my tan lines give me away...

[SnappyPix]

Hi Kiwi Girl,

Yes, it's the SHE Auckland triathlon - I'm really looking forward to it, as it's my first tri. Found myself in the middle of an Aunty Betty's tri yesterday morning on my training ride, which was fun!
Sounds like the Christchurch SHE was good fun - any tips?!!
I'm also thinking of doing the Special K Duathlon in a few months' time - are you planning on doing it too?

[kiwi girl]

I'm not sure I have a lot of specific advice - other than have fun. One difference you will have is the swim being in the sea (Christchurch had a pool swim). Becasue there could be 80 or more swim waves, unless you are in the first wave and very quick or in the last wave and quite slow nobody is really going to know how you are going once you get on the bike.

One thing I would suggest is take a flag or a helium balloon or something to help you find your spot in transition (because if there are as many entrants as last year in Auckland there will be over 4500 bikes there). I didn't do this but was lucky enough to get a spot right next to somebody who had marked their transition with a bright yellow balloon.

I've entered the Special K but my little brother has gone and got himself engaged and his wedding might be in Auckland that weekend - after living together for more than five years they have decided to take the plunge and they want to do it this summer.

[SnappyPix]

Kiwi Girl,

I think I'm more likely to be at the back of the swimmers, as I haven't really trained enough for the swim bit
Thanks so much for the advice on the balloon - I'll definitely go out and get one, as I was wondering how you found your bike in transition! That's a brilliant idea - thanks so much!
How selfish of your brother to arrange his wedding, out of the blue, without consulting your sporting calendar first! My brother-in-law and family are arriving for a holiday from the UK the day before the duathlon, but we're hoping jet lag might make them late risers that day, so we can be back from the event before they've even stirred! Hope so! People just don't consider these things when they organise your life for you!!

[kiwi girl]

Well having your visitors will be a good incentive to go fast at the triathlon (I don't know what you're like - but no matter what time I go to bed I can easily sleep past midday my first night home after coming back from the UK/Europe)