Not entirely sure what to say with this race report but I’ll give it a bash. Hadn’t had the best preparation for the race due to some circumstances outwith my control. Had a stressful morning leading up to it but managed to deal with the problems thanks to my support crew of my father. Arrived at the shores of Loch Tay nervous as hell (understandably) and got my bike prepped and got into my wetsuit. Stood at the side of the Loch with Emma who was in my heat who was being very chirpy unlike my usual pre-race behaviour. Made my way into the water with her informing me that it was warmer than expected... nonsense. I struggled big time with the swim and I’m not afraid to admit it. The cold hit me hard and I found it hard to breath and get into a rhythm for the full 1.2 miles. Such is life, get on with it. The glimmer of hope was the sun gleaming through my goggles as I headed back to the exit. Out the water and dragging my body towards transition. Again, my father being there at races helps as he knows the best things to shout. Took my time in transition making sure appropriate clothing was worn. Started out on the bike and decided I was just going to ride my race. I can get pretty competitive with people out on the bike and run, but there was no point so I was just focussing on what I had to do. I did feel good on the bike but struggled to eat properly. A little, stupid mechanical sorted in 5 minutes and back on it. Hit the turn at Loch Rannoch and managed to kind of cruise round and used the tail wind to feel very good up Schiehallion. Cautious down the other side and managed to sit pretty along the flat to Aberfeldy. Headed into transition with the marshalls doing everything to keep us athletes comfortable, it was incredible. Bike taken away from me and my bag given to me. Ideal. Careful through transition, shoes on, bike clothing off and tried to get my watch to work. It would not work, at all. So I lobbed it at my mother yelling “take this piece of junk off me!” unfortunately she thought I was going for a high five….awkward! Again my father yelling all the right things to spur me on, but I just yelled informing him I didnt need anything! Felt pretty great heading out on the run. And I did so through feed stations and just kept a good tempo. First time during the race I’d got into any rhythm. Met Mark on the way out and it was such a blessing! Hit the turn and then managed to meet another friend to give me another boost. Finally met Emma who was just delighted to be alive after the swim. I shared that thought. Continued the same pace until mile 10. It was here where I can honestly say I faced the toughest 3 miles. Mentally and physically I have never been pushed so hard. Blah blah blah! Ran into Aberfeldy up the running shoot and just stared at the finish line the full way. Job done. Tick it off. Move on. Half Ironman complete. Swim: 38.35 Bike: 3.17 Run: 1.51 Overall: 5.55 I have no words to express my delight at doing that time on Sunday! Thank you!
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 19:11:26 +0000