So, I was looking forward to my first Aqua-Bike, after the training done in Denia, Spain, at the beginning of April, with Pro Endurance coaching. I was the slowest in the group, having never biked as much as everyone else, but never made to feel like that. Coach John Dargie adapted and tweaked each session to each individual ability, the sign of an amazingly talented teacher and coach.

However, on my return, I had suffered an horrendous cough/cold, and not made it to any training.

On Saturday, still coughing, I headed up to my best friend’s caravan in Crail, where she, her daughter and Amy had spent some if the Easter holidays. East Fife Triathlon/Aqua-Bike/Aquathlon was only half an hour from Crail, rather than 1.5hrs from Killearn. With my registration being at 8.15, decided to stay Saturday night.

I didn’t sleep well, still coughing and very aware of the strong winds outside! Sunday morning came and I felt like………well, not very good. I had contemplated withdrawing, but felt that I would be disappointed in myself not to give it a go, after all my bike hours in Spain. (190km in 8.5hrs)

After registration, briefing etc, I was totally panicking that I had put in the wrong swim time, as I was heat 2 and was packed full of students (partaking in their Scottish Student Championships). I thought “Just do it Joanne”.

The lads in my lane were half my age, as i explained I had a cold etc. The whistle went off and, as usual, everyone sprints off, so by 50m I was caught, so just let everyone passed. I was easily catching them back up, but I really didn’t feel like playing a “cat and mouse” game, so I just slowed down and let everyone else do the work, (hence a slow swim time!).

I headed into transition, nearly last (I didn’t care at this point!) I had already decided that I was going to wrap up. It was 6°C and windy, so helmet, jacket, socks and gloves on, so almost 2 mins for transition!!

As I headed off on my bike, I was amazed that I was nearly catching someone on the first hill, (Thanks John!), and then thought “Just dig in Joanne”. Once exposed on the A92, the wind really took its toll, then to turn left onto A913 to head up a probably 1 mile steady climb, (felt like 3 miles), with the full brunt of the wind, was mentally (had to do it twice) and physically brutal.

Then, when the course flattened out, I overtook someone……..yeh!!! Then, oh crikey, second lap of the hill, which, when you got to the top was a psychological blessing, cause it was all down hill to the finish……..WRONG!!!!

Now, normally, going downhill, I have a huge advantage, (Not sure why???? Lol!!!), but crikey, this was really hard work. Still, I overtook one more person, to head up to the finish line, having my photo taken, looking like I had dislocated my ankle, whlist in the process of dismounting, to a non exciting finish line!

So glad that I spent the extra few seconds to put jacket and gloves on, so that I could use my gears and brakes though.

Results were, I ended up 10th, (only 13 entered!), and wait for it 2nd lady veteran (only 2 entered!!!), But i did it!!!! “