Shepparton 70.3 Race Report

It's never much fun writing a race report on a disappointing race, however it's all part of the game and must be done! After returning home from the US I had 3 weeks off from training, followed by a short prep of 4 weeks for Shepparton 70.3. For me, it was a big ask to get race fit again in a month, however I love to race and especially love racing at home in Australia, so I was really keen to get into the best shape I could for Sunday's race at Shep. Whilst a few extra weeks of training up my sleeve would've been handy, I was still feeling positive, fit and ready to go before race day.





Ideal conditions greeted us on race morning, the sun was shinning, the birds were singing and I had friends and family cheering me on both on and off course (well the family were definitely off course, but cheering nonetheless!).



At 7am we were set on our way for the 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run. Early on into the swim, I knew that it was going to be a long day. While my day wasn't a total shocker, I just never got going and wasn't firing like my usual self. I didn't have one particular leg that was horrendous, rather I was just a little off in all three.



I was disappointed after crossing the finish line, every race I go into I put so much expectation on myself to race well and get results, so when I fall short of this it is shattering and I feel I have let myself and my supporters down. However, it is all part of being an athlete. The highs are high, and the lows are low. It is how I respond to the lows, learn from them and try to limit the bad days that is important and all part of the roller coaster ride that is racing.



Although the day didn't pan out as I had hoped, I still had fun out on course and loved racing in such a great event with fantastic race day support from the many volunteers and supporters. Congratulations to all other competitors out there racing and especially to the girls that I lined up against, it looked like a hard fought battle at the pointy end!



Thanks to Mum and Dad for making the trek over to the big island to watch me race, to Sam for the support and awesome photos, and to my sponsors Malvern Star, Peak Bike Hub, Brooks, Giro, Selle SMP and Team Barefoot.

For now it's time to knuckle down and get my mojo back!!