Mitch’s
Race:
ITU
Oceania Sprint Championships- Devonport (Feb 23)
After another two weeks training under my belt, I was set for the Oceania Sprint
Championships in Devonport. If I knew the weekend would turn out as it did, I
may well have swam across Bass Straight to get there. My travel itinerary was not
overly complicated although I did require two flights to get there, although in
this day and age you wouldn’t expect that to be too difficult! I left home in
Canberra on Friday at 4:45am and just managed to sneak into the race briefing
at 5:30pm. Its fair to say the Qantas staff had a tough day and I certainly went
through some battery power waiting in the terminal… We will leave the airport talk
at that for now!
With
another afternoon race, the morning preparation followed a similar schedule to
the previous race in Geelong, which seemed to work well. Having an extra couple
of pigeon’s in the coop, namely Declan Wilson (AUS) and Matt Chrabot (USA),
made life more interesting (never a dull moment) for Cam and I. Logistical
arrangements saw us spend the day in the conference room of the hotel, which
had a toaster and some couches so we were not complaining…
The
weather was set to be a factor as the surf gained momentum with strong North
Westerly winds blowing in from the sea. I was looking forward to the swim and
had hoped the chop would level the playing field and allow me to get out in
touch with the leaders. It was an improved effort and I managed to carry my new
stroke around for more of the swim, however it wasn’t enough to rejoin the lead
riders back on the ground. Each group on the road held position on the
multi-lap course and I was very frustrated to be among the chasers once again
(its just not as fun).
Without
ever feeling great during the race, I managed to keep my head down and finish
with a solid run leg. I had hoped to collect a couple more runners from the
groups ahead but the finish line came too soon!
Again,
the others in the DSquad performed exceptionally well with Jodie Stimpson (GBR)
and Aileen Reid (IRL) finishing 1st and 3rd respectively
in the Women’s race, and Declan and Cam running well into the top 10. It was
also a great day for my Team Barefoot buddies who competed in the Australian
Olympic Distance Championships earlier in the day. Nathan Barry took out his
second consecutive Australian Title and Steve Foster collected another slab of
metal, winning his 150th (slight exaggeration) Australian
Championship! It seems I’m surrounded by success (which can’t be a bad thing)!
The
race was over, the trip had just begun and the journey is only getting started.
After another full day of airport delays and baggage discretions on Sunday,
Qantas returned us to the mainland later than we had wished for. I spent the
night with my sister and long time best friend Maggie (my dog) in Melbourne
before finishing the final leg of the trip the next day…
I
sit here writing to you late on Monday night after my bike has just been
delivered from the postman representing Qantas. I’m about to unzip the bag to
determine what is missing, broken or too heavy to pack for next time! Tomorrow is
a new day with more chances to get better, so I’ll leave you to it.
Do
all you can that’s right and stay tuned for some more exciting (mildly
interesting) developments to this blog!
Mitch’s
Next Race:
Mooloolaba
Oceania Cup (March 17)
Mitch’s
Pictures:
Special thanks to "Triathlon in Pictures" who do a great job at the races...
Eventually flying over Westernport Bay, VIC
Sasha photo bombing again...
Might have to grow my hair back...
Yep, DEFINITELY!
My favourite part of the swim...
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