Well with only just over a week left until the Busselton Half Ironman (my last race for the season) things are starting to slow down. I have a tough weekend of training ahead before a nice easy taper week. Only 2 more pool swims!! I'm really looking forward to having a break from those early morning sessions.
I am really happy with the progress I have made this season and I am happy with how my training has come together for Busso. I have a lot of confidence in my riding at the moment and am hoping that is reflected in my time next weekend.
Last weekend I was awarded the series for the TriEvents 2009/2010 Series, which was one of my goals for the season. I got a nice framed yellow leaders Jersey which I will be hanging up in the pool room!
The Busselton Half Ironman is the final race in the Triathlon WA State Series and I am currently sitting in 2nd place behind Mark (by 5 points). So the race next weekend is going to be very important (to get any points I need to finish 5th or higher and Mark needs to finish 6th or higher) and puts another incentive in for both Mark and I.
At the Busso Half last year I finished 7th and 3rd in the Triathlon WA Long Course State Championship. I am really hoping to improve on both those results and finish in the top 3 in my age group.
Only a few days before the race and I'm feeling great. Then it's time for a break, and Lisa and I are off to Europe for 9 weeks. But before we leave, there are a few things to get through, such as: My 21st, Lisa's 21st, Marks 21st so it will be a hectic few weeks of fun!
Cheers,
Andy
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Hillary’s Race 2
I was very excited for this race for a number of reasons:
-I had won the previous race at Champion Lakes
-From that win I was now leading the series and would be racing in the yellow leaders jersey -It’s the final race before the Busselton Half Ironman
I was racing on Ian Mansfield’s (www.xu1sports.com) Zipp 999 wheel set as they are some of the fastest wheels around! We had to glue on a new front tubular the day before as I had got a slow leaking puncture during the ATTA 80km State Time Trial on Easter Monday. I was glad to see how to do it properly because now hopefully if I ever do get a flat during a race I will be able to change it over quickly!!
Lisa and I spent the night before the race with Johan and Helen and I had not got any of my race gear ready or set my bike up. So when we got home at 9.30 I was in a mad rush to get everything organised and what always happens when you are in a rush?.... something will go wrong. I put the back wheel and my gears did not want to play and wouldn’t go into the top 3 gears and I didn’t know how to fix it (another skill I need to learn quickly). By the time I got to bed I wasn’t in the best mood but I did sleep well as I was quite tired from the day’s training (150km on the bike and an open water swim).
I got up earlier than usual on race morning and had a long shower to wake myself up. We got to the race venue at around 6.45 and I went and registered and picked up the leaders jersey (I was looking forward to wearing it during the race).
I set up my transition and went for a quick ride to see how the gears were, and apart from not being able to get into the top 3 (which I didn’t think I would need on this course) they were running fine. Ian came over and gave my bike a quick tune up and managed to get 1 more gear working so that was a help. It was then time to head down to the swim start for a warm up.
Race
The race start is on the beach with a 10m run to the water. I positioned myself next to Ben Tay, who is always the first out the water by a long way. I wanted to see if I could stay with him during the swim. The start siren went and I hit the water first, but for some reason everyone went out harder then normal and I wasn’t ready for it and before I new it I was in the middle of a big pack with 15-20 guys ahead of me. I am not used to being in this situation and I was a bit unsettled. The start was very rough and congested. About half way out to the far turning buoy I stopped and moved to the side of the pack to get some clear water as they were slowing and I was caught in some traffic! The turning buoy was again rough with people pulling me down but as once through I had some clear water (with the exception of Mark Luckin on my right, who was knocking my right arm every stroke… I think he needs to learn when swimming next to someone you need to be in sync with them! Joking Mark!). I put a surge in and got a small gap during the final section into the beach. It was hard to sight anything on the return journey as the sun was making it difficult to see. I swallowed a lot of sea water but wasn’t an issue during the remained of the race. My swim time was 11.45 which included the run to transition, which was better then I though considering it felt like one of my worst swims!
I had a reasonable transition and new Mark was right on my heels, I thought I was in 3rd position at this point. I mounted my bike (not very well, as my shoes flung around) and got my feet in my shoes and started the 20km ride. During the first section my legs felt heavy and fatigued (all I could think was I shouldn’t have ridden so far yesterday). Up the first small rise I caught Jon, who always has a great swim and then was able to check how far ahead Ben was once he made the far turn around. Once I made my turn I saw that I had put little time into Mark and Karl was not too far behind. Coming back to transition for the first lap I started to get my legs and was feeling really good. I didn’t show much love towards my support crew (sorry), but I was in race mode and very focused to get in the lead and build a buffer from the other front runners. The course started to get very crowded on the 2nd lap but I managed to get a fair clear line through the slower competitors. I got a gel down and then I finally caught Ben just before halfway and was much relived to be leading the race. By the half way turn around I had started to put in some time to Mark and Karl which was a good sign. At the end of this lap was happier and smiled at my support crew and gave a wave. The 3rd lap was very busy and I went hard and that paid off as I came off the bike in 35.22 with a lead of 2.07 to Ben and 2.17 to Mark.
I had a very quick transition and went out on the run at a conservative pace and gave Lisa a smile. I worked hard during the run and tried to keep a constant pace and really concentrate on holding form. Having the leaders jersey on gave me a boost of confidence and I ran with a positive mind set. At the half way turn I didn’t see anyone for a while which gave me a lot of confidence that I would hold on for the win. I pushed through the last 2.5km and crossed the line in 1.06.29, 1st place in the 20-24 Age Group which gave me the series win and finished 1.28 ahead of 2nd place. I finished the run in 19.20 which I am really happy with and finished 15th overall.
In summary I am really happy with my race and winning the Tri Events series was one of my goals for the season which I have now achieved. I also had the 6th best bike split which I am stoked with. I am now sitting second to Mark in the Triathlon WA Triathlete of the Year Series, by 5 points, so the Busselton Half Ironman will decide the overall series winner. Should make for a great race between us! I now have another 2 hard weeks before a 1 week taper for Busselton which will wrap up my season.
-I had won the previous race at Champion Lakes
-From that win I was now leading the series and would be racing in the yellow leaders jersey -It’s the final race before the Busselton Half Ironman
I was racing on Ian Mansfield’s (www.xu1sports.com) Zipp 999 wheel set as they are some of the fastest wheels around! We had to glue on a new front tubular the day before as I had got a slow leaking puncture during the ATTA 80km State Time Trial on Easter Monday. I was glad to see how to do it properly because now hopefully if I ever do get a flat during a race I will be able to change it over quickly!!
Lisa and I spent the night before the race with Johan and Helen and I had not got any of my race gear ready or set my bike up. So when we got home at 9.30 I was in a mad rush to get everything organised and what always happens when you are in a rush?.... something will go wrong. I put the back wheel and my gears did not want to play and wouldn’t go into the top 3 gears and I didn’t know how to fix it (another skill I need to learn quickly). By the time I got to bed I wasn’t in the best mood but I did sleep well as I was quite tired from the day’s training (150km on the bike and an open water swim).
I got up earlier than usual on race morning and had a long shower to wake myself up. We got to the race venue at around 6.45 and I went and registered and picked up the leaders jersey (I was looking forward to wearing it during the race).
I set up my transition and went for a quick ride to see how the gears were, and apart from not being able to get into the top 3 (which I didn’t think I would need on this course) they were running fine. Ian came over and gave my bike a quick tune up and managed to get 1 more gear working so that was a help. It was then time to head down to the swim start for a warm up.
Race
The race start is on the beach with a 10m run to the water. I positioned myself next to Ben Tay, who is always the first out the water by a long way. I wanted to see if I could stay with him during the swim. The start siren went and I hit the water first, but for some reason everyone went out harder then normal and I wasn’t ready for it and before I new it I was in the middle of a big pack with 15-20 guys ahead of me. I am not used to being in this situation and I was a bit unsettled. The start was very rough and congested. About half way out to the far turning buoy I stopped and moved to the side of the pack to get some clear water as they were slowing and I was caught in some traffic! The turning buoy was again rough with people pulling me down but as once through I had some clear water (with the exception of Mark Luckin on my right, who was knocking my right arm every stroke… I think he needs to learn when swimming next to someone you need to be in sync with them! Joking Mark!). I put a surge in and got a small gap during the final section into the beach. It was hard to sight anything on the return journey as the sun was making it difficult to see. I swallowed a lot of sea water but wasn’t an issue during the remained of the race. My swim time was 11.45 which included the run to transition, which was better then I though considering it felt like one of my worst swims!
I had a reasonable transition and new Mark was right on my heels, I thought I was in 3rd position at this point. I mounted my bike (not very well, as my shoes flung around) and got my feet in my shoes and started the 20km ride. During the first section my legs felt heavy and fatigued (all I could think was I shouldn’t have ridden so far yesterday). Up the first small rise I caught Jon, who always has a great swim and then was able to check how far ahead Ben was once he made the far turn around. Once I made my turn I saw that I had put little time into Mark and Karl was not too far behind. Coming back to transition for the first lap I started to get my legs and was feeling really good. I didn’t show much love towards my support crew (sorry), but I was in race mode and very focused to get in the lead and build a buffer from the other front runners. The course started to get very crowded on the 2nd lap but I managed to get a fair clear line through the slower competitors. I got a gel down and then I finally caught Ben just before halfway and was much relived to be leading the race. By the half way turn around I had started to put in some time to Mark and Karl which was a good sign. At the end of this lap was happier and smiled at my support crew and gave a wave. The 3rd lap was very busy and I went hard and that paid off as I came off the bike in 35.22 with a lead of 2.07 to Ben and 2.17 to Mark.
I had a very quick transition and went out on the run at a conservative pace and gave Lisa a smile. I worked hard during the run and tried to keep a constant pace and really concentrate on holding form. Having the leaders jersey on gave me a boost of confidence and I ran with a positive mind set. At the half way turn I didn’t see anyone for a while which gave me a lot of confidence that I would hold on for the win. I pushed through the last 2.5km and crossed the line in 1.06.29, 1st place in the 20-24 Age Group which gave me the series win and finished 1.28 ahead of 2nd place. I finished the run in 19.20 which I am really happy with and finished 15th overall.
In summary I am really happy with my race and winning the Tri Events series was one of my goals for the season which I have now achieved. I also had the 6th best bike split which I am stoked with. I am now sitting second to Mark in the Triathlon WA Triathlete of the Year Series, by 5 points, so the Busselton Half Ironman will decide the overall series winner. Should make for a great race between us! I now have another 2 hard weeks before a 1 week taper for Busselton which will wrap up my season.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Duathlon's......not my race
The Point Walter Triathlon was held yesterday and much to my disappointment, it was changed into a duathlon. Perth had a hectic hail storm on Monday last week, which has been labeled "The Great Storm of Perth". This has caused our river be become contaminated due to blocked storm water drains and the Health Department didn't allow swimming (fair enough).
We started the race with a short 3.5 km run to make up for the 1500m swim. I had a reasonable run, but was off the pace from the top runners. I had a quick transition and went about making up as many places a I could. I managed to get into 3rd place and was working with a few guys faded towards the end of the 40km bike which was disappointing. It is a tough course and I had some muscle fatigue from my Saturday hills ride. I was using a wheels set thanks to Ian Mansfield from XU1 Sports. I was lucky enough to ride a 808/1080 set which were awesome. Unfortunately this course is slightly hilly and the wheels were flexing when I was getting up out of my saddle and rubbing on the chain stay so I was taking it easy up them because I didn't want to scratch them.
Off the bike and I had another fast transition and started the 10km run. I eased my way into a good pace but at the 2.5km run turn I started to struggle. I shuffled my way through the remaining 7.5km crossing the line in just over 2 hours.
In summary, not a great race, probably my worst for the season but on a positive note, I had some good transition training.
We are now into the business end of training for the Busselton Half Ironman, only 5 weeks away. Eclipse Fitness is having a local training camp over the Easter break which will be great. On Easter Monday I will be racing the ATTA 80km Time Trial in Wandi, which will be a good hit out for the half to see where my cycling is at. The last race of the TriEvents series is on the 11th of April at Hillary's and I am really looking froward to wearing the leaders jersey and hopefully consolidating my position at the top for this series.
We started the race with a short 3.5 km run to make up for the 1500m swim. I had a reasonable run, but was off the pace from the top runners. I had a quick transition and went about making up as many places a I could. I managed to get into 3rd place and was working with a few guys faded towards the end of the 40km bike which was disappointing. It is a tough course and I had some muscle fatigue from my Saturday hills ride. I was using a wheels set thanks to Ian Mansfield from XU1 Sports. I was lucky enough to ride a 808/1080 set which were awesome. Unfortunately this course is slightly hilly and the wheels were flexing when I was getting up out of my saddle and rubbing on the chain stay so I was taking it easy up them because I didn't want to scratch them.
Off the bike and I had another fast transition and started the 10km run. I eased my way into a good pace but at the 2.5km run turn I started to struggle. I shuffled my way through the remaining 7.5km crossing the line in just over 2 hours.
In summary, not a great race, probably my worst for the season but on a positive note, I had some good transition training.
We are now into the business end of training for the Busselton Half Ironman, only 5 weeks away. Eclipse Fitness is having a local training camp over the Easter break which will be great. On Easter Monday I will be racing the ATTA 80km Time Trial in Wandi, which will be a good hit out for the half to see where my cycling is at. The last race of the TriEvents series is on the 11th of April at Hillary's and I am really looking froward to wearing the leaders jersey and hopefully consolidating my position at the top for this series.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Catching Up
It has been a while since my last update and this is the low down on what has been happening:
I took a few weeks off training after Geelong with the exception of the Hillary's sprint distance race (TriEvents Race 3). I went in to this race with the intention of having fun. I had a great swim coming out in 3rd and then put some pressure on in the bike. I lead the bike race (having the fast split) and had a 23 second lead coming into T2. The run leg was slow and my legs didn't feel like running. I battled through finishing in 2nd 31 seconds behind Karl Reindler, with Mark Luckin rounding the podium off.
My next race was the Albany Olympic Distance Race. I raced in the open category being on of the smaller races to get some experience racing against the likes of Sean O'Neill and James Lewin. The swim was a 2.5 lap course and was ROUGH. I exited the water in 21.41.
The bike course was 2 laps and had a 10km undulating section on each lap. The wind was up and made a few of the downhill sections a bit sketchy but overall it was an awesome bike course. I was given a drafting penalty going up a hill which I though was an incorrect call. Not much can be done once you have given a yellow card. So at the end of the 40km I sat in the penalty box for 2mins. I was really disappointing i was given a penalty as I believe I race honestly. The run was also 2 laps and along a beach foot path. It was slightly undulating and I felt strong on the run. I didn't have the fastest run but I felt in control and focused which is a good sign. I finished 7th overall (last in the open category). I would have placed first in my age group so that gives me confidence things are going in the right direction.
Race 4 of the TriEvents series was next up at Champion Lakes and I was very motivated for this race. A few of the big guns in my age group were not racing (Johan Borg, Karl Reindler and Mark Luckin) and I was very confident that I had a strong chance of getting a win (my first for the season) which would put me in the leaders jersey going into the final race of the series. I had a solid swim coming out in 11.40, in 3rd place. The conditions were perfect for the ride with not a breath of wind in sight. I powered around the course posting a solid bike time and i entered T2 2.55min lead. I run confidently across the line 2.25 ahead of second place. I finally got my first win of the season and have put myself in the lead of the TriEvents series. The last race is Hillary's Race 2 on April 11.
Yesterday I was asked by Karl to compete in the Corporate Triathlon in Freo for a bit of fun. We entered in the Pairs category (where they add our finishing times together, with the lowest paired time being the winning team). We had a great time and flew around the very short course, consisting of a 250m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run. We were basically going to be racing each other and see how fast we could go. I came out the water in 3rd with Karl hot on my heels in 4th. We flew through transition and onto the crowded 3 lap bike course. We pulled each other around the course ducking around everyone (legally) and before we new it our feet were out and we were off on to the run. I got a few meters on Karl through transition and basically maintained that distance throughout most of the run. Towards the end Karl pick it up and came level with me but we decided to cross together. We won our category and posted the fastest overall times (both finished in 32.12). Nice little hit out, but I forgot how much those small races hurt!
So that the low down on whats been happening on the racing front. Training is coming along nicely with 6 weeks left until Busselton Half. I will be working really hard for the next 4-5 weeks to get my fitness up ready to knock over a PB at busso.
Cheers,
Andy
I took a few weeks off training after Geelong with the exception of the Hillary's sprint distance race (TriEvents Race 3). I went in to this race with the intention of having fun. I had a great swim coming out in 3rd and then put some pressure on in the bike. I lead the bike race (having the fast split) and had a 23 second lead coming into T2. The run leg was slow and my legs didn't feel like running. I battled through finishing in 2nd 31 seconds behind Karl Reindler, with Mark Luckin rounding the podium off.
My next race was the Albany Olympic Distance Race. I raced in the open category being on of the smaller races to get some experience racing against the likes of Sean O'Neill and James Lewin. The swim was a 2.5 lap course and was ROUGH. I exited the water in 21.41.
The bike course was 2 laps and had a 10km undulating section on each lap. The wind was up and made a few of the downhill sections a bit sketchy but overall it was an awesome bike course. I was given a drafting penalty going up a hill which I though was an incorrect call. Not much can be done once you have given a yellow card. So at the end of the 40km I sat in the penalty box for 2mins. I was really disappointing i was given a penalty as I believe I race honestly. The run was also 2 laps and along a beach foot path. It was slightly undulating and I felt strong on the run. I didn't have the fastest run but I felt in control and focused which is a good sign. I finished 7th overall (last in the open category). I would have placed first in my age group so that gives me confidence things are going in the right direction.
Race 4 of the TriEvents series was next up at Champion Lakes and I was very motivated for this race. A few of the big guns in my age group were not racing (Johan Borg, Karl Reindler and Mark Luckin) and I was very confident that I had a strong chance of getting a win (my first for the season) which would put me in the leaders jersey going into the final race of the series. I had a solid swim coming out in 11.40, in 3rd place. The conditions were perfect for the ride with not a breath of wind in sight. I powered around the course posting a solid bike time and i entered T2 2.55min lead. I run confidently across the line 2.25 ahead of second place. I finally got my first win of the season and have put myself in the lead of the TriEvents series. The last race is Hillary's Race 2 on April 11.
Yesterday I was asked by Karl to compete in the Corporate Triathlon in Freo for a bit of fun. We entered in the Pairs category (where they add our finishing times together, with the lowest paired time being the winning team). We had a great time and flew around the very short course, consisting of a 250m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run. We were basically going to be racing each other and see how fast we could go. I came out the water in 3rd with Karl hot on my heels in 4th. We flew through transition and onto the crowded 3 lap bike course. We pulled each other around the course ducking around everyone (legally) and before we new it our feet were out and we were off on to the run. I got a few meters on Karl through transition and basically maintained that distance throughout most of the run. Towards the end Karl pick it up and came level with me but we decided to cross together. We won our category and posted the fastest overall times (both finished in 32.12). Nice little hit out, but I forgot how much those small races hurt!
So that the low down on whats been happening on the racing front. Training is coming along nicely with 6 weeks left until Busselton Half. I will be working really hard for the next 4-5 weeks to get my fitness up ready to knock over a PB at busso.
Cheers,
Andy
Friday, February 12, 2010
My Goal
Triathlon Western Australia has announced they are starting an 18-24 year old long course development program.
The criteria for the squad is:
Swim - 1500m in 18.50
Bike - 30 mins @ 270 watts
Run - 10km (track) in 36.50
I am very determined to get into this squad as i think it will really help my development in long course racing and help me achieve my goal of one day qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman World Championships!
My Goal is to achieve these times before the Busselton Half Ironman in May.
I will keep my blog updated with my progress!
The criteria for the squad is:
Swim - 1500m in 18.50
Bike - 30 mins @ 270 watts
Run - 10km (track) in 36.50
I am very determined to get into this squad as i think it will really help my development in long course racing and help me achieve my goal of one day qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman World Championships!
My Goal is to achieve these times before the Busselton Half Ironman in May.
I will keep my blog updated with my progress!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Geelong 70.3
Race Morning
Geelong is an interesting place at 5am walking down Moorabool Street (there were a lot of people from the night before stumbling around the streets and out of the few clubs that were still open). We heard a few funny remarks from some a few people as we walked down in our sober state with bike pumps and Lycra!
I set up my transition area, pumped the 808s and mentally went through my race. I went and had a look at some of the pros getting ready, pretty awesome seeing the World Ironman Champion setting his bike and transition up. I went for quick run up jog and got ready for the race start.
Swim
The swim was a mass start and was a triangular course. I started towards the front of the swim and went out hard from the start. I felt comfortable on the way out to the first turning can but I didn't have the best line going out. There were some big, hard jellyfish in the bay which freaked me out a bit, although I think I was one of the lucky ones who didn't get stung. After turning the first can we were heading into some chop with the sun shining in our eyes making it hard to sight the turning can. I existed the water in 27.35, slower then I was hoping. I didn't make good decisions in the swim with my lines (partly due to difficulties is sighting the cans).
Into T1 i whipped my wetsuit off, helmet on and I was out onto the bike in 1.50
Bike
My goal was to ride conservatively and save my legs for the run. The bike course was 3 laps and some what undulating. The drafting throughout the bike course was terrible and the TO's didn't do much to help the situation. I rode honestly all day and leg the big groups go by me (which in hindsight was the wrong move, again, i did this at busso half last year, I need to just go with them). It was really disappointing and drafting is becoming a joke in these races. It looked like a Sunday morning group ride which is basically was. People were sitting on each others wheels. When a group came past me i sat in with them for a while, the legal distance and people continually dropped in on me pushing me back and back so I sat up and let them go. Often a TO was sitting next to the group and then continued to draft with the TO's doing nothing!! And this was all in the first lap. Once I let the group go i assumed that the TO's would do something to police the situation (assuming i would see people in the penalty box as I came through the gardens), but not ONE person was in there!!
I rode the first lap with Johan before he got away in the 2nd.
On the third lap I was trailing behind a small group with a few female pro's. A TO was on the bike next to this group with age group men and these pro girls and one of the pro girls who was clearly riding legally was given a penalty. I went up to her and said that was rubbish and i will back her up if she complains (if that was possible).
I was generally happy with my ride, although I need to learn to just go with the groups. I stuck to my hydration and nutrition plan and hit T2 in 2.24.51 feeling great and was out on the run in 1.08.
Run
This was going to make or break my race (obviously). My plan was to go out easy and build into the run. I did just that for the first 2 laps. I was ticking over nicely and felt comfortable. I was getting my gels down and having a drink of water at each aid station. I slowed a bit in the third lap but I managed to run the whole way this time (unlike busso last year!). Towards the end i was looking at my watch trying to work out what time I was going to finish in (I had put down 4.35 when i entered but i was hoping to go under 4.30). I completed the run in 1.38.15 and crossed the line in 4.33.41. It is a PB by about 12 mins. I am happy with the overall time of my race but there are some aspects I need to work on!
I had a great trip over to Geelong with Lisa (our support), and Johan (who smoked the course in 4.13) and Helen (5.17, just missing out on 3rd). I am generally happy with my race and the direction things are heading (although I am starting to realise it is going to take time to get to the top in these bigger races).
Cheers,
Andy
Geelong is an interesting place at 5am walking down Moorabool Street (there were a lot of people from the night before stumbling around the streets and out of the few clubs that were still open). We heard a few funny remarks from some a few people as we walked down in our sober state with bike pumps and Lycra!
I set up my transition area, pumped the 808s and mentally went through my race. I went and had a look at some of the pros getting ready, pretty awesome seeing the World Ironman Champion setting his bike and transition up. I went for quick run up jog and got ready for the race start.
Swim
The swim was a mass start and was a triangular course. I started towards the front of the swim and went out hard from the start. I felt comfortable on the way out to the first turning can but I didn't have the best line going out. There were some big, hard jellyfish in the bay which freaked me out a bit, although I think I was one of the lucky ones who didn't get stung. After turning the first can we were heading into some chop with the sun shining in our eyes making it hard to sight the turning can. I existed the water in 27.35, slower then I was hoping. I didn't make good decisions in the swim with my lines (partly due to difficulties is sighting the cans).
Into T1 i whipped my wetsuit off, helmet on and I was out onto the bike in 1.50
Bike
My goal was to ride conservatively and save my legs for the run. The bike course was 3 laps and some what undulating. The drafting throughout the bike course was terrible and the TO's didn't do much to help the situation. I rode honestly all day and leg the big groups go by me (which in hindsight was the wrong move, again, i did this at busso half last year, I need to just go with them). It was really disappointing and drafting is becoming a joke in these races. It looked like a Sunday morning group ride which is basically was. People were sitting on each others wheels. When a group came past me i sat in with them for a while, the legal distance and people continually dropped in on me pushing me back and back so I sat up and let them go. Often a TO was sitting next to the group and then continued to draft with the TO's doing nothing!! And this was all in the first lap. Once I let the group go i assumed that the TO's would do something to police the situation (assuming i would see people in the penalty box as I came through the gardens), but not ONE person was in there!!
I rode the first lap with Johan before he got away in the 2nd.
On the third lap I was trailing behind a small group with a few female pro's. A TO was on the bike next to this group with age group men and these pro girls and one of the pro girls who was clearly riding legally was given a penalty. I went up to her and said that was rubbish and i will back her up if she complains (if that was possible).
I was generally happy with my ride, although I need to learn to just go with the groups. I stuck to my hydration and nutrition plan and hit T2 in 2.24.51 feeling great and was out on the run in 1.08.
Run
This was going to make or break my race (obviously). My plan was to go out easy and build into the run. I did just that for the first 2 laps. I was ticking over nicely and felt comfortable. I was getting my gels down and having a drink of water at each aid station. I slowed a bit in the third lap but I managed to run the whole way this time (unlike busso last year!). Towards the end i was looking at my watch trying to work out what time I was going to finish in (I had put down 4.35 when i entered but i was hoping to go under 4.30). I completed the run in 1.38.15 and crossed the line in 4.33.41. It is a PB by about 12 mins. I am happy with the overall time of my race but there are some aspects I need to work on!
I had a great trip over to Geelong with Lisa (our support), and Johan (who smoked the course in 4.13) and Helen (5.17, just missing out on 3rd). I am generally happy with my race and the direction things are heading (although I am starting to realise it is going to take time to get to the top in these bigger races).
Cheers,
Andy
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Time to pack my bike
Finally all the work is done. We leave for Geelong tomorrow night and I can't wait. My build up to the race has been fantastic. No niggling injuries and I am feeling better then ever. Hopefully I can use the experience I have gained in my last 2 Busselton 1/2s to put together a great race.
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