Karri Valley Triathlon - Long Course - TriathlonLong Course

The massive swim start on a little beach was a bit of nuisance. no room to swim, arms, legs and bodies everywhere. Was glad to get my own bit of space after about 500m. The 500m run afterwards wasn't too bad.

Navigation was pretty much spot on. Pace was ok, will pick up again before Busselton. Was happy with my time, it was what I predicted.

Brushed the sand off my feet with my socks and took my time getting ready.

I probably took too much time but still pretty happy.

This is when things started to happen, by the time I finished my first lap I knew that 25km/hr was going to be a hard enough goal to maintain. My water bottle bounced out my rear drink holder, not once but twice due to the bumps in the road. So being as hot as it was and only just buying my new bottles, I stopped to pick them up, not ideal on a downhill. On the second last lap i lost my yellow splash guard out of my aero bottle so started to get Gatorade all over me. I then had to siphon and spit it all out on the side of the road while still riding, not easy. Everytime you headed out on a lap up the hills the sun would just radiate onto your back giving you no comfort. Overall the course was harder the first half of each direction, basically 5km uphill, 5km down.

Turn off the sun or at least dial it down a bit. (Wishing)

I recommend lots of strength and hill work for this. I did 2 months of hills and I actually did ok but next year will plan this race from further out with a few extra months work.

Not too bad but had enough by now.

It took me soooooo long to cool down, I reckon at least 6km. I walked at every turnaround point to lower my heartrate which was through the roof! I got drenched in water at every aid station in an effort to just cool down. Which I eventually did and actually started to run consistently and with a bit of pace.

Lots of hill work here too needed. Same prep time as my cycling.

Straight back into those freezing waters for a good half hour.


The heat. Yes everyone suffered but I don't care about everyone else's time. My own time I reckon would have been < 4hrs if it wasn't for the heat.
Next year I hope its not so bad.


Quote from organisers post race report
"The extra distance and hot conditions made for tough racing as the field completed a 1.5km swim leg in Lake Beedelup, followed by a 60km bike ride along Vasse Highway and finished with a 12km trail run among the towering Karri forests in around the resort.

Some of the more experienced athletes claimed it to be the toughest race in WA and one of the best events they have been involved with. These comments from some of the leading figures in triathlon in WA are hopefully reflected of the general attitude of the participants. Although some have vowed never to return!!!, hopefully the unique nature of this event will ensure it is a “must do” race on the WA triathlon calendar."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

My prediction: Add 1hr for your Busselton time.
Lets see how that theory works in 6 weeks time!