Last weekend was Ironman 70.3 Mandurah over in Western Australia. I was looking forward to testing my form and seeing where things were at leading into the last couple races of the season. Training had been going reasonably well and as I tapered my body seemed in a good place for a solid performance.
Unfortunately the day was not what I had hoped for. 100 meters into the swim my breathing started to feel very labored and hanging onto the back of the front pack was way harder than it should’ve been. I dangled off the back for half the swim but that is when the cord snapped and I found myself in no mans land with the gap to the leaders growing with every stroke.
All I could do was focus on getting the most out of myself at this time and hope that the damage was not too great heading onto the bike. I was sure my legs and body would feel like they felt the days leading in. but again I found myself racing with what felt like one lung. I knew this feeling wasn’t normal and I still cant put a reason as to why I felt like this. Best bet is that my allergies were playing up.
It was that bad that I was on the verge of calling it a day but at 30km in things started to improve. I started riding through the field and soon found myself in 2nd place holding even with swim bike specialist and new kid on the block Jake Montgomery
Off onto the run with a 3minute deficit and the chasers hot on my heels I was worried that too much damage had been done in the 1st hour of the race but I locked in my stride and started chipping away. The gap was slowly closing but by half way the eventual race winner Denis Chevrot came past and I was unable to hang on. It kept giving it all the way to the finish but crossing the line I was about 20 seconds back on 2nd place.
It was great to have little bro Dino racing but unfortunately it was not going to be the Bozzone bro’s day with severe cramp ending his day – I guess some training would have helped his cause!!
Next stop Bahrain for a Bahrain Endurance 13 team camp before hitting out Ironman 70.3 Bahrain and I am exited to finish off the season at home with the Nutri-Grain Ironman 70.3 Taupo.
Challenge Bahrain got cancelled a couple weeks ago which has been a big blow as this race was set to be my big goal for the year with the illustrious prize of $100 000 for the win. This was why I didn’t toe the start line in Kona. But onwards and upwards.
Until next time – check out our Movember fundraising page. Along with some of the other Pro’s we endeavor to raise money and awareness for men’s health while sporting fantastic Moustaches!!! http://www.menoftriathlon.com
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