After 10 days of training holiday in the Alps, I spontaneously decided to take on the national competition at the British Middle Distance Triathlon Championship in Eastbourne together with my friend Kelly Wickens to get another race in the legs, as well as test some race strategy before the beast of Alpe D'Huez soon.
Raceday started with a 4am alarm, a reluctantly big bowl of porridge and a 6am jump off the Eastbourne Pier for a 1.9km sea swim in time trial start format. I navigated the currents cleverly and kept overtaking swimmers throughout the loop.
After a grassy and wiggly transition, I jumped on the bike as second woman and quickly overtook the leader to be at the front of the 90km bike leg, with a measured steady effort and pulling away from the other women on the last hills (training in the Alps did pay off!).
I began the half marathon in first position and settled into the run, albeit initially in a defensive rhythm. After 7km I got caught by another athlete who was trying to bridge the gap. I stayed with her for a 5km stretch, enjoying the running company before then slowly edging away and ramping up the gears.
With a negative split last 10km, I crossed the finish line over 3 minutes ahead of the second female to take the win. Ending the race with a new PB of 4hr23 over that race distance, it was not only a pleasant surprise, but a confidence builder for the bigger pro races ahead.
Next up:
25 July - Alpe d'Huez Long Distance Triathlon on the LIOS Javelin.
1 September - Ironman 70.3 Zell am See Pro Series Race on the LIOS Javelin.
7 September - German National elite Champs on the LIOS Exactor.
* Photos courtesy of Ironbourne / My Sport Photos.