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....