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

Photos from Port Mac

Enjoy :)
















Pretty happy over the finish line after a tough day

Back into proper training monday after an easy week, Bunbury olympic this weekend, should be a good little hit out!

Port Mac 70.3 - Australian Age Group Champs

Thought I'd throw up a race report while it was still fresh in my memory.

Thursday morning I woke up, thinking I was heading to Port Mac solo, driving from Syd to the race. By 10am I was heading up with the old man! It was a great surprise and certainly took some weight of my shoulders. We both headed for the red eye Thurs night and after a couple of hours sleep we were in Sydney 6am, jumped in the i30 and took the 5ish hour drive up.

We got there no problems and Friday/Saturday was spent catching up with Tim and Nic, having a look at the course and carb loading up.

Race morning:
I had a great sleep, which is rare, but certainly welcomed. I had my usual, Banana (x2) SiS bar and electrolytes for brekky while setting up transition. I also threw down my fav, a caffeinated SiS gel about 15 before the swim start.

Swim:
I made sure I was one of the first into the water so I could get a spot on the front row for the deep water start. This worked well and I was on the front line. There was the usual creeping forward with the 10 second count down and with about 3 to go everyone was pretty much off, I had a good laugh.

My position seemed to pay off and I was off to a great start within the first few 100. I then copped the absolute beating of a lifetime!! I was punched 3-4 times in the head, dunked and just generally wailed upon for about 50 meters. Not sure why but hey that's all a part of the swim, I dealt with it an swum on. I felt I had one of the best swims of my racing 'career', and although I faded slightly I came out with a massive PB 26.30.

T1:
I had a solid run into transition and as usual had a great one and was on the bike quickly. I was 2nd out of transition

Bike:
Not sure what happened here. Any one near me will know that I have been working a lot on my bike (and swim) lately and had been having some really promising signs (re progression). Unfortunately it really didn't show at Port Mac. I had a really terrible ride. I got on the bike feeling ok, and really took it easy on the first few hills (i.e. not go stupid and blow up), but I just couldn't get going and got progressively worse through out the ride.

I was really fighting some demons on that ride, but I managed to work through it. I was just so disappointed with the ride in general. There was nothing I could do but keep plugging away and try and reduce the deficit as much as possible.

T2:
I came into T2 pretty bloody disappointed, and really angry. I wanted to destroy this run and I knew it was going to hurt. I threw on the runners and set off. Dad let me know I was 5th in, so it wasn't a complete disaster.

Run:
I ran out of transition and with a quick wave to Dad I was off, on 3.45's on the flat. Then my bloody garmin froze. "you know what I don't even care", i thought too my self, I wasn't even interested in pace, I just needed to run hard.

Within 2k I pasted 5th for 4th, it was a great boost. I felt strong and was sucking down my SiS caffeine gels, they were giving me wings. About 7k in I was feeling really good running up and down the pretty reasonable hills there, and I ran into 3rd.

I knew I wasn't going to run into 1st (as Todd was schooling us all) but I thought I had a chance to make 2nd. I finished the first 10.5k and went about hunting 2nd. With 5k to go I passed 2nd. I had a bit of a laugh actually, as as I passed him I heard "awww F*CK!!", sorry mate I thought but I wasn't there for a haircut.

My On shoes were really helping me, really reducing that shock on those downhills, I loved them. I knew I was comfortably in 2nd but I didn't slow the pace at all, I really wanted to work hard. Finally I got to within a k to go and the long run down the finish shoot.

I was fricken exhausted when I crossed the line and had to have a little sit down, the commentator enjoyed it, the med people didn't haha. I was certain I was 2nd however Dad was certain I was 4th, and I was pretty bloody happy when I confirmed the 2nd.

Post Race:
For me this might not have been the hardest race but it certainly was the most emotional. From a big high in the swim, to massive lows and demons on the bike, I was really really battling out there, but I was really glad that used that emotion in the run. I was pretty emotional when I got over the line, but I think that's something pretty common with competitive endurance racers, its hard not to get emotional when you put all that work in.

From here I took a number of things. My swim is a lot better, but still needs work, especially to finish strong. My ride....well. I need to figure this out quick smart but I am looking forward to figuring this puzzle and and improving as an athlete. My run, I love running :)

Afterwards we had a few to many brewskies at pressos, but I think we all deserved it, thanks dad, tim, nic, todd and others for a great arvo/night.

Thanks also to my training mates. My family and Dad thanks so much for all the help, appreciated more than imaginable. Sean, you have a positive effect on me more than you know mate. And Paige the most understanding and supportive person in the entire world.

Also thank you to my supporters my coach Brian and Transition Wear, On Shoes and SiS nutrition, not only getting my nutrition over there for me, but shouting a drink or two sun night - thanks Matt, legend mate!!

From here, a week off. Then back into it. Can't wait, to improve my self as an athlete and person

Cheers

(P.s. pics soonsies)