Vegas 70.3 World Championships

As I sit in LA airport waiting for my flight (a tidy 3 hour wait) back to Aus, I've come to the conclusion that it is finally time to write a little race report on my first experience racing the 70.3 World Championships. Emotions are a little less raw and I've had time to think. So here we go, time for some terrible terrible terrible jokes (just to run with the same theme as previous posts)

Let me preface blog by saying it's hard to put in words how difficult this course is and how difficult this race is/was. The swim is hard (explanation coming), the bike is tough, hot, undulating and unforgiving and the run is....pain.

I can't wait to come back (seriously)

I woke up race morning after a good sleep (rare), and a great last few weeks prep under myself thanks to Guy and Kate. Seano and I prepared (think testosterone fueled push ups, boxing and burpies) in the room, then met up with Lisa and Andy (next door) and grabbed a lift down thanks to Dad.

As check in was the day before (see above), all we had to do in transition was check and pump up the tyres and ummm, re check that. After completing this we all met up again and found a quiet spot. We all were due to start approximately 1.30 hours after the pro start so we had some time to wait around, get nervous/calm/drink lots and pee lots.

Finally after sending Lisa and Sean off Andy and I made our way down to the start. Our wave was the last, 18 - 29 males. Actually sorry it was the 18 - 29 college wrestling scholarship holders wave.

We all entered the water single file and after a quick warm up I headed to the front row of the field, I wanted a quick swim and I wasn't going to get caught up behind. As soon as I lined up I knew this was going to be a tough swim. Firstly it's in Lake Las Vegas, fresh water. This means no floatation as you'd normally expected and let me tell you, sculling there for 15 minutes is tiring!

Secondly I noticed as soon as I got to the front row, hitting and kicking was on, 10 minutes before race start. It was fricken rough and I honestly felt bruised before starting, but there is no escaping this and you would be stupid to sit at the back. Finally we got the 30 seconds call and the inevitable creep forward started. Then BOOM then gun went.

UFC #112 is the most apt description I could use to describe this swim. Now I'm a pretty big guy (sarcasm) but I was absolutely pummeled at the start of this swim. Swum over, punched, kicked and touched inappropriately! I tried dishing out my own, but I was simply over powered. This set me up for a difficult swim but I carried on as best I could. To be honest I thought I was swimming terribly until with about 400 to go I noticed I was swimming next to a yellow cap...(my colour)

Those goggles look familiar I thought...a couple of strokes later. Haha that's Andy! Immediately I laughed to myself, however I almost came close to drowning when about 100 meters later Andy stuck his head out of the water mid stroke and said "hey man!"

Upon exiting the water I managed to get up the ramp before Big T. I tried not to act to excited but couldn't help turning around and having a laugh with him. There was a little run into T1 and after a fairly uneventful T1 I was running up the ramp and mounting my bike.

Straight out of T1 and I knew my bike legs weren't with me today. This really hit me hard as the people who have been training close to me know how much effort and the massive gains I have been making this winter re the biking. Immediately I tried to overcome it and stay positive however the further I rode the worse I felt. What was more demoralising was how many people I was getting past by. It felt like 100's and it was destroying me.

The bike was pain, I was shattered and mid way through I developed some really bad back pain. I soldered on but I was not in a good place. Mentally I kept trying to get my self back in the game but it wasn't happening. It was hot, hilly, a little windy and unforgiving. There was no hiding out there. I was however stoked for Lisa, who when I passed her was riding really strong. I was a proud twinny.

Finally I reached T2 some 2 hours 40 mins and change later. I entered T2, sat down, but my shoes on, took a breath and ran out of transition....

I felt good :) immediately I thought, wow, at least my running legs are here. However I got a good reality check about half a mile in when I passed a guy who was literally breaking down right in front of me. I checked by Garmin, it was 42 degrees. Straight away I threw my race pace plan out of the window and entered survival mode.

As I entered the first aid station I grabbed everything they had to offer. I was drenched for maybe a minute, honestly it was fricken brutal. About 2 miles in I passed Andy, it was genuinely shattered for him as he was having a bad day. As I ran past I gave him the last couple of pieces of ice I had in my hand and tried to say something inspiring and motivating. I'm almost certain it came out as "do run lots of good, I believe you, go friend". Oh dear...

 

About half a mile later I passed my mate Scotty who was also not having the day he wanted, my words would have been just as inspiring I'm sure :/ about a further half mile a passed Seano, he was looking strong, so I patted his bum (hey, I'm only human).

The run was 3 laps, 3 laps of heat, water water ice perform (the sports drink) water coke coke water ice!!! (my aid station yelling ritual) Oh I'm dry... only one mile to the next aid station... I was happy to be running well, and loved the support. But it was still, really really brutal.

With about 4k to go I really really hit the wall, hard. Up until that point I hadn't been passed on the run but things were getting desperate. It's probably fairly well summarised by Andys comments post race when he saw me with about 2k to go and said I looked f*cking really bad haha. However I didn't stop running.

Finally I reached the finish line to see Mum and Dad waiting holding out an Australian flag. I was no where near close to my wanted result but there was no way I wasn't going to grab that flag. As I crossed the finish line I felt pure elation.

(please note not actual finishing time)

All I wanted after was the med tent, however after having a quick look in there, I steered clear. There were a lot more people in trouble. My highlight of the day was running (read walking slowly) back to the finish line to see Sean, Andy and Lisa cross the finish line. We've all spend the winter together prepping for this so it was nice to be there over the line.

Thank you to Mum and Dad, Mandy and Gilbert and Matt Illingworth for the cheering on the day. It was so uplifting every time we saw you. Thanks Kate, Jono, Paul and others for watching at home :) Also a massive massive thanks to Total Tri, the boys there have been there for me at every step over the winter and their assistance has been invaluable. Ryders Eyewear, still hold the title for me as the only pair of sunnies I have ever completed a full race in, they are amazing. My On runners, I was running on Clouds, all be it hot clouds ;) SiS, no nutritional problems for me, no cramps no nothing! Also a massive thank you to Jarman McKenna, thank you so much for your assistance.

Finally thank you Sean, Lisa, Andy for all those cold mornings spent together on the winter, we may have not had the results we were after but all you showed massive character out there. Sean, you are the man. Jono my house mate for putting up with my early starts EVERY morning, and the pushes on the bike. Brian for putting up with my moods at training. Guy and Kate, your help was invaluable and thank you greatly. Finally Paige, who had to put up with all of the above and more, thank you and I love you :) (lucky girl).

It seems a bit silly writing such a detailed report and having such a long list to thank, but for an age grouper, these kind of races are a massive journey, or at least it certainly was for me. To be honest, I didn't race the kind of race I was after, what I knew I was capable of. I finished 20th, 10 to 15 places lower than I honestly expected, however what I learnt from this race was invaluable, and I will be back next year. I know what to fix and I am looking forward to the upcoming challenges.

Up next for me Mandurah 70.3 where I hope to validate for next year. Until then, I have a plane to catch! Thanks for reading!

Cheers

A Hed wheel review

Before leaving for Vegas 70.3 I was in a predicament. No race wheels. I didn’t want to take my disc over to the hilly course that is Vegas. I needed something light, aero and fast. Total Tri had me covered.

Enter the Hed Stinger (6 and 7)

I’ve been using a variety of wheels for races over the last 4-5 years, but these new Heds are something else. They are far and away the best wheels I’ve used, why? Read away!

I’ve been riding these wheels for almost 2 weeks now, in training and in a prep Olympic distance triathlon for Vegas 70.3 worlds. The rolling resistance in these wheels are incredible. I honestly feel as though these wheels are giving me a much larger amount of free speed than I have ever experienced from a set of race wheels. Smooth fast and confidence inspiring, exactly what a light guy like me is after in a set of wheels.

The R & D put into these new wheels in prevalent as at speed I feel like I’m putting out less watts. Actually all I have to do is look at the data, I am putting out less watts. In fact last weekend I had one of my quickest bike times over an Olympic distance race. I raced an unknown course, a couple of days after 30 hours of travel and out rode everyone on the course, love it.

I’d love to say this is all due to my fitness, but that would be a lie, I have to thank Hed for that increased in speed.

Like I touched on before, being a smaller guy I have suffered in the past from being thrown around by a set of race wheels. I was absolutely stoked when I rode this set for the first time and on subsequent rides after and did not suffer like usual. I’m confident in the wind in the aero position, a refreshing change (that said I’m sure these wheels would be a superior ride for all weights).

As well as them being incredibly fast in a race environment, for a race wheel they have been bullet proof to train on an extremely comfortable ride. Climbing, rough roads, aero position, descending you name it, I’ve been comfortable on these, a complete package I have found to be very rare on a set of race wheels.

Simply if you are after a comfortable, smooth, confidence inspiring and fast ride. Look no further. Oh and boy they look good ;)

 

 

Great wheels.. Thank you Total Tri and Hed for the opportunity.

McCall Olympic Distance

Dear diary....

Lucky here reporting in from Boise Idaho after a great weekend in McCall with Guy "it's not a perm it's natural!' Crawford and Kate "I let Mark win as I feel sorry for him" Bevilaqua, racing the McCall Olympic distance triathlon.

McCall is the most beautiful town I have ever been too (I'm not that well "travelled") with stunning woods and an amazing fresh water lake. Oh also it's at 5000 feet

After a really enjoyable night of celebrating Guy and Kate's birthday at this amazing place on Friday night, we were up at 5.30am for the 2 hour drive to the race. It was PAIN but we made it there without a hitch. Upon arrival Guy decided due to a nagging cold he would be dns-ing. To say I was excited was an understatement

No but seriously I wasn't actually happy for him not racing, I was looking forward to see whether I would be in his zip code, but it did increase my chances of over all victory!

This race was a super small 'rack your bike anywhere' kind of country race. After a bit of a rushed set up Kate and I were ready to roll. With a lot of travel under my belt, 'the sniffles' and 5000 feet of altitude I had no idea what I was in for. It was a mass start and after a quick briefing we were lined up ready to go

The gun went and I took of like a *insert funny and appropriate analogy here*. It was a 2 lap swim out and back with a small run in between. I managed to get a small gap at the end of the first lap, where I was joined by a team swimmer, 'Teamy McSwimmington'. Unfortunately I managed to loose her feet a few hundred meters from the end of the swim but managed to come out with a little gap on the rest of the field which included Andy Potts, Clayton Fettel and Michael Phelps swimming in a team (true story).

After the worlds slowest T1 according to Guy, I was off onto the 40k of PAIN. Unfortunately I had neglected to bring my bike Garmin to the states so I was riding without power. They say your learn something new about yourself in every race. Well in this race, I learnt, I have the worst internal gauge of perceived power in the history of personnel power perceiving people who try to personally perceive their own power ever.

Guy advised me to race pretty hard, so heeding his advice, I went for it hard on the bike. The course was absolutely STUNNING but there wasn't much time to view. I was riding like a Jack Russell on speed and the road was quite bumpy and pot-holey. Also I had Chris Lieto and Norman Stadler trying to out ride me.

I reached the 20k turn around in "record time" according to the polite marshall and headed for home. I saw I had a gap of maybe a couple of minutes on the next couple of competitors that included Kate, who thanks to the $740 I paid her earlier was keeping the agreed upon distance back.

The rest of the ride was pain mixed with stunning scenery mixed with squires mixed with "oh cool a squirrel" mixed with pain. I made it back to T2 and after a quick dismount the running shoes were on and I was off for 10k. The run down hill made me feel like Usain Bolt's world record was in reach, next up Mo Farrah was in my sites. The next 6 meter 1% small hill dispelled any chance of that, oh dear, pain was back.

The run took us through some suburbed area then onto some cool but extremely taxing trails. I saw Guy a few k in, and it looked like he was taking a video on my phone. As a result I ran closer to him and yelled "HI MUM". This resulted in an extremely awkward embarrassing photo of me mouth wide open waving mid stride. Smooth.

After completing the first lap it was back out on the same to finish up. I pushed pretty hard in the last 5k and some drooling and funny noises ensued. However I managed to stop these as Kate and I crossed paths, I had to maintain my 'image of ultimate coolness' in front of her....yep, that's probably the worst joke of the whole blog.. here's a picture to ease your pain..

Finally I reached the finish line and boy was I glad to get there! It was a tough day but it was great to blow the cobwebs out. Kate crossed the finish line a few minutes later she also had a tough one. After the race we hung around for presentations and free beer! (Rocking the Total Tri hoody below)

So what do you do as a triathlete when you have been suffering for 2 hours? GO AND GET PANCAKES FROM THE PANCAKE HOUSE. Boy that was awesome but the inevitable carb high that followed was short lived, I crashed soon after and managed a good 12 hours sleep.

So now it's 2 weeks until vegas and I have a really good week or so before taper. I'll write another post before that. Until then thanks for the sympathy laughs when reading my jokes.

Cheers

Geraldton Half Marathon

"Please mark come with me to Geraldton, the trip won't be as nearly as enjoyable with out you, I need you to come! Also you are the best triathlete I know and have you considered male modeling?"
These were the final words from my good friend Andrew Tyack that convinced me to make the trip up to Geraldton this weekend gone for their annual Half Marathon and Marathon race.

Andrew, Big T, T-unit, T-dizzle, Andy pants or the big A as he is affectionately known and I made our way up to G-town on Saturday around midday. After about an hour of driving and awkward conversation (I mean seriously, how many times can you comment on the weather? (note: Andrew and I are actually like brothers so that last sentance was my poor attempt at a "joke")) we both decided it would be a FANTASTIC idea to start making a short series of quick videos to document the weekends happenings. These will be put together and shown in the next blog.

Anywho we reached Geraldton after about 5 hours of driving. We drove straight to out accomodation at the Best Western that Lucky had booked about 12 hours earlier. Good news. We had hit the jackpot with the honeymoon suite.

Ok so this may or may not actually be a photo of the "suite", also, we may or may not have actually booked the honeymoon but I had every intention of making it as awkward as possible for my mate Andy. A quick trip into town for some dinner and we were back in the room to watch the remainder of the tour. The race started at 8 so we were ready for a late start by triathlete standards! A quick video update and we were off to bed.

After a solid sleep we were up and after the usual pre race breakfast we were heading down to the start line. In the rain. And wind. Oh god it was windy. After watching the marathoners start Andy and I had a quick discussion about pacing and the race. We both had no idea what-so-ever what kind of pace we should go out at as we have both been running complete base mile pace only for the last couple of months.

As we lined up we had a laugh and waited for the start. Boom the gun went and I quickly found my self leading from the front. About 300 meters in I heard someone yell out from the back "I don't think this pace is sustainable Mark!" It was Andy, I laughed and heeded his advice, slowing right up and popping in behind someone for a couple of k.

After a couple it seemed things were going a little slow so I went to the front to push the pace. To my delight Andy came with me and two other competitors. I settled back down and myself and "that guy in the red shirt" put a little gap on Andy and "that team runner".

As we hit the 7ish k mark (two 10.5k loops) we hit a fairlllyyyy strong head wind. Immediately my red shirted friend jumped in behind me. To be honest I straight away thought "bugger this I am not going to let this guy sit behind as I work into the head wind" so I dropped the pace pretty substancially (or as the cool kids say "I dropped some *insert pace here* bombs". (up until this point I had been running approx 3.50's). I'd love to say it was 3 minute per k pace, but it was closer to 3.20's - 3.30's for about 1 - 2 minutes.

Thankfully I managed to gap my friend, I was happy now at least he was working into the headwind like I had too. To be honest after this effort I thought I would really struggle, but I felt really excellent and settled into the previous pace. I continued on a fairly uneventful course, and really enjoyed the scenery with the occasional look behind.

When I reached the final turn around and started running for home I was stoked to see Andy had moved into 2nd place. I crossed the line with a 1.19 in the end according the Garmin, which I was really happy with. I ran a really controlled, smart race and put the effort in when I needed to. More importantly I honestly felt excellent duing the whole run. I was really happy. Andy crossed the line about 3 minutes later also with a PB. A Freo tri club, Total Triathlon, Honeymoon suite sharer one two.

After the race we headed back showered and hit the town to re load on the carbs. Man i love coffee

We headed back to the surf club for presentations. As I arrived I remembered that there was $300 for first place in the half! Wow I thought to myself, I'm going to be a millionare!! We hung around to cheer the last people over and I was eventally called up with Andy to accept a trophy and the cash. As you can see by the photo I was pretty stoked (rocking the Total Triathlon polo)

My On racers were beautiful to run in, my Ryders sunnies were kept on for the entirety of the run and I could hear the boys from Total cheering all the way from home ;) Thanks all for your continued support.

It was back into the car for some shared driving home. On the way I had some time to reflect on the prep for Vegas so far. Sure I've had some set backs with the (fake) broken wrist and a serious bought of the man flu, but things are really good considering. I am happy and for someone working full time and managing full time work and training am giving it my all.

I think it's important in this sport to not only not get too obsessed but, especially for us more competitive age groupers, get some perspective. I'm under no illusion that I'm some world class athlete (yet) but I'm doing my best I can do now, as an age grouper who works full time, while trying to stay grounded and make some people laugh on the way. I think we'd all enjoy the sport a little more if we took it a little easier.  I've seen too many people lately get way to involved and worked up about training and racing. Enjoy it! :)

For now, it's back to training I'll check in soon. I'm off for a run

Also if I find some actual run pictures from the race I'll post some.

End of Season update

Well it's been two weeks of no training and it's official. I'm fat

Ok, so it's not quite true. But I've had a great couple of weeks. I've celebrated my birthday, moved out of home and had a few great sleep ins. I've also had...far out like FOUR hang overs. It's been great, I've recharged the batteries, had a think about the season that was and have started to put things in place for my assault on my up coming aim, but more about that later :)

In quick summary I think I had my best season ever (2011 - 2012). Some quick highlights are listed below.

Port Mac 70.3. For me this was a massive mental breakthrough. I had a great swim, followed by a TERRIBLE bike, normally this would be race over for me but I rallied and came back with a super strong run to run back into second place in my age group at the Australian Age Group Champs. A great start

Next up was a bit of a dream come true my first race in the Professional field of a half ironman distance race. Port of Tauranga Half. It was made 10 times better by the fact Paige was able to come over and watch me race. I learnt alot in this race. I need more work on my swim. If you are riding in a pro bike paceline don't loose attention for a second otherwise you will be spat out the back in a millisecond, even if you have been riding in it for 60k. And I felt 10 times more awesome with my name on my race bib and not a number :D

These guys race on another level and I have a long way to go, but it was an awesome, amazing, dream come true experience and I can't wait to go back there next year. I also set a P.B. 4.25

Next up was Singapore 70.3 the highlight of my season arguably. I swam well, rode ok and ran for the win. Finally I managed to snare my first 70.3 age group win. I was PUMPED :) I put a lot of hard work into the prep for this race and it paid off, it was an amazing race. I also fullfilled a dream and finally took my spot to the 70.3 World Champs in Las Vegas

(Side note: I've managed to qualify for the 70.3 worlds for the past couple of years with 2nds and 3rds but promised myself I wouldn't take a spot until I won my age group)

Here I think I should have ended my season, but I couldn't, Busso 70.3 was on the horizon. I was tired, physically and mentally but I wanted so bad to have a good result at our home race. I trained through but ultimately the race day result spoke for itself. I swam well, but half way through the ride my day was over. I was so lucky to have my mate Sean Jermy there on the day to help me through the run, what a legend.

That's platinum friendship right there :)

Other season highlights include, finally getting to race my first draft legal race and the Kalgoorlie Olympic Distance race, what a laugh :)

Over the season I've been lucky enough to have some amazing help from some

woah woah woah hold up. I saved this draft one night intending to finish it the next day HOWEVER, I had an unfortunate bike spill.

For a week and a half I was in cast with a suspected broken wrist, no wait a broken distal radius, no wait a broken scaphoid. To be honest it was a very challenging couple of weeks for me and I was pretty down but the good news came recently after 2 x-rays and a CT scan that nothing was broken!! :) This time made me realise pretty quickly how I need to appreciate being healthy day to day and having the ability to train.

So now for me it's back to pre season. I've got a long hard slog ahead in the prep for Vegas worlds with some pretty lofty goals but I cannot wait to give it all a real go. It's all helped by some amazing people I have behind me. Thank you to everyone for their support and look forward to writing a little more over the winter

Cheers :)

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