Busso 70.3 - brides maid again...

On Saturday I finished my 5^th Half Ironman at Busselton. Race day coincided with my birthday this year and I must say it was a fun way to spend the day, doing exactly what I love!

I slept well the night before the race…. I mean really well…. Apparently there was a storm… I only found with out when Lisa and Mark were talking about it in the morning. My first thought was ‘I hope Di2 is water proof!

The Western Australian waters are now classed as the deadliest… thanks to our pointy friends in the ocean. With increased shark sightings/attacks in recent months, the event organisers opted to change the swim course to keep competitors closer to the shore.

Conditions in the water were choppy… which generally suits me; however this swim was another story! The conditions made it almost impossible to slight the buoys and I went WAY off course (like most people). I was really disappointed with myself during the swim and was quite negative (not what you want at the start of the race). I exited the water and had a look at the clock, showing just over 31min (it was a slow day)… When I got to my bike most bikes where still around and Mark and Luke were right there too! My attitude immediately changed –game on!

I am very confident on the Busselton bike course, my legs know what to do and they came out  to play. I rode the first few kms with Mark and Luke and at the turn onto Layman Road I noticed Brad Wauer just up the road. I signalled to Mark that we need to bridge the gap and I went and never looked back. I rode up to Brad who then matched my pace. I rode hard for the first lap and went through the first hour in a 41km/average. Out on the second lap I continued to push the pace and opened up a gap to everyone behind me. At the 60km mark I lost my gel flask and made the decision to leave it. I still had enough  on board so kept on pedalling. The last 20km were tough as the wind picked up. I managed to catch the leader of our age group just before transition.

My legs felt heavy getting off the bike which was not a great sign. I made a quick transition into my running shoes and started the half marathon. I struggled through the first 6km while my legs started to feel the rhythm.  Brad passed my just before the end of the first lap and I made an effort to go with him, but could not match his pace. I kept turning my legs over to get to the finish line! Not a pretty run and I walked most of the aid stations.

I crossed the line in 4.26.44 enough for 2^nd in the 18-24 age group – a great result and a BIG confidence booster leading into Hawaii 70.3 in a few weeks.

Congratulations to Brad Wauer for great win and to Luke Burton for rounding off the podium. 

A special mention to Lisa who managed to get to the finish line in a PB time! We both accepted spots to the Ironman 70.3 World Champs in Las Vegas in September!

Well done to everyone who toughed out a tough day!

A big thankyou to Total Triathlon, LMW Hegney, Team K-Swiss/Break Your Limits,  XU1 Sports and my Coach Stu (Eclipse Fitness) for you continued support in helping me chase my dreams. My preparation for this race was not ideal but to come out with this result gives me a lot of confidence.

Next stop, Hawaii 70.3

Cheers,

Andy

Kalgoorlie Classic

The Goldfields Classic (Kalgoorlie Olympic Distance) is what Triathlon is about! Geoff from the Kalgoorlie Triathlon Club invited the Fremantle Triathlon Club to the race and a few of us took the opportunity to venture to the Gold Fields!

Yes it is a LONG drive (approximately 600km), but I can tell you it was well worth the trip… I will be back there next year!

To start the weekend off we (Lisa, Mark, Kate, Guy, Ruth and I – the FTC contingent) joined the Kalgoorlie Tri Club’s Saturday ride for an easy 45km, followed by coffee and breakfast. Nice start to the weekend! Lisa and I went to have a look at the ‘Super Pit’ and I was seriously impressed. An afternoon swim was on the cards and some transition practise headed by Kate and Guy. The evening was spent at the carbo dinner hosted by the Kalgoorlie and this alone was worth the 600km drive!

Kalgoorlie Tri Club ride

The Kalgoorlie 'Super Pit'

 Race Day

A lot of people asked where the swim was… the pool! 30 lap time trial. Mark, Kate and I worked out a plan of working together on the swim, 200m each on the front. The first 400m were great, and then I dropped off the pace shortly followed by Mark… I was happy to finally see the signal that I had completed 1,400m and was on my last lap! I jumped out the pool a little back from Mark and made my way to transition. 

Out onto the bike Mark had about 100 metres on me, which took me 5 of the 9 laps to catch up! My legs took a while to get going on the bike, but after about 20km I found some good power and felt strong. I finally caught up to Mark and Kate and we rode the last 4 laps together (I’m getting used to riding with Kate; we spent most of the ATTA 80km TT together). 

Mark and I entered T2 together and ran out side by side, before he ran away! I ran at a steady pace and felt great for the first 5km. The second half wasn’t very pretty… I had a blister on my heel (this is a first) which was pretty painful! I crossed the line in 4^th place, in 2.07.xx

Overall thoughts on my race – a had a lot of fun which was a big positive for me (I have been struggling a bit over the past few months with motivation in my training and racing, but this event has really helped me remember why I do the sport!). Swim; average… Lots of work to do, but I am happy with the direction I am progressing. Bike; reasonable… lacking power, but again definitely heading in the right direction. Finally the run; not so impressive… I put that down to lack of running in my legs! 

Overall thoughts on the event – I cannot fault this race. Yes it is a long drive to Kal, but the atmosphere at the event is amazing. There are not too many races that cost $40 that provide a carbo dinner and lunch after the event! I would highly recommend adding this to your race calendar!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff and Pam for letting Lisa and I stay with you!

Cheers,

Andy

The FTC crew

Back to blogging

It’s been a while between blogs…

A quick recap of the last few months:    

• Lisa and I returned home from a White Winter holiday in Europe 
•  We moved into our new house and have been doing some renovation work
• I participated in the Cottesloe Beach Triathlon a few days after getting back from Europe
• I participated in the Darlington Half Marathon
• I went on a training camp with Team Break Your Limits
• I raced Hillary’s Race # 2 (Sprint)
• I raced the Karri Valley Triathlon (race report to follow)

I have not had much free time over the past few months to update my blog – from here on in I will keep it up to date!

Busso training camp - day 1

I am currently down at Busselton with Team Break Your Limits for a short training camp! I was given the opportunity to attend the training camp and timing was perfect so I jumped on board.

We banked a solid 6 hours of training today, with a long ride (115km) this morning, an open water swim and a long run.

I am slowly starting to feel stronger on the bike and it was good to take the Ceepo Climax for a solid hit out down here. The road surface on the back streets of busso are rough and the bike was very comfortable all day. I am looking forward to 'taking it to max' at Busso 70.3 in 7 weeks!

I was in my new Orca Alpha wetsuit for our ocean swim and I was very surprised at how great my arm felt considering I have not been in a wetsuit for over 3 months! It was a rough swim, but it felt great to be out in the ocean again.

Next on my program was a sleep and a good one at that! The joys of being on camp - train, eat, sleep, repeat!

Time to rest!

We had a long run along the coast and the memories of Ironman came flooding back! I clocked up 19km and was very happy with my run.

Things are slowly coming together and I am getting my motivation back in a big way. Bring on Hawaii 70.3 in June!

Cheers,

Andy

Europe update

Just a quick update from Europe! Lisa and I are currently on a 4 week holiday in Europe. Our trip began in Prague and has taken us to Vienna and Salzburg and we are currently en route to Zermatt. In a few days we will board the glacier express, which is a scenic train that will take us from Zermatt to St Moritz where we will snowboard for a week, before heading to London (via Paris).

We received some sad news at the beginning of our trip. A close friend passed away. Elliot and I met 13 years ago and we have been great mates ever since. We shared some special memories that will last a lifetime.

In triathlon related news I am making a few changes to my training structure this season. I will be working with Stu (Eclipse Fitness) on the overall structure of my season, however I am going to have more control of my weekly training schedule. I am really excited about this change and I can't wait to get started when I get back from Europe!

Training has been minimal since Busselton Ironman and I think that this will benefit me going forward. I always miss training and really look forward to getting back into it after an extended break. Yes I will come back unfit and slightly chubby (Europe does this to you...) but I will come back motivated. My goals for the season have been set and I have the plan in place to achieve these and make them a reality.

Another few weeks in Europe then back to reality once again!

Cheers,
Andy

New sponsor - Total Triathlon

I am pleased to announce that Total Triathlon will be supporting me during the 2012 season!  I would like to thank Chad and Dan for giving me the opportunity to join their team and I am really looking forward to working with them throughout the season.

"TOTAL TRIATHLON is a unique concept that aims to consolidate the delivery of high grade, competitively priced products and services for the triathlete in a “one stop store”. Our extensive range also enables us to fully cater to the needs of people involved in any of the triathlon sports – namely swimming, cycling or running – across novice, amateur and professional status."

Total Triathlon have recently changed owners and have re opened the doors at 345 Shepperton Road, East Victoria Park.  Head down to check out the extensive range of gear they carry and mention that I sent you! 

Happy new year!

I am happy to say that 2011 was the best 12 months of my life... and I have no doubt 2012 will be even better!

A few highlights of 2011:

• Became a licensed property valuer & started a new job with LMW Hegney
• Podium position in all my major races, Port of Tauranga Half Ironman, Singapore 70.3, Busselton 70.3 and IronmanWA (2nd in everyone!)
• Put an successful offer in on a house with Lisa (to settle on Thursday 5 Jan)
• Had an awesome training camp in Falls Creek with Team LSDsports.com
• Became an Ironman!
• Did my first 100km run week

Looking ahead to 2012, Lisa and I move out of home in a few days and in 2 weeks we are off to Europe for a 4 week holiday! Pretty great way to start the year :-)


A few images from 2011

Port of Tauranga Half Ironman

Running through the clouds in Falls Creek

Falls Creek

Life on a training camp - train, eat, train, eat, train, eat, sleep, repeat

Busselton Half Marathon, on my way to a PB 1.24

Singapore 70.3, race morning with Mark Luckin

Singapore 70.3 bike

Singapore 70.3 - WA Podium finishers!

Breakfast with my training partners

Lisa and I on Redang Island (during a cruise for Lisa's dads 50th)

Learning to ride a motorbike!

Bunbury Classic (Olympic Distance) - the first time I have broken 1 hour for 40km

Registration for the big one - IMWA

Nick Baldwin and Ryan Waddington - 18-24 athletes at IMWA

Ironman WA - I worked so hard for this day! Was the icing on the cake of an amazing year.