Yeppoon 70.3:
I am back racing!!!! No pre-race blog. I was originally scheduled to return to Cam Sur to race the Philippines 70.3 but after my injury in April I didn’t know whether I’d be back racing or not. I was trying to keep this one on the down low as 2 weeks ago Yeppoon 70.3 was going to be a swim/ bike race for me as I still wasn’t running more than a broken 3km. The week leading up I managed a couple 1.5hour runs, though not fast at all. Chatted with my coach about the success of 2 pain free longer runs and we decided that as long as I was pain free that just go and finish the race- try to smash the swim/ bike and run with what I’ve got. No pressure, no expectations, make it a solid training session.
I headed to Yeppoon on Friday. Although this half ironman race had been running for years I had never been up. This was the first year it would be raced as an official 70.3. I knew the pro female field prior to going, it was a aussie- kiwi only line up. I knew most of the girls on the start list and without mechanical issues, knew that 1-2 would be covered by Lisa Maragon and Michelle Wu and remainding spots were fair game. Normally I would aim for a podium, but with my lead up was hoping not to come home with the wooden spoon!
Race morning had seen the pro female field dwindle to only 5- if we all finished, we all got paid. The depth of the field is a little disappointing, however there were 4 other 70.3s to be held the same weekend and with most of the other pro athletes in the USA getting prepped for Vegas or Kona, Oz is a long way for a race. Still doesn’t stop the race: the gun was off and we hit a very choppy 1.9km ocean swim, however fortunately it was current assisted. I was totally wrapped with my swim, we lost Lisa quite quickly however at the half way point she wasn’t too far ahead and I was about a body’s length back from Michelle. This was my aim to get out with her. 2.5months of ONLY swimming had definitely paid off (Col Robson you’re a legend!). Around the final buoy we were to turn 90degrees back to the shore which I did and Michelle kept swimming out to sea! Where’s she going??? I was 2nd out of the water!!!!! Sub 26mins! 50seconds or so down from Lisa!!! I was dumb founded!!! Quick transition out onto the bike with 3rd female Renee Lane. It wasn’t long til Michelle zoomed past me. I was still putting time into 4th (Renee) but on the 4th lap of 5 I started to feel very nervous about my bike. For about 15km it felt like the screws were about to fall out and the bike fall apart. Something is wrong, I’m losing speed….I turn to a guy behind me ‘is my back tyre flat?’ ‘Yeah it is’ CRAP! Off the bike- ripping the pit stop off my bike, 4th rides past me- trying to shove the pit-stop into my tyre, how does this work????? White foam everywhere!!!! HURRY!!!! Had a couple of CO2 canisters taped on my bike so I topped up the tyre a bit- no pockets- shoved the canisters down my tri suit- GOD THAT’S COLD!!! Back on the bike to finish the last 20kms, please hold together! Managed to pull back 3rd by transition but too little too late, I have no run in me. Chucking the C02 on the ground, picked up my gear- most importantly my SIJ belt (which I prescribe to pregnant women!) to hold my pelvis together! ‘No pain Paxton, no pain!’ So off I trot, just steady, hold your pace, run the whole way- no pain. One foot in front of the other, let Renee go, you’re not up to it. I said I’d be happy to run at 5min pace to give me a 1:45, but managed a 1:38- so 4:40 pace is great. No pain, just a little ache in the ‘area’ ;-) By the last lap my left Achilles was super tight so I had something else to thing about! I finished 4th pro (yay not last!) in a 4:47- so far from my best but not important at the moment, but unfortunately 9th female, so got pipped by a number of age-group females L Cuddos to them, some are pro material!!! I do feel a little guilty about taking the prize money as they probably deserve it more than me….but I’m a broke pro athlete so I will take it thankyou!!!! With a stress fracture AND a flat, I think I deserve a bit of it! AND DID YOU SEE MY SWIM????
Massive thankyou to Ron and Sharon. Long-time friends I grew up with out west who have moved to Yeppoon. I ate them out of home and Sharon and her daughter Keera were my amazing cheer squad out there on Sunday morning. A laugh a minute at their place with their two kids Col and Keera, girlie goss sessions with Rikki and that amazing country hospitality that I miss so much from my past life. I woke on race morning to a beautiful note I now have stuck on my wall at home which was enough motivation and support I needed to get me through and that night Sharon massaged my calves whilst I ate ice-cream and berry pie!! Missing you guys already!
So now back into some serious run training and a little more work on the bike…. If it ever arrives home…didn’t get on the plane….good excuse for a day off tomorrow ;-)
Rachie xo
I'm running!!!
Sharon and I
Kole, Ronny, Sharon, Keera and Lolly-Dot
Turned me into a blubbering mess on race morning!
