I am now sitting writing this 6 months after racing it. Its been a whole lot of mixed emotions since this race. The lead up to the race was anything but straight forward, moving to Christchurch had its challenges, trying to get into a training routine while not working full time proved far more difficult than I imagined, I wasn't feeling 100% prepared. I did, however, have a goal and knew I could smash this 70.3 harder than I had in December.
The swim was good, though dark. I jumped out in front early, following the kayaker and stayed there. Came out of the water first, again in my happy place.
The bike started well, probably a little too hard too early, eager to smash a good time, I settled in after 20km and toned it down a bit, I had now learnt what happens when you go too hard too early.
I was in a good place getting off the bike, I had worked on my transitions and new I could pick up good time. I started out slower than I had in December with 4.40 splits rather than 4.35s. This turned out to be a godsend, with the cramp coming in right at the 21km rather than at the 16km mark like December.
Finish time 4.41.09. I finished 8th in my Age with top 6 getting a spot to worlds. I hadn't achieved my goal, but I had set a pretty reasonable time for a person who can not run. I was stoked.
Competing in the 70.3 at Ironman NZ had a few mixed emotions, I wanted to be racing the full, I wanted to be back out there doing the unachievable, however at the same time I got to sit on the finish line and witness the greatest two races Ironman NZ had ever seen. Joe Skippers time of 7:54.17 and Teresa Adam's 8:40.29, two of the most impressive athletes in the world to date. Also a special mention to the absolutely legendary Cameron Brown, after swimming alongside you for every session, it was awesome to witness the GOAT smashing his 20th Ironman NZ.