Noosa Triathlon 2.11:25 5th A/G

Up to the beautiful place that is Noosa on Saturday first thing for the annual Triathlon with 7000 other hopefuls.Had heard hundreds of stories in the pre 24 hours about peoples bikes been left behind in Sydney with Jetstar having major problems trying to cope with the volume so was delighted when i saw my bike appear from behind the huge doors first.
Straight up then to the lovely apartment that Kanser and the Good Wife had sorted for the weekend overlooking the water and National Park before getting out to the Expo and getting the bike set up and racked for the following morning.
Was still very concerned about the hammy issue i had since Thursday that i  was still feeling but tried not to think about it to much and thought hopefully plenty of Voltarens would get me over the start line at least. Awoke to find a very miserable morning ( please check Flakes blog for full weather details)  and also rain hovering around that would make the bike course very interesting. With about 187 wave starts i was 22nd to start still meaning that i had to get through a good volume of people out on the course.
As usual the mass chaotic start in the swim and i stay wide trying to avoid the washing machine on the way to the first turn, despite coping a few bumps and kicks i survive that and soon settle into my (slow) rhythm for the rest of the 1500m swim and delighted to stand out the water on my watch in 26.01 (even if it did feel like 2 hours) With a few minutes in the bank it was a quick run through and out on the 40ks before the first real DRAMA of the day........ My right Hammy was killing me and could barely turn the pedals over and had no chance of even getting down into my bars. With my race plans fading fast i could hardly believe it as i made my way out of town being passed by Grannies, Kids and little old fat ladies with a 'Danger Wide Berth 'sign covering there backsides. Had every thought possible over 6ks, and in truth even looked over my shoulder at one point with the intention of turning around and calling it day (and would have done so had it not been so busy). Continued on and was going to continue just to get around for the morning even if it took me 6 hours and the honour of having a 2nd DNF didn't sit to well with me.
Just before the turnoff for the 3k 'King of the Mountain'stage, all of a sudden the hammy eased a little and when a flyer came whizzing by it was my queue to fire up. I went with him and all of a sudden it was race back on, came over the top of the mountain and my pace and cadence were back with me as i was hitting speeds of up to 50ks/hour at one point. then reached the turnaround at 23 ks and belted for home storming down the big hill in excess of 86 clicks an hour. Delighted to get back into town as i saw the watch tick over the 62 minutes for the 40ks (officially longer as they take in T1 and T2 - not sure how that works).
Now the hard part was about to unfold on what is normally my stronger leg, and had no idea what to expect over the next 40 mins, saw Kanser on the way out, giving me abuse and telling me that his best mate Ronan had 2 minutes the better of me, as i settled in on 3.46 pace for the first couple of ks, Started to then get warm and i could feel my effort subside and the pace drop down to 3.48, then 3.49 ......Please GOD no lower then 3.50 i was saying to myself. Managed to hold that all the way back then and was secretly hoping even at half way that i could still sneak in for a 2.10 but it wasn't to be stopping the clock on 2.11:25 for 5th in my age group in near identical time to last year.

http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/racetecresults/MyResults.aspx?CId=1&RId=758&EId=1&AId=178024

Absolutely spent after and was in a world of pain with not only one but BOTH hammies now screaming at me, Had a little dip in the water after to cool down and take it all in before retreating to The Kane Manor' where Kanser fired up the BBQ and displayed his best Jamie Oliver skills and fed what appeared to be the whole of Noosa and the kids over the next couple of hours washed down with many a beer.

It was then down the local Surf Club for a night of activities and it wasn't long before all the aches and pains were gone (probably after about the 8th Jug I'd say), great crowd in there with Kanser, The Lovely Lisa (L.L) from HuRTS, loads of BRATS, good mate of mine Pat and Kanser's best mate Ronan + wife Niamh who i managed to claim victory on the 'Head to Head' by 2 minutes, super race from him and it wont be long before he's smashing me in the New Year i suspect. Actually it was like a Comedy Act with these two, once Kane had a few beers and was getting Ronan going,  Little & Large, Bert & Ernie, Morecambe & Wise, POD & Stankard, The Two Ronnies , now add Ronan and Kane in the mix..... both planing there next attack on young Lindop perhaps in Mooloolaba Triathlon on March 17th (Paddies Day)

Was just getting started and throwing a few shapes on the Dance Floor when word filtered back that Kanser was looking slightly the worse for wear and nobody could make any sense out of him he was Gonnnnnskkiiiiiiii..... Kaput , time to depart, night over :)

Fantastic weekend and one that shall remain in the calendar for the 1st weekend of November each year, very well organised event in one of the best parts on the East Coast. Many thanks to the Kane family for putting me up over the weekend and the constant food and drink supplied as well as the support on the course (even if he was bagging me) - Much appreciated

Will take the rest of the week off now and try to rest up the leg although do intend to continue with my swimming right up till i go away in 2 weeks time

The Bike all set up and ready to go.

Out on the run leg, wasn't looking this happy on the way back.

Just reminding Ronan what the score is this season in the Head to Heads.
.... and please leave my shirt alone :)

Ireland's famous double act behind PLOD and Stankard....... Kane and Ronan.
* Hours later - he was to be carried out in a very drunken stupor.

View overlooking Noosa from our apartment that the Kanes had rented for the week - sensational place.

Cheers