The Challenge Championships, Samorin, my third 70.3 Distance race for the 2017 triathlon season, and the end to the season at the same time. A race that encompassed so much more than just arriving on race day and putting the plan into action.
This was to be my first international race and on stage with some world class athletes in the field. On reflection, I just realised that every A race this year was proceeded with travelling to another place and on new courses. This is an accomplishment in itself. Travelling brings with it many challeneges, more than I bargained for (lets say we had some fun with the bike that included over-weight, small cabins and climbing stairs!). This race in Samorin was to end a race season like I'd never done. It has been a big year in my triathlon world.
Finally, after many weeks of crazy school prepartion, teaching, report writing, training and packing, it was time to fly! Leaving my classroom to someone else meant hours of preparation and organisation, stressful times and sleepless nights.
Heading to the airport, Brad and the girls too, I finally felt the excitement levels rise. Months of hard work and training go into races like this, and finally the time had come. Admittedly I had been concerned that post Challenge Melbourne I had done my dash for the season and didn't know if I had the puff in me to execute this one too. That race had taken a lot out of me physically and mentally... But, worry aside, I would give it my best shot.
After a long flight, one stop over in Doha, we touched down in Prague. The air was hot and humid and yep, I was tired. I knew this would be the case. But I had a run to do and figured getting it done as soon as arriving would be the best option. So, out into the new lands I went.
Just across the road from out hotel was a park area... full of hills apparently! All I can say is, not the best option, ouch, and far out it is warm here! But on the flip side - holy cow I'm running in Prague, how amazing.
We then trecked around to find a bike shop to replace the CO2 cannisters I had to dispose of at the airport. Scored a cool new shirt and was given directions to a bike path for Sundays bike ride! Feeling better.
Day 2 saw me out riding my bike along the Danube River, in the beautiful fresh early morning air. Where was everyone? Sunday was a quiet day early on. Riding on the wrong side of the road was definatly very interesting. When I got back into the traffic I walked a little. Trams, pedestrains, buses and cars, and all on the wrong side of the road ... too much on day 2.
I'd love to say the I spent the next few days off my feet and resting but with so much beautiful country to see, this did not happen. The humidity was also very unexpected. Brad and I suceesfully navigted out way to the swimming pool (it was on the other side of the hilly park!), we worked out the public transport system and we explored beautiful Prague. Next stop - Vienna.
Whilst I didn't have to ride in Vienna, there were bikes, runners and athletes everywhere! I successfully navigated my way on foot to the pool, ran along the Danube River twice and walked way too much. But how can you not?
Friday and it was time to drive to Samorin, race destintion. The task from now was to rest, relax and remain calm. How successful I was I am not sure but I do know that I was excited too.
Checking in and getting my race number as soon as we arrived and it was a pinch myself moment... but also a moment where I began to overthink everything. I struggled to remain relaxed and had constant headaches and a sore throat. On reflection I think this was a lot to do with nerves. But how exciting is it when your race gift is a brand new tri bag?!!
The venue was amazing and the organisation spot on. This was one experience I would certainly remember.
Saturday I ventured out on the bike and onto the open roads. Nice. I felt good, although it was already warm to run at 7:30am, so I was worried about starting and racing at 9:30am. But everyone would be in the same boat. Meeting an Australian technical official when checking in my bike was pretty comforting, and seeing the Aussie flag on my bike rack was exciting. Just one day to go, one sleep and it would be time.
Nutrition was always going to be tricky for me as I knew that without my everyday options I would stress... unfortunately I find that hard to control. These thoughts were not helpful and I spent a lot of Saturday feeling bloated, uncomfortable and kept comparing myself to other athletes. This race I felt like I'd let myself go and I was worried of the impact come race day.
Reality- it was almost race day and right now I couldn't change anything.
Off to the pasta party... normally I eat the same pizze pre race and I couldnt get it, so I had to make do. The atmosphere was awesome - so many athletes all in the same place for the same reason. Things were gettting more exciting as time passed.
Exhausted by the end of the day, it was good to get an early night. So many emotions and thoughts battling in my head at once. Race day just around the corner.
Sleeping was hard, waking many times. At 6am I headed down go transition. Killer pythons in place, Bindi bottles full, tyres pumped and ready to go. The day was already getting warm and I was still battling a headache. All I wanted was to have a good race and I was worried I'd disappoint others.
Super nice to get a call from my brother, nerves getting the better of me. Trying to remember Pauls words of FFS relax, I was so thankful to have Brad and my my girls by my side. 8:45am... time to get to the rivers edge.
Wetsuit on, cap in place, goggles tightenend... water cool, but nice. Kisses, cuddles, even a thumbs up.... The horn sounded. It was time to race.
I setttled into my stroke nicely. I was a long way wide and the current was pushing me around as we swam into it towards the turn around. I felt ok. When I paniked I just remembered I was in the River Danube in Samorin.... amazing.
After getting half way I am not sure what happened. I became anxious as I couldn't see fhe buoys along the line home. I kept stopping, kept looking around, kept worrying that I had ruined the swim. I couldnt see, I couldnt sight. I was disappointed in myself. This was a chance to show I could do it, and I knew that I was not getting it right. But, I am not a quitter and I knew I could do better, so I battled through the swim, one, two, three - breathe, each stroke at a time. Relax and flow, I tried to feel at peace in the water.
Finally, still with a headache, I spotted the stairs, the swim was over. I caught a glance at my watch and couldn't help but be disappointed, but then I spotted Brad, followed by Stephanie, then Rhiannon at bike transition. I was here with the best support crew in the world... toughen up and get the job done, I kept repeating in my head. I am strong on the bike and I had some work to do - time to get it done.
Tranistion smooth, bike mount perfect, time to fly. Cruising along at over 40km/hr the legs felt good. My head was still hurting so I kept drinking and remained in control. I had a feeling the bike leg was going to get tough at some stage. But, for now, I wanted to stay in control, manage the heat and save something for the last half.
I wasn't wrong. We turned a bend, went up along the river onto a rougher road surface and... into a head wind. 10km or so of head wind... ouch! I wanted to push harder but the legs were getting heavy. Boy was I glad when that section ended. Perhaps I should've pushed harder to begin with... I need to learn to maximise the easier sections better.
Past halfway and on the return home. Finally, after about 60km, the head started to improve and I was feeling content with my ride. I could feel it was going to be hot on the run, but as it is my favourite leg, I was ready to finish the race as best I could.
Dismount - perfect! Bike skills are sure worth it. Legs and feet feeling ok. Gee it was hot.
Heading out of transition seeing my family gave me the motivation I needed. Lap one was smooth, pace was ok. Crowd was awesome. Running on the different surfaces was strange but interesting. We went from bitumen, to grass, to concrete, to sandy bark, to gravel... that was a challnege in itself. There was very little shade and three laps to complete.
Lap two was tough. Every opportunity I used water, sponges and ice to cool the body. I could feel my shoes rubbing, and my pace was a little off, but I was determined.
Lap 3... almost done. This was it. I spotted a few fellow age groupers and found a little something. I had some targets... I needed to hit the gas.
I am not sure how I did hit the gas, but I ran home strong. I passed three more in my age group and I powered towards the finish. Turning the corner and hitting the red carpet - I instantly smiled. I had made it. I had raced in the Challenge World Championships in Samorin, Slovakia. I heard my name as I crossed the line.... then, to my surprise, the Australian Technical Official raced to me and gave me a hug. What a lovely gesture when you are in a strange place. Wow, I was done!
I turned around, spotted Brad and the girls - hugs and kisses all around. These moments after the race are the most exciting. Having the ones you love the most with you is the best feeling in the world.
Every race comes with many 'if only' and 'what if' moments, but that is racing. Every time I race I go in with the same determination, race with the same intensity, and have the same attitude - to do my best. This race was no different. I may not have had a good swim, but I made up 16 places from the swim to the end of the race, finishing 10th in the 40-44year old women. Top 10 in the World Championships - that I can be proud of.
When I began my triathlon journey 4 years ago I never imagined I would end up on the other side of the world racing. This is just the beginning. Time to rest, recover, reflect and plan the next adventure. I have so much more to give and many more goals to smash. This journey is exciting and I know that with Paul at F4L Coaching I can acheive so much more. I am ready!
By Claire Slater
