"sorry but this will have to be all lower case because of the busted right wing. anway, it finally happened - the race i knew i was capable of.....an even, constant effort was what we trained for and the windy conditions and rough road surface really worked to my advantage. Came out of the swim in 54 mins, 2:00 behind. it was unbelievably choppy, and really screwed up some people, but as a surfer i loved it. on the bike went straight ot 3rd place. the 2 in front looked to be working much harder to me, so i left them to beat each other up. One of them blew at 90K, and I was close to picking off the other at 120K when the car decided to clean me up in the foyer of the race hotel (which was the turnaround for each lap) I lost 2:40. The first time i tried to remount my arm couldn't handle the weight, but i decided to bear the pain and try again cause I knew i was so "on" i didn't want to lose this chance. First 60k my h/r was 150-155, 60-120K 155-160, 120-180K 160-165. I got stronger throughout the bike, especially over the last 60K. Took the lead at 145K and came in with a 6 minute lead to second and 10 mins to the 2 guys who I was most worried about who have gone sub 9 hours/top 10 at Forster I/M. .... the longer cranks an computrainer have also definitely improved my biking. ....I ran pretty comfortably at 160-165 for first hour, and added another 2 mins to my lead. hour 2 hr fell a bit to 155-160, and from then onwards 150-155. my 10.5k splits were 45/46/47mins, and the last lap i just cruised having noted the other guys had all blown up horribly. just wanted to make sure i won it,and wasn't prepared to risk screwing it up. had a slight scare when my hammies started ot cramp at 32k, so just walked it out then cruised home. it was a great experience - i'm not used to the the flashing cameras at the finishline, or the interviews, etc. it was like i was someone else for the weekend ..."
-Matt Koorey
Triathlon Coach
Manly, New South Wales
Australia
