This year has already presented itself with plenty of high's and low's. I went in to the event feeling as prepared as I had ever been and thankful to actually make it to the start line (for once). I had a good win in the legs from Around Brunner, however I also had my first swim in the Waimak in 5 years... fun times. Overall I was looking forward to getting out there and enjoying the day.
My plan for the day was to start steady to ensure I got to the run feeling fresh and ready to run hard. I had no intention of coming off the bike in the front bunch. So when I found myself dragged up the road to the first bunch after a very steady run (9:00 vs the leaders 7:30), I was surprised and happy to be in a good position. It was now just a matter of sitting on the back, doing very little work, and letting the race be decided later.
It was the best ride I've had in years, super relaxed atmosphere and a nice consistent pace to keep the legs feeling good. I actually must take back what I said about the bunch at Brunner... multisporters definitely DONT know how to ride safely and there were a few hairy moments while they were playing around with their bento boxes. The pace started to pick up past Jacksons but I just sat on and focused on getting ready for the transition. A nice relaxed transition and I was off, racing across the paddock, making my way towards the Deception bridge to truly start the mountain run. Its at this point where everyone wonders how their legs are going to respond and it can make or break the entire race. Luckily my legs felt great and I was floating along the track, seemingly effortlessly.
It was here in this 3km stretch that my entire race got turned on its head and I soon found myself hooked up to an ECG, watching all the other competitors come past. I was devastated to say the least for my race to be over, especially with the way my legs were feeling and all my training indicating I was going to have a good race. Always next year...
A few days later and several tachycardic episodes later, I am now waiting in the hospital for yet more tests so I can hopefully (finally) get this under control so I can compete confidently without worrying about my heart. Hope for an update soon
All the very best, hope your results come back clear and this is just a little hiccup on the road of life.
ReplyDeleteBloody shame as it sounds like you were in good form.
All the very best, hope your results come back clear and this is just a little hiccup on the road of life.
ReplyDeleteBloody shame as it sounds like you were in good form.