RACE - QTS # 3 - Kawana Tri]
Distance - 750/20/5 First OPEN Race QTS Kawana was race 3 of the series I knew it was going to be a challenging race deciding to race again in the open men category. However, I was determined to have a strong race. Swim: The swim was a beach start, the field was not very large which was good because I knew many of the other competitor's capabilities, I was positioned on the inside and knew and needed to have a good start to be at the front around the first swim buoy. I started well but got bashed up around the first swim buoy which I expected, but I found my swim rhythm early and just sat at the back of the group saving my energy for the rest of the race. Bike: I had fast transition and made up some time, I knew on the bike I just had to settle into a fast pace and try not to lose any ground to some of the older and stronger athletes ahead of me. I tried to find a good pace to sit through on the somewhat technical course. I sat at an average tempo for most of the bike leg but was lacking the legs in the final lap. Unfortunately, as I was coming around to the far turnaround point on the last lap (1km from transition), I was given a 3min drafting penalty. Just before the corner where a few riders around me came together bunching up for the turn. I was both annoyed and frustrated about receiving the penalty as I was not given any warning unlike others and I had ridden the entire race myself until the last kilometer. Yes, I must admit I was bitterly disappointed and felt very deflated. I was more annoyed having ridden pretty much the entire race with no-one in front of me and to receive the penalty felt like a kick in the teeth. I had to slow down when the official was speaking to me which allowed other riders to go past. I gathered myself and made the decision to continue to ride on and not serve the 3 minute penalty knowing I would be disqualified at the end of the race. Reflecting back and after speaking with my coach Toby Coote about my frustration, I should have approached the official after the race for some feedback on why I was given the penalty. I understand this is racing but I pride myself on doing the right thing and following the rules . Run: I ran out of transition and yes I was not happy. I had lost my concentration and was not mentally focused for the run ahead. I should have been focused on finishing the race and putting in a strong run leg. I could not find my rhythm, I felt I was just going through the motions of just finish the race. In Summary: I was pleased with my swim and the start of the bike, but after my legs started to fatigue and I received a penalty, my race was over mentally and I just made it my goal to finish. Being able to speak with Toby about the penalty and some strategies for future racing will hopefully help me to better manage the mental side of racing. Now my focus is to work on some shorter stuff for SSRW coming up in December at Runaway Bay as part of the Australian Junior Series Race # 1 I would like to personally thank the SCTA Junior scholarship sponsors for all your support. I would also like to thank the Event Crew for running the series and supporting the SCTA Junior Scholarship Holders and Triathlon Queensland Officials and all the volunteers for making these events possible.
1 Comment
13/2/2021 10:11:43 pm
This race was one of the toughest races ever with swimming and biking and running all separate fields. I am only good at writing a high school essay and they can do all they at Godly speeds.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorRyan Marsh - 2019-20 SCTA Junior Scholarship Holder Archives
March 2020
Categories |