XTERRA Australia
8th was not the result I was looking for, but in the end it was a pretty solid start to my XTERRA season for 2008 when I crossed the line at Daylesford on Saturday at the XTERRA Australia Championship. 8th, but in an amazingly competitive field, a mere 70sec behind 3rd
The race was won by current XTERRA world #4 Chris Legh of Australia. A 70.3 guru, and one of the fastest runners in the sport.
Going into the race my goal was to race strongly and get a good hit out for Rotorua this weekend. And all going well, achieve a top 5 finish as a bonus. Having promised myself not to dig to deeply, and risk compromising the Rotorua race, perhaps my mindset wasn’t where it should have been. Because in the final washup, I was capable of a top 3 on the day, but didn’t deliver.
For me the race was always going to be tough, as the bike course whilst physically tough, didn’t feature any technical riding (nor big climbs). It was a strongman’s course, so maybe I talked my way out of things a little? Anyway….
The swim was interesting. With a separate pro start I perhaps underestimated my ability. I immediately searched for feet to follow, and did so for the first 350-400m…. until realizing these guys were slower than I was capable of. So went off on my own, and proceeded to put 40-60sec on those guys before the end. I had wasted the first 400m following and lost valuable time I would rue later in the day.
The MTB went well. Despite my negativity towards the course, I managed to maintain focus throughout, and made great forward progress. Thus, I was a little dismayed to reach transition and see 6 bikes already there. With no idea of the time gaps I headed out on the run with more of a training mindset. Run solid, and steadily I told myself. I was told the leader was 4min ahead, and presumed the others were close to him.
By the 1/2way mark of the run I’d reached 6th, but with no sight (or time splits) on the leading 5 thought that was probably my lot for the day. Resolving to maintain my pace to the finish, be happy with that, and look forward to Rotorua.
Bad decision. Easing off slightly cost me two spots. And unbeknown to me at the time… I had been steadily closing done 3rd/4th/5th. In the final washup I had posted a top 5 run split against some of the faster runners in the sport. Which combined with a top 3 bike split (on a course that didn’t suit me) left me a mere 70sec from a top 3.
Could I have done better? Probably. Am I disappointed? In retrospect, a little (especially at the prizemoney I didn’t win!). Am I satisfied with where I’m at heading into Rotorua? Yes.
My swim has improved. My bike and running legs are stronger than before. The Rotorua MTB course is singletrack infested, with big climbs. The run suits me well. And importantly, I have the benefit of a solid race distance hit out in Australia under my belt.
Quite simply, I can’t wait for Saturday!
