I am back from Abu Dhabi and the only way to sum it up is to say is that it was an experience of a lifetime. Something I will never forget and something I will more than likely repeat!
Logistically and practically I didn’t leave myself much time from the moment I reached Abu Dhabi until the race the next morning.
My partner was still putting my bike together at 1am when we had to be up at 4am! Everything from then onwards was a blur. Next thing I know I’m standing on the Corniche Beach ready to start my wave.
I felt prepared and confident for the swim and spent three to four times a week in the pool back in the UK working on distance training and other techniques to help me on the day.
As I stood at the start line I could feel the tension, excitement and adrenaline amongst all competitors.
This was it, this is what I had worked so hard for and now was my time to prove to myself what I had set out to achieve.
I started off at the back of my wave and to the right of the swim knowing that I just needed to get through this part of the race. I started off quite well and calm but then I felt myself panicking and losing control of my breathing.
So many thoughts circled through my head such as why I was doing this, what if I couldn’t make it back and if it was all worth it. I had to focus and knew I had to get this swim done. My only solution… back stroke!! I ended up doing back stroke the whole 750m swim…. has to be a first in an International Tri! I wasn’t in the least bit bothered though as I was more relaxed and focused. I just had to make sure I kept going strong as the beach finish became closer and closer.
I got there in the end and as I came out of the water and onto the beach stretch it was comforting to see people cheering along until I reached the changing tents. I dried off, hydrated and got ready to pick up my bike from the transition zone. The adrenaline really started to pump now and this was physically where I started the race, mentally it was long gone somewhere in the water!
The bike was tough with a combination of 30 degree heat and winds. Yep, where did the winds come from! Strong winds from the dunes were quite a surprise. I just went with the flow and loved the attention and encouragement from the crowds.
I got quite emotional mid-way through the bike, not because I found it a struggle but because I couldn’t believe that l was riding on this course. I was SO happy just to be in this place and realised that everything I had been working so hard for was paying off. Seeing the elites racing and passing me on the bike and being on the same course with pro’s was beyond exciting!
I felt really strong on the bike and as the end neared I prepared myself for ‘jelly legs’ and this is where the brick training should pay off. I took my time getting off the bike and getting back to transition. My legs felt dead but not as bad as I anticipated so a quick run to the changing tent, lots and lots of fluid and sun cream (I was quite roasted and burnt by now!) and off I went onto the run.
I was hot, tired and as I started the run it felt like forever. The run was along the Corniche with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf – simply breath taking. This somehow made the run more manageable. Many of the more experienced triathletes had finished my course, which was the shortest of the three races on the day, and were on the side lines shouting out encouragement.
There was a real sense of togetherness on the day, not only from spectators but other athletes. Simply amazing to see them cheering and helping us get past the pain.
I passed Faris Al Sultan coming the opposite direction on my run which was thrilling! He came in second on the day and a lot of the media hype was around him. I was running side by side next to him, ok only for about two seconds but exciting none the less.
By now I didn’t want any more discomfort or pain and to stop would have been the easiest option. I didn’t want to walk at any stage or give up, I was extremely adamant about this so seeing Faris spurred me on to keep going and keep strong mentally.
The finish line was a matter of metres away and as I crossed it I was more than emotional. I received a huge hug from a young girl local girl who handed me my medal. The recognition really touched me.
I was shocked to find out that I had actually underestimated myself quite a bit and beaten my target time of three and a half to four hours and completed the course in two hours 53 minutes.
This was really an accomplishment for me. I did myself proud and have pushed myself every step of the way to get here.
This race has been an adventure. All the hard work, 5am training sessions, sore legs and doubts in my head had been worth it. The course itself was magnificent and the organisation and preparation on the day was flawless.
There was no doubt this was an international event with a standard to match. The atmosphere at the finish line was buzzing. Everyone was still waiting around for the elite men to come through on their course (3km swim, 200km bike and 20km run).
For me the race didn’t finish when I crossed the line. My boyfriend was also competing on the day in the mid distance course so I waited around the finish line to see him finish.
This was probably the highlight of the day for me… he proposed at the finish line. I said yes of course!
