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2004 NT LONG COURSE TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS 2KM SWIM / 60KM CYCLE / 16KM RUN
By: Body Science's Kate Perkins
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27-07-2004 |
I'm still absolutely shattered from the weekend! I have never put my body through anything like the race on Sunday before - it was tough. The distance was 2km(swim) 60km (bike) 16km (run). I was 3rd female across the line behind two professionals and seasoned campaigners and 1st in the 30-34 female age category, so I was successful in the two objectives I set myself for this race: I got the podium finish Richard and I aimed for and also qualified for a spot in the Forster Ironman race in April 2005!
I was really surprised at my swim, I actually enjoyed it! Although I was looking for the exit pontoon towards the end and couldn't wait to get on the bike and out on the road and well and truly get my race under way. We were lucky with the weather in the first two legs as it was overcast, which kept it nice and cool - perfect conditions. I kept it steady on the bike, making sure I didn't lose too much ground to the girl in front of me and put a huge time gap between myself and the girls behind me. I also didn't go out too hard on the bike as I needed to keep something in the legs for the run, and it was very lucky I did.
The sun came out just as I was heading out of transition to start the 16km run on the dirt road with a long hill 800m into the run. The run course was a 4km out and back loop completely 4 laps - so the big hill gets bigger and longer with every lap! Richard (my coach) had set a time of 1hr 20min for me to run the 16km - I was travelling along well ahead of that time until I ran into the biggest brick wall 12km into the run. I have never experienced anything like it before, where I had to talk myself through the remaining 4km. I had absolutely nothing left in the system and was wishing for it to be all over, but there was no way I was giving up with such a short way to go. The heat at this point was unbearable, I'm positive the temp was between 30-35 degrees with no breeze and the sun beating down.
I crossed the line in 3hrs 46min. The time Richard and I estimated for my race was 3hrs 45min, so I was pretty much on the money which was amazing considering I bonked with 4km left to go. As soon as I crossed the line I made my way for the nearest shower in the ladies and sat under the cold water for an hour. My body was going into shock - couldn't absorb anymore fluid and I fought the urge to pass out several times. I couldn't stand up because my legs weren't having any of it, so I just sat under the shower totally unglamorous.
At least I know I can push myself to the total limit and come out the other end still alive. Go to the ironman australia website http://www.ironmanoz.com/default.asp and click on the top news story for the post race press release.
Female:
1. Caroline Cooksley (QLD) 3.11.25
2. Danielle Stephens (SA) 3.32.27
3. Kate Perkins (QLD) 3.46.24
4. Melissa Curry (NT) 3.50.03
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