Happy Bear

This is me after my aquathon last night. A great evening for it. We turned up for registration at 6, then got ready/warmed up for a 7pm start. I went for a little run then put on my wetsuit and went for a dook before the start. Must say I was a bit more anxious than expected! The waves weren't huge but they were a bit choppy. Although I've done a lot of open water swimming, I've never done a race with a sea swim - despite entering two previously, both turned into duathlons because the weather was so bad. So.. I got out of the water, waiting for the briefing and the starter's horn, then got on with it all and - after the first minute or so of 'what am I doing!!?' - found that I really enjoyed the swim. There were cold bits and warm bits to swim through. And when going with the current, it was much easier! One lap done. Out onto the beach. Run round two people waving yellow flags. Breathe! Then do it again. Out onto the beach. Wave to HB! Kick off wetsuit. Put on shoes and glasses. Run! Up the steep long hill, along the flat bit of the cliff top. Ignore the school kids teasing you about your bum. Smile at the old gent who shouts kindly out 'no overtaking' when you pass him and his wife walking along. Down the steepy hill to the promenade. High-five the young guys out for a walk with their girlfriends who put their hands up as you run past. And repeat the run 2 more times, coming in very near the end with sore slightly mangled feet due to no socks or vaseline (when will I learn) but plenty of sand, but happy that you kept going and that you enjoyed it.

To top it off, we had dinner (chicken kebab) watching the sun go down and the moonlight shine across the sea. A fab fun evening indeed.