The Mooloolaba Basline

I started doing triathlons in about 2005ish (sorry I'm old and my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be) and believe it or not, today was not only my first sanctioned Olympic distance race is Oz, it was only my second one.... Fair dinkum.

With 12 weeks to go until Cairns Ironman (my 4th IM) my coach told me to sign up for Mooloolaba.  I was somewhat reluctant, but knew I had to sign up.  For those not in Australia, there are basically two major Olympic distance races here, Noosa at the beginning of the triathlon season, and Mooloolaba at the end of the triathlon season.  Both just happen to be within about an hours drive from my house.

I went into the race with one thought, consistency.  And that was the word of the day.  Due to some predicted high surf, the swim was put into the canal, consisting of a lap around the island for 1.5km.  Whilst my swimming has come back with some endurance, I have yet to pull out that much need speed.

Of the 1,000's people racing I was in the 6th of 40 waves. As the horn went off, I was in and swimming, steady and full pull strokes.  As I settled into it.... that is after I got kicked, hit and give the odd hit and kick..... I was feeling fairly good.  This race was also another first for me as it was also the longest race I have done without a wettie.  Believe it or not, I was very comfortable in the water and was enjoying the swim.  Out around the island, a few kicks received and given, I was moving through the groups.  Hell, I even passed some of the people in the wave before me!!!!!! I was swimming steady and whilst not red lining it, I was feeling like I was on a good pace.  A right hand turn around the last buoy and swimming until I grabbed a hand full of sand, I stood up and was out of the water.  Due to the change in swim venue, it was off and running for about a 600m  jaunt until I reached T1.  I did up my helmet, and ran out of transition, did a flying mount and I was off for the 40km ride.

As I got going, a quick out of the seat for the big hill out of town and I settled into the tri bars. I wanted to ride well and at a steady pace.  But after about 5kms I looked down at my front brake and it was rubbing.  I reached down, fixed that and kept on riding.  But no matter what I did, it seemed I didn't have my top end speed. It's a weird feeling to be sitting on 35/36km/hr and have people passing you like your standing still.  Being an out and back ride, it made it easier knowing what you're going to face for the second half.  I knew there were some tiny rollers, and a good climb back into town.  For most of the ride I stayed in the bars, only popping up a couple of times to stretch the legs a bit and to grab a gel.  I was feeling good, but there was something not quite right with the ride.  *little did I know until after the race, but my back brake was rubbing the too....  As I turned into town, I popped out of my tri shoes, got to the dismount line and did a flying dismount (I might be onto something here for the shorter races if I keep these up).

Racking my bike, I grabbed my shoes, hat and gel.  Downed the gel swig of water and was off.  Now for 10km.  As I headed out, you go through the usual things, how are the legs, how laboured is my breathing, where is my head at.  I was focusing on the latter.  I was in a good space and wanted to keep it there, but also to push the boundaries too.  There is nothing better than to pass by the squad tents for that extra infusion of energy.  A little smile and out onto the main portion of the course.  Being one of the first waves of the day I could feel the heat, but I knew it would be nothing in comparison to those people starting later in the day.  I used this to keep me going.  Run strong run consistent and take it all in.

I made sure to hit every water station and took two waters. One for the head, one to drink.  Towards the end, I was taking an extra water as it was getting hot out there, especially with little wind.  I was wavering somewhat after about 6-7km but new I had to keep moving.  I pulled it together, and that was enough for me.  There is nothing better than seeing the 1km to go marker.  I had just climbed the hill into town and it was downhill to the finish line.... no excuses so I let the legs go and it was a matter for my body to try and keep up.  I usually have something left in the tank and sprint in the last 100 meters, but there was no extra gear to call on.  Crossed the line and I knew I had had done the race to plan.

While I know I have more in me and can go allot faster than I did on the day, but I also know that realistically I have only been training 8 weeks, so looking at it from that perspective, I'm feeling pretty good about myself.  Throw in the monster run to T1 I still managed to do about a 5-6 minute PB on the day.

With 12 weeks to go in my program, it's game time now, and need to focus.  In a little over a month, I think I have another Olympic distance race to do, so that will be the litmus test for where I am.  The next week will be a bit difficult as I live out of a suitcase as work has me headed out to Germany and Singapore for work.  But it's amazing the amount of training gear you can put in your suitcase.... runners, shorts, paddles, pull buoy, goggles, but no bike.

Here's to the little wins on the way to the bigger picture.

Getting into the groove

It's hard to believe that 13 weeks to race day.  That means I've been on program for 7 weeks and next week is the start of critical training.... 12 weeks of serious training to go.

Saturday was the first time I've actually felt like I can do this race.  Sure the training has been good, but I haven't been feeling any speed or strength in the sessions.  We had a 4 hour ride that included Mount Mee and across to Samford on what surely is the deadest road in Australia, but for once, I had gas in the tank.  I was able to climb the mountain 1 1/3 times and did some efforts on the return trip.  I kept my heart rate in the correct zone and I felt good.... Tired but good.

I know a campaign cannot be judged by how one feels during one session, but you need to start somewhere don't you?

Then welcome Sunday.... a 2 hour ride in the morning and a 90 minute run in the arvo.  I managed the 2 hour ride fairly well but to be honest I was feeling it more than the 4 hour ride.  Then there was the 90 minute run.  I headed out, not really feeling in the right space, but I quickly knew something was wrong.  I was only 4 kms into my run and I had nothing, I mean NOTHING.  I was in trouble, so I found a servo, grabbed a can of coke and a bag of lollies. Pounded back the coke and the lollies and in no time, I was feeling good again.  I was able to continue and got my run in.  When I looked back at the day, I had barely eaten a thing, hence no energy.  Luckily I was able to think it through, managed to alter my run and get through the session.  I will remember this come race day as that is what it's about, managing the day and what it throws at you.

This coming next weekend, I have my first Moolooaba triathlon, one of the two biggest Olympic distance races in Australia that just happens to be in my back yard.  To be honest I think this is only my 3rd Olympic distance race I've done, so should be interesting as I have no idea how to attack this race, guess I'll just hit it and go until the check engine light comes on.  Then just as the pain of the race is disappearing, I will be on a plane for 30 hours as I head to Germany for work... fun times.

Well here's to more training and I hope the speed and endurance starts to show up more frequently.