WEEK 6 - Falls Creek Long Course Triathlon

When I crossed the finish line in my first Half Ironman at Shepparton in November I swore I would never do one again! However I soon forgot about the pain and managed to find myself on the start line of the inaugural Falls Creek Long Course Triathlon this morning.



I was really excited to be competing in a race at such an amazing location. For those that don't know, Falls Creek is located in the Victorian Alps, 1600m above sea level. It truly is one of the greatest places on earth and we were all so lucky to be competing there.

I had been up to Falls Creek a month earlier and had done some training over the course, so I had a fair idea of what I was in for come race day. The course is brutal, starting off with a 2km swim in 15 degree water, followed by a super hilly 80km on the bike, and finishing off with a 20km trail/cross country run. The course alone is tough enough, however we had the added bonus of altitude to contend with. This was not your average race, and I knew that the strongest athlete would come home with the goods at the end of the day. I love tough racing, so couldn't wait to get started.

I had a great swim and came out of the water in 2nd place, about 2min down from ITU racing specialist Liz Blachford. Close behind me were Michelle Wu and Nicole Ward. I managed to have a super fast transition and went about trying to catch Liz, which I did by the end of the first lap (of three) on the bike. We were soon accompanied by Wu and stayed together for the remaining 2 laps. Coming into T2 I knew that I would have to have one of my best ever runs if I were to beat these girls, as they are both amazing athletes and have a number of titles to their names.

I managed to get out on the run course first and just focused on holding a constant pace and getting my nutrition right. As the k's ticked over I started to feel stronger and stronger and knew that if I let my lead slip now then I had missed a great opportunity, so I put all I had into getting to that finish line in the top position. I was super excited when it finally came around and I crossed the line in First Place Elite Female and Victorian Long Course Champion.

This was a breakthrough race for me. I was really looking at giving it my all out there today and putting in 110% effort. I knew that it was time to step it up and I had to start mixing it with the big girls, especially if I want to have success in the USA this year.

This would have to be one of the greatest triathlons I have competed in and congratulations must go to SuperSprint and Falls Creek for putting on such a fantastic event. If anyone is looking for a challenging race in one of the best locations in the world, then Falls Creek Long Course is a must for the 2012 racing calendar. Also, well done to all the other competitors out there today, just to get to the finish was a huge achievement!



I must say a massive thanks to Mum, Dad, Sam, Barb, Colin, Susannah and Coop for their race day support. Also to my amazing sponsors in Malvern Star, Peak Bike Hub, Brooks Running, Selle SMP Saddles and Team Barefoot.

The biggest thanks must go to my coach Joshua Rix, the support, belief and advice he has provided me with is second to none and the future is exciting!

Until next time,

Take it easy...