First race of the Season, Aerofit Triathlon Win

Last Friday was the first race of the season in the UAE.  As my last race of the season internationally was in China only earlier this month it is not much of a break!  It has been a mentally tough 3 weeks post China.  Anyone who races knows we can't always be at our peak but it’s always hard to not be disappointed when you know you could have done better. 

Moving onwards and upwards I attacked the first race of the UAE triathlon season at the Aerofit triathlon with the mental and physical strengths I had hoped and worked hard for in China.  It paid off!  It was a close competition between fellow team mate, Didge and myself.  She is the most incredible girl I have ever seen on the bike so knew I had to be on the ball.  Although we came out of the water together, I managed to come out of transition ahead of her on the bike.  I knew every second would count.  She had an amazing bike, although mine was ok I knew I couldn’t give her too much of a lead coming onto the run, but with 1 min 40 seconds lead I thought the race was over.  China, China, China......... I felt good so dug in and just chased.  I had a lot to prove to myself with the race so gave it my all.  I managed to catch her up with around 1 km to go, tried not to breathe too heavily on the way past (we all know it’s good to try and look fresh even if you’re shattered!).  I came across in first and was totally chuffed with my performance.  All I can say I never used to race like this.  I have Didge to thank for this.  She is a very strong athlete both mentally and physically and I feel we will both make each other stronger and faster as the season progresses.

Thank you everyone for all your support post China.  This race and your support means a lot to me.  The next local race is in just over 2 weeks!!!!!!

5th in the World

The 12 days leading to china were unfortunately not as any competitor would have liked.....In bed for 2 days with Flu and no energy.  With the months of training behind me this is not how i had planned it but had to go to China with the goal of the podium.  After a relaxing flight courtesy of Fly Emirates I arrived in Beijing with my husband Will and 3 fellow team mates and their partners.  Makes a difference flying sans children and with flat beds! 

Friday before the race at registration it was in the high 20's.  Warm weather - perfect!   I have learn't over the last few years that I am not a wet weather racer (I tend to go a strange colour of blue/purple and my body tends to stop moving).   So imagine my disappointment waking on race day to a complete down pour!!

It was my worse race to date with no energy from the start.  Arriving in China I was tired and frustrated having been ill and bed ridden for two days the week.  This definitely made a massive difference to how I felt.  I feel stronger today and I am enjoying the rest (if you can call walking the Great Wall of China a rest!!).    The first 350 meters in the swim I felt ok.  Near the front (about 4th) and focusing on technique as my arms seemed to be lacking power already.  The first turning at the buoy I realised then it was not my day - it felt like my batteries had just run out......not as I had planned......now need to just grit my teeth and see if I can keep going. 

Out of T1 and onto the bike course.  I was officially PURPLE!  Brilliant!!  Just kept my head down and tried to warm up.  It was a long 20km on the bike and after struggling in T2 with my cold hands to get my trainers on I knew the run would be slow.  Managed a 20min 5km which would have been great a year ago - this year I know I can go much faster.  Over the finish line in 5th shaking from head to foot.  

Everyone has been amazing and so supportive both leading to the event and post, especially my husband and children.  I also could not have done this without my training partners and team Tri 2 aspire and the continued support from my sponsors:

Fly Emirates, Intersport, Maxi Fuel, Wolfis Bike shop and Abela and Co.

Although the race did not go to plan I have to put it into prospective......I came 5th in the World with a bad day in the office!  xx 

Beijing Here we come!

The count down has begun........  Racing in Beijing on Saturday.  Can't wait to get there and check out the course.  Nervous??  maybe a little.  They say nerves are good for you - I am not so sure at the moment.  Off for my bike packing at Wolfis then few last minutes jobs before flying out tomorrow.

Watch out Bejing.

Welcome to my blog site

Hi Everyone,

At last my blog site is Up and Running! 

After a lovely summer training around family and friends I am now back in the heat of Dubai.  Training is going really well in preparation for the ITU World Championships in China on 10th September.  I have been training with friends Roy and Stuey in a High altitude suite in The Quay Health Club, Jumeriah which is amazing.  We are having a heart rate test on the treadmill later to check our progress.  Thankfully a nice aerobic running in comparison to the hard VO2 max tests I did before the summer.  Not sure my body is up for one of them today!  Looking forward to seeing the results.  Not missing the training outside - still pretty humid and hot out there....

Janey xx