North Head Race 8 - 8th March 2020 - Pier Culley

I’ve only recently joined Warringah Triathlon Club, having moved to Sydney in September last year. So I have been using the Manly triathlons as starting point to encourage me to get fitter and try to meet more people.
At my first Triathlon in November, I was so nervous and arrived 30mins before registration, I was confused at the format (with the killer 1.6km hill run after the swim), so I was just happy to finish it. What I loved most about it were the friendly people and the beautiful setting. Manly North Head is a special place for me as my Mother grew up living in the Quarantine station.

In December, I didn’t get the message about the fancy dress but would have definitely embraced it. I was even considering an Easter theme for the April tri! I felt like I was improving in my performance and didn’t even stop to walk during the hill run (a sign of my poor fitness).

Then for the February triathlon I awoke ready to go but saw the storm and presumed it was cancelled so disappointingly i went back to bed, and didn’t realise the competition was still on! I had been increasing my runs and was trying to cycle to work a couple of times a week so by the time March triathlon came around I felt excited.

The swim went well (I do love the shallow water which means that you can often cut the swimming short and wade) . I ran up the hill with (relative) ease and felt good by the time I got to the bike leg. I was focusing on using my shoes and push/pull method to pedal, and I was chasing another female competitor who really pushed me. I was so focussed by the time I made it to transition I’d completely forgotten there was a run leg!

At the point that I was running I realised that I might be able to place so I was focussed at trying to run as fast as I could, knowing that it is my weakest link. Then as I crossed the finishing line I was elated to know that I was the first over the line in my race, I was completely exhausted! Thank you to the lovely Club Captain (?) who not only lent me his bike pump but pumped up my tires, and for all the friendly people who have made me feel so welcome at Warringah, and Mona Vale Dental for the $50 voucher.dit.