And so to race day, and my last race in the 25-29 age group. It only gets harder from here so was hoping for a decent showing before it gets harder to place in the higher age category! Firstly, to 2008, a few months after the first big race i had competed in down at Canberra (see previous blog), and i donned a new tri suit so i didn't have to race in Speedos and change in the change tent during transition! Still not at wetsuit stage but a step in the right direction. The newly purchased Tri bars were put on the bike and off i went to get around the course in 5hrs 8mins. If i didn't improve on that there was definitely something wrong and i may as well quit! Fortunately i did improve but with mixed emotions.
The Swim start i found a bit hectic, in trying to go off hard i found myself gasping and fighting for air with the rest of them, so once again attempted to pull out to one side and find my rhythm, which i did quite quickly and felt strong for the rest of the 2km swim. Was please to hit the beach in just over 31mins and clocked 32.31 to the timing mat at transition. Sluggish getting the wetty off but got out and on the bike and felt fairly good.... until the problems began! More lessons to be learnt here! The seat post problem was unforeseen! After 17km, my seat post came loose and every time my weight shifted forward so too did the seat post to the extent that it was almost hanging off. I have no idea what was holding it together! So, i shifted my weight to the back, and tried to stay as still as possible, which didn't allow me to relax and provided a slightly awkward position. Fortunately i didn't get worst (i.e. come off) and i would be able to get around the bike course with my bike in one piece! I wouldn't normally check my seat post before every race, and i still think i was slightly unfortunate, but the seat post nut will certainly get a quick tighten before every race from now on!! The second problem can only be described as embarrassing and barely an excuse. Its so hard to describe the pain and complete irritation i felt! I had the old tree trunks waxed the Thursday before the race and man did they itch! As the sweat increased so too did my ability to contain the irritation as i increasingly had to reach down and scratch the knees to the extend that blood was being drawn and vocal noises could be heard by passing riders! It didn't get much better throughout but i slowly got use to the pain and the repetition of having to itch my legs! Like i said, its hard to explain how annoying this was, but again broke my rhythm and concentration. All in all an average ride to go around the 3 laps to complete 80km in 2:25.57. And so to the run, my favoured leg. Started off flying in an angered attempt to make up lost time, but the sun quickly took its toll, my body temperature increased, and the pace dropped and attitude changed to just getting around! This recurring theme is a little too recurring for my liking! Another hot day with not enough shade. Given the average weather we've all been training in over recent months it was ironic it was going to be a hot and sunny race day! I think one of the biggest things i am anxious about with Ironman is if it is a hot day! I know i'll struggle if i can't get out of the sun! I've discovered i find it hard to get my body temperature down on hot days so lets hope its a cool day on 28th March otherwise i'm in trouble! Run leg was completed in 1:29.40, still along way off the speedy runs over Half Marathon Distance in 2009, but then that was in the British climate.
All in all, a 15th place finish in the 25-29 AG category and 131st of 700 finishers overall! A few things still to be disappointed about, a few (more) lessons, but still seeing very gradual improvement, and i guess that's all i can ask - 37 minute improvement on 2008!!
2008: 5:08.21 - 2009: 4:31.00
Swim - 39.50 - 32.31
Ride - 2:51.52 - 2:25.57
Run - 1:36.52 - 1:29.40
Monday 15 February
Rest Day - not sure why, wasn't exactly a big weekend!!
Tuesday 16 February
BMMC Run from Artups in the morning with Scam and Terry. A rather quick 55.46. Rode home from work via the Nepean river for the tri club handicap. A very slow 26.15 in warm conditions, and running late was straight off the bike. Good session to do, but meant i was a bit slower. 5th fastest time for the 6.7km loop. 49km on the bike too!
Wednesday 17 February
Rode back into work without any issues. No time recorded. Lunchtime Swim, only getting in 1.7km due to time, and a rather sluggish in that for 17.21.
Thursday 18 February
Another disappointing day. Managed to get to the River on the way home from work for a solo two laps (13.4km) in 57.07. 29.12 for the first, 27.54 for the second.
Friday 19 February
3km swim at the pool this morning after receiving some unwelcome stick from departing fellow BMMC members. Thanks to Sleep Train for the follow up apology. Easy and slow 45km ride after with The Animal and Dr Phil, to Yarramundi and back, and down to Blaxland and home. Very slow, easy and comfortable. Drove down to Husky in the afternoon.
Saturday 20 February
An easy 30minute run in the morning with Animal and the Doc (approx 5km) followed by breky and an easy ride to turn the legs over before tomorrow's race. About 20km. Spent the afternoon in husky and then the evening carbo loading after a splash in the "resort" pool!
Sunday 21 February
Australian Long Course Champs 2km Swim 80km Ride 20km Run
Weekly totals:
Swim 6.5km
Ride 239km
Run 55.1km
Not quite Ironman training!!!!!!!!!
