Sunday, I competed in the World Triathlon Multisport World Championships racing the Olympic Distance Duathlon via Townsville, Australia. I had an incredible experience in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
Heading into this race, I was the healthiest I had been in quite some time after injuring my knee prior to the National Championships in mid-May. At Nationals, I had little confidence with the condition of my legs and went into race day with a mindset of hoping my legs would miraculously show up…and they didn’t. Leading into Sunday I was full of confidence knowing my body was ready to race and I was dialed in mentally.
Race morning was around 70 degrees with it peaking in the low 80s during the race with humidity. The sky was absent of clouds with a spectacular sunrise on the Pacific coast. I had a great warmup feeling ready to race which consisted of a 10k run – 40k (24.8 mile) bike – 5k run.
The first run consisted of 4 laps of the 2.5k course with a climb to start and then an extended one at the end of each loop. The start was typical for me as I start out the first quarter mile fast before settling into my pace for the remainder of the 10k. After about a mile I was working but running at a good pace and feeling strong. I estimated I was in about the 10th or 11th position and in reality I was 10th after the first run. Mentally I felt great as I executed the plan for the first phase.
Heading out on the bike we completed two laps with each starting through the scenic coast downtown area with many roundabouts and semi-speed bumps to maneuver before heading north on a straight away where we could let it rip along the Pacific Ocean. The downtown area went much smoother than my recon rides prior as I handled the turns well and stayed out of traffic. I felt strong through mile 18 and then my body was feeling the effort. At that point with the feel of my body and my heart rate elevated more than I liked, I pulled back just slightly for the final six miles to not further jeopardize the final run.
I caught a couple competitors in my age group on the bike and closed the gap on a few others while posting the 5th best bike split on the day. That was exciting to see after and I know I have more potential on the bike going forward as well…
The final run… as I headed out of transition implementing my hydration and nutrition plan up to that point in the race, I felt worn but in control. I had a little fluttering in my hamstrings at mile 18 of the bike and going forward, but they felt manageable to start the final leg.
The final run consisted of two laps making the 5k distance. After I completed the first lap I estimated I was in the 9-11 place overall. Somewhere after mile two, I had an Aussie in my age group pass and put a gap on me. As we headed up our final climb I closed on him to be on his heels as we reached the peak before taking a hard right turn. My plan at that point was to stay on his heels until we hit the blue carpet and then make a sprint out of it.
That plan vanished quickly as we took the right turn and both my hamstrings seized and I had to pound and shake them out in a quick couple seconds…he was gone. I never stopped running or hobbling in those couple seconds and regained a stride as we headed downhill before taking a right turn on to the blue carpet.
As I ran onto the blue carpet a gentleman from Great Britain began to pass me…I glanced just slightly to see him resemble someone close to my age and I just thought, I’m not going to give up this spot and went into a full blown sprint retaking him and striding through the finish line yelling, “Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!” That was simply in appreciation of competing in the greatest event in my sport and racing strong.
I didn’t know where I finished at that point but I guessed between 10-12 place maybe and 1st American… Both hamstrings seized up as I stopped and down I went with aids coming quickly to put ice down my kit. As I walked through the finishing area I felt accomplished and now was also curious where I placed. I got to my phone, checked, and called Lauren. She told me I placed 10th and 1st American. I had to ask her maybe 10 times to confirm ensuring the results…. She continued to share I was 10th…
I finished 10th in the World and was the 1st American!
That was a very emotional moment. After the devastating experience of the National Championships and working my butt off to get healthy and strong again for this day…it all came together. It is really hard to explain the feeling in that moment but it was full of so many emotions.
Last year I finished 11th and in my thoughts and goals would be great to crack the top 10 and it happened…I couldn’t ask for anything more as I executed my game plan and wouldn’t change a thing. I got every bit out of my body in this race with it failing at the end…nothing held back…
I am so proud to represent the USA, Florida, Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor, Team Diamond Fitness, and race with the support of all my friends and family. I felt the love and support before, during, and after the race.
Thank you all for your support!
I will take some time to reflect and recover from this training block and race and then move forward…for now it’s time to enjoy what I just experienced…
– Add Health to Your Life
The Healthy Giraffe 
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