Llanelli 14th May 2016
On the 13th May I
travelled down to Llanelli Wales to compete in the British Junior Qualifier for
European Championship's, which will be held in Lisbon. The British Triathlon qualification
was for 4 places for men and women. With a very strong field of women I knew it
was going to be a tough race, I needed to get everything right on the day and
be on my A game.
14th May Race day.
My
race was scheduled to start at 3.30pm, a late start compared to most races. However
the course would be closed from 9.00am for earlier races so I got up really and
rode down and round the course to familiarise myself. Then back for breakfast and a quick hour nap
before going back down to the course for registration at 12.00. The course consisted
of a beach run in to the closed dock and two laps of the course with a run out and
in on the second lap. The bike course was mainly along the sea front, a flat rout
with 3 turn around points, nothing technical but the cross winds coming in off
the sea could make it rather tough. Finally the run was 2 laps out and back
along the coast to finish.
At registration
and warm up it was clear we were all there and all ready for a great race. On
the start I was next to my good friend Olivia Mathias a great swimmer to be
next to. I had a strong run in and I soon had a clear view to the buoy and felt
I was in the front 6. Olivia made a
break after the first buoy kicking out of the turn, I missed her feet and
wasn’t able to hold the gap. A group of 5 formed in front of me
and although I had a good swim I exited the water about 20 seconds down to the
leading 5.
My
transition was quite smooth and once on the bike I soon moved in to 4th place
chasing down the group of 3 ahead. I didn't really close on the front group at
all but felt I was holding my own against them. It's so much easier if you can
ride as a group but if you miss the pack then its head down and get on with it.
The group of 3 finally broke and became 2 and I moved into 3rd place but knew I
have given a lot to get there and the run was going to be tough with a much
larger group coming up behind that consisted
of some strong runners. I had another good transition and off we went. I knew I
had taken a lot out of my legs on the bike but was determined to hold form and
have a good run. The breeze along the sea font was now quite welcome and
although I gained 1 and lost 3 places I felt relatively good and happy that my
leg speed and my form stayed for most of the run.
Overall
I was really happy with my swim and run progress from my last race in Portugal
but I know if I continue with my current training my times and fitness will improve.
Finishing 6th doesn't get a qualification to Lisbon so that's a disappointment
but compared to how I felt 12 months ago. I am on track. Congratulation's to Kate,
Lizzie, Olivia, and Sian and good luck "do GB proud"
My next
triathlon is Blenheim place. A hard course but one of my favourites,
Thanks
for all the support Giant / Liv UK.
Megan
McDonald
No comments:
Post a Comment