Weymouth Middle Distance (70.3)

It has taken a while to post a report from Weymouth Middle Distance (70.3).

As I have said previously, I am playing catch up after my 8 marathons in 8 days in April. The 4 weeks after the '8' were taken up with family and stressing over Dad's serious option. I ticked over with a run each day but nothing too long. Also, this period was meant to be 'Tri Specific' as my Ironman was on July 13th.

Anyway, April was a wipe out and I started back in the pool and on the bike in May. Of course, as soon as I started swimming and cycling my back and calf problems re started; great!

I went to Weymouth with little prep, twitchy calfs and a very tight lower back. I had nothing to loose I guess??

I had a good group of friends at the race and we all met for dinner the night before the race. I have to say I was pretty nervous as I was unsure of the outcome of the race. My friends had all been dedicated to the Tri cause for 6 months plus. I was fit, yes! but not specifically fit for a triathlon. My swimming was way behind. Anyway, a quick run into the sea at 7.15am on Sunday morning and the race was under way. The water at Weymouth is very shallow until you get quite a long way out. So funny deciding if running would be quicker than swimming. 

The swim went quite quickly. It was definitely over distance, everyone commented but it was the same for all.

On the bike I started steady and then upped the pace. I felt very relaxed and was surprised at how good I felt. I just continually passed other waves and riders. I was making ground and feeling great. Into t2 I was in about 8th place. I was looking forward to the run; surely ALL those miles would show here? Nope!! I ran well but nowhere near as quick as I wanted. I think the bike took more out of me than I thought, plus the increased heat and sun started to press down. I pulled more places back and finished 3rd in my wave and on AG. 

It was a real result considering the prep. I was only about 15 minutes down on the previous year when I had won my AG and taken 6th overall. 

It was a great sign leading into my final 4 weeks prep for Austria.