The weekends racing all started Saturday watching the elite's battle it out over a beautifully located and spectator friendly course. It was incredibly motivating to see these stars demonstrating, with grace what we try to replicate though our hard work . With the age group race just around the corner and new wheels + aero helmet in my kit bag I had set myself a target of 2:05 for the course, along with the specific discipline targets that I had been set from Energylink. I have been immersed in a block of strength training recently and with little tapering I was expecting to feel strong and was itching to get out there and test myself.
The Age Group Race
Swim- my age group was split into 3 waves due to large numbers, I was on the middle wave which suited me as I could attempt to chase those in front and hopefully try to go with anyone overtaking me in the wave behind. I felt solid in the swim and although getting smashed at the buoys I tried to work on stroke turnover and consistent smooth pulling and I felt like I came out of the swim nearer the front than usual. (24.30 with run up to transition included, about 23.00 out of the water)
Bike- straight onto the bike I caught a large amount of my age group competitors on the first of three laps establishing a good smooth pace. The hills worked to my advantage as others seemed to suffer here especially after many spent all there effort on the descent. A few of my age group snuck past towards the en of the bike and I couldn't respond but was pleased with a 1.05 bike.
Run- coming into transition I knew I was going fairly well due to the lack of other bikes racked around me. I quickly got into stride and even got a shout out from the commentator on how quick I looked like I was running and Managed to overtake all the cyclists who got me earlier. At 5k I started to fade and felt very heavy legged, managed to hold on to grind out a 34.00.
Overall 2:05.45 which is pleasing progress, bike and swim were solid and although I had the fastest run leg there is still more to come. Bring on Club Champs and Balmoral being number one!!!
