It has now been two weeks since my last race and a much longer time since my last blog but this isn't to say that the race or everything else that has happened in between isn't blog worthy, it is quite the opposite and it is only now that I am getting the opportunity to reflect on the race and put pen to paper on everything else that has happened since.
Leading into Gold Coast I had a lengthy stint away from racing with my previous racing being the long course race in Geelong. I made the conscious decision to have a light race schedule this early in the year so I could get the work done in training and to avoid over-racing when my focus was more towards a block of races in September, October and November. However, any triathlete will admit how competitive they are so it's safe to say I was dying to get out on course and test how I was going. The Luke Harrop Memorial Triathlon is a race that means so much to so many people and after watching training partner and good friend, Ryan Fisher win this race for the past two years I was keen to step up in his absence and try to keep the title within the DAT stable.
The race got off to a great start for me and I positioned myself perfectly throughout the swim to exit with the first 4 athletes and a small gap on the rest of the field. I've put a lot of work into my swim and was very happy to see this paying off come race day. Onto the bike I was really motivated to push to the front as early as possible and not only build a lead but also hurt anyone else behind me trying to close or minimize my lead. While I was happy with my ride and can honestly say I rode off the front and quicker than the rest of the field it was incredibly frustrating and disappointing to see the vast majority of the other guys happy to just sit in a pack together. While I know there were a number of athletes given drafting penalties and disqualified after the race, it doesn't change my opinion that if a lot of these athletes are walking around calling themselves full time or professional athletes they need to accept there is a responsibility involved with that and they set an example and are roll models to a lot of people out there and should be following the rules set out by the technical officials.
Dismounting the bike I had built up close to what I thought could be a race winning position but didn't have the run I wanted and was run down by two quality runners before crossing the finish line in third. With one of these athletes being disqualified for not stopping for a drafting penalty I was awarded second. I'll admit to being prettying disappointed with this result as I really thought I had what it took to win this race but didn't execute everything 100% to pull it off. In saying that, after a long training block I was happy with my progression and it was great to be back out there racing.
On the female side of things it was fantastic to see my training partners Brittany and Courtney Dutton take out first and second in a dominant performance between them!
Since the race there has been much happening within the DAT training grounds. Dan has officially accepted a high performance role with Triathlon Australia over in Perth. And while the press release was titled "Dat's all folks," I can assure you this couldn't be further from the truth! With Dan taking the DAT name with him I'm excited to be starting up my own coaching business, Personal Best Triathlon (PBTRI). This is something Dan asked me to consider and I have put a lot of thought into. Having an exercise science degree and plenty of experience in coaching a variety of sports and levels from learn to swim programs to school soccer and cricket teams to more recently age group and elite triathlon programs, I firmly believe I have the ability to help athletes reach their highest goals. The support I have received from the entire squad, my closest training partners and all of the sponsors and supporters of the club has been greatly appreciated and I can't wait to get the PBTRI name out there.
Be sure to check out PB Triathlon on Facebook and @pbtriathlon on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates!
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