HAWAII
What a great result at Kona, with Craig Alexander stamping himself as a contender for our best ever triathlete in notching his third Ironman World Championship title only a month after regaining the 70.3 world crown. He held off a fast finishing Pete Jacobs to make it an Aussie quinella in the mens race, and with Luke Mackenzie also having a good day, there were three Australians in the top 10.
As expected, Chrissie Wellington took the ladies crown but did not have it all her own way. An average swim had her giving a start to some well credentialed competitors, and it was not until midway through the run where she hit the lead, setting a new run course record in the process. Hot on her heels was defending champion, Australian Mirinda Carfrae who then bettered the winner’s run split to be less than three minutes from the gold.
Although interested in the open race, my attention was focused squarely on Anne Grundy and her progress around the course. She finished 4th in her division in 13.11.40 and will take her place on the podium (again) at tonight’s awards ceremony.
Anne had a solid all-round day, and has sent the following race report...
After every ironman in the series there is the roll down for Hawaii, athletes with a spot , hopefuls looking for a roll down all gather. Drum rolls, excitement, as the spots are taken. What is everybody thinking? Hibiscus, blue water and hula. They should be thinking wind, heat and hills. There is hibiscus, blue water and hula, and the wind, heat and hills are totally overshadowed by atmosphere. Fit looking people of all nationalities strolling the streets or taking advantage of the fabulous shopping.
The organisation is slick, many volunteers, registering is easy, course details explicit. The race briefing was washed out by a passing downpour, after the entertainment, but the literature was sufficient.
Race day eve, raining and ocean swell. Race day, clear and small swell only.
The pros start 30mins before the age groupers, plenty of time to get into the water. No wetsuit swim of course, no wetsuits seems to quell the push and shove, some competitors started 60metres from the central buoy, (boo-ies as they say here) to have their own space. So the swim was pleasant, previous days rain had clouded the ocean so the usual view of sea life was not visible. Out and back swim, no confusion, plenty of buoys and a boat at the turnaround, if Wendy or Rose ever do this swim they will not get out, they will turn around and go back again.
Out of the water, pick up the bag, change room and off on the bike. When I picked up my bike, each age group racked together I thought I must have had a good swim as only one bike had gone but the results do not show this.
Out on the bike, not too bad heading down the Queen K highway, as our names were on our race numbers, people used them and called out, go there Anne (as they passed you), there was a lot of jockeying and friendliness. Most people go to Hawaii more to take part rather than to win. The middle of the bike course is a 30K climb to a quaint little village with stunning views and is of local historical importance, these things were lost on us as we struggled up the hill into a howling head wind, a total bitch. Turning was bliss until the cross wind caught you unawares, but even this was no comparison for the b. Down the hill, turn left for a km, turn right into another head wind, winds both ways, only in Hawaii, but this one little sister to the other. I was among the stragglers heading back into town and the friendliness was increased, making the experience almost fun. The aid stations were plentiful, cold water at all, plus the other usuals. My time somewhat slower than the race plan, a loose plan, but…. c’est la vie. Getting back to transition, puncture free and penalty free has to be a plus.
I should not forget to mention the roads, beautiful unblemished hotmix, and no traffic.
My favourite leg the run, 2 different loops, no chance of getting lost, after the initial “legs where are you?” the run came easy. Again lots of chit chat among competitors, once I had a marriage proposal but not this time. Most of the second loop I ran in the dark, there is minimal lighting, the path is wide as long as you don’t run into the witches hats. (I didn’t and I didn’t see anyone else do it).
As someone said you do this race for the last 10minutes, running down that finishers’ chute is the best experience, cheering, lights, and the evergreen Mike Reilly, “you are an ironman, Anne Grundy from Coffs Harbour New South Wales”.
Thanks Anne for the prompt report, now enjoy your holiday, starting in Seattle on Wednesday.
Some interesting points from the pro race:
*Craig Alexander had the second fastest bike split on his newly acquired Specialised, 13min faster than his previous best.
*Pete Jacobs had the fastest run split BUT an age grouper had the second fastest run, just ahead of Alexander.
*Chrissie Wellington’s new run course record existed for only 2min50sec, before Mirinda Carfrae recorded a 2.52.09 to set a new benchmark.
*Wellington swam 61 minutes to give the leading females almost 9 minutes start out of the water.
*Alexander is only the fourth male to have won three or more Hawaii titles, joining Dave Scott, Mark Allen and Peter Reid.
WOOLGOOLGA
Good results all-round for club members racing at Woolgoolga yesterday, with the race organisers turning on a pristine day to welcome competitors to what is an annual highlight on the North Coast triathlon calendar.
Loads of placegetters in their categories, and some good team combinations also putting together impressive individual splits.
Well done to Richard Pearson for his second place overall to regular winner Clayton Fettell.
Daniel Stein and Jake Boyd also performed well and were highly placed on the leader board.
Full results are available on the club web site.
FRIDAY FUN
Now that Daylight Saving has begun, the Friday evening run-swim-run is back on the calendar.
These begin at 6pm from the carpark immediately south of the Yacht Club, and are a social training event.
Not a bad way to kick-start the weekend if you are fortunate enough to be able to get there on a regular basis.
SCRATCH RACE
Club racing returns to the harbour this week with a scratch start.
Sunday’s forecast is for an overnight minimum of 14 reaching 23 during the day, so it should be considerably warmer than the last event. You can expect a moderate south-westerly breeze though, and the tide will be an hour from its lowest when we hit the water.
Sponsors for the week are Nolan and Partners Real Estate, NAB Business Banking and Coffs Harbour Olympic Pool.
As usual, please arrive early to ensure your place on the start line.
An added feature this week: I have one club membership to be given away for any competitor who chooses to race without a watch, and nominate their predicted finish time. Either email me your time, or see me prior to the start to put your name on the list eligible to have their membership fees reimbursed. Whoever gets closest to their nominated finish time will receive the prize.
In addition, if you happen to guess the exact finish time, to the second, you will receive a 60 minute swim video analysis at the Coffs Harbour Olympic Pool along with a 10-visit admission pass.
This race format has proved popular in the past, and usually results in some slick finish times.
On Sunday you will need to have your name and time to me prior to the completion of the race briefing.
50m SQUADS
Swim training returns to the outdoor pool tonight, with the water temperature hovering just under 23 degrees.
Should you be concerned with that temperature, feel free to wear your wetsuit until you are satisfied that the water is at a level you are happy with.
There will be a focus on distance for the next few weeks, as we take advantage of the additional room provided in the 50m, and begin to include some longer tempo swims into the program.
Squads begin at 6pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Coffs Harbour Olympic Pool.
AQUATHLON
Entries are now being accepted for the NAB Aquathlon to be staged on Saturday, October 22.
Jo Magill can provide full information, or you can collect an entry form the next time you call into the pool, as well as other locations around town.
There are several distances available, with races catering for children right through to a 5km run, 1500m swim, 5km run format for the advanced competitors.
PORT 70.3
Just a little word of warning for those heading to Port Macquarie 70.3 on November 6... run some hills over the next few weeks!
The course over recent years had been flattened but this year will see a return of the run to Harry’s Lookout, with several rolling hills to contend with.
There is nothing huge, but including some elevation into your training schedule will be beneficial.
As yet there is no competitor listing, but I am aware of a good cross-section of members entered for the race.
DESPERATE
Although I did not get to the last club race, many of those present commented on how cold the morning was, with some stating they ran on numb feet.
It wasn’t until I looked through the photo gallery on the club web site that I realised how chilly the day actually was.
See the below example of Scott Nolan, who had to raid the rag bag at Car Lovers to find something to keep him warm.
Most would probably prefer a bout of pneumonia and frostbite before they had to resort to dressing in such an offensive manner.
DUTY
At this stage we are still one member short for race duty this weekend.
There is a vacancy on the swim leg that needs to be filled prior to Sunday.
All members are required to do one duty throughout the season. If you have not yet nominated your duty day, please do so via Duty Man on the Coffs Triathlon Club web site as soon as possible.
WISE WORDS
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. “ - Arthur Ashe
