MTB Cycling race (Upper Murray Challenge) 1:56:29 [5] 35.5 mi (3:17 / mi) +950m 3:02 / mi
ahr:180 max:193 slept:5.0 shoes: Specialized MTB
Khancoban- First leg of UMC. Started almost straight away up hill which split the field. I was a little too conservative and let a little gap open up near the top of the first hill, and then lost sight on the descent and had to slow down a bit. There were some great climbs and descents on this course. Judging but HR i probably pushed a bit too hard, but when you are bashing away in granny gear there's not much else you can do. Spent most of the ride with Sam Maffit. Felt really good on the flats sections.
9th off bike (including teams) 8mins behind best
Kayaking race (Upper Murray Challenge) 2:01:27 [5] 27.2 km (4:28 / km)
ahr:151 max:171
Evolution Epic- Paddle down the Murray from Khancoban to Towong. I wasn't particularly worried about this leg until i arrived on Sat night and camped next to the river. It was raging. The major sponsor of the race- Snowy Hydro- had been saving up some water in the dam and was letting it all out just for us.
Got into the boat just behind Damon and followed his line for a while. Got thru the first few semi rapids ok and started to really enjoy myselft. Unfortunately my quads were wanting to cramp and i wasn't putting in much effort so Damon got away. Sam caught up and i followed him for a bit until i came unstuck on a difficult corner and went for a swim. Wasn't such a big deal as i swam to the side just before the next rapids. Emptied the water with a bit of help from a local farmer and back on my way 4mins later and still having fun.
Crossed under the main bridge (about half way) in about 47mins. Then lots concentration at a marshall station and couldn't get out of the way of a willow tree branch and went swimming again. This time i had much more difficulty getting back in the boat and wasted 13mins on 3 separate attempts to get going again. Was very cold and demoralised for the rest of the paddle
Running race (Upper Murray Challenge) 2:26:43 [5] 25.0 km (5:52 / km)
ahr:158 max:169 shoes: old Asics 2100
Had ok transition then took it easy for the first few kms on flat dirt road. Picked it up a little as i approached the start of the mountain. As soon as it got steep i realised my quads were totally screwed. I had to walk for about 30mins up the mtn and watch my avg speed drop from 5mins/km to 7.5. Got caught by Jon Worswick just after the top and i stuck with him for a while as my legs felt ok on the flat and downhill. A big descent and then 6km on road to the finish. It was pretty hot now and i was catching one of the solo guys. Had to work hard to keep up my snail pace and drop him up the long hill. Again legs were ok on the descent into Corryong and finally to the finish line.
Very disappointing run, 20mins behind the best