Queensland All Schools Race Report

Race Report:
Queensland All Schools - Kawana by Ryan Marsh

Race Details: 
Day/Date: Sunday 6th November 2016
Distance: 400m/12km/3km     
Race Start: 10.02am    (2nd Wave)  
Race Number: 553
Race Result: 11th Junior Male - 1st Sunshine Coast Region - Qualified for State Schools Triathlon Champs

Race Plan & Goal:
Sunday will be my first major School Sports Triathlon Race of this season. Knowing that there will be competitors from all different regions racing will make the race even more challenging and I knew I would have to push myself. I am happy with my performance leading up to this race and I believe I will do well and qualify/make selection for my Regional Team (Sunshine Coast Region) to compete at States in February 2017. I have been training hard for races like this. My goal is always to not doubt myself, stop being nervous and race relaxed.

Race Report – All Schools - Kawana:
Pre-race
Hydration was going to be very important today as my race started at 10:02am sharp. Although there was a mild breeze blowing the sun was out, it was hot and humid. Consequently, before the race I made sure I was hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. I had eaten early and had a banana 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. I swam a strong swim leg, as I was told by Head Coach SCTA Toby Coote that I actually pulled some water for a change. This was good to know as in training I have been working hard to change my swim stroke to a more efficient and productive stroke.

Bike
The bike I knew was going to be hard as I would have to stay in front of the people behind me and at the same time catch the people in front of me. As I was the second wave there were lots of people already on the bike course, which made it even harder to get past people. In the bike I lost some ground to some really strong cyclists. After discussion with my coach and some pictures highlighting some poor technique and positioning I can take on board information and put into place in my next race.

Run
At this point I knew what I had to do. I had to look up, relax and work hard and chase the front runners down. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was possible. Leading onto the second lap, I started to overtake runners and pick up speed. Although hot, I picked my leg speed, eventually passing athletes form the first wave and I knew I had to go hard and finish strong.  As there were two waves it was even harder to judge placing. Provisional and Final Race Results had me in 11th place and 1st for my selection for the Sunshine Coast Region. Overall, I was happy with result would have like to have been within the top six. I now have 3 months to get ready for States next year and hopefully my result will be top six.

Post-race
After the race I congratulated the other competitors. I made sure I rehydrated with fluids and reduced my heart rate down by keeping cool. I then went for a nice and easy 5 min cool down run, rugged up. After going home I went for an easy 20 – 30 min spin with high cadence to flush out the legs form the race and cool down swim in our pool.