IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton: Toughest day VS Nicest people. Who will win?
The athletes, the race , the local community. These make 70.3 Busselton as one of my most favourite race and these are the reasons why you should race here
IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton: Toughest day VS Nicest people. Who will win?
TC: "Hey! Are we swim in the right way?"
Honestly, this was the first time I shouted to ask direction from other triathlete. At that time , I was in the middle of swim course and reluctantly to called it a day.
Many big and strong wave kept coming and sweeping athletes from one side to another. I kept going in whatever direction.
Of course, there was no answer from my question from an athlete beside me and only thing I could do was just keep swimming.
Here is my story of 2019 Sun Smart Festival of Triathlon at Busselton, Western Australia
Swim:
Start time was postponed for 30 minutes because of the weather conditions; big, strong wave and high speed wind. Once I was in the water I tried to follow other athlete as long as possible but the water conditions were very tough and I couldn't swim strong as I trained.
One lap passed with an extra 5-6 minutes from my standard time. I knew that "today's special" swim conditions were far more than I expected and all I could do was try to complete it as soon as possible.
At that moment, swimming in the right direction was very very hard and I admitted that I lost direction many many times.
I spent almost 55 minutes in the swim part. Probably the worst swim time since I start racing in 70.3 distance.
Bike :
Once I start riding I was in a high hope to gain back my lost time in the water. The first 30km part went well as I can managed to hold AVG of 160 watt and 33kph. Second and third part were when I was slowly out of energy no matter how much I refuel. I finished bike part around 2:48-2:49 hours which I think it was not so bad.
Run:
Up until now my chance to finish under 5:30 hrs was gone and I knew that I have to run a sub 2 hrs half marathon to get a PB. The first few kilometres were ok as I ran under 6 min/km pace. Then I got a mild cramp at left hamstring so I had to slow down for few km. Second lap was good as I could pick up the pace again and be able to ran with Evon (Event ambassador teammate).
Once I started my third lap my pace dropped again. I decided to use this slow pace to refuel and be ready for the last 3 km. Unfortunately, when I reach 18 km marked I was all spent and got a big cramp on my both quads so the best I could do was 3 km jog to finish line.
Obviously, it was not a great result as I expected and trained for. However, in this very tough race day conditions I was glad and overwhelmed by the way Busselton treated me.
Here are why.
In 2016, I came here and had many good experience from the Busselton's landscape and community. Since December 2018, I start planing my 2019 season and Busselton was the race I always wanted to come back. With a big hope to get select as one of team ambassador of the event. I look forward to hear a good news on January 6th.
Once I got select, I had a bit concern about being only a foreigner in full of Australian team members. This concern was with me until the race week came.
On Thursday May 2nd, I had a schedule for group photo shoot with event ambassador teammate. With some laughs and talks, this went pretty well. The most amazing thing and probably one of my greatest honour came when Jenni ( TWA Marketing & Events Coordinator) handed me an event guide which had my story featured inside for one whole page.
As an infamous overseas athlete who just really like this town and really love the spirit of local community. I was overwhelmed and full of joy when I saw my stories inside race official guide book.
Thank you Busselton and Triathlon Western Australia for having and accepting me into your wonderful triathlon community. I will never forget all your very warm welcome throughout this race.
Although I did not get my personal best but I was touched by all your supports and encouragements. All my experiences of this year event were more than I expected and I wish to come back again years after years.
All in all, this race have made me believe that no matter how bad of your race day you always have supports from Busselton local community and Triathlon Western Australia.
The athletes, the race , the local community. These make 70.3 Busselton as one of my most favourite race and these are the reasons why you should race here.
Until next time.
TCtriathlon
TC Triathlon
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