Not a good swim. Goggles fogged up pretty much from the start, and with the swell, couldn't really see where I was going. Ended up not swimming straight at all.
Eventually, on the long back straight, I got accosted by a paddle board advising me that I should probably head back to the course rather than try and swim across the bay. Decided to stop and clear the goggles and returned to the course. Probably cost me a few minutes there but oh well, lesson learnt. Got out of the water in just under 33 mins but then had to cope with the mother of all transitions.

Learn to swim straight.
For some reason, even tough it's my best leg, I don't enjoy the swim at all, I get bored....... Much prefer the bike and run, for some reason!

This was a ridiculous transition, just under 1000m long! Timing mats were also at the top of a hill, so even though I got out of the water in about 33 minutes, and extra 3 minutes were added to the swim time before we went over the mats. Suit off, bike stuff on, and off we go.

Keep thinkin about getting tri shoes so I can have them clipped in but not got round to it yet. Plus I do like to wear socks......

I felt this was another good bike leg for me, but once again went backwards compared to everyone else. First lap felt tough, but got into a good rhythm on the second lap.
The headwind was tough, but wasn't sure how hard to push. Thought at one point I should push more, but I think it would probably have caused me to have a worse run, so held it back.

Maybe push more and see if it affects the run....!
Get some new wheels, and buy that aero hat from Jeff a few days earlier so I could use it :)

All good

Garmin had this at 9.67km so was an average of 5:30 pace which is good for me.
Still, the heading backwards down the field continued.
First lap was great, did it in 26 minutes then slowed down a bit on the 2nd lap as I tired, but was still pleased to run what I did. Tried to pick it up at the end but I had nothing left. Again, not far from a 10k PB so was pleased with that (if the course was accurate and the garmin wasn't, then it was a PB..!)
And no walking either, didn't even feel the need to, but I was telling myself throughout the run that there was no walking to be done at all, I had goals to achieve. So even though my legs would have liked to walk, my brain and heart wouldn't let them, I'm pleased to report.

More running over the Christmas break!

Fitness, Christmas, New Year, age, talent, the usual !


My main goal heading into this race was under 3 hours, with a stretch goal of 2:50, so given the long swim and extra long T1 I'm happy. The swim could have gone better, but the bike was good, and the run was what I expected.
I can now push on with HIM training for Busso, but will probably try and do one more of the sprint races in the next month or 2 to keep motivated.
Compared to last year, I'm in the shape of my life, ready to target the HIM!
Onwards!!!!!