Xiamen Ironman 70.3

WHAT AN ADVENTURE. I do not even know where to start!

I had been excited to race 70.3 Xiamen since entering the event back in August. Following the Ironman World Championships held in September I had a week off training. I found it really hard to find my mojo after this week off. It was only a short build to 70.3 Xiamen and I knew this would be my last race for the year and this provided me with some mental strength to get to this date and then I could have some time off.

2 weeks prior to the race I was run down. I caught a cold, had a massive week of commitments and events and took on way too much. One week before the race we left super early on Saturday morning and my husband and I made our way to Bali for what was meant to be a 10 day holiday or 'summer honeymoon' before I shortened our stay here to race 70.3 Xiamen! (opps!).
We spent 3 nights in Ubud and 2 Nights in Seminyak and it was lovely.
The pre race training was interesting! I was able to run. I opted for the safety of a treadmill and nailed these sessions. Swimming was non existent with the pools and beaches not allowing me to do what I needed. The bike - I managed 45mins in a Bali gym before walking out of there looking like I had completed my swim set!
Regardless, the weeks of training prior to this holiday were what I needed come race day, not this 'taper training' so this didn't concern me too much.

On Thursday, Andy and I left Bali in the morning and made the trip to Xiamen.
Bali > Singapore. Singapore > Xiamen.
And this is exactly when I feel my 'bad luck' started. For some reason so many little things just seamed to not be going right. It was one thing after another and I was starting to feel jinxed. I am superstitious so this doesn't help!

Friday I finally got in the hotel pool and enjoyed my swim set and being in the water again. I took a solo trip out on the bike course and Polly my P5 was good to go for Sunday. I decided to register for the race on Friday, freeing up Saturday to get race ready and relax. Relax, that was the plan.
Friday night we realised I did not have my passport and was sure I had left it a race registration as this is the only place I had taken it. Andy reassured me it would be at registration and to keep calm, we will pick it up in the morning.

Saturday morning I got up to do my training and then straight to the registration to find this passport. I was not there. Panic settled in, followed by a search for it, notifying everyone (hotel, staff, ironman staff) and then a trip to the police to file a missing document and so on.
Lets just say at this point my mind was as far from tomorrows race as it possibly could be and it was the last thing I felt like doing. Everyone was telling me not to worry, we will sort it on Monday and just focus on tomorrows race. Much easier said than done when you are in a foreign country with very little english and no ID! How was I going to get home, how much would it cost, how long would it take?

RACE DAY

Come race day I woke up somewhat positive and ready to race. The 9.45am rolling age group start allowed me to catch up on some sleep I lost the night before.
Walking to the transition area, everyone entering was searched and scanned for security purposes! It was like entering the airport as we were all body scanned, bags searched and made to take a sip of our fluids.
The athletes were called into the swim start holding pen 40 minutes prior to the rolling start time of 9.45am. This was not ideal as we were all suited up and fighting for that prime start position, sweating out rivers as we were all cooking in our wetsuits! Regardless, I started right at the front of the AG start. As soon as I hit the water I didn't feel good. Whilst the water felt somewhat refreshing I could not find a rhythm let alone any speed. This swim felt like an eternity and is my slowest 70.3 swim to date! I was pleased to exit the water and hit the bike. 

SWIM: 35.17

T1: 4.27

It was a fairly quick transition and I wanted to make most of the relatively clear roads ahead of me. The roads were closed to the public and were a beautiful road surface and a luxurious road 2-3 lanes wide. I was anticipating a fast ride. It usually takes me some time to find my mojo and settle into the bike but unfortunately it was not my day. I also seamed to struggle in the lack of wind. It was dead calm and made it difficult to gage how hard I was riding. I had a motorbike with a camera crew film me for 10 minutes on the bike!
The course was lovely although race day was far more smoggy than the previous days. It was a constant mental battle on the bike which turned into a physical one when I struggled to pass a male athlete on a mountain bike, in sneakers sitting upright. I simply could not bridge the gap and overtake!! Thankfully the layout of the course allowed me to break up the ride and what I thought was going to be a long day actually went relatively quickly.

BIKE: 2.34.30

T2: 2.48

Now feeling absolutely defeated and not wanting to run I entered T2 and again made a fairly quick transition. Now time to run.

As I started the run I could see Andy running towards me with arms waving and a massive smile. I thought he was cheering me on and I responded with "I have no will to run. I don't want to do this". 
What I received back was the best news I could have asked for.

"Your passport has been handed in! We can go home! Run! Run!"

I can not tell you how good that made me feel and what a massive weight off my shoulders that was. I let out some tears of joy and immediately turned on race mode. For me this is where my race began. Better late than never right? But I had some work to do. I knew Ling (the current leader in my AG) was a solid rider and anticipated her putting in at least 5mins into me on the ride. 
She had a big lead to catch up. So off I went hunting. I like chasing especially on the run. The first opportunity I saw Ling was approaching the 3km turn around.

I was focused. Nutrition, aid stations for water, ice, sponges. I wasn't stopping at these but made sure I took everything on board as I needed to. The volunteers were excellent at getting exactly what I needed to me, although I did pass up the opportunity for 'coka ko-ra'. At the end of the first lap I had put a lot of time into Ling and I wasn't giving up just yet! 

It was heating up and it was much warmer than I believe most athletes were expecting and this was evident out on the run. 
I also found myself with a young Chinese man who had decided to run side by side with me. I don't usually like this at all but with some sign language of thumbs up he stayed with me for almost that whole lap, until he asked if I was on my first lap, to which I responded with '2' fingers. And that was the end of my company!

By the end of 14km and the start of the final lap I passed Ling and didn't look back. I knew I had to make a solid lead as I had no idea of the true placings with the rolling start. I was able to finish the final km's strongly and as a result I was announced as the first female age group athlete across the line.
I was proud that Andy was there to share that moment with me.

RUN: 1.34.06

OVERALL: 4.51.08

Click here for a quick video recap of my race

Now, again an anxious wait. Had I put enough time into Ling for the AG win and was there any other athletes out there who had started later than me but had the overall fastest finish time?

More importantly, I was keen to leave the finish line and head to the hotel so I could get this Passport! So off we went and 90mins later I was the happiest girl in the world with the possession of my passport back in my hands. I can not tell you how good it felt to pick it up!! See below;

Me and my found passport outside the police station.

Back to the Hotel to try and search the results. Finally after some delay I was able to confirm the Ironman results had ranked me as 1st Female 25-29 AG, 2nd Age Group Female athlete overall and sneaking into the top 10 with 9th Female. 

Anything really is possible.

25-29 Podium

Relief, Joy and some stress for my now growing credit card debt. $1400.00 AUD for an entry to the Ironman World Championship but the best money I had spent all trip.

I had achieved my goals for this race with a first place, ensuring me a slot to the Ironman World Championships. The golden ticket!! I don't even like beer but you can count on the fact I had one at presentations with Andy and a the small crew who travelled from Perth. Cheers!

So happy to be returning to the big island again for 2017 and this time I will be more prepared and experienced. Bring it on.

As usual, I have to acknowledge the support my husband provides me. Allowing me to change our holiday travel plans to participate in this event. The cost of the $1400.00 Ironman World Championship fee - dam exchange rate! The time I spend training, time I spend hungry, grumpy, smelly and tired. The time he spends supporting, cheering, videoing and making race day clips! I love our adventures as a result of this sport and I am grateful you allow me to pursue my dreams whilst I can. 

I not long ago I mentioned to a friend 'I owe Andy big time'.
His response was Andy would be bored with out me. He owes me forever!

Following this trip it was certainly far from boring and I think will be a lasting memory for some time.

Ironman Coeur d'Alene 70.3

Monday 20^th June at 11.55pm I started my journey to the US. My route to Boise was going to be a long one but I was excited to finally see where coaches Kate and Guy spend their time when not in Perth!

Perth > Sydney - 8hr stop over, Sydney > LA - 9hr stop over and 40min delay! LA > Salt Lake City – due to the delay I found myself running through the terminal to catch my next flight - SLC > Boise, arriving at 9.10pm on Tuesday. All up, over 33hrs of travel!

After some much needed sleep the next morning saw me unpack and start to ‘settle in’ and more importantly, time to get the body moving again with a swim and ride. After a short run on Wednesday morning we packed and began the 7hr drive to Coeur d'Alene with a stop in beautiful McCall for a swim in the freezing water! Around 9.15pm we arrived at the Demoes who kindly let us stay with them for the race weekend. 

Friday bought cooler temperatures in CDA, with rain all day, some hail and temps around 16degress! Where was the summer weather I had come to the US for?! After waiting to see if the rain would pass (which it didn’t) I registered around 3.00pm before heading back home to have dinner.

Saturday had some cloudy skies but most importantly it was dry. A morning ride over the first section of the bike course and brief run enabled me to get the sessions done early and then check my bike into transition, followed by one last dip in the cool water. It was now time to head back and pack ready for tomorrow and try to relax.

RACE DAY

With two alarms set, one for 4.00am and the other 4.15am I was already well awake before hearing them. I got up, dressed and quite nervously ate my breakfast. I felt the nerves for this race 4 days out. I had put in some good, solid and committed training so was nervous to see what I could do!

Transition was packed and very tight! I did not realise how big this event was with 3500 odd individual athletes registering and teams on top of this. I was quietly pumped. Being half way across the world I felt at ease with no extra pressure or expectation of extra eyes watching me through out the day.

Once exiting transition Guy made sure my wet suit was on snug and I was ready to go. Kate and Guy walked me to the start and it was ‘good luck, go get them’ and off I went.

Knowing it was important to get into the water and warm up I did this as quickly as I could. It was my first rolling start and I was looking forward to it. I calmly made by way down the athlete line and then off I went, running into the beautiful clear water. It was a very easy course to sight. Simple - follow the buoys out on your left, make a left turn into the sun which did make sighting a little difficult for a few 100 meters, then take a left again and back into shore. Exit the water and run into T1. 

SWIM . 29.47

I had a fairly quick transition. In and out as quick as I could and off onto that stunning bike course. The first section had a few twists and turns through town before out onto the open road, which also featured the first couple of climbs for the day. Once crossing the bridge and heading away from town I felt like the ride course was really starting and starting with a bang! A steady climb that yes, tickled but it was awesome. It was a beautiful day and by now the sun was well and truly out and I was having a blast. I enjoyed the climbs and for someone who is always a little sceptical descending, a little reassuring talk to myself and I found myself enjoying these too.

At 65km I was feeling great. I had taken in my nutrition exactly when I needed to, hydrated well and felt awesome. My body and mind was totally with me today and I felt as long as I kept positive my legs would do what they needed to. 

The decent back into town saw the km's on my Garmin quickly grow from 70-85km and continuous chasing between myself and 2 other female athletes encouraged me to ride strong, knowing there was going to be a race on my hands.

I came into T2 side by side with another female in my age but I dismounted quickly and powered through the long run into T2.

BIKE. 2.43.05

Running through transition I looked around and the lack of bikes already racked gave me some real confidence. I put my shoes and race belt on and grabbed my hat full of gels and my watch and ran out of there.

The run was just as enjoyable as the bike. So many passionate and encouraging spectators cheering you on, it felt like a home race. During the first 5km I felt good. The run was not a flat course and I was feeling the pinch during the small, sharp inclines but it was a good hurt, as I still felt strong.

Out onto the second lap I had spotted Kate and Guy. At the far turn I had 5km, 5km to bring it home! I could feel the blister growing on my foot. I started to feel tired but positive encouragement from Kate and Guy pushed me further and I kept running. I groaned and sighed and at this point I had my pain face on. In the last 3km’s I was bringing the hurt and for the first time I could feel someone over taking me. I now know that person was professional female Erin Crum and as she passed me she was giving me so much encouragement and support. "Lets go", "Come on girl, you've got this", "Any thing is possible". I was a little surprised by all this support and tried to latch on but only lasted a short stint before falling off the pace slightly. I kept looking at my watch. 2km, 1.9km, 1.8km, then I saw 1.4km. I visualised by run route at home, which at the last turn is 1.4km to the front door. Pushing trough the pain by now any incline felt like a massive, sharp climb. They were no longer tickling, they HURT! 

Finally, I spotted the final sign 'FINISH LINE' and 500m to go. Over the road and one final left turn down Sherman. It was packed! There were so many people who had lined the streets and the Americans were so passionate cheering so loudly. There were only a few athletes at the finish chute so I really got to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy myself.

As I came down the chute they announced ‘Lisa Tyack, 1st 25-29 female and 1st female AG across the line’.

OMG?! What?! But as soon as I crossed the line I forgot about that and I was bent over, with hands on my knees to hold myself up! I was toasted. I stumbled through to Kate and Guy at the other end and was exhausted but excited! In my true style I even shed a little tear of joy!

RUN. 1.33.27

FINISH TIME: 4.51.16

If my 3.30am phone call to Andy back home didn’t wake him up I’m pretty sure he could hear my excited and loud voice from America! I was just so happy and still in shock. This result far exceeded any expectations I was a result I never thought I would achieve. It’s been a dream to win an AG title and I was very excited this might now have become a reality. As I mentioned I felt ready to race. I was excited to see what I could do, but that result, I still can’t believe it! Being a rolling start it was now a nervous wait. Had I actually finished first 25-29 and first female Age Grouper?

After walking to the nearest shop for some choc milk, pringles and a twix ice cream it was back to the finish line to cheer on fellow GKE athletes Katey and Geoff and soak up a little more of that finish line atmosphere. Once they had finished it was time to head back for a shower and have a brief sit down before heading back to presentations. By this time majority of athletes had finished and I checked the results again. 

1st female 25-29.

Female AG champion. 

And I set the inaugural course record! 

Still pinching myself!

Stress and pressure seam to get the better of me in races but for me this race was perfect. We all try to achieve perfection, knowing there is no such thing. We all chase bigger and better, want to be fitter and faster. Set new goals and chase PB’s.

This race was a spare of the moment decision. It surfaced as an idea but I never really acknowledged it as a reality until it was finally booked. Andy had booked me a ticket to the US and registered me for IMCDA 70.3 the day before my birthday, leaving me with a 5-week training block. I was committed to my program and trained hard. Most importantly, during this process I trusted the process. There were run sessions in particular where I wished I was recovering better and that my legs would feel 100%. A little self-doubt crept in, but you still need to trust the process. I told myself - I’ve done his before, I know what I’m in for. I have a coach because I am not a coach. Trust!

I felt in good shape, both strong and fit. I was quietly confident. Most importantly I had self-belief and great support.

For me I can reflect and know I pulled together a great race across all aspects and I think a big part of that was no pressure – I had so much fun out there and enjoyed myself. I was focused but also took time to enjoy the journey. I think this all contributed to executing for me, the ‘perfect race’. Not just my preparation, mental state, nutrition plan, swim, bike and run but most of all enjoyment was there too!

Bintan 70.3

My preparation for Bintan 70.3 was interesting!
After Challenge Roth I had a weeks break in Europe, then a week off as I was unwell, leaving me with a 3 week block and then taper week. My first week back felt good and I was happy to be back into training.
Unfortunately my legs did not agree so much on the run and I found myself water running for the remainder of the build into Bintan 70.3.
With Ruth back in Perth on taper week I found myself seeing her for a couple of appointments and a check and prep before leaving Friday night on a late night flight to Singapore.
I was excited to be off to race again with Andy and also the support of Mum and Dad. A midnight taxi to our accommodation and we were all a little worried when we arrived at the Singapore Yacht Club. But we just needed a place to sleep before having to leave to catch an early ferry to Bintan so it served its purpose!

We arrived at the Angsana Hotel around midday on Saturday and found ourselves assembling my bike around the pool with 5 other athletes who had travelled from Perth.

This was followed by a quick bike before managing to check in to our rooms at 2.00pm, and then catching the bus to transition to register and drop off the bikes. It was hot, but exactly what I had expected. We stayed for the athlete dinner but left rather quickly as I still needed to pack my bags and ensure I had all my gear ready to go for the morning. I was fairly organised and had this all ready to go with my hair braided and in bed by 8.00pm.

My alarm went at 4.00am, but I was awake well before then. I had had a night of interrupted sleep but I just got up and got ready.
It was a bit of a wild ride on the bus to the race start and I felt really nervous. I had been pretty relaxed leading into this race. I wasn't too worried as I had just completed an Iron distance race. I think I had become so relaxed I forgot I was racing. I was pretty flustered in transition and to ad to this the power went out and transition became a whole lot darker!  I was fine though as I had most of my stuff already sorted!

The tide was well and truly out by a good 200m! The female Age Groupers were the 4th wave to start. We walked out 200m and started at the buoys. I had an ok start. There was a small pack that lead off the front, then me! I found it difficult coming back in. I swam as far as possible, before running through the knee deep water. Into T1.

Swim - 29.46

Off onto the bike. Straight away my heart sunk. I didn't feel strong and I had nothing to push! This was going to be a long day I thought to myself. The start of the bike was slightly different to last year, but the remaining 75 odd km's were the same, so I knew exactly what I was in for. In all honesty I struggled. I struggled to push on the flats, I struggled up the hills. And the many little inclines I might add!
But I tried to remain positive and stuck to my nutrition plan which is the only thing that I probably nailed through out the race! Knowing where I was going was a positive and although it was a slower pace than usual the ride did seam to go fairly quickly. Coming into transition Andy, Mum and Dad were there waiting for me.

Bike - 2.44.17

A quick chat in transition and then off onto the run. The unknown. But to me I has happy with what seemed like a more reasonable 21km! The first few km's into the run and it was hot. The run course was exposed. Open to the heat and no hiding from it. I took on plenty of water, ice and sponges at every chance I could to remain cool. You could see the 7km loop and where you were heading, where your competition was, where the next aid station was. You could also clearly see everyones body language and it didn't look positive, unless you were Gina Crawford or Caitlin Snow who motored past, with Caitlin even providing some words of encouragement to me. By the end of the first lap I saw my support. I stopped and walked! I told Andy I had nothing, nothing to keep running and certainly no speed. He told me to remain positive and that everyone was feeling the same. I then reached mum and dad. Dad reminded me my goal - to get a spot to the 2016 World Championships. I told him I didn't care, but then once I verbally got rid of the negativity I continued to run. I didn't look too much at my watch as it was honestly a little depressing! But I was still passing may age group athletes and rarely being passed so I took this on as a very positive result.
Finally I was on my last lap. I ran as hard as I could to that finish line and was exhausted when crossing the line. It took me a good few minutes to get my breath back. Into the ice bath (or melted ice water) to cool off then wait to support the other GKEndurance and Perth athletes home.

Run - 1.41.31

It was a long wait from crossing the line at 11.15am, for the awards at 1.30pm and then roll down to the 70.3 World Championships for 2016. I was in the shade but hot. We went to the beach to cool off and I tried to drink plenty of electrolytes to stay hydrated, or mostly replace what I had lost.
I also grabbed a chocolate milk, at the time it sounded like a great idea but in the words of Anchorman - 'So hot. Milk was a BAD choice'!

My over all time of 4.59.24, achieved 1st place in the Female 25-26 AG, 3rd Female Age Grouper and 10th Female Overall. I accepted my spot to the 2016 70.3 World Championships held in Mooloolaba, Queensland.

I am pleased with what I achieved over the weekend but am disappointed in the individual times. I have since had a little time to have a look at the results comparatively and have learnt I can not compare. Last year I raced Bintan leading into and Ironman, this year, after one.

I am always learning and lots to take away from this weekend! I did enjoy this race, not so much at the time, but now looking back and are so ever grateful for the support of Andy, Mum and Dad. And off course to Kate Bevilaqua, Guy Crawford, Ruth Chang and the Perth crew who also made it over. We had the best time away with the GKEndurance crew and fellow Fremantle Triathlon Club members and this makes the racing even more enjoyable!

Challenge Roth 2015

Challenge Roth - Race the Legend 

The day started with a 3.00am alarm before departing Gunzenhouzen at 4.00am, making our way on a very packed but quiet bus to Roth. 

A short walk over the bridge to T1 and we were one of the first athletes through T1 to our bikes. By now the sun was coming up and the cool damp transition area quickly filled with athletes. The music played over the speakers was somewhat interesting, not exactly motivational, 'hype' music, little more classical!

With only bottles and nutrition to put on my bike and tyres to pump I was keen to drop my T1 gear bag off and sit down before getting ready. Time went quickly. I was relatively calm and collected, with just a good amount of nerves. My swim start at 6.40am was the was first AG wave off and I was keen not to get caught at the rear of the 350odd females so I sunscreened up (forgetting my arms I realised after the race) and put my wetsuit on. Andy as usual helped calm my nerves and walked me to the start where we all waited to enter the water. The canon fired for the pros. Now I was next! A good luck kiss from Andy and see you in a number of hours! Our first iron distance race together and my first big race with out mum and Dad there but i knew they would be tracking me online at home! 

I entered the water and had a look around at the spectators who had lined the canal and bridge. The hot air balloons were inflated and you could hear the excited crowd. I positioned myself to the right side of the rubber ducky in the middle of the start line. This would allow me to have a clear left side when the gun went and give me the chance to move left or stay right on the fastest pack. The cannon fired which was awesome! A good fast, clean run and I was so pleased with my start. It was refreshing to swim in the non salty water! As we made our way back just over the 3km mark the crowd got louder and I remember taking a few long sights to see the hot air balloons and the crowd over head on the bridge and banks. 

Swim 59.56

Finally I cracked that 60mins! Still not a great swim but it was still under 60mins!

T2. 2.20

A reasonably quick transition. The volunteers were awesome in assisting me.

I grabbed my bike and just remember having the biggest smile as I existed T1. I think I even gave a woohoo as I left!

The first few km's on the bike was insane! Just the best feeling I've ever had in a race.

Approx 10km in we passed the first banner, lined streets with a male German on the mic. "It's Lisa from down under" he said so I smiled and waved to the crowd. "Lisa's laughing, she's laughing" he said back. I was just thriving off the thrill of the race. I loved it. I found myself riding with another Perth athlete and a female pro for most of the first lap. I was watching my km's, anticipating solarberg hill. Then as it approached the crowds grew. I was pumped. I turned the corner and there it was. The best feeling came across me and I rode as hard as I could to pass the female just ahead of me. I wanted a clear run up there first! It was INCREDIBLE! I smiled, yelled, and just felt awesome up that climb. 'Hop, hop hop!' 'Super super'! I never felt unsafe. The crowd was just amazing. 

I finished the first lap and just turned onto my second when my rear spares box lid came off and 'tink', my canister, valve and blade hit the pavement. With the lid dangling off the rear of my bike I needed to stop and attempt to put this back on. Once the lid was back on off I went again, a little flustered. What if I get a flat? I had an extra canister in my back pocket (I always do, paranoid about getting a flat) but no way to use it. Then the team riders came whizzing past. Frustrated at their freshness and speed I became a little negative. Then I remembered I had a pit stop and convinced myself I would be fine. The second lap was a lot more tough. It was warming up and became really windy. All I thought was 'how is this a fast course?!'. I tried to remain positive and only a few female competitors had overtaken me. The second time the crowds had dispersed from solar hill but still a great experience. 

I made the right hand turn for the last 10km to T2. I looked at my time and was slightly disappointed and so desperately wanted to get off the bike. I forgot to get out of my shoes and dismounted rather slow with my shoes still on!

Bike. 5.32

T2. 2.02

Finally I was onto the run. Out and back run courses are not my favourite as I much prefer laps so I can count down and mentally trick myself with how far to go. I was however prepared for this course as my long training runs are of the one loop nature. The first few km's were fast, then a gradual incline. I felt good. I settled into a rhythm and just counted down the km's. 

At the 10km mark I started to count the females coming back, which was the first chance I had to see where I was positioned. I found it difficult running on the off road track. My foot placement was a little all over the place and I could feel my blister growing from the uneven surface!

Gel, water, ice, sponge, sub 3.30 marathon, finish line. This is all I though of. As well as I don't want to race IMWA in 20weeks time!

I was super aware of the 32-34km mark, this was my dark, dark hole in IMWA 2013 and I remained really positive over this stretch.

Back down the hill we previously ran up. 'Wow, super super' the Germans said. Then 40km! 2km to go! Through the town, through beer mile. I hi-fived everyone I could. I smiled (or tried too). I could not figure out where I was in Roth and I couldn't remember or picture where the finish line was.  Then I saw the train tracks and relief, there was the massive purpose built stadium for this iconic and incredible finish. 

Finally I was finished and to my surprise 10.03.00 flat!

Run. 3.26

I cracked that 3.30, my personal goal for this race.

I had, as usual an emotional cry as I put my hands on my knees and bent over. I was asked if they were sad or happy tears. 'Happy tears' (of hurt & joy!) I said as I sobbed a little more! Straight through the tent to get a massage, shower and change. Private showers but a unisex open change area was the most interesting part of the day, with plenty of european 'sausage' on display!  After that eyeful I left recovery and waited for friends and participants to come through while tracking Andy and getting a spot right on the fence to see him come through. So worried he would miss me but he spotted me just in time. I was so proud. 

We did it! We have complete Challenge Roth! 

A later look at the results showed 25 seconds between the female 25-29AG. 

10.02.35 - 10.02.50 and 10.03.00 what a close finish!

First Australian female Age grouper, 3rd AG 25-29, 17th Female overall. More than I could have hoped for!

We went to presentations the next day and it was packed. I mean packed  full of buzzing athletes, friends and family. Great to see! The europeans put our presentations to shame! 

Busselton 70.3

It has been 2 years since I last competed in the Busselton 70.3 event and 17 months since I have last been on the Busselton race track!
I love racing at home and it did feel a little strange being there again after missing last years event to compete in the China Great Wall Marathon.

I was out to get a PB on this course and ideally a PB overall.
Straight up that was my goal and I was going to be disappointed if I did not get it.

I was lucky enough to head to Busselton on the Thursday which gave me Friday to complete my pre swim-bike-run over the course.

Race morning the weather was amazing, but one small detail! Calm, no rain but oh my goodness, it was FREEZING!! I was prepared this year and rocked up to transition in my European snow jacket and beanie. After much stress over the piece of glass in my front tube Andy had removed this for me and I anxiously waited to see if I was to loose any pressure due to the glass puncturing the tube.
Thankfully, a last minute check before transition closed and it was fine!
I waited for my 7.35am wave start, warming up with a jog before entering the water for a warm up - or in this case cool up?!

The 25-29 female AG was off with the Male 50-55.
The swim start was surprisingly rough. I got a little caught up at the start and as I made my was to the far bouy we then caught the slower swimmers from the age group before. As usual you navigate your way through the age groupers and eventually I made my way out of the cool crystal clear water to T1.

I was cold and shivering and as usual my T1 was somewhat slow. As I made my way out I stopped to check the pressure in that front wheel and then dropped my nutrition having to go back and get it!
Then finally I was off onto the bike course, trying to think warm thoughts!! I struggled, like most in the first lap to get warm and find a rhythm which wasn't continuous shivering! As I came back into town I spotted Andy at the round about where he told me I was down on the leaders and needed to go hard and lay it all out there. So as I passed Club Alley I decided, this is it, I need to go for it!

I rode hard. I put the hammer down. Then somehow I found myself in a pack of around 6 men. I wasn't impressed as they passed me then the pace slowed so I would over take again. It is a tight course and there is simply not enough room on the course for everyone but there is always a fight between men and their egos, and women passing them. I pushed to the front until dropping some at the far turn, with the stronger 2, just pushing ahead of me which I used to pace myself to T2.

As I came into T2 I knew I had ridden under 2.30 which was my goal (or Andy's!) and I was pleased I had achieved that.

Out onto the run I knew again I had to race hard. I was in third. I had some awesome support out there which was great. For the first time in a long time, my parents were not there to support as they were currently over seas. Andy and my sister Kate had lots of support to do to make up for this! And they did. I had closed the gap on second but the first placed female in my age put a whopping 4mins on me in the first lap! A couple of km's into the second lap I had moved into 2nd.



Around the 10km point I think this is where my race started to fall apart. I was feeling uncomfortable. Sore back, and glutes! My paced slowed which I was not happy with but I just kept pushing. I was really disappointed with the second half of my run, and especially as I was just off that 1.30 goal I had for the 21.1km.

I was relieved and emotion when crossing the line. Always emotional! Andy was there to 'catch' me and take me into the tent.

As usual, for me a disappointing swim of 30.05, a 2.27.43 ride and a 1.31.15 gave me an overall time of 4.33.05.
A PB time at Busselton and also a PB half time. I am also pleased to have made it on the Podium in 2nd for the Female 25-29AG and finish 7th Female Age grouper and 16th Female overall.

I have a weeks recovery before starting the final build to my Iron distance race, Challenge Roth in July and then completing the rest of the year with much more planned!!

It is now the perfect timing for some birthday celebrations but the end of Busselton also means one thing. Its time for coach Kate Bevilaqua and Guy Crawford to leave for Boise. I will struggle to train through winter with out these two, especially Kate as she has kept me company for many sessions this year. Kate has been awesome this year is providing me with support and pushing me in my training sessions. With out their company I will need to motivate and drive myself. Knowing the schedule, goals and plans I have this year I will need to do this! I have no other choice. It will be tough but you must work hard if you want to succeed. 

Lucky im determined and stubborn!! After all I am a Taurus!