I was the most nervous about the swim part of this race, it just looked so much further than I'd imagined. I told myself I would just relax and swim at a pace that felt right for me, it was my race, I'd push myself but not go too hard too fast so I didn't burn myself out early on. There weren't a huge amount of girls so I seeded myself at the front, the horn blew and off I went trying to get some clear water. After a while I noticed there didn't seem to be anyone around me, looked up and realised I'd swum a fair amount off course!!! I have no idea how I managed to do that! Anyway swam back to the group and managed to navigate OK the rest of the way. Because of my navigation error I was towards the back of the group and I couldn't find anyone to draft off. I was happy with my pace, but I probably lost about a minute all up.

Navigate!

Good transition, went to plan. I had a bottle of water which I used to wash off my feet and this turned out to be a good idea, as there was a lot of sand and gravel. I also used a bright red towel to mark my place and was able to find my spot instantly.

Not much.

I had a headache on the ride so had trouble concentrating, but I finished it in the time I expected so was OK. I dropped my water bottle AGAIN in a moment of lapsed concentration - I did the same thing last year!!! Luckily I'd drunk most of its contents by that stage so hydration was OK. I am competitive on the flat and downhill, but I am super super crap at going up hills and this was my big downfall in this race as there are a few hills. I think I may have been able to average 30khr if it was just a flat course (bike comp said my average was 28khr). Used my aeros as much as possible and this helped a lot. This is my first race with my aero bars.

Need to get better on hills.

I found my place again easily thanks to the red towel. I got my runners on quickly and downed another Gu, started running, then just as I was about to exit transition I realised I still had my bike helmet on. BIG DUH!!!! I am such a dork. I probably lost 20-30 secs having to run back to my spot to put down my helmet.

Duh - take helmet off!

I'm really not a fast runner, but if I can run all the way I am happy and I achieved this today. I was a bit put off because the run turn around was quite a bit further out than what we'd practised last week, so mentally I had to get my head around that and push on. Last week during practice I felt like I could have pushed harder but not today - my pace was exactly what I could manage. I tried to speed up a few times but it wasn't going to happen. But I didn't stop!!! :) On the way back it was a lot harder because there was no cooling head wind and the sun was right on us, so it was quite hot. Anyway, minor inconvenience. I tried to enjoy the nice view of the city and river. During the last 500m I sped up a lot and pushed myself hard over the finish line.

Not a lot. I'm happy with my run. Obviously one can always get faster!

I was really pleased to see Sef and my mum at the end. The parents in law were late and didn't come until a lot later. Its so nice to have people you care about cheering you on at the end :) Anyway I had some recovery drink, some water and an apple. I milled around for a short while chatting to some girls from the training course and then Sef, mum & the in laws went out to breakfast in Nedlands. Except I really wasn't hungry - I wanted rasin toast or pancakes and they had neither, so I just had a coffee and a small carrot cake.


As always, fitness and excess weight, but I've come a long way!


Well, I did it! My first long course sprint triathlon. This distance would have been inconcievable to me even last year. It was just right for my fitness level today though! Sure, my swim navigation could have been better, I could have not had a headache and I could have remembered to take my helmet off, and if I'd done all that I could have done it 1-2 mins faster. But I am not going to nit pick and complain. I had a great race, I did the distance and I am really happy with my time :)