I thought it was going to be short and sweet, well it was, with a little bit of pain added for good measure. With a sprint every decision seems to be a breakneck speed. So it takes a few minutes to process what has just happened after I cross the finish line.
Race brief done, and straight into the water, the sun was shining on the lake and the water is crystal clear. Looking around there was a good field of decent racers.
With what felt like hardly a minute to think we were all lined up and ready for a mass start. There was a wall of strong swimmers in a line before me. At the sound of the horn I stayed on John Macs feet I know he normally deals with people in the water well, round the first buoy and it is still complete carnage in front. Up towards the second buoy and I have a couple of people trying to push me over towards the inside of the buoy. I needed a quick kick just to swim clear of the potentially messy turn. I settle back into a rhythm and remind myself I only have to push hard for 450m in total, then settle into a decent long efficient stroke. Just focused on pushing hard and staying on someone's feet in front. At this point couldn't see anyone getting out the lake in front on the final stretch.
T1 - A nice clean transition and run out with my road shoes and cleats on.
At the begining of the bike take a few people straight away, I make a good start. Not long and I passed Kevin C, he didn't leave it long before he took me back again. Shouting COME ON JAY! Still staying strong on the bike. Lap 1 seemed a tad longer than expected.
At this point Brian E flew by this was the begining of a beautiful friendship on the bike, overtaking each other a number of times which gave me a great boost and was great fun. This took my mind off the race for a bit too. As we approached T2 it was Kevin C, Brian E and I and it was a good feeling the Ely boys coming in together and a big cheer from the crowd of supporters.
At this point Brian E flew by this was the begining of a beautiful friendship on the bike, overtaking each other a number of times which gave me a great boost and was great fun. This took my mind off the race for a bit too. As we approached T2 it was Kevin C, Brian E and I and it was a good feeling the Ely boys coming in together and a big cheer from the crowd of supporters.
T2 - I was lucky to have the best position in transition, I was so quick even Clark Kent would have been proud of my transition.
Out and onto the run with an extremely high cadence as I ran downhill towards the 2 loops of the Woodland. 1/2 way round the 1st loop. I had Paul H beside me on the bike saying Brian is just behind you and he is looking fresh. Then a big shout out from Brian 'Come on you young whipper snapper'. I was dead focused and was pushing hard, just kept my head down. Round onto the second lap Carl James just passes me as he has finished his second lap already. Second loop flew by and eased of a fraction up hill towards the transition area. All that lay ahead was the lap round the lake and I knew I could just push the gear up one as I had the finish in sight.
Once again thank you to the Monster crew for a well organised race, Marshall's for there great spirit and smily faces and encouragement.
As always Monster have a great prize fund up for grabs. A new sponsor for the rest of the season is The Sufferfest, nice touch for 4th place and a couple of spot prizes too! Sweet event, great location with a decent prize purse. This event will grow next year for sure.
