Albany Half Triathlon

Just a little update for you all....

I had a quick trip down to Albany over the weekend to check out the Albany Half Triathlon Course with race directors Scott and Dale. Absolutely great to see a couple of passionate age group racers deciding to put on a race down in Albany. It's one of my favourite regions in Australia, along with Tasmanian and Far North Queensland. Note there all spectacular and this race will show this off!

The race HQ and the swim will be at Middleton Beach. The map of the swim looks like you go further out than at the Albany Classic, but in reality the two lap swim course is pretty close to shore.

Every year I've raced the Albany Classic I've chatted with Sean O'Neill about racing up Mt Clarence, finally there is a race which uses it. As soon as you leave T1 its straight into the climb and 8% grade within about 50m, so no time for the heart rate to settle. If you attack this climb, you'll pay for it later on in the bike or run. The climb is about 1.3km long and is followed by a technical descent down to the Albany Harbour.

The rest of the bike course is relatively flat and fast. There are a few little rolling undulations and a few sections exposed to the wind. Wind direction in January is usually an easterly, so it will be a tail wind on the way out and into it on the way back if the wind is up. They tell me the wind doesn't normally kick in until around 10am, so might not be a factor.

The climb back up Mt Clarence to finish will be tough as it starts with a steep twisting climb, which peaks at 14% and is longer than the climb on the way out.

The run course is along the boardwalk down to Emu Point and if you've raced the Albany Classic before you'd know that the constant changing of gradient makes this a tough run! The return from Emu Point includes 2.4km running on the beach. This has been a concern for many entrants, but there is nothing to worry about. The surface is surprisingly hard and fast! It should be quicker than the boardwalk and will give you a great view of the scenery and competitors you're trying to chase down.

At the end of the lap is a nice little hill up the side of Mt Clarence before turning around and down to the finish or your 2nd lap.

It should be a great event! There are spots still available, but I wouldn't wait too long.

Training Update
Over the last month I've just been building up a nice base. Not too much intensity other than a couple of 10k running races.
Joondalup 10k 35.39 and a week later
Run for gold 10k 34.58

Bike is feeling quite strong with only and month off and I'm starting to get in some consistent running volume. Swimming dropped off the most and there is a bit of work to do, but I'm seeing improvement already :)

Train safe
Mikey