Our latest installment of “Triathlon Writers” comes from New Zealand’s Taryn McLeod.  An Elite athlete who shows us that bad days plague even the best in the sport.

101 ways to lose a triathlon
By Taryn McLeod

I am not sure whether I simply invite bad luck, or whether my triathlon career is in fact cursed. Why I should wonder this is really quite obvious to those who know me, especially those who have known me since I first tested the triathlon waters ten years ago.

The first sign of what was to come surfaced in my first major race, the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships in 1996. After exiting the water in 2nd place things were looking good, mum had already run down the road to wait for me to come out on the bike.however, minutes later she started to panic when the rest of the field had come and go and I was nowhere to be seen. The reason for this being that I was still hopping madly around transition stuck in my wetsuit. This was my first outing in a wetsuit and I learned lesson #1 in triathlon.make sure the flap of the wetsuit isnt stuck in the zip before you start the race.

Lesson #2 occurred several times.apparently it can take a little while for me to learn my lesson. This particular lesson involves directions, an especially important lesson for someone like me who was born without any sense of direction whatsoever and who must be given explicit instructions at all times. The first mishap was in Australia where I happened to miss the race briefing (running a little late) and so headed out onto the bike course planning to just follow the leader. Unfortunately at some point my mind wandered a little off task and it was several kilometers later that I noticed I was into lap number 5 of a 4 lap course. The next occurrence was in my hometown where I really should know whats what on the coursethat is unless the marshall doesnt get his signs out in time for the first rider to come past and so she just keeps on keeping on. Yes, up and over the hill that is not actually part of the course and turning around only when her coach frantically chases her down in the car. Lesson #2..always know the course before you start.

I learned my next lesson in France during the first outing for my French team. The race was coming along nicely and as I lead the field out onto the run leg I was joined by a young man on a mountain bike who was meant to guide the way. Quite handy for me and my sense of direction actually, well it was until the young man on the mountain bike collided with a lamp post, veered across the footpath and took me out. One swollen knee and a few stitches later I began to think that fate is simply not on my side. Lesson #3, keep an eye on your guide at all times.

Lesson #4 also occurred in France, in the last of the Grand Prix series in La Baule. Situated in a very large front pack, the speed of transition was to be all important in order to start the run as far up the group as possible. So you can understand I began panicking when I couldnt seem to get my damn shoes on. How is it possible for your feet to grow several sizes during a race? The truth, I immediately notice after finally squeezing them on, is that the shoes are actually 3 sizes too small, reason being that the shoes in question are not my own.  When I eventually leave transition with the correct shoes on and my teammates shoes safely back in place I am certainly not vying for a podium spot. Always make sure you are actually putting the correct shoes on..especially when your shoes are the same as the rest of your teammates.

So, that brings me to my next lesson. This is a lesson that many of you fellow triathletes will learn, or have already learned during your own triathlon lives. It is the knowledge that rain, wet cobblestones and speed on wheels do not get along. Of course though, carrying the supposed curse, I had to learn this lesson during the first race where I was truly in contention for a decent paycheck. I could have cried as I lay on the side of the road watching those dollar signs disappear in the distance. Lesson #5, speed kills (and keeps you poor).

France is once again the setting for my next lesson, it seems this particular country does not hold a lot of luck for me and this time around I discovered the frustration of watching your rival slip away from you on the other side of a train which is blocking the bike course for what might possibly be eternity. It is difficult to label lesson #6.perhaps if a train is coming, beat it? But no, that could be inviting a meeting with Him.

Lesson #7, although not directly affecting my racing, was related to triathlon and did cause a great deal of stress. The night before I was due to depart for the Salford World Cup I checked with the team manager if he was sure we would be leaving in time for my early morning flight.maybe we needed more time to ensure I made it? No no, its only an hour drive.dont worry, I wouldnt do that to you, youll be there. Come Friday morning, as I turn up at check-in 20 minutes prior to the actual departure time I know my luck has run out, once again. The flight is closed. Eight hours and 450 euro later I leave on a new flight to Manchester. Always arrive at airports in plenty of time, especially when you are carrying a bike. No last minute check-ins when you have 30 kg of baggage.

What made the experience of lesson #7 worse was the learning of lesson #8..just when I thought things must surely be looking up. After the stress of actually getting to the race in Salford, I hoped to be rewarded with a decent performance. Thankfully the race seemed to be going smoothly, good swim, good first 4 laps of the cycle, oh yes.it was going to be a good one. End of lap four, over some tram tracks and suddenly I have no seat.  Here I am now with 20 km still to ride and I have to do it standing up (or perched on the metal prongs of the seat frame). I did in fact finish the race, much to the initial amusement of the crowd and the commentator. Lesson #8, make sure your seat is in good shape before you start a race.unless of course you want a challenge and a bruised behind for the next two weeks (metal prongs arent all that comfortable).

I know I titled this little tale 101 ways to lose a triathlon and perhaps that may seem exaggeration as I have only given you 8 lessons.however, we mustnt forget I still have a considerable number of years remaining in the sport so watch this space..if I have learned one overall lesson it has to be to expect the unexpected…GOOD LUCK!

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