so yesterday was my first tri ever.
General thoughts are that the atmosphere was awesome, so many other competitors willing to help out and give tips on all aspects of the race etc (warning me of hidden potholes etc). Very mch enjoyed it!

Come the race and swim I beat my PB even after drinking a lane full of water and having to dodge competitors. Onto the transition and I spent a little time throwing on a pair of compression tights as my knee was still pretty painful and I knew I'd make up the time overall that I'd lose on the transition!
Cycle and 3km into that I turned sharp left and the back slid out... Bit of corrective countersteering kept me on the bike had a look back to see the problem and rear tyre was flat completely!
17km later and I jumped off the bike with the tyre pretty shredded and the rim a bit fucked to say the least.
Onto the run and I wasn't able to loosen the musclesat the end of the bike and my knee was throbbing. Did the run in a poor time (32 min) and finished the race.

Loads of support from competitors racing alongside as well as marshalls and families etc. Good day really!

Finished in 1:33:42 and ended in 193/240 which reflects the problems I had. Still, just looking to finish this one!
Two months away is Bristol one, and I reckon a good 15/20mins will be whacked off that time if I get no problems with the bike and get myself a tri suit!

Sat here now unable to walk, so will be looking for a sports therapist this week!
Bring on the next one!

Well done mate for finishing considering the tyre issue. I've done 12 miles on road with a bare rear rim before and half an off road race with a bare front so I know what you went through in that respect. I expect your appitite will crazy over the next few days!

Bloody good work mate. Main thing is that you enjoyed it despite all the problems - bodes well for next time

Loads of respect for doing that mate, well done... especially considering the flat tyre!

I know absolutely nothing about the triathlon, but it sounds hard, so well done.

Having experienced the delights of cycling with a destroyed tyre before I take my hat off to you. That is by no means a bad finishing place for you first triathlon especially considering the bike issues! Congratulations, this sport definitely sounds like your cup of tea, considering the enthusiasm I can read.

Plans for your next one? How do you want to order your weights to complement triathlon?

Well done mate

I forgot the tip about taking a spare inner tube Oh well you know now

Well done Rich. Sounds liek a hell of a hard work!

tbh I think that's an excellent finish Rich. I think problems this time around prepare you well for future races and, as you say, first time out just getting the finish had to be the goal this time around. Triathlons are tough - period, so big respect for doing it, especially with a bitching knee and a shredded tyre!

thanks everyone!

Yeah entbusiasm is quite high at the moment and Ive convinced myself that Im only racing myself, and if I beat the majority of people in the future, even better!

Weights routine Im not sure about really... Will do some extensive reading over the next few weeks. No leg training for a little while due to knee, and getting tattooed yesterday. Plus I want a short (1wk) rest as I deserve it haha.

Bristol sprint in July is the next planned one, but there's a few before that I might enter if Im feeling good enough!

And yeah, Id rather have the problems early on when I'm just getting mybearings on the whole thing as they can only get better from now on!

Sub 1h 30m is the next target (set them respectable and blowing them away is a bonus)!