Busselton 70.3 - not to be

Yep, I can rhyme - awesome (see title)

As you may have deciphered from the title unfortunately I didn't end my season on a high. But that is the magic that is racing! Please find below a re cap of my day

I headed down Thursday morning solo and comfortably settled in for the day, no training just chullin. We've (Luckin's and Tyacks) stayed in the same place 2 years in a row now and it's amazing great house and great location. The weather was nothing to write home about. Actually that would be the case if you were from NZ, for us Perth desert dwellers it was CRAAZZYYY. All this wet liquidy stuff was falling from the sky, and I found my self having to wear what is apparently commonly known in other parts of the world as a "jumper..?"

Friday was not much better with more rain falling, the nervous vibes were high, so after some face time at the Total Tri tent I found my self heading home after an easy ride and run with Jono, Lisa, Andy, Andy and Tom.

Later in the arvo I headed back to check in and get some taping done on my troublesome back by SUPER RUTH (the computer won't actualy let me type it in lower case). By Friday night I was checked in and packed, ready to see what my body could do on Saturday.

I woke Saturday morning after a rain interupted sleep, feeling good. I went through my usual pre race routine and found my self at transition with Seano as soon as it opened. I like doing this as it leaves nothing to chance.

I was set up pretty quickly and proceeded to warm up and get the new Orca Alpha wetty on (thanks total tri). With renewed confidence in this wetty I was looking forward to a solid swim. I lined up to the right near favourite (in my eyes) big Andrew Tyack (he's not big as in fat, I just call him big for some reason...), Luke Burton and some other gents.

The horn went and we were offskies into the rough swelly ocean. This was by far the roughest the swim in recent history of the race, so it was going to be interesting fo sho. I got off to a good start and rounded the first bouy in a good position. From here I set my sight on the furthest turning bouy and thought "haha suckers I am off!!" yep what a fool! It was I who was headed to the wrong bouy and had to make and emergency late turn. Smooth move Lucky! I was pretty frustrated and this played on my mind when I rounded the last bouy to shore

"Gah I must be so far behind", "I bet I've swum 4608 minutes" and "does my bum look big in this new wetsuit?" were just some of the thoughts that went through my mind when I finally reached the shore. I was however pleasantly surprised when I came out about 2 seconds behind Andrew "hairy chest" Tyack and only less than 30 seconds behind Luke "dammit I only beat Paige by a few seconds" Burton.

A quick T2 and I was actually onto the bike first out of us three. Andy came around and signaled me to come with him about 5k in. "Ok here we go Lucky!" I thought. I was ready to roll. Ready to launch a great attack on the bike, lead from the front RIDE SUB TWO HOURS, COURSE RECORD YEAAA BABY

I turned the proverbial throttle and we were off! Sorry, Andy and Luke at that 6 year old girl on her huffy was off. I was not. Not at all. Oh god how I wish that girl on her Huffy didn't beat me. (please see below a picture of her actual bike)

I had nothing, nothing at all. To be honest this wasn't a complete shock and I think it was a long season (for me anyway) catching up. I proceeded to ride the next 90k's as fast as my spaghetti legs would carry me. Haha reading this must be a real let down, but this is an honest acount! :) It was a dark ride for me, but I continued to plug away.

Finaly I reached T2 in 2.28 at least 10 minutes slower than expected/planned/I am able to ride. I dismounted and threw my new On Cloud Racers on. God they looked good, realll good. I strolled out of T2 and tried to hit half ironman race pace, 3:50's. I ran at what felt like sprint pace for almost 2k's. It just wasn't happening. I tried so many times on the bike to get myself going and on the run but it just wasn't my day.

I stopped put my hands on my head and had a little cry. During this time Paige ran past me in the opposite direction, she was having a blinder. During this time I also came up with a cover story "I'm not crying, two small birds just flew into both of my eyes at the same time while I lifted my glasses off my head momentarily and they made my eyes water..." Yep. Smooth.

Moments later my knight in shinning armour (not gay) ran past, Sean "I make Mark hurt the most out of everyone" Jermy. Before I knew it I was running again. We both were having shockers so we decided to help each other out. (read Sean helped me out)

We proceeded to run together for the next 19.1k's. What a legend. In hindsight this was a great opportunity. I got to run the next 19k's running spending every second looking for other people I knew racing cheering them on. It was a great feeling and I was glad to be able to give a little bit of support back for once.

About 4 hours and 40 mins after we started Seano and I ran down the finish shoot together. We crossed and I gave him a big manly not girly hug. I'm not sure I would have had the guts to finish without him. The photo below about sufficiently sums up my feelings from a visual perspective after the race....attractive

Seconds later I saw Paige, she did brilliantly and I was so proud. Mainly because she had done super well and not beaten me, nice.

I was pretty gutted but was reminded by a few people about my season before this race. To hit 3 out of 4 goals was pretty awesome. Before I knew it I was showered and I had a beer in my hand.

So the race didn't go to plan but like I stated at the start that is racing. Result or not I wouldn't of been on the start line without help from my supporters Total Triathlon, On shoes, Ryders Eyewear, SIS. Further Brian Kempson my coach and Guy Grawford and Kate Bevilaqua who I have been bugging for some great advice recently. Further further, my family and their ever lasting support.

A big congrats goes to Luke Burton who I train with who made it onto the podium. Nice race mate :) Andy Tyack, we started racing together and you are still kicking my arse, haha dammit! Seano and Jono the two boys who get the most out of me in training and have to put up with everything else, unlucky but cheers boys :) Finally Paige who has to put up with much more. In her first 70.3 and she podiumed in her age group, honestly no surprise to me and I am so proud :)

Well after this blog I am going to put up a quick season review which always makes me think :) for now I have 2 - 3 weeks of easy happiness and sleep ins :) then build for VEGAS :)

Until next time thanks for reading :)

Kalgoorlie Olympic Distance

Last weekend I raced the annual Kalgoorlie Olympic Distance Triathlon.

Firstly let me start by saying what a brilliantly run race by a fantastic club. For a relatively small club Kalgoorlie Triathlon club have a much bigger club feel due to their passionate members and great organisation, as a result the race was extremely enjoyable.

I managed to steal a lift down on Friday morning with Guy Crawford, Kate Bevilaqua and Ruth Chang, a great group to travel down with as it turns out. Without much fuss we got down Friday evening and headed straight for a great feed at one of the local pubs.

Saturday morning and we were up early to meet Lisa and Andy and the rest of the Kalgoorlie tri club for a Saturday morning spin. It took us through the local area and we finished with an enjoyable brekky and some much needed coffee.

Early afternoon we headed to the local aquatic centre for a little transition seminar with some of the club members (note: funnily enough I was not on called for any advice (further note: I was actually asked one question during said talk and I totally choked, ruining any further chance I might ever have again of taking part..). After that we had a great carbo loading dinner put on by the club. This was followed but a "quad off" lucky vs crawford vs ruth - the results aren't important....I didn't even care anyway..

Sunday morning and we all rode down to transition together. It was such a relaxed atmosphere and a really enjoyable one. As we were in Kalgoorlie (well inland) the swim was set in the local Olympic distance pool - 30 laps.

It was self seeded so Kate, Andy, Lisa and Myself found ourselves in a lane with two others. 8am on the dot and we were off. Kate Andy and I had the plan off rolling through 200meters each before peeling off. I was first, then Andy then Kate, who left us for dead...haha she was swimming well faster than us so from 500 onwards it was soloooo!

I came out about 75 meters behind Kate and about 20 meters in front of Andy. After a quick T1 I was off and trying to chase down Kate. The bike course was 9 laps and involved quite a few turns, this was leg sapping but was enjoyable. At about lap 5 I caught up with Kate, she stuck with me. Then lap 6 Andy caught up and us three rode together rode for the remainder of the race. Actually we were joined by Draftington Mc Draften-hivington (actual name) on lap 8 but after I politely reminded him the legal gap was 7 meters not 7cm (actual words) he dropped off my wheel...to Kates, however he didn't last long on hers either.

Towards the end of the bike I rode back to the front to get a clear run into T2. Off the bike and Andy and I ran out off T2 together. I put on a bit of a surge from the get go and was pretty happy when Andy didn't some with me. It was a pretty uneventful 4 lap run course and I felt I was running fairly strong, the support when running past the transition was great. I honestly think the most enjoyable part was running past the aid stations with filled to the brim cups of water!! Take note other WA race organisers!!

With 2k to go I was fairly comfortably in 3rd so I eased up and crossed the like with a 2.03. Post race we enjoyed a great lunch with the club and got to share a few stories. With so many people racing on differing abilities it was really enjoyable to have a chat after a great race.

From here we packed up the car and headed for the long drive back, only made bearable by Kates brilliant performance of her 80's music filled iPod.

Thank you to Total Triathlon and Fremantle Tri Club for their support to get a small group of us down for the race, and especially the boys from TT to get my machine ready to race as well. From here 2 weeks to Busso 70.3, things are looking good and I can't wait for the last race of the season!

Until then :)

Singapore 70.3

Disclaimer: This is going to be a long one...

Well, what an experience. My first age-group (70.3) win in one of the most challenging races of my short racing career! Here comes the novel

I flew out to Singapore Wednesday night with a sore throat and a cold, awesome start. To be honest I was really worried as on Thursday I wasn't any better, no training and a day of rest was in order. Friday and it was swim and ride day down at race site. Luke, Ollie, Blair and myself headed down to race start for a dip. I felt ok however running out of the water (practicing) I had a massive head spin and had to stop. I calmed myself down with the fact I still had another recovery day ahead.

Saturday and I was feeling better. We checked the bikes in, registered and relaxed for the rest of the day. It was hot and in classic Singapore style it was HUMID.

Race morning:

Up at 4 for some brekky and prep. We all met downstairs at 5 and waited for the bus I had booked the day before to take us down to race start. As it rocked up, it was clear Luckin had come through with another winner. I wish I had taken a photo, but it basically looked something like this.

I'm almost certain it had been pimped by X-hibit himself. It was a great start to the morning.

Down at transition and I got Chrissie (Cannondale) ready with no problems. She told me she was keen for a good one and I was keen to oblige. (yep my bike can talk - jelly?). After no fuss I was out of transition and onto the beach. I spent some time getting my head right, forgetting about my sickness and focusing on all possible outcomes for the race. I was ready.

The Pros went off, then the women. Next it was my age group. I lined up on the right hand side of the start near Luke and Scott (two other WA boys). We were given then 30 second warning then BOOM we were off. It was more of a hooter but writing honnkkk looks silly, even though I just did it...

A quick run down the beach and we were in the water. The brown, murky, hot, petrol tasting water - yum. Scott and Luke set the pace and I tucked in behind. Swimming directly into a current was tough work but the three of us split from the rest of the field in the first lap. Yep, Mark 'Hackett' Luckin was swimming well (a self appointed nickname).

Coming out to run around the beach and back into the water after the first lap, I decided to take the lead from Luke. Call me silly but I felt as though I needed to at least make an attempt to do some work heading back out rather than tap feet for 2k. As we headed back in Scott swam past me. I proceeded to jump on his feet and as we exited the 2nd lap we had a small gap on Luke. A smooth T1 and I was onto Chrissie.

Scott and I were the first two age groupers onto the bikes. As we mounted I was reminded by my old man (the family was over to support) at the start line, 'race your own race' a plan I intended to stick too.

Onto the bike and I settled into a rhythm. To be honest, I didn't feel as though I was riding 100% and I think it showed. I buckled down though and continued to press on. After completing the first lap a couple of strong riders came past - I decided to latch on and see how long I could hold my 7 meters for. Turns out about 50k. It was a nice lift and I felt strong. But boy it was getting hot. I was getting hot...ladies..

With about 10k to go the boys dropped me. I mean I let them go. Yep... I had stuck to my nutrition plan and downed all of my SIS gels and salt tabs. I timed my caffeine gels to give me a kick just when I needed it. I wasn't too concerned with the boys getting away and entered T2 feeling ok. It was time to put on the On's and let rip. Let rip running I mean, geez mind out of the gutter..

I felt great on the first lap and moved up into 2nd in my age group at about 2k. One thing I loved about the run was the fact I could keep my sunnies on the whole way. Just before I left I got in contact with Ryders Eyewear and got my hands on a sweet green and gold pair of the Cadence model for the race. The water just beads and runs off the lenses which was awesome in a race where I was throwing water over myself at every opportunity. Get onto them people! 

Onto the 2nd lap and I moved into 1st. I was psyched but kept focused there was still a long way to got. At this point it was hot. Real hot, 33 degrees and 98% humidity, seriously. My On's were moving me along beautifully. But people were melting, including me. The only real relief we got were from two of the aid stations that had ice sponges. However using these had dire consequences (please see graph below)

Ok, so I tried to make a graph in paint and it was an epic fail. Lets just say running as a women was an experience!

Onto the last lap and I was in a bit of trouble. I noticed with about 2-3 k to go I had stopped sweating, major problem. I had possibly (definitely) neglected my hydration over the last part of the run and I was beginning to suffer. The last 2k were a mess but finally I rounded the final corner into the finishing shoot.

Lets just say I was super psyched. The family and friends were there to cheer me over after supporting me over the whole race. It was my first age group win at a 70.3 and the first time I could show some real emotion over the finishing line. It was one of the best moments of my life!

Not the best photo but I really think it captures the emotion of the moment :)

Afterwards it was fair to say I was pretty wrecked and grateful to have the fam and others there to take care of me. We supported the rest of our squad coming over the finishing line and it was great to see everyone finish on a super tough day

I have raced in Singapore three times now and I can say with out a word of a lie that that they were the toughest conditions I have ever raced in. So kudos friends!!

Afterwards I got to realise a dream and accept my spot for the 70.3 World Champs in Vegas in September.

The race was a real war of attrition and I was really glad to come out on top. Massive thanks have to go to Total Triathlon the boys helped me out with any little thing I needed before the race, it was out of this world thank you guys! On shoes these bad boys are amazing and are conducive to my consistently solid run splits. SIS nutrition no cramps and no nutrition flats - need I say more? Finally Ryders Eyewear I got in contact with Neville the day before I left for the race and his help was incredible. The glasses were the best pair I have raced in and I can only encourage others to test a pair out. You won't regret it.

Finally my boys that I train and race with Sean and Jono have consistently push me further and further. My family who flew over to support. Always there thank you. Brian Kempson my coach for guidance and support. Guy Crawford and Kate Bevilaqua thank you so much for your pieces of advice and help, helps more than you know! My girlfriend Paige, even though she couldn't make this one, her constant contact made me feel like she was there. The result was as much yours as it was mine.

What's next? Thanks for asking one of three readers! I am having this week off yay! Then a 5 week build for the Busso half. After that, 2 weeks then a winter of Vegas prep. More to be explained in a further blog.

Until then..

Albany Olympic Distance

It's been a little while between posts, but that can only mean one thing, serious training!

This long weekend gone I headed down with some matesies (Paige (who is less of a matesies and more of a girlfriendsy) and Johno) to Albany for their Olympic distance classic. I love this race, rough swim, tough windy bike and an honest run. I also love Albany, beautiful part of the country.

One thing is for certain, I can't wait to finally taper for a race. Champion Lakes, Perth Olympic and Albany have all been off the back of some serious training, so bring the Singapore taper. I managed to get some great training in before and after the race and perfect my bike gymnastics skills.

Anywho, race day (Sunday) came around and after a quick transition set up I found my self standing on the beach. The ocean was pretty choppy/swelly with some decent waves crashing, it was going to be a fun swim. Before I knew it we were in the starters hands and I was surrounded by a small but quality Open field including Mikey Gee, Michael Kent, Brynt McSwain and my training partner (i.e. swimmer that smashes me every day) Luke Burton amongst others. I remember looking down at my rather flimsy timing chip around my girly sized ankle just before the start thinking, "hrm I hope that stays on"...then, GO, we were off.

My second step into the water and my timing chip fell off. After definitely not swearing I decided to make a desperate blind attempt to grab the $60 chip - SUCCESS. "Wait! I can't swim and hold this?!" So I pulled the front of my wetsuit off my chest and crammed it down my top. Sexy.

I looked up and the boys were gone. After definitely not swearing again I set off duck diving the waves and putting in a decent effort. I actually managed to catch Brynt and Michael Kent, but had missed the others, I was annoyed, but moved on.

The rest of the swim was pretty uneventful as the three of us swum together. The run up to the beach was solid and I had my wetty down to my hips when I got to my bike. Left leg off boom. Right leg....off....OFF DEFINITELY NOT GETTING ANGRY AGAIN. I wasn't too angry actually, as there were innocent children around, but somehow I had managed to get my wetty caught around my right leg...Brynt ran in and rode off, as did Mike. Finally I pulled it off, it was a fairly sub-optimal T1.

I set off up the road but couldn't quite bridge the gap to Mike Kent, bummer. I was riding solo, just like my primary school, high school and most of my uni dating days, yeaaa, at least it wasn't foreign.

The ride was windy and hilly but I loved it. AND I wasn't loosing bucketloads of time like I usually do :) WIN! I was riding well within myself and limiting the loses :) Chrissie (the name of my new Cannondale Slice) from the Total Triathlon boys was riding AMAZINGLY, massive props to them getting me set up on such a beautiful machine so quick! :)

The rest of the ride was fairly uneventful. I came tearing into T2 and had a "much better than T1" transition. I was out onto the run, throwing down 3.30's.  (I'm almost certain "throwing down" is what the cool kids say). I passed Justin about 3k in for 7th, and moved into 6th not long after. Up the road I could see Luke about 2 mins up the road. I decided to have a good crack and see if I could catch him.

Through out the run I was getting some great support from the gang. It's always great to see friends/people you know racing out there whether it be in the elite field, racing for an age group win or just for fun. I had all three of these people racing so it was great :)

With about 500 to go I caught up with Luke and managed to get past him for 5th.

My first top 5 in an Open state series races. I was stoked and even managed a little fist pump over the line.

Apart from the couple of small mistakes that ultimately may have costs me a minute of so and even a position I was happy with my race. I felt super comfy and am looking forward to tapering in a weeks time.

A quick thanks to the people that support (not sponsor, I am no where near good enough to actually be sponsored) me in my racing, SIS nutrition, On shoes and Total Triathlon who have just started to support me recently. Their new store is a breath of fresh air in the WA Triathlon scene and I encourage everyone elite and amateur alike to get down there, you won't be disappointed. Tell them Mark Luckin sent you! (Disclaimer: Telling them Mark Luckin sent you with have absolutely no effect what so ever..)

Next up is Singapore in 2 weeks :) I am very excited for this race, can't wait to have a good crack. I will also put up another blog between now and then. Until then, happy training.

Markus

Port of Tauranga Half Ironman

This was a great experience, my first race in a professional field of a half ironman and my first overseas holiday with my girlfriend.

After a day of travel we arrived in NZ on Wednesday and after a quick nap at cousin Mike's place we were in the hire car down to Tauranga. We had a great place to stay in there and the people who owned the accommodation were amazing.

The next few days were spent eating healthy, catching up on sleep, having a look around tauranga and drinking the occasional coffee :)

Finally Friday was upon us and it was time to check the bike in. This part was pretty much a dream come true to me and it was surreal to think that this time last year I was at this race with my best mate Andy standing next to the pro racks saying "wouldn't it be amazing if we were racking our bikes in those racks". It was pretty cool :)



After an ok sleep it was up early in the morning to head to transition the minute it opened - a habit of mine. The nerves were high but I was done relatively quickly, with everything going smoothly. After some help from Paige with getting the wetsuit on and some good luck wishes from Edwin, Byron (a couple of mates who just happened to be in NZ at the time :)) and most importantly Paige it was into the water for a warm up.

More like a cool down (hilarious). The water was absolutely freezing, for me anyway and I reallly struggled to get warm. I completed my warm up and lined up on the outside of the pro pack. I knew I wasn't going to be swimming with the uber swimmers and I didn't need to get a beating from the other pros.

BOOM - and the gun went off. I started well and managed to work my way across to the back of the lead pack. The first lap was a small 750 followed by a large lap of 1250. To my amazement and surprise I actually came out of the first lap JUST tagged onto the back of the lead pack!! This (unsurprisingly) didn't last long and I lost touch at the start of the second lap. I lost a little time on the second lap and for the 2k came out in 30 flat (a little slow) but surrounded by a few other pros.



Onto the bike and I was happy to have the company of a few pros. We rode legally together in a pace line and I was pleasantly surprised to see the gap to the lead pack wasn't astronomical at the first run around. The first lap (of the two lap bike course) was pretty uneventful. I stayed within the line, focusing on my pacing and nutrition, working hard into the headwind and enjoying the lift home from the tailwind. The SIS gels we going down beautifully :) The wind was brutal though and was certainly battering us around, especially when coupled with the rain, who was I to complain though, everyone else had to deal with it.



The second lap I made a mistake in my first race that I think lost me ultimately a few positions. On the way out to the turn around, probably around 55k, I lost touch with the paceline I was riding in. We were into a pretty stiff headwind and I put my head down. Probably for 10 seconds max, I looked up and the person in front of me lost touch with the group. "no problem luckin" I thought to my self. "I'll just go around, put in a bit of an effort and catch back up". Silly, silly mark. I quickly realized that going around solo to try and catch up to a group of pro's riding together wasn't going to happen. I gave it my best but I couldn't catch them. I spent the rest of the ride riding solo. Not nearly as cool as it sounds (if you say riding solo like a rap song...yep..) 2.24



I came into transition and after some great support from Paige I was off onto my favourite - the run :) This run was/is brutal. Out into a headwind, then around Mt Manganui. I went in the run with some great advice from Guy Crawford to run on pace on the flat section and don't look at it around the mount - too many people try to stick to their pace around the 5k mount part (which you have to do twice) and blowwww about 12k in.

I followed this advice and still ran the first lap at 4 min per k pace. I was feeling good. The second lap was brutal. The wind had really picked up and running out into it was really character building. At one point I had a little talk/argument with myself that went something like this. "You don't like pain do you Mark? Yes I do! No you don't! PROVE IT!!"



Thinking back on that I think that was a bit of a defining moment in that race and in my racing in general. I made myself hurt, I dug really deep. After a torturous last run around the mount I was on my way to the finish line. It was pretty cool running down there as a professional and certainly a memory I will never forget :) 1.26


Seeing Paige at the finish line made my day :)

After finishing the race I was fairrlllyyyy sore but it was great to reflect with Paige and friends. I soon found out I was the 14th PRO so I was over the moon with that and a PB on a wet, windy, cold and tough day :)

The next few days were spent exploring NZ with Paige and whinging about how sore I was, it was a great experience.

I learnt a lot from this race. 1. I think I am heading in the right direction and 2. I still have a way to go. I am now excited about the future and super motivated to succeed in further race.

Everyone that sent me support thank you :) means more than you know. Major thanks must go out to Brian my coach for his guidance and support. Guy Crawford for helping me out immensely. As a current pro racing where I want to be in a few years his help is huge and the fact he so willingly helps me is appreciated more than imaginable. My main training man Sean, YOU ARE THE MAN, enough said. My family for their unwavering support thank you. Finally Paige who puts up with my highs lows and everything in between and supports me now matter what, thank you and I love you.

What's next? Singapore 70.3 :) but I'll put another blog up shortly :)

Cheers