tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39130984826279898042023-11-16T05:27:56.096-08:00Erin O'Hara - Professional TriathleteUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3913098482627989804.post-73491473546741356672010-06-09T17:25:00.000-07:002010-06-14T07:35:10.690-07:00REV 3 Half Quassy<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:16.0pt;line-height:20.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:arial;"> <!--StartFragment--> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:21.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:ArialMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:ArialMT;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:ArialMT;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">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.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">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.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">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.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">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.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">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!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">While it was a tough day out there I was pleased to take the following positives away with me ... </span>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.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 21pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">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.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:ArialMT;color:#666666;">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!</span></p></span><p></p><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3913098482627989804.post-9425539602934297242010-06-02T01:28:00.000-07:002010-06-05T15:28:31.847-07:00REV 3 here I come ...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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'.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Ironically Rev 3 Half is mapped out at an amusement park, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Quassy</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">, 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. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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.<br /></span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">As for Race Prep ...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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/</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">So keep your fingers and toes crossed for another great race! Rev 3 here I come ...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Erin : )</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">ps. Happy Long Weekend to those following from NZ.</span></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3913098482627989804.post-62708251703644488122010-05-14T10:49:00.000-07:002010-06-05T04:23:50.321-07:00Prize Debate<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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.</span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3913098482627989804.post-50625206997095770152010-05-07T09:18:00.000-07:002010-06-05T04:24:34.622-07:00Yippee - 3rd Place, St Croix Ironman 70.3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBm-BWbhH47GOH-j7VAFz19cEhYziE8904awpT8qiPIn71Wtc8mNmDrMDP42Xkrl_UOl21nI9w6uCEuCd2w-fYBlsYkd-NY7VRyN1umNMHrftPYZpwfykhuPr_HwKWYD_7XLM1K4ZJbU/s1600/StCroix_Finishing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBm-BWbhH47GOH-j7VAFz19cEhYziE8904awpT8qiPIn71Wtc8mNmDrMDP42Xkrl_UOl21nI9w6uCEuCd2w-fYBlsYkd-NY7VRyN1umNMHrftPYZpwfykhuPr_HwKWYD_7XLM1K4ZJbU/s320/StCroix_Finishing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469061872372672338" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">In the weekend I raced my second half ironman for 2010 in St Croix.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">It was a tough day:</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">challenging course, hot and humid, and tough competition.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">We kicked off early a few minutes behind the males.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I had a good transition and was quickly away on the bike.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I put my head down and worked hard to try and catch up to the front girls.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I caught Heather Gollnick at about 16 miles but then Amanda Lovato passed me just before “the beast” at 20 miles.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I tried to stay with Amanda but dropped off a bit, she was riding strong!</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Further on at about 30 miles a pack of age group men came past me with Heather in the mix and unfortunately passed me.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Into T2 I was in 4</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">th</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> place; and was later to find out Mirinda, Nina, and Tereza had all dropped out on the bike.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">This moved me into 3</span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">rd</span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> place and I never looked back - just kept charging on as I wanted to keep my podium position.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">The men’s race was won by Terenzo, second place Tim O’Donnell, and third Tyler Butterfield.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">St. Croix is my favourite race - it is an amazing destination in tropical paradise and a challenging race. </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">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.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Back into training again next week – Next up Rev 3 Half!!</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">This will be amazing race - really looking forward to it!!</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Thanks for the support and happy training! :-) </span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0