Just thought I would share my experience at the mini tri yesterday.

Was scared to death on the way there. Early start to the day as the mini starts at 7am, and coming in from Pakenham, had to get up and leave early with enough time to set up and get ready.

Pretty straight foward getting everything ready at the bike compound. The mini was 150m/5km/1.5km.
So pretty small, but a good distance for my first.

Wierd feeling at the start, while waiting in the rain at the start line, with the announcer cracking jokes, and commentating, and the crowd cheering and clapping, you couldn't but help feel a part of it, but after the siren goes for my wave to go, everything changes in a flash, the frantic dash followed by the splashing sound of water and bubbles. It was like the world changed in an instant. Gasping for air, for position, all I could think of was where all that start line eurphoria or buzz went. Don't know if I am making sense, but hard to decribe it really.

Anyway, loved the swim, going to transition or T1, was a little slow as everything I layed out was soaked from the rain, so no use drying your feet. And if anyone else was there, or anywhere in Melbourne, the flies were horendous, so I had the areogard to go as well. Passed many people on my mountain bike, but was passed by just as many too. I am no speed demon, just a labourer, it felt great to pass afew people who were wearing all the gear too.

I am 100kg now, 34 years old, and only started this year in May (was 140kg then) to get fit and healthy by running and eating better. Started to train and completed Melbourne Half marathon this year, and have now found my new sport I can train to improve in, as well as go for the Melbourne Marathon next year too. Love this fitness craze that I have found. It is never too late to start and I am rapt to have found these sports to compete in.

Finished the race with nothing left in the tank, and placed 49th in my category, (M30-39) out of 92 I think, and 172nd out of 584 overall. Well I think I have read it all correctly anyway. I may be slow, but still a little competitive.

Enjoyed the whole day, even the rain for me was good as I didn't freeze like I thought I might. The feeling around the park was great, people everywhere, and not all elite too. Nowhere as intimidating as I thought it would be. Chatting with complete strangers like they were long lost friends, the officials running the show were second to none. Pity I have to wait 3 weeks to the next one. At least we have the Olympic Dream this weekend of which I will be doing to. Well done to all and thanks Gatorade and Cool Running.

Sorry this has dragged on for a bit, but seems no-one else cares about my day yesterday, apart from my wife, of which is enough for me, but needed to tell lots more.

Just so everyone knows, I first got my inpiration to do Triathlons on these forums. Now can't wait for the next ones, and slowly stepping up to the longer distance ones too. Small steps though.

Well done TBS, thats a great effort. And excellent placing for your first tri.

Its really nice to see so many different sorts at events hey. When you're new all you see is the buff and gorgeous in magazines, and so its such a relief to see that all shapes and sizes participate. And like you say, everyone is so friendly.

Your comment about 'no one else caring about your day' made me laugh!! That was what attracted me to CR too.....the fact that i wasnt the only weirdo who got a buzz from running. Good to see the forum gives you inspiration too.

Good luck with future events and i hope you share your progress and results with us all.

Oh and PS hope you're going to buy yourself a reward pressie for such a fab effort!!

i've got my first novice tri comming up this weekend!! soooo nervous already.. i hate it!! similar distance.. 200m/8k/2k good to hear your thoughts and feelings about it..

it's the swim i think is going to be a killer

not difficult in terms of distance but just a real mess.. was that how it was?? Full of newbies thrashing around

And i also do know what you mean about the start.. one second it's all anticipation and nerves and then BANG.. it's all go.. and then.. it's over..

you'll have to let us know how your next one goes!!

Congrats on the mini-tri !

I did a few of those back around 2001-2002, I managed to get upto 600m/20k/6k. I really miss doping them and have been contemplating getting back into it, although Sydney doesn't seem to have the same number of races.

Great report TBS!!

Good on you for getting out there and having a go and congratulations on your weight loss. Sounds like you are pretty much hooked so I wish you all the best with your next one!

Great story mate. I started the same as you. Lost 30 kilos training and am fronting up for Ironman number 3 in two weeks. Rock on!!!!

well done TBS-you're helping inspire me to do a tri! I undercoated the bike tonight!

TBS I understand the excitement and trepidation of your first tri. It was my first complete tri too. Last year I did the Brooks run and bike leg but coerced my son to swim. This time I swam the gatorade tri at St Kilda in the thunder lightning squally wind and choppy sea. What a baptism. Having crawled out of the water intact I know nothing can stop me now. I sure am going to nail the next tri at elwood. Finishing was a buzz and I have left myself lots of room for improvement.
Keep the effort going
plodda