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! :-)