A training race last weekend proved that each of the
three disciplines are at personal best level and that my head is in a strong,
tough frame of mind. As they say, competing in sport at an elite level is 80%
mental and 20% physical so it is vitally important my head is switched on and
focussed at all points in time.
The Luke Harrop Memorial race is my favourite Australian
race of the season and I always look forward to getting out there and giving it
everything. It is a very special race in my calendar as Loretta Harrop has mentored
me for a number of years and has being a role model and inspiration throughout
my athletic career. She has given her time to coach multiple swim sessions with
me and constantly gives me advice on how to access the best in myself at all
times. This year however, was extra special as I had the chance to race against
Loretta in the Open Female category. I also had a number of my family and
friends, not to mention the always supportive Carina Leagues Triathlon Club
members, encouraging me from the sidelines.
The conditions were perfect for racing with the
Broadwater being perfectly flat and suitable for a fast swim. The women’s field
was relatively small and made for a clean start. As soon as we were underway, I
sprinted to the first buoy to ensure myself clear water and an opportunity to
jump onto the feet of the faster swimmers. One of the girls, who is a renowned
swimmer took the lead early on and managed to get away before anyone could jump
on her feet. After the first turn buoy, there was nobody around me so I put my
head down and swam as hard and as fast as I could on my own to get away from
the rest of the girls pack. I ended up coming out of the water in second position
with a convincing margin over the next girls. I could see the lead girl ahead
of me and knew that she was well within reach. Immediately, I had set myself up
for a good race and put myself into a great position for my bike and run
components.
The bike was a non-drafting course consisting of two 10km
loops. Coming out of the water very much up the pointy end put me in a great
position on the bike. I put the pace down right from the start and knew that I had
done numerous time trials and speed sessions to prepare myself for a solid ride
leg. I took the lead on the bike within the first 5km of the ride and kept a
solid pace to prove to myself what I am capable of and to give myself the
biggest possible margin off the bike. However, at the 7km mark of the bike I encountered
a hiccup, a 2 minute drafting penalty. This did not deter me though and made
me even more determined to ride hard, knowing I had to sit in the penalty box for
some time whilst the other girls continued racing. I took the penalty at the end
of the second bike lap and dismounted the bike in 3rd position.
Coming from behind off the bike really fed my determination
and gave me a challenge, having to catch up 2 minute on the current race leader.
In the past couple of weeks, I have been
working really hard on putting surges intermittently throughout my 5km run. I
was very excited to try this new style of racing and knew that I had done it
enough in training to execute it perfectly on race day. I ran out of transition at a solid pace to get
my rating high and settle into a comfortable, yet solid tempo, early on. I could
see both girls ahead but simply concentrated on my race and surging every 250m.
I could see the girl in 2nd position at the 1500m mark of the run and
knew that I was running really well. Still focussing on intermittent surges, I
slowly reeled in the leader at the time, catching her at the 4km mark. I ran to
the finish line in the lead, having given everything, boosting my confidence
for my first French Grand Prix race this weekend.
I not only came away with the race win, but also the Luke
Harrop Memorial Bursary. A huge thank you to the Harrop family for all their
support, the bursary will go a very long way towards my overseas travel
expenses.
Speaking of travel, I decided to put up a couple of travel
tips as I head to Europe for three months. Hope they help those of you with upcoming
International races.
1. Always
pack lightly to avoid excess luggage charges. Put jumpers and heavy articles in
your hand luggage so that you can have as little luggage checked in as
possible.
2. Take
noise cancelling headphones on long-haul flights so you can have a good sleep
and listen to music and watch movies in peace.
3. Remember
to pack you chargers!! This is probably the most common error and forgetting
your phone or laptop charger can pose a huge problem.
Au revoir! I am currently in transit on my way to Paris.
I will keep you posted on my adventures and can’t wait to finally meet my
French team.
Ellie xo
Great race, Ellie - well done. Bon voyage and enjoy your European adventure!
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