Hammering Home - The Geelong Half Race Report
Fluid Movements - Hammer Team at Geelong 70.3 TriathlonWe arrived early at the Melbourne Triathlon Club tent on race morning to a beautiful day at sunny Geelong.
That is me, Sean Foster, and fellow Hammer Nutrition team stars, Andrew Downie (with enormous sideburns in tow) and the ever smiling Kristy Hallett.
We went about our business prepping our bikes and making sure everything was set for a great race.
Geelong had turned on a great day, with the sun breaking through the horizon as we headed for the swim start.
The swim felt long, and it appeared to be a slower course than normal. On the first turn, the sun was directly in our eyes and it was difficult to see the next buoy.
No Beg Pardons!
Being a mass start with no beg your pardons, 1200 or so athletes seemingly fought for one tiny line around the Corio Bay course.
This was a fact not lost on Kristy, who was heard to say it felt more congested than Myer's Boxing Day sale out there!
We all came out in good shape: I came out of the swim just behind fellow Hammer athlete Campbell Maffett in the first pack, Andrew was looking to make up time as he hauled his physically imposing body from the water, and Kristy also had a strong swim.
Exiting transition, it was time to settle into the ride and fuel up - Hammer time!
Perpetuem Helps Perpetual Motion!
We were all packing Perpetuem, Hammers Endurance fuel, in our bidons as we hit the open road along Portarlington Rd.The bike was smooth and quick, although at times it was hard to tell which direction the wind was going.
It was a 3 lap course on the bike, with a loop back through the botanical gardens and past transition.
I rode a bike time of 2:26, Andrew gaining in 2:25 and Kristy a solid 3:00hr split.
We were all itching to hit the run, which was supposedly quite challenging - Kristy was licking her lips at the prospect with running definitely being her strength.
Energy Zapping Hills
The run course lived up to our expectations with some energy zapping hills that meandered through the Botanical Gardens.
We used Hammer Endurolytes and flasks of Hammer Gel to keep the energy levels up throughout the half marathon.
Following the hilly botanic gardens section each time on the 3 lap course, we were pumped as we ran past our support team from Fluid Movements and the Melbourne Triathlon Club near transition.
Huge Boost On Every Loop
Friends and family were cheering us on and this was a huge boost on every loop - thanks guys, you are awesome.
Keep up the great work!
- I finished in a time of 4:18, winning the 35-39age group,
- Andrew powered to the line in 4:26, and
- Kristy finished full of running in a time of 5:15hrs.
Sean Foster
Labels: Half ironman, Triathlon training
