The alternative Nationals build up....

So as January has passed us by my preparations for the years big races continues in earnest. I'm trying a few different things than in previous attempts at elite MTB XC nationals (way back in 2007 being the last for me)trying to really develop that high intensity race fitness. Sunday's Blue Lake Tri was a good option.

Always on the radar for me, and despite Lance obviously getting wind of my attendance and subsequently pulling out.... a very large and strong field fronted up. Lance's intended presence saw a large number of Junior hotshots (who can actually swim) on the line to make it a really tough day. However it's a good hilly course so always a great challenge and test of my training.

My only distraction was the arrival of the toy pictured below which neccesitated 3hr of testing (along with Mikey and Nic) to all the highest points of the forest in search of the best trails. It was a successful mission. Anyway...the tri...

Actually swam pretty decent and only gave up a tad over 2min to the front of the race, in 47th out of the water. Onto the bike after a pretty lame transition, and I smashed out a half decent bike ride. Hammering the hills, but struggling a bit on the flatter sections with no one to work with (it was draft legal). Caught Cam Durno late on the ride so had company for the run. We hammered out a pretty fast lap of Blue Lake and ended in a sprint. I got the nod for 4th in open men, but only because he dipped for the line, while I kicked my leg out (the transponder was on my ankle). Cunning.

Unfortunately there were 7 U20 Junior whippets ahead of us. So it was only good enough for 11th overall. Bugger. Positive news is we ran at the same speed Rich Ussher did when he won XTERRA. Bad news is he did 2 laps, we did one. Ah well. I know what it feels like now and I still have 9 weeks. Until I can swim like the triathlete fish I'll never have a hope in draft legal triathlon. Which is what makes this training plan all the more interesting. Stay posted....


And an update on Nic. Many of you may have noticed the absence of news from Nic in the last month. Never fear. She is ok. However she has been struggling with some mystery health issues that have limited her ability to train to the level she knows she has capable. Which is exceptionally frustrating, as she super motivated, and is better than ever technically at the moment. Simply loving the MTB. But such is the nature of high performance sport we are having to take a big picture view and ease our way through things. So thanks for the support and concern everyone. She will be back!