REV 3 Half Quassy

When I planned my 2010 race schedule I decided to target the Rev3 Half Quassy, as I had heard from last year that the course was challenging (I love hills ... honestly I do!) and the large prize pool would draw a top pro field. True to predictions the course was a climber and athletes included the inspirational Mirinda Carfrae, Julie Dibens, Joanna Zeiger, Natasha Badmann (all previous World Champions) as well as other top athletes. By racing a stacked field I thought it would give me a good indicator of how I am going in comparison to some tough competition - also helping me evaluate areas I need to work on to be a serious contender at Clearwater later this year.

THE SWIM ... I often get nervous right before the gun goes off - but I seemed to keep myself reasonably calm and got off to a good start. I missed the first pack but was pleased to swim with Desiree Flicker and one other girl - so I swam hard with them. I felt good on the swim - relaxed in my stroke. The lake beautiful... calm, clean and warm.

THE BIKE ... Heading out I thought I was in a great position - only 3min 10sec behind the lead pack ... but later found out that was actually 5mins 10sec - eek! Time for some serious peddling. My legs felt heavy at the start, but eased into it after a few miles. After a while Natasha and Amanda passed me. I tried to keep pace and not lose sight of them - however this race was tough on the down hill and my lack of bike experience, and gearing, on a steep and rainy course definitely showed. Super sorry Amanda for the bottle loss that nearly wiped you out as I went over a bump - oops - half my nutrition gone and yours too! Hope you got by ok without it.

THE RUN ... I came off the bike and headed out on the run with Jessica Jacobs right behind me. I felt weak (probably due to the loss of nutrition - grr to that silly bump in the road) and my legs felt very heavy. It took about 2 miles to settle into my running pace. Mile 10 was a challenge with a churning tum and quick bathroom stop that helped me bounce back. I ran my little heart out to the end - ever hopeful to pass someone - and finished 10th.

Well done to Mirinda (1st), Kelly (2nd), and Sam (3rd) for your dominant performances. And also to Julie for sticking it out after smashing us all on the bike! What a legendary ride!

While it was a tough day out there I was pleased to take the following positives away with me ... My swimming still needs some work….losing 5mins is not good at the start! My cycling is improving….but some bike handling skills are needed. There is plenty for me to work on in the months and races to come.

Thanks to all the volunteers and the Rev 3 crew out there for putting on such an outstanding race. Rev 3 is a great series of races for anyone looking for some really organized and challenging races. You can definitely count me in for this race next year and I’m also looking forward to seeing any new races they come up with for 2011 to add to my race calendar.

Coming up next is Buffalo Springs Ironman 70.3 in 2 weeks. I’m looking forward to heading back to see the improvements I have made since last year. For now - back to some hard training ... fun times!

REV 3 here I come ...

With only a couple of days to go it's exciting to be amping up for yet another big race. What will race day bring I wonder? With an exciting pack of amazing athletes including Julie Dibens, Joanna Zeiger, Mirinda Carfrae, Amanda Lovato, and some other great pros - I look forward to this fun challenge, racing some of the best athletes in the World on a tough course. The course is hilly on the bike and run, which hopefully will work out to my advantage. Although I will still be gritting my teeth at the top of those long climbs like the best of em'.

Ironically Rev 3 Half is mapped out at an amusement park, Quassy, in Middlebury, CT. Lucky for us Triathlon addicts happy fun amusement is what it should prove to be - well, with some blood, sweat and happy tears thrown in for good measure.

It is so beautiful here and reminds me a lot of home (New Zealand) with lots of green trees, plants, quiet roads and more of a rural community lifestyle with farms and veggie gardens. I love home grown veggies!

It is nice to know that race day should go smoothly as the event is co-ordinated by an amazing organisation and will make it a lot of fun! The race directors have kindly made sure I am well looked after with lovely hosts. With a lot of friends arriving in town, and having made myself at home at the health food store down the road, it is starting to feel more like home here.

As for Race Prep ...

It is always nice to know my bike is in great condition, smooth and fast! Thanks to TriLab for all your support and awesome bike servicing. Also thanks for sorting out a new wetsuit for me last minute - lifesavers! I swam the swim course today and the lake was clean and stunning!

Nutrition wise I think I have my game plan sorted. And having put the hard yards in training I'm feeling great and ready to race.

REV 3 Half is Sunday June 6th (so nice of them to plan it on a New Zealand public holiday for lots of my family, friends and fans to tune in. Gosh I feel loved ; ). For live updates check out http://www.rev3tri.com/

So keep your fingers and toes crossed for another great race! Rev 3 here I come ...

Erin : )

ps. Happy Long Weekend to those following from NZ.

Prize Debate

As many of you may have read - the new 8% rule by WTC is causing a lot of controversy as to race dividends. As a young pro learning the ropes and moving from strength to strength this new rule caught me - bam - as I finished 3rd at St Croix Ironman 70.3, and only 8.2% outside of the winners time. Where were my lightening speed shoes when I needed them! Had the rule remained at 8% of the Runner Up I would have breezed through, crossing the finish line only 4.5% behind successful pro Sam Warriner. Slowtwitch touches on the subject (http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/Show_Me_The_Money_1335.html), and WTC admits that they are working on building a forum where athletes can have their say on how prize payouts should be decided. Lets get the ball rolling, have your say here by voting on my sidebar poll.

Yippee - 3rd Place, St Croix Ironman 70.3

In the weekend I raced my second half ironman for 2010 in St Croix. It was a tough day: challenging course, hot and humid, and tough competition.

We kicked off early a few minutes behind the males. To the first buoy everyone was together smashing each other but around the buoy the field spread out and I missed the front packs leaving me with one other girl to swim with.

I had a good transition and was quickly away on the bike. I put my head down and worked hard to try and catch up to the front girls. I caught Heather Gollnick at about 16 miles but then Amanda Lovato passed me just before “the beast” at 20 miles. I tried to stay with Amanda but dropped off a bit, she was riding strong! Further on at about 30 miles a pack of age group men came past me with Heather in the mix and unfortunately passed me. Into T2 I was in 4^th place; and was later to find out Mirinda, Nina, and Tereza had all dropped out on the bike.

Heading off onto the run my legs actually felt reasonably good. In the first couple miles I just tried to get my pace and control my breathing. I got into a good rhythm and caught Heather at about mile 4. This moved me into 3^rd place and I never looked back - just kept charging on as I wanted to keep my podium position. I ran hard all the way to the finish hoping to catch Sam but knowing she was miles ahead. I was super happy with my 3rd place finish!! However, with the new 8% ruling on prize money meant I missed out on my cheque by 1min and 48sec....bugger!!! So many "if only's" going on in my head after the race.

The men’s race was won by Terenzo, second place Tim O’Donnell, and third Tyler Butterfield.

St. Croix is my favourite race - it is an amazing destination in tropical paradise and a challenging race. Thanks to my great homestay Tom and Will Peil for being so generous and for going out of your way to make me welcome in your home.

Back into training again next week – Next up Rev 3 Half!! This will be amazing race - really looking forward to it!!

Thanks for the support and happy training! :-)