In a foolhardy moment at the beginning of the year I submitted my entry for the LT and was accepted. I decided to go the whole way and enter the Olympic distance of Swim 1500m, Bike 40k, and Run 10k. Whilst I had competed in some pool based triathlons, I had no experience of open water swimming. A few weeks prior to the LT I did take part in a sprint tri with a 400m open water swim but even in a wet suit I still found the conditions cold. Given that the swim in the LT was nearly 4 times longer I seriously wondered if I could complete the distance.
Therefore the only way was to acclimatise my aged body to open water swimming. Unfortunately there are no facilities locally. The wardens at Kelsey Park were naturally reluctant to let me try my wetsuit in case I frightened the wild life on the lake. Keston Ponds were also not appealing. I therefore had to contend myself with numerous cold showers, standing in my wet suit for up to 20 minutes duration. I think my wife considered I was going senile (or had gone).
The swim for the LT was held in the Royal Victoria dock, temperature about 16/18. As I jumped in ready for the start I found that my cold water training had obviously helped as I experienced no problems with the cold. In my age group (+45m) there were about 250 competitors waiting to start.
As the hooter sounded and the 250 swimmers moved forward it was a moment I shall never regret as it resembled the wildebeest crossing the Zambesi in Africa - arms and legs everywhere- fortunately no crocodiles.
I soon made some space for myself and got some sort of rhythm, I emerged from the water in just over 35mins, far quicker than the times achieved in West Wickham baths.
Transition No.1 was somewhat lengthy - out of wet suit - place in plastic bag - run up some 20 steps carrying wet suit - run all round the Excel Centre back to bike rack. Not easy to find bike as one of the more mature competitors who relies on glasses. These wouldn’t fit under my swimming goggles! The bike leg consisted of 2 laps out to Tower Bridge and back to Beckton roundabout and then into the Excel Centre for the run.
Again a lengthy transition out of Excel to commence the run. This consisted of 2 laps round part of the Royal Victoria Docks. Whilst a flat course, by midday when I was running it was very hot with little shelter. Fortunately there were drinks available around the course.
Whilst I had passed a number of competitors in the bike section, the reverse happened in the run. I eventually finished in an overall time 0f 3hrs 7min which included about 9 min in transition. This seemed a long transition but was fairly average for my age group.