Queensland Schools Triathlon Championships Race Report

Race: Queensland Schools State Triathlon Champs Hervey Bay
Distance: 750/20/5
Category: Senior Men
Result: 11th Place Senior Male - Qualified for the Queensland White Team
 
It was that time of year again — State All Schools, a race that I look forward to each year. I had a goal with this race, and it was to finish in the top group to qualify for Queensland All Schools Nationals. I felt as if I had prepared well for the race. I had felt strong in training and was keen to race.
 
Swim:
The swim was a beach start, it was very packed on the start line with no room to move. I knew it would be key to get off to a fast start to be out in front and not get caught up in the boxing match of competitors around the first buoy. I had a great start and was in the front group and managed to avoid the carnage at the first buoy. The plan was to sit in on the feet and hold my position, saving some energy for the bike and running.
 
Bike:
I came out of the swim just off the front group and knew the bike would be vital in securing a position on the State Team. I jumped onto the bike, the legs felt heavy and I did not feel comfortable in my setup. I tried to increase my cadence to loosen my legs up, however it didn't help. I was slowly fading on the bike and knew I just needed to hold my position and give everything I have on the run.
 
Run:
I came off the bike feeling like crap, but I knew I just needed to run as hard as I could to try and catch up for lost time on the bike. I thought my legs would loosen up from the bike but they didn't change at all. I managed to get into a rhythm on the run but it was far too late, I had already lost a lot of time from the bike and beginning of the run, my goal was just to finish the race.
 
Summary:
Overall, I started the race very strong with a good swim, and I was pleased to see that the hard training had paid off. The bike was very disappointing, as I felt as if I was going nowhere and my legs felt heavy. The run leg I was trying to salvage my race but it was already too late. I ended up 11th overall and qualified for the new Queensland White Team for Nationals. It was time now to put that past behind me and recover ready for AJTS Race 3 in Devonport.
 
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