Something unexpected

The Newcastle olympic triathlon was an uxexpectedly enjoyable race. The swim was a straight 1500m down to a beach near the break water. The race was supposed to start at 0630, but due to the sun not playing the game (someone didn't check sunup time) we had to till 0700, which kinda sucked as it was a no wetsuit swim and it wasn't real warm standing around waiting. Once underway it was a fast swim, with the tide on its way out, the 2 leaders were about 1minute in front of our pack - which was about 20 strong - we came out of the water in a shade under 19minutes which was sweet and a good way to start a race.

The bike course was quite tough, 5 laps, with 2 climbs in each lap. The first climb was the hardest, upto the lookout and around the park with a fast desecnt back down to the water front then back up a quick rise and around the fort. The ride was pretty busy being on a tight course which made for fun times. With a small pack of 2, we were able to work well totgether and catch the lead back on the second to last lap, which put us in the thick of it for the run leg.

And thats where it all came unstuck for me. The run course was a flat fast course, with a bit of cross country in the mix to make it interesting. Out of transition i was 5th overall and was feeling pretty good for once. Then on the start of the second and last lap my leg/knee started to tighten up and didn't let up at all. During which i lost 5 places and the finish wasn't pretty at all. I ended up finishing 10th overall, 3rd in my age group (30-34). The Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Assoc. (ADSTA) were holding their National Titles in conjuction with where i took out firsr place.

A few weeks later the Navy News came out with the above picture on the back page, not what i was expecting at all.