Well where do i start? I am currently overseas enjoying a (well needed and deserved) holiday in europe with my friend Crystal. So what a perfect time to write a race report while driving to the french rivera!! The busso half ironman was a very important race to me, not just coming 3rd (which i am still stoked about) but also because of the journey it took me to get here. I completed my first busso half when i was 18 and while training for it again when i was 20, i was hit by a car on a training ride 2 months before the race. As most of you know, i broke both of my arms and split my chin open. But after 18mths including 3 surgeries, rehabilitation and occupational therapy i am now finally feeling back to normal (well almost :). So now at 22 the busselton half ironman was waiting for me... 1 week before the half i had every second person ask me how my training was going and if i was ready... My response was always, ill let you know when its over. So let me tell you know that i was petrified but also ready. I arrived in busso the day before the race and had an enjoyable pre-race day of not being able to pump up my rear tyre and frantically calling Stu, and my dad only to be able to pump it fine and making me feel like an amateur! The following morning in transition getting myself ready (with dad watching over me this time) i had no problems and was ready to go. I headed down to the start line and had a quick warmup swim. During my 10th warmup stroke i was stung by a stinger (on my face) so then i thought to myself stuff that im getting out. So then I had found a good spot at the start and then i was off. I had a good swim and basically had clearwater the whole way until i was whacked on my hand by a swimmer. It hurt but i sprinted past him as payback. I then went through transition and started my first lap on the bike. It was relatively easy and i started the second much the same, only to get done for drafting!!! (which i wasn't, just in the wrong place in the wrong time) As a person who resents people for drafting and had never been done for draft penalty before, i had no idea what to do. But the penalty box was easy to find as the line to get in was out on the road. What seemed like forever and watching 3 girls in my age group pass i was finally on my third lap. I then finished the cycle leg and was still feeling good. The first 2 laps of the run i felt like i had nothing to loose. I was knocking back gels, water and shots. The last lap of the run was most definitely the hardest. My legs were sore and i was tired. But i kept my head down and continued running. Then with 500m to go i looked up and saw a girl in my age group. I thought to myself you can do this, you can pass the bitch.... so i passed her with 200m to go and came 3rd. After i crossed the finish line i had tears in my eyes, not because i finished in 4hrs and 59min but because my hand was so sore!! I had numbed out the pain during the race, but it was finally catching up on me (and is still sore now!! but that could just be all the baguettes and alcohol i keep feeding myself). So to sum it all up, the Busselton Half was an awesome race. Not just because i finished but because of the journey it took me to get there. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me during my broken arms period as the help and support given to me over the past 18mths really means alot and i will never forget it. A special mention goes to my awesome coach Stu, training buddies and my family, without you guys i wouldn't be where i am today. So whats next for me???........ Busso Ironman!!!! |
|||
