I arrived at Busselton on Thursday and was welcomed with heavy rain and wind, and surf at the jetty!!  Friday was a little better and had a good swim and ride with Henrietta, and the obligatory coffee. I was looking forward to the swim with a good swell, which made it a little harder going out, but good body surfing on the way in, but how that was to change.

We awoke race day to a still, dry but cool morning. Had my breakfast and equipment check  (must of been the 10th bag check that morning) and off down to transition. Race Day was here!!!!

After some good luck wishes from Mandy and friends Cliff and Naomi, I went down for a swim warm up. No swell and like a pool, perfect for a swim!!

Then over for my start. Had to wait for what seemed ages while the other legs went off, and wait for the drone to take video of us, then all of a sudden the hooter sounded and we were gone!! NO Countdown!! Swim was going well , caught some of the early waves 1/2 way up the first leg, then more around the top, and then near the end of the swim, it was a bit of dodgem’s , trying to find a straight clear line through all the other swimmers. Then up the beach, time for a shower (I wish), and through to transition. Hat off, goggles off, suit off, and pulled legs out of suit, and on cue,  cramp!! So sat down got the socks and bike shoes on and got up for a stretch and gone. Had a good ride out, and the ride seemed to pass quickly, however the last 3/4 of the last lap the wind was starting to tell, and had to work a bit harder. Did manage to see a few other “wellbeings” on the bike. One lady wearing a big white parachute (that would be A.J.), I mean Jacket, and and another lady with mile long legs, who decided to stop for 4 mins to chat to officials!!

On the way into the finish I did have a scare with another rider. We were both coming into the final straight before the turn to dismount, and a cat decided to cross the road. I shot off in one direction and the other guy the other way and the cat between us both. We just looked at each other and wondered how we both missed it!!

Back into transition, and bike, in helmet off, runners on and gone.

The run started off well and the first 1 1/2 laps were going well, then things started to change. My calves, especially my left, started to complain. This got worse by the end of round 2 and round 3 was just like a boxing match. My legs dishing out the punches and me just having to take it!! Again saw a few of the gang cruising around, Haytham, Di and a flash of blue, called Katherine. Henrietta was behind me and catching, I was determined for her not to catch me, but alas, 2kms from the finish she caught and passed me, telling me to “hurry up, stop slacking”!!!

It was great to see that finish chute and that final 50 metres was heaven.

I took off my time chip, headed for the fruit, but was distracted by the biscuits and muffins, which were calling me over! I grabbed some, found a spot, and fell onto the ground. With muffin in face another “wellbeing”, Mark,  appeared, and looked how I felt! He too fell down next to me, loaded up with the same “nutritional” ideas I had.  Muffins and biscuits. Then came Henrietta, who was looking good, and ” stole “my last choc muffin!!

I managed a PB by 23 mins, but with a disastrous run time, I am coming back to finish this off properly next time!!

The day was finished off with us all celebrating all our experiences of the day at the dinner, and celebrating our friends achievements who got on stage to collect their age group placing’s. Congratulations to you all.

I would like to say a HUGE Thanks to Carol, whose training, advice and encouragement has helped me through some tough times, and without them I would not have  got to where I have.

I would also like to say A HUGE Thanks to Henrietta, for working on these old legs, and working with me to get me through the run and bike. Even though I did shed a tear or two in her sessions. Thanks Henrietta , and well done in your race and good luck for Ironman.

Another Lady I would like to thank is Katherine:  a lady with a huge drive, and just a little bit competitive. For joining me with training and advice, and adding in a laugh or 2 on the bike rides. She must have the smallest bladder in Perth!!

Finally a HUGE THANKS to Mandy, who has put up with my focus, my doubts, the early starts, the training etc. She helped so much with my motivation with her own achievements in Tri’s, and her encouragement and support of me during this season. Thanks Mandy.

To all the others at Wellbeings, thanks for welcoming me and Mandy into the “Family”.
A great bunch of people, Thanks.

See you all soon

Nigel.