Matt Porteous v. Triathlons (1:1)

Having competed in my first triathlon only a month ago, it seemed no time at all before I was setting off towards the town of Dalkeith for my second. After a nightmare puncture in my first race I was still hoping to complete my first triathlon – this being the only goal for today’s race. I found myself constantly checking my tyres on the cycle out to Dalkeith, worried I would puncture again. Much to my relief, I arrived safely and was glad to see an excellent turn-out from EuTri – 18 of us in total. The day was promising to be a cracker as well - hardly a cloud in sight. The pleasant warmth (despite being 7.30 in the morning) reminding me that I should probably have brought some suncream. Thankfully I hadn’t forgotten anything else and I was able to set up transition before heading in to the pool to watch the first of the swim heats.

I watched several of EuTri put down some storming performances in the pool before it was finally my turn. I was first off in my lane. And finished last. A bit of a nightmare swim after swallowing what seemed like half the pool in very choppy water. But I was eventually out and on the long run towards transition and the start of the bike. The bike course was two 10km loops featuring a very steep hill (for me!) straight after coming out of transition. As expected, the hill was tough, but we were rewarded with a long, fast descent all the way back into transition. I managed to complete the two laps without incident and it was at that point that I knew I was going to be finishing my first triathlon. This thought may have distracted me during the second transition (I spent at least 10 seconds trying to work out how to fit my bike onto the rack) but I was soon out on the run. Despite some niggling cramps I was soon in sight of the finish line and, after almost 3 years in EuTri, I could eventually call myself a triathlete!

It had been a fantastic day and I was able to watch the rest of the athletes cross the finish line whilst trying to recover with some (read a lot of) well-earned cake. EuTri had a very successful day with everyone managing to successfully negotiate the course. Notable male performances included those of Ali, Angus and Dechlan all coming within the top 25 (with only 17 seconds separating their times!). The top three females for EuTri were Lisa, Jenny and Kate, all with great times. I had learnt a lot from finishing my first triathlon – lessons which I hope I will be able to use in many more races in the future.

By Matt Porteous