English
Last weekend I had the MPAGB National Biathlon Champs which consists of a separate run & swim (two thirds of a triathlon.) As I was National Champion in my age group last year I had high expectations of doing well, but I had just gone up an age group. Running and Swimming are my strongest events in triathlon as I have more experience in these disciplines. I travelled up to Macclesfield near Manchester on Saturday with my Mum, Dad, and sister as it was too far to travel in the morning. I knew the venue as the Biathlon Champs were held there last year too: knowing the venue was a good feeling!
I was swimming for my first event. Warm up was at 9:30 but was only 15 minutes long. I made sure I fitted in some kick and sprint sessions then a good cool down within this time although it wasn’t very long at all. I was in the last heat, lane four: though the lanes weren’t ‘spear headed’ (the fastest in the centre lanes.) I knew the other girls were around 4/5 seconds faster than me but I tried to block this out and think positive. The race went well, although not quite as I had planned as the girl in lane 3 went out very fast. I was only a second off my PB. Finishing in a time of 2.17 I knew I would have to be on top form in my run to come top in the three as I am bottom of my age group this year. After the Swim I just had enough time for a quick spot of lunch: “Not Just any Pasta…” boosted me and then It was straight to the track to start warming up.
Both swim and run distances had doubled with my age group change this year and I had a 2k track run ahead so I did a 20 minute jog and followed by some drills and strides. When I was warming up I felt a very strong headwind at the 200m mark on the back straight. The weather was getting a bit stormy and I had to re-think my race plan: I wanted to get a fast start but I didn’t want to be the one doing all the work running all the race with the other competitors ‘drafting’ on my shoulder. As it turned out I ended up leading from the start and it was a tough race, especially when another runner ‘cut me up.’ I felt like saying something to her, I was so frustrated! Needless to say – I didn’t (: I tried to come back with a sprint finish but the wind had taken all the energy out of me by then but it was still faster than my pace for the previous laps. When I finished I felt really sick and exhausted I had certainly put in the effort!
In the end I came 3rd in the run but was not disappointed, as I came 2nd over all and came home with a trophy: as I said this is not a bad result as I have just moved up into the lower band of a higher age group!
This week I need to put the training emphasis back on my bike work as next weekend I am looking forward to my first ‘big’ triathlon :D Have a good half term and keep training!