Training Log Archive: dorriszgirl

Motu challenge! Weather conditions were absolute shite, freezing cold. Started off in 2 polypro's and my big jacket and pretty much stayed in them all day. Stayed in the second bunch off the start line for about 15-20km which was good. Several hairy moments with dudes who clearly haven't bunch ridden before and narrowly missed a couple of pile ups. Enjoyed the whole ride though and didn't work too hard (all advice given pre race was not to blow yourself up on the MTB). Howling headwinds around some of the corners that left you in absolute granny feeling like you were going nowhere. Reasonably smooth transition thanks to super support crew Tim onto the run...

Took about half an hour for me to feel my feet after the super chilly MTB. Really enjoyed it after that though and ran comfortably, again not pushing too hard. Didn't eat much on this stage though which is something I need to sort out before Coast!

Not sure of my exact time on the cycle leg. Another howling headwind from Motu through to Matawai. Struggled along on my own for about 8kms and then praise the lord a strong team rider came through with legs like tree trunks - managed to sit on his wheel for about 15km until we hit a hill. Legend. Battled up Traffords hill off my seat - forgot that by putting on the race wheels I lost a gear or 2! Apparently there was sleet on the hill a few mins before I came through. Then loved the downhill to the river.

Roughly 2 hrs. River running at 2.3 - highest ever for the Motu. Gave me heaps of options, and of course being the novice woosy paddler I am, I cut corners in slower flow, so don't know that it was any advantage! Almost got blown out of my boat a couple of times by huge gusts, but felt fairly smug for staying in given the number of awesome paddlers who took swims. Thanks for the Swallow tank (provided by Nina) to staying in. Felt good most of the way, started off with tired arms but warmed up well.

No idea how long this took either - felt great, tailwind, in 2nd highest gear hammering along. Smooth transition off onto my wheels ..

Again, legs felt great - passed a few people including team racers which always makes you feel good. Crossed the finish line with time reading 10hrs and 4 mins .. not quite the goal of 10hrs but given the conditions I was stoked.
Big thanks for making it over the line to my super support crew Tim - never seen him run so fast as when he raced back to the river to get my helmet for the last bike!!

Easy spin

1st paddle in Ninas swallow out in the harbour. Lots of chop, plenty of wind. No other num nuts out. Just aswell the swallow is almost untippable out of!