70.3 TWEED ENDURO
It's when I’m training and racing that I’m happiest. I do it for the love first and foremost.
As I made the decision to step into some non-drafting racing this year, it was great to hear that a new 70.3 Tweed Coast Enduro event was being run just over the border, in the northern-NSW town of Pottsville.
Competing in my first half Ironman (70.3) event on Sunday bought a mixture of emotions. Just coming off a sliver medal at the 2015 Mooloolaba OTU Triathlon Oceania Cup (Olympic distance) two weeks eariler, I went into the 70.3 with a degree of confidence.
I embraced the new experience, the enjoyment of being back racing this year, and l looked forward to learning from my first half Ironman - to become a wiser, smarter athlete and to embrace the hard work I have ahead of me to make it to the top.
The 1.9k swim was a fast one and a one-way swim in the creek, and I led it out by three minutes, into transition. Making an acrobatic fall on the slippery wet grass (haha!) over to my bike, to start the 90km bike leg.
Twenty kilometres into the bike leg I experienced a flat tyre, that left me on the side of the road for a good six or so minutes. I was thankful to be able to get going again, and a huge thanks for my partner for believing in me on the sideline, and giving me confidence that I can chase back down the now new leader.
Back on the bike, after 10km, I retook first place and at the end of the 90km bike leg I was hoping I was fueled enough for the half marathon run ahead of me.
The nutrition side of things is very important, I’m lucky to have access to Body science products for my training an racing, which is what fuels my body during competition.
I loved getting out on the run leg, with being my pet favorite leg. I found myself feeling quite strong and I found a rhythm straight away. It wasn’t until 10km in that I really started to feel the step up of race distance having an effect on me, the last 10km was tough especially as the sun came out, I looked forward to crossing the finish line and taking the win in my first 70.3.
It was a great running course for spectators and I loved all the people out cheering me along the way, THANK YOU!
To all the people whom took pictures for me and sent them to me, THANK YOU!
To my mum (pictured right) for her endless support and believing in me.
To my boyfriend, a former bike rider himself for passing on to me his knowledge and for his support.
To Liv Giant for the amazing bike I ride, the women's Envied Advanced Pro 1 and to Newton Running for my fast and comfortable running shoes.
To Tweed Coast Enduro, the event organizers well done on a great event, and to all that competed, well done!
I learnt a lot on Sunday, both mentally and physically but also about 70.3 racing which is great!
Now for a recovery week, which consists of exciting things for me, family time, brothers 18th birthday, my partner's new pup arrives, and Easter! :)
HAPPY Easter everyone, enjoy the chocolate! I heard there may be a shortage next Easter so stock up and take in some yummy calories! :)
Courtney
More images in my competition gallery HERE
