Gatorade Queensland Tri Series 2006 - Raby Bay - TriathlonMini Sprint

I hung onto a marker buoy while waiting for the start so I didn't waste energy treading water and with 20 seconds to go I swam into a clear spot and waited for the gun.

I managed to stay out of the main pack most of the way round and therefore had a fairly comfortable swim. When I got out of the water and looked at my watch I was glad to see 8 minutes as this was the fastest I had swam at Raby Bay.

It all went well, most happy.

T1 went well as I only had to put on my helmet and glasses. I was going to put my number belt on too but at the last minute I decided to wait until T2.

I think I passed quite a few guys in T1 so I'm very happy.

This was the first time I had ridden this course (the bike course has changed since the last time I raced here) but I just went as hard as I could. I was trying to equal my 33kph average that I did at a duathlon a couple of weeks ago but there were a few more hills on this course that weren't going to help. I got down on my profile bars at every opportunity which I think again helped me ride fast. They came in handy against the headwind we had on the hills going out and coming down the hills on the way back.

I rode as hard as I could and although I didn't get the 33kph average I was aiming for, compared to other competitors in my age group, it was a fast ride which is what really matters.

I forgot to pull my feet out of my shoes and only remember when it was too late. I managed to undo my shoe straps but ended up with one foot out of a shoe and the other still in my shoe but unclipped from my bike. As i jumped off my bike I stopped and pulled off my remaining shoe and carried it with me through T2.

The shoe thing was a bit silly and I thing I was getting ahead of myself, thinking about the run before I had finished my cycle. Hopefully I learn from this mistake and don't make it again.

I ran as fast as I could, it's as simply as that.

I ran thinking of the training I have been doing with the running group and concentrated on running flat out for the full 4k's.

It's more about "what would I continue doing" and that is still keep running with my running group. The speed work sessions I am doing are paying off big time in races.

I don't think the time for my run is quite right as it seems a little fast. I clocked it on my watch at 16:54 which is still very fast for me and I'm still extremely happy with the time.

I'm thrilled with my race today and I really enjoyed it. It's great to see that my training is paying off with my times improving.

I'm feeling motivated to continue training hard and I'm excited about the upcoming tri season. Bring it on!!!!!!