I have got back into racing again this month with the State Aquathon Champs (not great) and Champion Lakes draft legal sprint (better). Expectations for these races weren't very high, I had the aim of being fast and fit again for Perth at the end of the month. So these were more about finding some speed.
The Aquathon held on a Friday night usually is a bit rough due to the sea breeze and this year was no exception. Swimming out to the first buoy to sight the second buoy during the warm up was tough, I just needed to remind myself that this is good training.
On the start line there were plenty of young fast kids and it didn't take them long to get away in the swim as I lost my goggles as I dived in! Got them back on and got on with it, but it wasn't fast. After the 500m swim I got onto the first 2.4k run and felt ok, well as best as you can managing high heart rates and keeping speed high.
The 2nd swim was pretty similar to the first. Highlights would have to be the stingers and managed a little body surf on a wave in. Onto the 2nd run and I was on my own, but pushed hard just to experience a bit hurt! Finished in a very average 13th.
A week later and I was lining up against the young fast kids again, as well as the usual suspects that race open. Pre race tactic was to work with Brynt and Kenty and ride our self back to the leaders.
The swim started ok, but lost the lead pack at around 300m. I stayed switched on and worked on limiting the damage. I lead the 2nd pack into T1 thought great no pressure to fly through transition. But a slight issue getting my blue seventy suit off and a few beat me out of T1.
Onto the bike and I was happy as I had people to work with and started hard. My heart rate was high, but it was meant to be. We started a roll through and by the time we got to the end of the straight I was struggling! Forgetting my diesel engine takes a little time to fire up. A gap opened and I couldn't close it.. F#%k!! Way to stuff this race up.
By the time the mini pack of Mark Luckin and another finished the first lap, I was feeling ready to go. Mark had done a half ironman the week before, so I knew I had to do most of the work and just got on with it. Having Mark there was bloody helpful as I was able to have a few breaks as we got around and we didn't lose too much time.
Into T2 and the run felt good. It was heating up so I built into the run. I was running well and starting to move through the field. I liked the out and back run course as you could see how much you were making up quite often.
I ended up in 4th, which is my best sprint distance result in open. I'm happy with the day and with my recovery from Ironman. I'm a little ahead of where I thought I'd be, even with the post race limp.
City of Perth next and then back to a bit of longer training in prep for Singapore.
MG
No comments:
Post a Comment