Slanghoek Triathon

Early Sunday morning we hit the road to Slanghoek, just outside Worcester. It was a perfect hot morning and I knew it was going to be a hot day.

I went with no expectation. Yes you always hope to do well but I had no idea how this one was going to play out. Since I'm back from London and France, I was struggling to get going again and my motivation was a bit on the low side.

My plan was to go out, give it my all and whatever happens, happens. If I do well, it will give me the motivation I am looking for. If it goes pear shape, hopefully it will give the motivation I need to get my ass going again. So all I wanted from this race was to get my motivation back.

The swim (1300m) was a 2 lap course. GO HARD was the only words I had in my head. I entered T1 in 7^th position. The bike course was a out-and-back 42km loop with a few rolling hills. I passed 3 girls in the first 2km and I knew I was in 4^th position. I was not sure how far ahead 3^rd was so I kept pushing the pace. At the turn around point 3^rd place wasn't too far ahead and I caught her on the way back. “Right, in 3^rd place...let’s keep it this way!”

Thanks Chris Hitchcock for the photo!

The sun was brutal by now. The run course was 10km of off road running with no shade. I knew this was where I had to concentrate and not lose focus. Every time my body wants to slow down, I push harder. Onto the dam wall and I had only 1km to go, I can hear the finish line, I can see the finish line and I give it a last push...

3^rd over the line, a result I never expected for this race, I was SUPER happy!

I achieved what I wanted...a good race, but most importantly my motivation is restored!!

Thanks to everyone for all the support!

Thanks to GU, Virgin Active, Linebreak Compression and Xterra Wetsuits. 

Thanks Riaan for your all your support...

Thanks Neil! “I am a Muppet...”