Monday 26 March 2012

Mooloolaba ITU Continental Cup

I went into this race really determined after a disappointing result in Devonport. I had been in a volume block in the two weeks leading into the race to try and get back to full run fitness for the Olympic distance.

The swim was quite spread out, with no distinct packs emerging out of the water. The surf was extremely flat and did not prove to be a factor in the swim. I was pleased with how I swam, coming out amongst the front girls and setting myself up for a solid ride. The 400m run to transition meant that I put myself right into the lead group without any worries.

The pack of about 12 girls formed very early in the ride and continued at a constant pace throughout the 40km. A couple of girls tried attacking off the front of the group but were unseccessful and brought straight back to the bunch. Unfortunately, at the 30km mark of the ride one of the girls came down in the wet conditions. This meant that myself and another girl who were drafting behind had nowhere to go and ended up hitting the deck also. I was very frustrated and upset at this point but knew I had to get my head back on the job. I got stright back onto the bike and rode solo into transition, hoping to run myself back into the race.

I went out onto the run determined and ready to run down some girls. I worked hard both up and down the hills, holding technique and keeping my head in the game. I managed to run myself back into 6th position after quite a strong run.

Congratulations to Sarah, Tamsyn and Chloe who rounded out the podium.

I am really looking forward to Luke Harrop Memorial race on the Gold Coast on April 22nd. Fingers crossed I will stay upright on the bike!

Ellie

Monday 12 March 2012

Devonport ITU Junior Oceania Champs

After putting my foot through the front wheel of my bike in Kinloch, NZ and suffering a minor foot injury, I had been out of racing for a couple of weeks. Although frustrating, it made me very determined and excited for a solid race in Devonport.

Our race start was at 10am, with the tide just starting to come in and the water a pleasant 18 degrees. This meant it was a wetsuit legal swim which I was very happy about. I didn't have the greatest start to my swim, getting tangled up with a lot of other girls and caught in a number of fights. But I managed to find clear water as I approached the first turn buoy and tried to work my way back through the pack of girls. I ended up emerging from the water at the start of the second pack, about 15 seconds behind the front group. I had some chasing to do!

I got on the bike and immediately started chasing down that front group. The bike course consisted of two hills each lap which definitely took their toll on the legs after the four laps. With the help of a couple of kiwi girls, I was able to bridge to the front pack on the second lap, giving me time to recover and get ready for the run.

After a solid swim and bike, I headed out on the run with the lead girls. Unfortunately, the run didn't come together on the day and I didn't have the run I was hoping for. I finished the race in 6th position overall and the 3rd Aussie junior.

Although I was disappointed with my run, I learnt a great deal from the race and will use it as a learning experience for the rest of the season.

See you all in Mooloolaba.

Ellie xo