SCTA/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship (2017-2018)
 
The Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy (SCTA)/ Protector Aluminium Junior scholarship is an amazing opportunity to work with, promote, grow with all the SCTA sponsors and follow in the footsteps of previous SCTA scholarship holders. It is a very humbling achievement to be awarded with this Junior Scholarship and it is one that I couldn’t be more thankful for. It has giving me the opportunity to achieve more then I could have hopped for this triathlon season.

The Scholarship has been a tremendous help with both my racing and my training. This season we worked closely with some of the sponsors which has given me a greater understanding of this sport and will encourage me to preform better in the near future from what I should fuel my body with to how I can be more efficient in each discipline. This triathlon season I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to some awesome new places during the Australian Junior Triathlon series, which was something that I have been striving for in previous seasons. This was made possible with the support of the amazing sponsors of the Junior scholarship and one that I’m very thankful for because it has given me a taste of what it’s like to be a professional athlete and new goals to achieve.
 
The sponsors of the SCTA/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship have given me the opportunity to perform to the best of my abilities. Everything from triathlon essentials from Cannibal Australia and SCTA who have provided me with awesome gear throughout this season, to Tara Leanne Nutrition which has completely changed my body and helped me to feel great leading into races, to Mizuno running which has made me achieve fast times with style, to Clif Bar/Unique Health Products for supplying the awesome pre and post fuels, Rydges Hotels and Resorts for helping out with the amazing places whilst we travelled to races, to Xterra Australia/Titan Performance Group providing #Freespeed with the Speed suit and wetsuit. Without all of the help from the sponsors this season wouldn’t have been possible, so I would just like to Thank you all!
 
This triathlon season I learnt the word; Adversity, it was a roller coaster of a season for me with many ups and downs and challenges thrown at my feet and I had two options give up or find away around it. Having the Junior Scholarship gave me no option but to push through, and it’s a skill that I believe everyone should have.
 
For any Juniors out there, I strongly recommend applying for the SCTA/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship if you wish to have this incredible opportunity of receiving the amazing support, knowledge and guidance that will not improve you as an athlete but will also benefit you as a person and give you but give you the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of previous Junior Scholarship recipients.

Lastly and certainly not the least all this could not be available without head coach of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy Toby Coote with his constant supervision, guidance, mentoring and determination to help people achieve their goals to represent the brand of SCTA and himself – Thank you Toby for everything you have done and will continue to do for me personally and in the sporting field.

Results from the 2017-18 Season included

• Race Winner / 1st Place - 16-19 Years Queensland Aquathlon Championships
• 1st Place - 18-19 Years Rainbow Beach Double Tri / 3rd Overall
• 1st Place - 16-19 Years QTS # 4 Raby Bay Sprint
• 2nd Place - 16-19 Years Male Queensland Sprint Champs / 4th Overall
• 2nd Place - 16-19 Years Male QTS # 6 Caloundra Triathlon / 7th Overall
• 3rd Place - OPEN Male QTS # 5 Robina
• 4th Place - OPEN Male QTS # 3 Kawana Triathlon
• 4th Place - OPEN Male Glenelg Triathlon
• 10th Place - ITU Junior Male Super Sprint Race Weekend / Race # 1 Junior National Series
• 12th Place - ITU Junior Male Australian Championships / Race # 3 Junior National Series
• 18th Place - Australian ITU Junior Male Series
• 22nd Place - ITU Oceania Junior Male Championships
• ​Gained U/23 / Professional License

My adventures in New Zealand

Day 1: Travel Day
3:30am alarm in my ear to start the journey. I got dressed in some nice travel clothes, jumped into the car and headed to Brisbane International Airport. It was a good car trip down, no traffic, absolute bangers on the stereo and some laughs. We parked the car, unpacked, checked in, dropped our bags off and headed downstairs to security. Sculling my water and getting through with ease, then we made our way to the QANTAS lounge to get a feed and chill out before we needed to board the plane.
 
Running on time we boarded the plane and it was packed it wasn't much space at all I was a few TV shows listen to some music and tried to sleep the food on the plane was pretty good omelette with sausages bacon and beans as we landed in Auckland I was excited we picked up our bags after waiting for what felt like forever. And headed to customs I was so nervous I don't know why as a border security said next, he said “is your bike clean?” I replied with “yes sir it is indeed,” and then it was straight through I went to New Zealand. We then had a 10 minute walk to we got to the domestic airport we checked our bags and some time to chill out and get some food after three days we are right to board walked out to the tarmac and into the plan which is always exciting it's okay I'll take off because it they had to play Tetris with all the bikes and playing small plane motorbike bags to play and have a propellers. It was a nice flight, when we landed we grabbed our bags, got in the car and drive to where we were staying (Northgate motor lodge). We then quickly build our bikes then went to dinner to grab a bite to eat.
 
Day 2: Preparation day
Today started with a lovely sleep in followed by a great breakfast at Joes garage after brekkie we drove to the course and have a look around at the swim transition bike and run course and find detail taking photos of analysing the little things after the course we headed back to grab our bikes and Ranga to go over the course again and work out a race plan that he was going to be awesome and after doing a few laps the excitement to race was immense I can't wait to race. After that we went back to the house we got our swim stuff and went to grab a bite to eat after quick feed we were off to the pool not coming till at least 30 minutes after we do safety first guys they have heaps of choices of pools inside outside hot cold we went to the outdoor pool as well from the coast were pretty tough have a nice temperature of 26 degrees (toasty). All the lanes were literally ropes. We had a nice easy 1.2 to do before we and got out and chilled out for the afternoon. with a quick nap before getting ready for dinner which was going to be lovely steak and an early night to bed.
 
Day 3: Day before the race
Alarm went off at 6:30 AM which is not sleeping back home we had a bike course briefing at 9 AM which is change to run due to the rain and wind conditions. I swim at 10 and was to observe the course with some effort which I was looking at landmarks holes and all the little things that could be problems in the race what's wrong was done it was time to put on the extra wetsuit and swim because the water was a bit fresh in their cam was a bit difficult to see due to the chop and swell when on the way out. It was my first time swimming in cold water really so had a phew back starts in it to get the arms ready I took a while to take it all in the..  entry points, head position, sighting marks etc. After this one grabbed a bite to eat and went down to race Rego and briefing before heading home is there any other just chilling out and mentally preparing for the race.
 
AJTS Race #4 New Plymouth (New Zealand)
Race Details 
Day/Date: 25/03/2018
Distance: Sunday – 750m/20km/5km
Registration: Saturday: 1:30pm
Transition: Sunday – 8:15am-8:45am
Race Start: Sunday - 10:00am
Race Number: 21
 
Race Plan & Goal:
 
Preparation for the race: Hydration started two days out, all the races, meal plans, training has lead to this point. I was excited to race! It was my first-time racing on the blue carpet, hearing the heartbeat and getting my named called out! I was ready!
 
Transition set up: We had specific racks with our names on it and race numbers and a massive box to put our stuff in. Being in this set up was an awesome feeling! I couldn’t wait to get started!
Swim: The swim start was stacked on I thought that we had to stand behind our specific number but by the time I realised that we didn’t have to it was already too late. I knew that it was important to get a good start, it would set up my whole swim. As the heartbeat went “Take your marks,” I took a step forward into the little starting square, “Go.” We were off, I sprinted to the water, waded, dolphin dived and then started swimming, I had a great start I was the just behind the leaders. We were heading towards the first can and then the problems started…. I was swallowed by the pack and smashed, I struggled to find clean water. I had to move up as many places as I could before getting out of the water.
 
Transition 1: After a shocking swim, I tried to run into transition and pass as many people as I could, only problem is that all the lactate had built up and it seemed like a long run into transition. By the time I had got to my bike everyone was just heading out. I knew I needed a quick transition, it was an average transition and now I had to chase.
 
Bike: It was on from the start, I had to chance to get onto the back of the pack, up through the hills of New Zealand, chasing to try and get back onto the pack, it was already to late. As the laps went down I started to catch up to some of the strugglers who had dropped off the back of the pack ahead of me. Trying to work together with them, we started to pull back some time. On the last lap of the race I got dropped, my chain got stuck at the middle of the second hill and by the time I fixed it there was a large gap and a long ride back to T2.
Transition 2: Dismounting and running into transition all by myself in 40th place, I had two options give up, or dig deep and have a great run to make up for lost time. I racked my bike got my shoes on and threw my helmet in the bucket as I left for the run.
 
Run: I could see the next runner about 100m up the road. I remembered what Toby had been talking to me about, pace yourself and what Dad always says to me “Pick them off 1-by-1.” I was a man on the mission run down as many as I could had surging past them, so they didn’t get on the behind me. Finishing off the run with everything that I had to finish in 21st spot.
 
Summary: For my last major race it was a race that had ups and downs, this race was the race that I needed to do well in. Instead under the immense pressure that I put myself under I crumbled. Looking and the pros and cons, I had a good run and I didn’t give up, I persevered through the tough times and got a result. After this hectic season it’s time to switch off for a little bit, relax, refocus and rebuild for a bigger and better season!

Way Out West Triathlon (Perth, WA) Race # 3 Australian Junior Series
 
Race Details 
Day/Date: 3/2/18- 4/2/2018
Distance:             
Saturday - 350m/12km/2.5km – x2 Draft Legal
Sunday - 200m/6km/1.5km
Registration:
Race Start:          
Saturday - 8:30am and 12:00pm
Sunday - 10:30am
Race Number:    
 
Race Report – Way out West Triathlon Race #1 – The Heat

Preparation for the race –  Hydration was going to play a very important part on this weekend’s race, Perth is a different heat then what I’m used to but it’s still going to be a hot one. It’s important that I follow my plan of attack.

Transition set up – We had specific places to rack our bikes based on numbers. I was number 7 so I was happy with where I was racked, right near the mount line. Which is always a good spot to be in.

Briefing for race – The course was interesting, half way through the swim we had to get out, run along the pontoon and jump into the water to finish off the rest of the swim, the bike was going to be fast and so was the run. I understood the course and knew what I had to do.

Swim- It was going to be a rough start, I had a good line to the can and all I had to do was get a good start to set myself up. “Take your marks,” and the siren went. I had a great start and had a meter lead from the start. Putting into action what Toby and I have been working on in training. I was first to the buoy. Before hitting the ramp to get out and run to the next section Lachlan Jones and I where at the front, I was happy with my position, all I had to do was hold it. Getting out of the water is a strength for me, I seem to have the right amount of urgency to get out and run to the next diving point. I ran out of the water and executed a good dive with some kicks to keep my speed up, got back into a rhythm and headed towards the exit.

Transition 1- Getting out of the water in 3rd spot, I was stoked with my swim but I knew I had to get out and run to insure I got on the front pack, I didn’t work this hard for nothing… Helmet on and out and mounting the bike.

Bike- Quickly getting my shoes on while I had the time to do so and sticking with the pack, it was an interesting pack where no one really wanted to work together. We had a pack of 12 and the chase pack was gaining. I probably did a lot more work then I should have in the pack, By the second lap the chase pack had caught up. Everyone decided to sit up which meant that it was going to be down to a running race. I knew that there was about 18+ of us in the pack and I needed to get top 14. I positioned myself in mid pack heading into transition.

Transition 2- Dismounting and sprinting into transition I needed to relax and focus on the process. I needed a quick transition to get out in a good spot. Bike racked, shoes on and helmet off and I was gone. Coming in mid pack leaving in about 5th.

Run- I ran out with Lorcan, I knew he could run and just had to sit with him for the first race, everyone started to string out after the first lap, it was important to look at the people to make sure I was in the top 14 people to get into the A final. The pack of runners quickly grew. There was now a group of about 8 of us. I decided to serge from the group just to insure no surprises. I finished the race in 3rd spot, which was a nice little confidence booster going into the next race.
Summary-
A well-executed race, all I need to do is repeat what I did in this race for the final.
 
Race Report – Way out West Triathlon # 2 - The Final

Preparation for the race
After the warm down, rest time, feeding time and everything else, it was time to start mentally preparing for the next race. The course and transition was the same as the first race.

Swim- The number of boys on the start line for this race was halved, I positioned myself again in a similar spot to the first race and had my race plan in mind. As the siren went we were off again, I had another good start, heading to the first can it got a bit rough, I was smacked, dragged and swum over by the other guys, which made it a bit difficult to find some clear, open water. Swallowing a lot of water, I needed to find some clear water to try and make up some lost ground… At the half way jump out point I got out of the water, ran and dived to try and make up some lost ground. This is where my first mistake happened, instead of jumping to the side closer to the buoy I jumped to the right (further away) I also landed on another athlete, which lost me some momentum, I had to swim over 2 people to get back inline with the buoy before turning at the can and heading into transition.

Transition 1- Getting out a bit behind where I should have been, I know that I needed to move to try and get in that front pack. Helmet on and grabbed my bike and I was out.

Bike- Running towards the mount line, mounting and getting up to speed to try and catch up to the front pack. The front pack had about 8 riders and I was in a pack of about 6 people. If we all worked together we could catch up to the front pack. Turns out no one really wanted to work, I had done way more work then I wanted to do, I was working with Lorcan as much as possible to try to close the gap. On the last lap of the bike I got out of the saddle and cramped in my calves. I had a lap to try and get rid of it, sitting down and stretching them out. Heading into transition I positioned myself in a bad spot, towards the back off the pack.

Transition 2- Heading into transition I knew it had to be quick, I had lost a bit of time from the front pack. I raced into transition and racked my bike, got my shoes on and took off my helmet and this is where I made the mistake… As I took my helmet off My glasses hit the side of the box and went under my bike, there wasn’t enough time to pick them up.

Run- I ran out of transition with the pack, I knew that I needed to get ahead of the pack to try and put some time into them, so I had enough time to serve my penalty. For the first kilometre was a struggle, I had major cramps in my calves, I had to take it easy and try and run the cramps out, after the turn around they started to come good. I ran towards the turnaround point before looking at the white board and seeing my number, I stopped and served my first penalty, when it was over I ran out and determined to catch the next guy. Finished the race in 12th.

Summary- Way Out West triathlon had a great start with a disappointing ending. Know it’s time to rest up and recovery and have a good hit out in the Team relays tomorrow.

Relays- Sunday
Before the tag- The team had caught up to the top 6, it was an amazing effort, Emma Hogan was running into the tag zone. It was an amazing effort, the tag took place and we where in 3rd spot, I knew that the swim was going to be important.

Swim- I ran down the ramp and dived into the water, I was in the lead, heading to the first can. My goggles filled up with water that made it a little bit difficult to see the next buoy. I managed to find the buoy and head into the ramp to run into transition.

​Transition 1- Running into Transition in the lead, a quick transition was important, no room for errors. I put on my helmet and ran to the mount line.

Bike- Getting on the bike, getting my shoes on and getting up to speed, there was a pack of three of us, I was trying to be strategic with my placement, although with a small group of people you don’t really get time to rest. I did a fair bit of work on the front then I wanted too. The last 1km of the bike there was a break away. I was left with another person going into transition.

Transition 2- I racked my bike, put my shoes on and took my helmet off and ran out of transition.

Run- It had to be a fast run, it was only 1.25km run, I could see the leader had about 50m on me. It was a fast run, I started to pull back a few meters on first, although after that there was nothing, we stayed the same distance apart from each other. I ended up crossing the line in 2nd place.

Again, none of this would be possible without my Coach Toby Coote, the Sponsors of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Junior scholarship and of course my Family and friends support as always is the reason I can even compete. Thank you to all.

Thursday – Travel day
 
The morning started with a text message from Toby, “Roads are wet… Wind trainer set attached.” Sleep in, great way to start. After the set, I wiped down my bike and packed it into the bike bag, a bit of a struggle but finally got it in. The time flew past and the mad rush began shower, dressed and out the front door in 10 minutes and we were off.
 
Good run to Brisbane airport and straight into valet parking… I know fancy right. Straight through to bag check-in and oversized area for my bike. Saying hello with a smile on my face to make sure they look after my bike. Going into the Virgin Lounge for a feed before boarding the plane. A quick 3hr flight watching a movie and listening to some sick beats whilst we made our descent into Adelaide. Beautiful place. Picking up our bags and seeing my beautiful bike unscarred! Over to the rental car station, a bit of confusion but we finally made it out, and made our way to the hotel. Rydges on South Terrence, amazing staff and service. We went into the room and unpacked the bike, getting ready for a little trip around town. Coming back, having a quick shower, getting ready for the Surf Club for dinner and getting myself prepared to meet Stuart McCully from the next level elite.
 
Friday – 1 Day to Go
Starting off yet another day with a sleep in… Taper week is amazing! My sleep in was followed by a great breakfast at a cool Indi Café. Then it was time to hunt down a pool to get some pre-race energy going. After finding the 25 m pool, doing some laps with effort, feeling really good about everything. We had a 1 on 1 session with Stewart who helped me to understand and look at things differently. After lunch we rode the course, it was going to be a tactical race, there were a lot of sharp and interesting corners to be careful of. My first ever ITU race briefing made me feel like a professional, I was definitely more nervous too. As soon as I had checked in my race suit and had gotten my race pack, it was official. Once the briefing had concluded it was off to dinner for a pre-race spag bowl…yummy!
Back to the hotel, bagged pack, rest and relax, all the hard work done and dusted. Now it was time to rip In!
 
Saturday – Race Day
Good start to the swim, water was cold and we waded in, three purposes(?) and off swimming. I got smacked in the head because I was next to the two tallest guys in the field. I realised that I could of gotten 2 more porpoise dives in. It was total chaos until the final can to turn back in where I got some clear water and made time back to the leaders. Good fast transition mounting the bike and seeing that the lead pack was just in front of me. I took 3 pedal strokes and BAM!!! Looking down and I had 3 broken spokes… my race was over.
I was devastated. As I walked my bike towards the side of the road and putting my glasses on to cover the fact that I was about to lose it. All the training, the hard work and the effort had come to this. Luckily enough Stewart McCully caught me just before and helped to calm me down. He helped me realise that I had to step back and focus on the fact that this was out of my control. I am so lucky to have a great support from my team that helped me focus on what’s important.
 
Sunday – Redemption Race
Today I decided against racing in the team relays and instead race in the local opens race, this was to give myself a chance to still race the technical course. It was going to be a late start at 12am and HOT! AS! But I was ready for it.
The swim I was told to go out at race pace and settle into the swim, don’t over cook yourself in the swim. With this advice I got to the first buoy and kicked to get to shore as fast as I could, as soon as my hand touched the sand I was up and running. It was a long run to transition, but I knew if I pushed it I could put sometimes into the other people. Running to my bike, helmet on and sprinting t the mount line for a fast mount, getting out of the saddle and getting up to speed.
I was passed by two people on the bike course and I knew I just had to focus on the run and push it out. Hoping off the bike and hitting the run course in the heat was going to be tough, but thanks to all the QLD cheer squad for helping me get through it. Not the best race I’ve ever raced but still heaps to work on, but I was thankful that I still got to race. A massive thanks to Ross Young from tempo Systems for lending me the front wheel and giving me the opportunity to race! After a great hit out in Adelaide it was time to do some tourist-y stuff.
That night I got to experience a Korean BBQ where we had to cook our own food! It was an amazing experience.
 
Monday- Final Day in Adelaide and Travel Home
My final morning in Adelaide consisted of a sleep in, followed by a late breakfast and a trip to Hahndorf one of the oldest towns in Australia, est. 1839 where we looked around and had a cheeky donut! Awesome scenery here in the Adelaide hills.
Heading back to the airport, saying goodbye to Adelaide, getting a few quick photos and doing a quick post (Social Media is important!) Landing back in Brisbane getting the bags and heading back to the valet parking and heading home.
  
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the support, encouragement and belief. I am truly grateful for it all. Also, a massive thank you to all of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship

QTS Gatorade series Race #6
Race Details 
Day/Date: 11/2/18
Distance:  Sprint Distance – Age group- 16-19           
750m/20km/5km
Transition:          
Sunday – 5:15am-6:30am
Race Start:          
Sunday – 7:32am
Race Number: 518
Race Result: 2nd 16-19 Years and 7th Overall
 
Race Plan & Goal: The goal for this race was to have a good hit out, and continue to work on sharping my skills in preparation for race #3 of the AJTS in Perth.
 
Preparation for the race: Hydration started two days out, it was going to be a very important factor for this race because I would be racing at a very hot/humid time in the classic Cali (Caloundra) heat. It’s always a fun race!
 
Transition set up: Transition was in a park area so there were a few things to look out for when walking in, mainly tree roots and sticks. I racked towards the end of transition closest to the bike exit/entry has possible. I set everything up and was looking around to find markings so I can find my bright orange bike easier.
15mins before my swim start I had a Cliff Gel
 
Swim: The swim action packed with bull sharks (apparently) made for a fast and furious swim. We took off and all met at the can that was only about 50m away from the start it was brutal, the focus was trying to get some air and not go under before hitting the straight. Once we all got around the cans it was time to settle into a steady rhythm. There was a line for the top 5 people that I was lucky enough to swim with. I just had to stay into contact with the front group because I knew that it would set me up for the rest of the race.
 
Transition 1: Out of the water in 5th spot sprinting to my bike, helmet on and grabbed my bike and ran out to the bike course.
 
Bike: Running out of transition my back wheel hit a tree root which snapped my elastic bands off and flicked my shoes around, running towards the mount line and attempting to mount must have been painful for people to watch #Rookie. Once I was on the bike I was out of the saddle and off to try and close the gap on the front group. The first 3 laps are probable better not to speak of, they where a struggle. Slow speed legs aching and me trying ever feasible way to break out of it. The only positive was my corner; low, fast and exciting. The final lap my legs started to get use to the fact that we where riding and started to come good, the speed went up and I felt better. Rolling around the corner and onto the dismount line.
 
Transition 2: Ran to my rack and put my shoes on, helmet off and grabbed my race built and took off.
Run: I had a big run ahead of me, I had lost a lot of time and I had a group of runners behind me. The first km the legs where heavy and I could feel myself going into a negative head space. I knew that I needed to turn it around and stay positive. I needed to focus on the simple things, cadence, breathing and do what I know I can do…. Run. I could see Luke just up ahead, this made me dig deep and find that extra energy that I didn’t know I had. Running back into the supporters and a good speed and heading towards the finish line. It was a hot, fast and tough race but what race isn’t another great learning curve. Time to get stuck into some hard training before the next race. Also, it was great to get an interview from Win News after the race.
 
Congratulations to everyone who raced.
Jake Hynes

Queensland Aquathlon Champs and QTS Race # 3 – Lake Kawana
 
Race Details 
Day/Date: 18/11/17- 19/11/2017
Distance:             
Saturday – 2.5km/1km/2.5km
Sunday - 750m/20km/5km
Race Start:          
Saturday - 8:00pm
Sunday - 7:30am
Race Number:    
12
701
Race Result
Queensland Aquathlon Champs – 16-19 Years State Champion / Overall Race Winner
QTS # 3 – 4th Open Male

Race Plan & Goal:
Saturday and Sunday-  My goal for this race was to have a good hit out, it’s the first race back since my camping so it’ll be good to see how my form is after a solid winter block.

Race Report – Queensland Aquathlon Champs

Preparation for the race –  Hydration was going to play a very important part on this weekend’s race, the weather was predicted to be raining, and clear with mild temperatures for Sunday. I had been drinking enough fluids and the correct in-take before of electrolytes throughout the week.

Transition set up –Transition was basically a free for all

Briefing for race – I knew the course and I was ready to go, I was really looking forward to what laid ahead, this was going to be another great learning experience for me that will benefit me. Seeing what needs improving on leading into Runaway Bay.

Run- I knew that the first run was going to be fast, I made my way to the front of the line to ensure that I would have no problems getting to a prime position before the first left turn. Once we all went off I didn’t get into a rhythm until we hit the first straight where I positioned myself behind the lead runner. There was a group of about 5 of us. A few serges where put down by the others to try and break it up a bit but I made sure that I didn’t lose contact with the leaders I put my googles and cap on just after the turnaround, so I had nothing to worry about before heading into transition. When we hit the turnaround, I was waiting for a good chance to surge and get ahead of everyone before going into transition.
 
Transition 1- I was the first person into transition and the third person to my rack, all I had to do was take off my shoes but I seemed so slow compared to the other two people, I had lost my urgency to get in and get out.

Swim- After being the third person in the water I kicked and got to the can in first, turning the can and trying to get a gap from the other two. My arms felt heavy, it took a while for them to loosen up and feel better. After turning the last can to go into the beach I had gotten a small gap which was good, now I had some time to get out and dive back in and get away. The second lap felt a lot quicker and I felt as if I swam straight. Swimming past all the other age groups before turning back into the beach wasn’t easy but I found some gaps and squeezed my way through.
 
Transition 2- Running into transition with a decent gap I got my shoes on and ran! Just as I was leaving transition the others were getting their shoes on. I knew I had to really go for it.
Run- The final run was a new experience for me, I had never lead from a position like this before. I knew I had to breath and focus on the basics, leg cadence, breathing, etc. Turning the last run turn and looking where everyone was I put in another effort to ensure that there were no sprint finishes, before heading to the finish line and enjoying the run shoot for the overall win.
 
Summary- It was a great first hit out, a lot was learnt, and I look forward to getting back into training in preparation for Runaway Bay. Sitting down with Toby and going through the Pros and Cons of Today’s race and putting plans into play for tomorrows race. Time to rest up, refuel and re-hydrate to get the body ready to race again tomorrow morning.
 
Race Report – QTS Kawana Race # 3
Transition set up
I racked my bike put my helmet in place with my race belt ready, my towel down and shoes down. Once again, I had my bottles filled one with electrolytes. Cliff Gels were in place on the bike, no second guessing today…. left Transition and was focussing on my race ahead….. I knew what I wanted to do.

Briefing for race
I understood the course and I was ready to go, I was really looking forward to racing this race and seeing what I can do but this time without stress. The course had more corners which meant that I needed to ride smarter and be more efficient

Swim- I was looking forward to this swim. We all lined up to get ready to go, I was surprised that people gave me some space, As the gun went I dove straight in and started going hard to the first buoy, I had already created a body length gap, but I knew that I needed more. As we turned the buoy I tried to kick to increase the gap, but I didn’t go any faster, it was like I was running on empty.

Transition 1- My transition was a bit slower than the previous day, race belt on, helmet on and ran out with my bike.

Bike- Running to the mount line and jumping on my bike whilst trying not fall off, getting up to speed then getting my shoes in. The legs felt a bit heavy after yesterday’s race, I had lost a bit of time in transition and I had to gain it back.  

Transition 2- Dismounting the bike and running into transition to try and make up some lost time, racking my bike by the seat, getting my shoes on for the run to try and pull back some time that was lost on the bike.

Run- I was a bit worried about the run, after cramping previously in races I was cautious that it was going to happen again which worried me, the slightest discomfort bit me into a worry, I was in 3rd spot off the bike and should have stayed in that position. Although dropped off and struggled through the run, finishing in 4th place.

Summary- Not the best race, although it was great to have raced and to have finished for the first time in a while with good results.

Again, none of this would be possible without my Coach Toby Coote, the Sponsors of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Junior scholarship and of course my Family and friends support as always is the reason I can even compete.

QTS Gatorade series Race #4
Race Details 
Day/Date: 10/12/17
Distance:             
Sunday – 400m/15km/4km
Transition:          
Sunday – 5:15am-6:30am
Race Start:          
Sunday – 8:47am
Race Number: 961
​Race Result - Sprint Distance - 1st Place 16-19 Years / Overall Race Winner
 
Race Plan & Goal: The goal for this race was to put the speed that why have been working on into play, keep the skills up to date and to continue working on practising my transition skills.
Preparation for the race: Hydration started two days out, It was going to be very important because I would racing at a very hot/humid time.
Transition set up: The age group rack didn’t have a lot space it was handle bar to handle bar (PACKED) I managed to sneak into a sport not far from the end of the rack. I understood the flow of transition and racked my bike.
 
15mins before my swim start I had my Clif Gel
 
Swim: The swim start was stacked on the right-hand side, so I decided to back myself and start on the far left, By the time the siren went off I had already lost 20m from the group… I had finally got just behind the group just before the first buoy and headed to the next one.  Quickly catching the wave ahead trying to avoid as many swimmers as possible before turning the last can. Heading to the ramp it was packed! So many swimmers trying to get out, I found a gap and went for it. Running into transition as fast and as efficient as I could.
 
Transition 1: Running into transition after a little scuffle, I was at my rack getting my helmet on grabbing my bike and wasting no time.
 
Bike: Around the roundabout, out of the saddle, shoes in and take off. Today I felt like I had a solid bike compared to usual. It seemed as if I was pulling away from the chasers. Even though I saw a bigger gap opening up I didn’t ease off. I kept pushing into the head wind until I had to take my shoes off to dismount.
 
Transition 2: Following the course to the dismount line, once I jumped off the bike and my feet hit the road I lifted my bike and was running and ran into transition. Yelling “on your right,” to anyone in my way. I put my shoes on, helmet off, grabbed my race belt and ran.
 
Run: Running out of transition like I stole something with my brand-new Mizuno Sonic’s, it felt like I was running on air. I was feeling really good on the run, but I knew that I had to hold a good pace because the guys behind me were all good runners. I controlled my breathing and run stride, got to the turn around and had put a lot of time into the others but wasn’t going to back it off. The last one km was a bit of a struggle for a bit. I had gotten a massive stitch in my stomach which took the air from me for about 400m once I hit the final corner I gave it more, so I could finish strong.
 
Summary: Another great hit out before SSRW, it was great to walk away with a great result which gives me a confidence builder before runaway bay. Now it’s time to rest up and RECOVER.