Tuesday 26 August 2014

Metaman Bintan

This was an interesting race for me, lots learnt but most of all confidence gained.

Andy and I had the midnight flight out of Perth on Thursday.
Last minute packing of everything! Thank god for my new bike bag mum and dad bought me as all we needed to do was take my new wheels off, put her in the bag and zip her up!

Little sleep was had on the flight before reaching Singapore and catching the ferry to Bintan.
Straight to the hotel where we went straight to the sun loungers to have a snooze in the shade before our room was ready.

As usual a pre race swim/bike/run was planned for Saturday. Off I went with my sister Kate for our 30min spin. Within 2 mins I was dripping. The sweat running off me was insane! A short run on course in the shade an that was me done for the day. I went over the bike course in the car with Kate, Dan, Mum, Dad and Andy so we all knew where we were going and what we were install for tomorrow. Being one lap there wasn't much for all to see on race day so it was nice the supporters could get an idea of the course.


Bike check in, registration, briefing and Carbo dinner. The briefing was intense! Never have I been to an athlete briefing with so much emphasis on the heat and humidity and ensuring you look after yourself and hydrate and listen to your body!

I met Darryl from Shotz at registration and it was great to finally meet him in person! Many questions later I left much wiser and confident with my nutrition plan for race day and not too worried with the conditions as long as I execute my plan correctly.

Race Day

The alarm only went at 6.00am, but I was awake much earlier. An 8.30am start allowed for a 'sleep in' which is rare for triathlon! At 8.00 we headed down to the start where we 'warmed up' (not needed - the water temp was 29!) and before we knew it we were called to the start for a mass start.


I was nervous but excited.
I positioned myself at the front and went hard from the start to hang onto the lead group. The water was warm and calm. I feel off the feet of the leaders at the first bout but was still pleased with my swim exiting the water 8th overall.



Swim - 30.43

I was off onto the bike saying bye to my support crew! Off for a one lap bike! I put my head down and just went for it. It was a little odd. Much less congested than any other race I have ever done. The roads were not closed but traffic was controlled which was great. There was no opportunity to see where you were placed in the race so I just rode. It felt a bit like it was a solo Saturday training ride! At 60km's I had some company before catching the blitz athletes and some iron distance athletes on course.
As i headed into T2 I felt fresh. Not too fatigued, sore or tired. I felt like I had taken my nutrition appropriately and was excited to run.

Bike - 2.39.02

As I left T2 something wasn't right. I just didn't feel good on the run. I had forgotten to pack my running legs and this frustrated me. I wasn't comfortable and could not get into a rhythm. I had great support from Andy, Mum and Dad and Darryl, all to which I gave no smiles or thanks, unusual for me as I always do! 

I was really angry at my body and started to doubt myself and wonder if I could continue running. I thought maybe ill just walk. For every negative thought I talked myself out of it. I walked an aid station and thought no more! The third and final lap I felt a little better. At 16km's I realised I have moved into third place female and this gave me enough motivation to hold on! With that last final 200m I finally let out a smile and felt like my usual self.

Run - 1.35.58




I hi-fived Andy as i ran to the finished and when I got to that banner I grabbed it and slammed it down as if to say - take that Metaman!

Time - 4.47.28

2nd Female 25-29 AG 
3rd Female Overall
5th Overall

Soon after I waited for Kate to come through for her last lap just before the top 3 male and female presentations were held for the half distance.

I was proud to share the podium with Kira Flanagan and Monica Torres who were flying on that run!
A spray of champagne by Kira, a photo and then back to the course to see Kate finish her final few km's. She finished with a smile, and smiled the whole way!




I have learnt a lot from Metaman but most of all I have gained some confidence in myself again after a long time between racing and training. I had some time to think about this on the horrendous travel night home!
Still tired and sore today but just as happy, until Ruth Chang made up for a few weeks of missed treatment with some needles! 

Thank you Mum and Dad. As usual they made the trip to support Kate and I and it is the best feeling to have such supportive parents who just love watching you and being involved in what we do! Darryl thank you for your wisdom and support through out the weekend. Of course Andy who packs my bags, carries my bags, books my flights, sets up my bike and gear, puts my sunscreen on, calms my nerves, supports, cheers, takes photos and does hims own marathon just to see me at every point he can and of course a kiss at the finish. It is always followed by a 'love' hit in the sore quads, or a punch in the leg 'does this hurt' and then the usual you can swim much faster than that but i love every second of his support and humour. 

I didn't give anyone much thanks out on course this weekend but thank you all. It is most appreciated x 








Thursday 21 August 2014

newline

newline

Back in May I competed in the Great Wall Marathon.
Newline provided the 'race shirts' as part of our race pack and this was my first introduction to the brand.
I wore my shirt a few days before the race as I had a short run on the treadmill and needed a running shirt to wear!

I was impressed with the material and fit of this simple sports T  and impressed how comfortable I was in this T, especially sweating it out in a small, hot and stuffy Chinese gym!

After the race Andy and I approached the newline stand to check out more of the gear.
It was eye catching with great colours and designs.

We introduced ourselves to Jesper, the director of Newline. He put us in contact with David Biwer the general Manager for Australasia as this is a European Brand.

I am proud to be promoting newline as it makes its way into the Australian market.
With newline's large range of products; running, triathlon, cycling, accessories, compression and shoes, men's and women's specific clothing as well as children they have everything!


As I spend many hours in tight, body hugging clothing, shoes with shoe laces as opposed to heals, and clothes that get worn, wet and covered in sweat, it is awesome to find a brand that produces an amazing clothing line that is comfortable and fashionable. 

newline... get into it!




base coolmax singlet
compression knee tights



bike laser bib shorts


compression sprinters


base coolmax singlet
compression knee tights

base coolmax singlet
compression knee tights

The brand in the words of newline;
It all started in 1981 with a man being offline.
Hanging in a parachute between sky and earth he started wondering why his suit was wet and the parachute still dry.
His curiosity accelerated into creativity and generated newline outfit.
From the parachute fabric he made one of the first functional running suits ever.
His background from the special forces and focus on the military precision together with many years as a runner
helped him to create an innovative range of functional products with focus on details and comfort.
This is still the DNA of newline.


David Biwer
General Manager - Australasia
+61 416 756 996
dab@newlinesport.com