First Olympic-Distance Triathlon

On September 10, 2023, I raced the Toulouse M triathlon.

• Distance: Olympic / M format
• Time: 2h27
• Ranking: 81 / 400

This race became one of the experiences I can look back on when I need confidence.

Preparation

The discipline I built during the summer was strong. I was working 3x8 shifts at the Egelhof factory, but training gave rhythm and energy to the period.

I used ideas from La Bible du Triathlon, especially structured work across the three disciplines. I did not extract all the benefits from the book, partly because money and logistics limited what I could do, but the structure helped.

The best part of preparation was being outside. Cycling around Toulouse gave me air, distance from work, and a way to discover the region.

Race Notes

Swimming went well. I came out of the water without feeling exhausted, which was exactly what I needed.

On the bike, I underestimated how much nutrition could revive me during the effort. I could probably have pushed harder.

The run is what made me proudest: 45 minutes for 10 km. It was the discipline where I felt least solid, and it became the place where I saw the most progress. That is usually a sign of good preparation.

Why It Matters

This race was a turning point. I had a clear plan, followed it seriously, and saw the result under pressure.

It also reinforced something bigger: sport can create geographic attachment. Bringing my bike to Toulouse made me discover the area differently, and later strengthened my desire to travel more freely with the van.

Lesson

A good preparation block changes more than performance. It changes identity. You stop seeing yourself as someone trying to train and start seeing yourself as someone capable of executing a plan.