Reflections Of My First Triathlon - By Martina
The Clem Jones Centre has served me well since 2009 when I first moved to Brisbane with my husband and now 13 year old daughter Aisling. Aisling learnt to be a confident swimmer at the swim school and I often enjoyed a casual swim in the outdoor pool.
Over the years I observed the triathletes training on the windtrainers or going for a run and thought “wow” they must be so dedicated and motivated to stay fit, I don’t think I could be that committed and convinced myself that I wouldn’t enjoy that level of training.
A few weeks ago after one of my “casual swims” a cruisey 10-15 laps of the 50m pool, I decided I needed something to motivate me to exercise more regularly so enquired about the Triathlon club.
I had the good fortune to speak to Jordan at reception. Jordan the Junior club coach was filling in, for Rob the Ages coach that particular week. He encouraged me to come along on the following Monday and try out the swim training.
My swimming history is somewhat chequered. I grew up in a small village called Liscannor which is in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. My home looked out onto the wild Atlantic Ocean about 2 kilometres south of the Cliffs of Moher. The average sea temperature is a chilly 11-15 degreescelsius. We swam in the ocean for about two months each summer when it was finally “warm enough” to swim. No wet suits either! My sister taught me the “doggy paddle” at about the age of 9 and since then I have taken sporadic lessons over the years.
On that first morning at swim training Jordan was kind and encouraging and gently corrected my freestyle technique. I met Leanne, Kitty, Helen and Tim who were friendly, funny and so encouraging and... there was time for coffee afterwards! I thought I like this club already! The next day I took my rather neglected mountain bike along to Murarrie, did a few laps of the cycle track followed by more Coffee yay! The next day involved running which is my least favourite activity but I am willing to persevere!
When Rob returned from his holiday, I was relieved to discover that he too was supportive, encouraging and patient as I try to correct my “Karate chop” freestyle technique.
So time to get serious! I decided to sign up for my first race, an Enticer at Raby Bay. Kitty showed me the course on Saturday when I picked up my race pack and I was feeling excited about my first triathlon.
On Sunday morning, everything went smoothly as I put my bike into transition and set up my kit for the race. I met the club members at the Carina Leagues tent, Aisling my daughter had come along to cheer me on. Soon before my wave was due to start, some of the ladies from the club came down to the swim entry point with me. A few minutes to go and it was time to put my swim hat on. A feeling of panic arose as I looked at the course and thought, “I can’t do this!” “I have never swam that distance in deep water with my head down doing freestyle“ I felt overwhelmed and started to cry. I felt bad that Aisling was seeing me so scared as she would then be worried that something terrible might happen to me during the race. I gave her a hug as she encouraged me that I could do this! Leanne took me by the hand and led me down the pontoon reassuring me that I would have support from other swimmers. She found another first timer, Zoe who promised to support me during the swim. I waved to my great supporters from the club who were cheering and willing me on, so much that I couldn’t NOT do the swim. I had to face my fears and just have a go! I jumped in swam over to the start line, the horn blew and off they went!
I was soon left behind, still panicking as I tried to calm myself doing breaststroke. I waved to the Water safety girl who arrived at my side within seconds. I was so relieved to have her nearby. I never felt the need to hold on to her paddle board, I just needed someone close if I got into trouble. She was so kind and encouraging and kept me going for the rest of the swim. I eventually built up the courage to put my head down and try freestyle. It was so much easier than breaststroke and I felt I was finally going somewhere. I caught up with Zoe at the last marker, and asked her if she wanted to swim to the finish, she was happy to let me go ahead. I was so relieved to finish that swim as I was helped out of the water by the race officials. I wobbled over to transition, clumsily got my runners on jumped on the bike to start the 5 km ride.
I remember people telling me to ‘Keep on the outside “as you take the first roundabout so as not to be taken out by other riders and I laughed to myself as I had the roundabout and indeed the whole course all to myself!! The run wasn’t any easier and I was convinced it was longer than 2 kms!!, it felt like 5 or 6 kms. I finished the race in 48 minutes and came 6th in my age category, which I thought was hilarious.
I was elated and exhausted after the race but so thrilled that I actually did it. Now I understand when people say once you complete your first triathlon race, you will be hooked! Right now I want to keep training, and keep trying to do a little bit better next time I race.
I was inspired after meeting Irene while having a coffee with Kitty at Clem Jones one morning after swim training. Irene explained how she has turned 80 and is still doing Channel swims! I am in awe of Irene and each of the Carina Leagues Triathlon club members for their achievements in completing triathlons over the years.
As I quote a great Irish Writer- George Bernard Shaw:
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing”
After just 3 weeks of training, I feel fitter and healthier than I ever have. While growing old is inevitable, having joined this triathlon club and completed my first race, I want to keep training and playing for many years to come.
Thinking of Doing Your First Triathlon?
We would love you to Tri with us! For more information, check out our Adult Squad and Adult Performance Squad pages and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.