I headed to Huskisson for a hit out to test where the body is at in my preparation for the Hawaii 70.3 in June. Training has been on a casual basis with a few niggles that I have been getting tested for in regards to breathing difficulties and some muscle-joint issues. I had been doing some good biking for Team Newrad picking up a couple of wins. Running and swimming had been 1-2 sessions per week of slow build. So Huski was to be a real 'where am I at' in regards to all aspects. I was expecting to get it handed to me from guys having this as their A race for a national title but was going to give it all.
The swim felt good sitting in the lead grouping until the last turn where a good rip started. The two guys in front of me let a big gap open at the turn buoy and the pack was gone. Lost a minute plus to the finish. Felt ok though but the arms knew it at 1.5km in. More swimming and speed work needed.
Bike went very well. Having lost 2mins plus to the leaders post the steep step climb to transition and a fast pack ahead, my work was cut out. However I comfortably road solo for the whole 83km sitting on good averages over 40km/hr+ on the undulating course for the majority without burning too many candles. I rode through the whole grouping and was announced as the lead age-grouper out of transition. This surprised me a bit as I new I was motoring (low 2hr time) and passed the top guys of my group but I was still comfortable.
Onto the run and being in the lead I had to give it all for a glimmer of hope in holding onto the podium as it is a Nationals. Needless to say the training I had done came through and I relinquished the lead 2km in, the podium 6.5km in. With no glory to happen, I eased up on the run to limit any further damage to my healing hip and ankle and finished in a jog in under 4:30hrs.
Overall a great training tester. I am getting the body in order finally with medical testing and the appropriate rehab. I am ahead in my biking. My running and swimming needs more hours and consistency. I will now sit down and work out my program for Hawaii 70.3 to address these issues.
I have a few cycle races beforehand, the Sydney ITU olympic triathlon, and a half marathon to utilise for testing and pace work. Photo's were taken by Belinda Crossingham who has graciously let me post them here.
Cheers,
Bevan.
