Xterra SA Champs - Grabouw

So the week started off on a high note...making the WP triathlon team!
Sunday morning 26 February 2012 my alarm went off at 5am...another early morning start.
I got up, felt calm and positive, but you never know what to expect at Xterra SA Champs.

We had a mass swim start...over 800 athletes fighting for survival. The first 450m was crazy with lots of punches, pulling and kicking. After the first bouy I found myself in a great rhythm and I had a great swim...

Out onto the bike I thought...'this is going to be a good day'...and the next moment I was lying on the ground. I took a huge tumble at about 4k's into the race.
I got up, dusted myself off and back on the bike I realised I could not put pressure on my arm and I couldn't  pull my back break. I had to run down some technical single track sections but I pushed through the pain.

Into T2 I was just so relieved and happy to get off the bike. I lost a lot of time on the bike so I knew I had to push hard on the run. It was hot and hilly and I struggled to get into a rhythm and I was hurting so much...I just wanted to cry.
I collected my thoughts and pulled myself together and pushed hard on the hills.
I made up 5 places on the run but I knew it was not enough.

I finished the race in 3h57, very disappointed but just glad I could finish.

Just as we headed home, a friend, Jenny Close (who did extremely well for her first Xterra) told me I won my age group. I didn't believe her and went to check the results. And so it was... a 1 next to my name. I couldn't believe it. I went back about 4 times just to make double sure.

I was so stoked. I ran to my dad..."guess what..we going to Hawaii again!!"
I will never forget the smile on his face. Seeing the pride on his face, its the best feeling ever...
Mission accomplished.

Thank you to everyone for supporting me, It's just not possible without your support!!

So off to Hawaii we go again in October....

GLOBAL 11/ WP CHAMPS – BIG BAY

My alarm went off at 5am and I got up with the thought in my head....Do I really have to do this??

But I got up, packed the car and off we went to Big Bay.

I felt tense and very nervous...which is an unfamiliar feeling for me and right then I knew it's going to be a good day!!

I racked my bike and met up with my fellow club mates. The tension and nerves disappeared as we started chatting and making jokes.

At 13degrees I knew it was going to be a cold swim!

The swim start was a bit frantic and the stretch to the first bouy felt forever, but once we turned I got into a great rhythm and kicked into gear.

Into T1 I realised I had a very good swim, so I pulled off my suit and got on my bike knowing I have no time to waste.

My bike leg was the best ever. A 4 x 10km loop, with my dad and aunt at the turn-around point.

On each lap I could wait to get to the turn-around point to hear my aunt screaming and supporting me.

I caught up to some of the girls that always lead me by about 3 to 5 min. I had to push hard to stay with them.

Into T2 we were all together. I raced through T2 and started the 10k run.

Jayde Morrison passed me at the 2k mark, I pushed hard to try and stay with her, but she opened the gap with every stride. My legs felt great and I kept pushing hard, but it just wasn't enough.

I finished the race feeling strong and really happy with my performance.....until I saw my dad at the finish line, I just broke down and cried. I was just so happy with my race and to have my family and friends there supporting me.

Next stop - Grabouw for Xterra!