Swim
Comments: We waited 50mins for our wave to go. Such a waste. In general, it was a bad swim. I kept getting swum over and crashed into by other swimmers. I stopped and let people go passed and then got going again after a few choice words. What would you do differently?: Start out back and get away from crazy women who can't swim straight. Transition 1
Comments: Pretty standard. I come in, lose the suit, don the helmet as I put on shoes, swap the Garmin to the bike, chuck on sunnies and go. What would you do differently?: Nothing. Bike
Comments: Hitting the bike, I honestly thought I was last, so I hammered it hard. Hit the big chain ring and gunned it as best I could with the tailwind (I know that 38kph is tailwind territory!). On the turn, I just grit my teeth and pushed into the headwind. Didn't see hide nore hair of the other Athenas so I started to freak out and get a bit panicky. Not the smartest move, really. What would you do differently?: Chillax on the bike a bit more. I generally fall around mid-pack for bike leg time, and it ain't going to get much better than that. Just got to get on with it. Oh, and change my tyres. Transition 2
Comments: Stock standard. Not much I can really do here (this season, anyway). What would you do differently?: Nothing. Run
Comments: So I that only 2 bikes were racked when I got back, easing my worries about being last. I knew I could catch one of those ladies! The run itself was pretty much super. Loved it. Tail wind out, headwind back but since I run in the wind all the time, it really was no bother. Amazing how many people struggle into the wind. I could the second place Athena early in the run and saw the first placed Athena at the turn around but I just couldn't catch her. Kinda wish I hadn't let her see me! Could have snuck up on her, lol. What would you do differently?: I think I could have gone harder. Honestly. I had a bit left in the tank. Seems big chain ring work on the bike is no problem before the run, so I can continue that and then hit it hard on the run. :) Next race is Oly Distance, so it'll be interesting to see if I can catch the leading Athena then. Re-grade run rating to excellent, please! Post race
Warm down: Small walk about, 2 cups Gatorade. Went straight to transition to pick up my gear and then the presentations began - seriously, that's how late we our wave went off. What limited your ability to perform faster: Mentally stressed about the wave going off so late; freaked out in the swim by so many women who can't swim straight (they swim straight across my path and almost kick me in the face - they'd be super fish if they spent less time zigzagging all over the place) and finally; stressing about a podium finish. Event comments: Whoever decided to put the Athenas in the last wave needs their head read. Honestly, we're kind of slow in the big scheme of things! I actually dreamed of crossing the finishing line as they called out my name and stepping straight up to the podium! (Cocky, eh!) It was a good race and I'm glad I didn't sleep in. The weather was good, the reprieve from the heatwave we've got going on here in the land down under was much welcomed. Looking forward to a good race at Sandy in 3 weeks. Last updated: 2011-10-27 12:00 AM
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Australia
SuperSprint Events
18C / 64F
Overcast
Overall Rank = 692/928
Age Group = Athena
Age Group Rank = 2/8
Got there very very early. I could have left half an hour later but if I'd waited, I probably would have fallen asleep on the couch! And I did not want a repeat of last year! On the bright side, I did get a great car park. (Was it worth being there 2 hrs early???)
I took my time doing everything! Got dressed slowly, parked my bike in transition and set up slowly! I had a long time to warm up in the water. The problem was once you were in the water, it was best to stay there because it was out of the cool wind and warm!