Throughout the 12hr flight out to Cancun via Dallas, there was plenty of time for emotions and deliberation– anxious excitement, fear of the unknown, doubts over my race performance in the heat and humidity, and would my bike actually survive the long journey undamaged? Acknowledging the hard physical work had been completed; all that was left to do was the psychological preparation – definitely not to be underestimated.  

Stepping off the plane, the heat and humidity was almost unbearable.

The following two days prior to the race were hectic, as a number of things had to be accomplished: -  

An 8am early morning swim was in order and over 100 team-mates took to the sea to check out part of the route and look over the transition area.

The next thing to be ticked off my list was the GB registration and picking up of my race packet & timing chip from the Convention Centre - a short bus journey away. A further important job was to rebuild my bike and have it checked over by the GB team mechanic. (Which I managed fairly successfully – thanks to Neal Doggett ‘s coaching).  

That afternoon all national teams presented themselves in their country uniform in downtown Cancun for the Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremony. Here a short program of folkloric Mexican ballet occurred.

I missed out this event and opted for a short nap instead, (showing my age now!). From here it was on to the Pasta party, where (as you would guess) pasta was found in abundance, accompanied by gallons of water.  A lovely 45- min walk home that evening with newly acquainted friends ended an interesting day.  

The following morning at approx. 6am, 150 Brits took to the roads on their bikes, to check out the route and try manoeuvring around some of those tight corners. From there it was on to team breakfast, where a race briefing was given, and the morning was finished with the team photo shoot. The afternoon consisted of waiting around for the allocated slot for my bike to be checked into the age- grouper transition area, where it was to be abandoned overnight. The sheer sight of all those thousands of bikes will be forever imprinted in my mind.  

All this occurred in-between copious drinks of water and sports drinks, carbo-loading and the repeated calls of nature! Later that afternoon the athletes at my hotel appeared to be hibernating.  I even found time for a short nap (again!) and tried to relax and read a book for a few hours.  

After a virtually sleepless night, visualising the swim, the transition area, the bike route, etc, over and over again, I felt I had completed the race by the time I rose at 4.30 am.  This is the time when you suddenly question your sanity as your legs shake uncontrollably and you can only last minutes between toilet stops. Nervous? Of course not.  Excited? Definitely!  

On to collect the pre-ordered lunch box for a 5.30 am breakfast as the hotel was unable to supply breakfast prior to 6.30 am.  One look inside the box and it was off to the toilet again.  A sports bar and 2 litres of sports drink seemed a more suitable option. At 6.30 am I took a short 5 min walk down to the transition area, black bag in hand, holding the rest of my transition gear and fluids for the forthcoming race.  

The transition area had to be exited 45 mins prior to the race start.  I therefore had to leave around 7.00am. We were then called to prestart holding pens 20 mins prior to commencement of the race and from there the walk to the starting pontoon. (Is this the way they feel on death row?).  

Shortly thereafter the horn blew to signal the start of the race for the athletes with disabilities and I spared a thought for Paula, Jason and Chris, the three GB athletes I had got to know over the last few days.  How physically and mentally strong they must be!  

Next it was Linda’s start and before I knew it I was in the water scrambling for a space on the pontoon to push off from. ‘Can we make a pact not to kick or push?’ I heard a voice say.  ‘Sorry, every man for themselves here mate!’ I thought to myself. With the swim underway, there was no time for fear, instead I focused on the inevitable fight for open water, with flailing arms and legs constantly knocking goggles off.  

The feeling of swimming in the 26 degree Caribbean Sea without a wet suit was tremendous. One thing I was aware of was the changes in temperature of the surrounding water as I swam over different depths.  The 1500m rectangular – shaped loop passed over a navigational channel used by boats to enter the lagoon and the seabed floor fell away from you here. Big banana like buoys marked the corners and divers underneath checked for athletes swimming under the buoys or perhaps getting into difficulty.  The swim back to the shore against a current was challenging and the blinding sunlight made siting the faraway buoys difficult. Coming out of the water, I ran between two grandstands, across the timing mat, up the white sandy beach and across this monstrosity of a man made bridge – a nice little 200 – 300 metres.  

Entering T1 I was relieved to have found my bike out of the 3,000 racked and 2 mins 30-sec after exiting the swim was out of the transition area. There was no way I would have obtained my usually fast Scottish sub 60-sec transition time. Nevertheless, I remained positive as I jumped on my bike.  

The bike route was the most enjoyable phase of the event.  It was flat but very technical with a few sharp corners and right hand bends. I had to think about what I was doing.  Concentrating on the gear changes and accelerating out of the corners to maintain speed was of utmost importance. (Neal D. taught me well).  

The route (on closed roads) consisted of a 5k lap out to a 10k circuit of three loops, then a 5k lap returning to transition again. According to the race organisers there would be up to 450 bikes on the route at any one time! Therefore focusing and perhaps anticipating what other cyclists were going to do on each corner was again another obstacle to face.  

Timing mats and video channels were allocated throughout the course, to map athlete’s progress.  

During the bike route, determination that no one would pass me and focusing on the GB teammate who was directly ahead of me, kept me engrossed. Refuelling during this phase was of utmost importance if I was to survive the 40-degree heat on the 10k run. 2litres of sports drink and 1 gel later I hopped of my bike and found my way into T2.  

In T2 I found my space reasonably quickly with the help of some landmarks imprinted in my head. A quick change into my running shoes a few cramps in the quads! And I’m off.  

The run comprised of a flat 2 lap 5k run course, marked every 1k, where water, ice, sponges and sports drinks were set up. My legs felt fairly fresh, (had I worked hard enough on the bike?), then wham! the heat and humidity took my breath away – similar to the feeling fairly early on in the season when you enter the cold water of the Scottish Lochs.

Then I heard the voice of Ian Pettitt (GB Team Manager) cry, ‘relax’! Was he for real? When eventually my breathing became regular again I managed to get into a rhythm, focusing on the athlete in front and grabbing every accessible packet of iced water and sponges to pour over my head and body. It was a great psychological boost to start passing a few runners and this was one of the things that kept my concentration up.  

Young Mexican children braved the heat to dutifully pass the water.  ‘Schuss’, was heard now and again, ‘Yes please’, was my reply as the children poured iced water down my back as I ran and then laughed at the expression on my face at the sudden change in temperature.  The water was delivered in polybags and I later heard one of the GB girls had actually choked on a piece of polythene as she bit open the bag – another thing to be aware of for future races.  

Before crossing the finishing line Ian Pettitt (in seemingly GB tradition) handed me a Union Jack Flag to wave as I stepped over the line, I had completed the race!  

On to the recovery area to take my running shoes off and sit under a cold shower – Perfect Bliss! Medical tents, massage, water, sports drinks, and fruit supplies were all to be found.  Not forgetting the ‘Bimbo Extreme’ sandwiches. (And there you were thinking I was referring to Linda and I in the title – thought it would catch your attention). Throughout the race YOUNG females (obviously not Linda and I) were walking around with ‘Bimbo Extreme’ banners around them. Nigel the GB team photographer had a field day.  It transpired to be a brand name of bread and one of the major sponsors of the event.  

After refuelling and a quick massage, someone announced that the results were available. I was delighted to find I had finished 4^th GB female in the 40 – 44 year age group out of the 17 Brits and 30^th place overall in that age group in a time of 2hrs 38 mins. Fairly reasonable in that heat and humidity and it being only my 4^th Olympic distance race. Only 10 Scots took part out of the 250 GB team – Linda Malcolm finished 5^th GB female in the 50 – 55 year age group in 2hrs 57 mins – 26^th female overall in the same group.  

What next? Well this has only ‘whet’ my appetite for more! Could I possibly qualify and raise enough money for New Zealand in December next year or perhaps Madeira in May 2004?  Will my husband, Roy and family put up with my training schedules and exploits? Will Neal Doggett continue to coach me and plan my training? Would an Ironman be a possibility? Watch this space!  

A big thank-you to all whom sponsored us, especially East Lothian Tri Club. Particular thanks to all members and friends who donated their own time towards raffle prizes – Sartjie, Lesley, Ray, Brian T, Gordon, and Fiona.