From Fat Slob To Fit Triathlete

I mentioned some time ago that I couldn’t find a wetsuit to fit me and in honesty didn’t want to fork out a couple of hundred quid for a man’s that I’d have to cut the arms and legs off only for it to be no good next year when I’ve lost my weight.

I put a post on the tri talk forum and was offered 2. A member of Wrecsam Tri Club offered to bring his to Chirk and a guy from  Down South offered to post his. The Wrexham guy forgot to bring his and just looking at him I knew it wouldn’t fit he was let me say tall and slim. The other one was for a “short and stocky” frame. It duly arrived in the post and I nearly had kittens.

Then the fun started. It was let me say, a tad on the tight side. The kids collapsed into fits of hysterics and couldn’t help me. I could get it up to my knees but when I pulled it further I thought I was going to cut off my circulation. I have long nails by the way which didn’t help in the slightest. I persevered and then thought I was going to have to call the fire brigade to have it surgically removed.

Never one to give up… I mailed the guy who’d sent it me who suggested to give the kids a bigger laugh to put carrier bags on my feet before I started to “lube” it. He also suggested, getting it on to my knees, then thighs then waist etc.. Well you all have heard of my long suffering husband who was assigned the task to assist.

After much hysterics on my part, swearing and moaning on his I got into the wetsuit. Not a pretty sight but serves a purpose.

So Sunday, Manley Mere, the venue for the Deva Diva’s. It’s only about 30 minutes from here so didn’t bother with the Tom tom and trusted my old RAC routfinder and erm.. in traditional Lynne style, got lost.

I arrived half an hour late by which time all the groups had gone out to test the bike course, quite handy really as when I got home my cycling helmet was greeting me on the armchair!

I intended to do the run but got tied up in a few work issues so there it was. Time for the swim.

I managed to get my wetsuit on by myself but it took 2 lovely ladies plus nearly taking of one of their fingers to zip me up.

We all gathered (about 50 of us) shaking and quaking by the Mere waiting for instructions. Chris the BTA coach established how many had done open water swimming before.

My main fear for open water was that there wouldn’t be a side to cling to if I swallowed a mouthful and had a choking fit. We were assured that the Mere was shallow enough for us to be able to stand “in most places.”

We were told to get in, fully submerge ourselves and get out again. It was frrreeeeezzzing, and even colder when we got out. Can’t believe how thick I was I didn’t realise that water gets between your body and your wetsit, is warmed up by your body and creates an insulation layer to keep you warm!

We were told if we got into difficulties to roll over on our backs and stick our hand in the air and one of the numerous experienced swimmers would come to our aid as well as there being several men in kayaks.

So off we popped. 200m in a triangle around buoys. I did breast stroke with my head out of the water. It was so tiring. The buoyancy of the wetsuit was dragging my legs back. I bit the bullet and did crawl and swallowed half the Mere, including the duck poo. It was foul. (pardon the pun!). I was told to slow down, yes that’s right me the slowest of slow swimmers. It wasn’t that I was swimming too fast just that I was expending too much energy and getting out of breath. The kayak guy said to me “You can stop now if you want to.” You have got to be kidding! I don’t do giving up. I had some technique lessons on breathing and I pretty much know what I’ve got to do by the next session. I felt incredibly dizzy when I got out. That apparently is “normal.” I felt sick, remedied by drinking a bottle of coke and I could still taste the Mere water yesterday.

I can’t say I particularly enjoyed the experience but it’s just one more thing I can tick off on my achievement list. It was a fabulously organised training afternoon and the fact that there’s another 2 before the event gives me enormous confidence. I know what I’ve got to do and I know how I’m going to do it.

And a footnote from Sal, the race Secretary “No more curries” (she values her fingers!)

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