QTS # 4 Raby Bay Triathlon - Race Report

Race Report - Ryan Marsh
QTS #4 Super Sprint

Race Details
Day/Date: Sunday 11th of December, 2016
Distance: 400m/15km/4km
Transition: Sunday: 5:15am-6:15am
Race Start: 8.52am
Race Number: 1109
 
Race Plan & Goal:
Sunday will be my third QTS Race and Super Sprint race ever. Moving up to a longer distance is challenging and I will have to push myself. I believe that I will do well at this longer distance as I really enjoy the distance associated with the sprint events. As always my goal is not to doubt myself, stop being nervous and race relaxed and stay hydrated.
 
Race Report – QTS #4 Super Sprint:
Pre-race
Hydration was going to be very important today as my race started at 8.52am sharp. Although a little overcast you could feel the sun and it was going to be warm. Therefore, before the race I made sure I was drinking enough fluids, I was hydrated and that I had eaten early and had a banana and a gel for fuel to ensure that I would get the best possible results. 
 
Swim
I knew the swim was going to be important, as I am not the strongest swimmer for my age category. As I was about to start, I positioned myself next to a strong swimmer on the sides of the swim start. The swim was pretty good as in training I have been working on my stroke not my speed. Midway swim I saw that I was swimming with some strong swimmers from other age categories which boosted my confidence and I started to swim faster.
 
Bike
At the start of the bike, I knew I had to catch anyone in front and keep the distance of the other competitors already behind me. For the bike I tried to remember to get out of the saddle for each corner and to keep my head up while riding. This all paid off as I had a really strong bike, one of my best ever after going up the slight hill on the first lap of three I was in the lead and riding strong and getting time on the other competitors.
 
Run
At this point I knew what I had to do. I had to not be complacent and let the runner behind catch me. It wasn’t going to be easy but it was possible. Leading on to the second lap I saw that I had a reasonable lead on second and third which were running together and pushing each other. I knew as the race leader that I can’t let the runner behind catch me so then I ramped it up little but not too hard. I picked my leg speed up and eventually had 1 min 20 seconds on the runner behind. I finished strong and took away the first place.
 
Post-race
After the race, I congratulated second and third place. I made sure I rehydrated with fluids and got the heart rate down. Then I went for a nice and easy 5 min cool down run and an easy swim as the day was starting to become hotter. I moved to the shade and stretched, and then I changed into my SCTA polo and shorts and waited for the presentations to commence, while keeping hydrated and claimed my first place.
 
Race Result
1st Place 13 Years Male