legs everywhere, I got hit a couple of times, goggles knocked off but that didn't put me off, I just kept swimming, thinking about the transition point and the bike ride. Before i knew it I heard Terry shouting "come on" and taking pictures. Running to find my bike they all look alike. Wetsuit off, helmet on, shoes on, bike off rack and off I go 24 mile bike ride on closed roads. It was undulating, and very scenic, I was enjoying the ride until we turned round and then the wind was in my face, I put my head down and got on with it, thinking it's hard and then I thought about Michaela, Pete and Steve doing the marathon. Before I knew, I could see the lake, knowing I was nearly home, well my bike rack ha ha had a quick bite of my banana and a drink, helmet off and away I go on my run, still hearing Terry shouting "come on Brenda.you are neally there" quick smile and off I go my legs were like blinking lead, they would not work, for a least 2 miles, got to about 4 miles I was getting tired I wanted to stop and walk, but I thought yet again about those marathon runners and kept on going . You could hear loads of people cheering I knew not long now running my little legs off I finally crossed the mat and saying yes - my first open water tri . I would like to say a BIG THANKS to Terry also recommend it and yes I will do all again next year.
Swim 32mins bike 1hour 15 mins run 51mins

Brenda . .