T1 /start racking was very impressive – big expanse of blue carpet; 50 rows all marked out, in age order. I was in row 48 – sinking stomach feeling – why was I STILL doing this? Even funnier as I approached my row and several grey haired men were doing stretches – my age group! – felt like I had landed in triathlete version of a care home.

Swim – felt great to have the security of my wetsuit again (banned wetsuits in Frankfurt) and such a short swim at 1900m. Not too busy, as the old agers were in the last wave.

Bike – had been told this was flat and fast. Certainly felt fast to start – but heading back (twice as there were loops) there was a head wind. Tram lines made it interesting. But that was about all that was interesting on the bike.

Run – I had been warned that this was when I was going to feel like I was running on empty and I do admit to a message in my head ‘mind over matter’! I felt OK but certainly not comfortable and my time reflected that. Great to see Neil Harris in the crowd - and giving me a loud cheer – he did a phenomenal debut race at this distance – 4.16, 52^nd overall and 11^th in the 25-29 years olds, aged 29. I noticed an age group competitor just ahead of me when we turned a lap – and I kept her in my sites and passed her at the half way point. Her swim was 8 minutes ahead of me and her run 10 minutes slower. I had clocked a fine Belgian chocolate shop on lap 1 – only thing I remembered each lap,

My ‘helpful’ husband who bought himself a beer at every run lap, shouted out that there were 2 or 3 ahead of me on the last lap. This was supposed to inspire me – it almost made me slower.  Therefore when I saw the result sheet and I was first I was shocked. He lied. But maybe after 3 triple beers everyone looked older.

The slot allocation was very atmospheric – held in a 14c town hall - full of paintings by Flemish masters. Champagne was served and then they started – pros first and then the ladies – there was only one slot for most of the age groups – including mine. Florida in November wasn’t really on my agenda – but I keep planning my retirement, so maybe this can be it. For the moment though I plan to savour that box of Belgian chocolates.

1900 m swim               90km bike                               21.1km run     70.3    A/G

Neil Harris 25.36          2:35     2.17.47            1.20                 1.29.10   4.16.30        11^th

Jane Wiley 35.22          2.39     2.49.55            2.18                 1.53.38   5.23.54         1st