QTS # 6 - Caloundra Triathlon

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