Weekend Highlights August 28, 2018

The 2018 Australian Cross-Country Championships was delivered by Athletics Australia and Schools Sport Australia on the Sunshine Coast over the weekend.   Almost 3000 people descended on the picturesque Maleny Golf Club , for what we hear was quite a technical and hilly course.  The female winner, Olympian Madeline Hills (VIC) agreed with most on the day that the course was very tough,  “Very very tough course, we heard it was going to be hilly and I don’t think there was anyone that turned up here today that wasn’t surprised and terrified,”.  The day was swamped with 28 races from all different age groups with competitors from across Australia. We had 4 young guns head north for this event, and we’re sure they enjoyed lapping up the warmer weather too!  Congratulations to Tegan, Nichola, Monty and Chloe for representing Victoria in this prestigious event.

For all results from the day please go here: http://athletics.com.au/2018AustralianCrossCountryChampionships

The 2018 Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast event was held in Mooloolaba over the weekend, welcoming participants from all over the world and from all age groups.  The race began with a 1.9km swim (a beach start, located 800m South of Loo with a View), followed by a 90km bike lap which incorporates both flat and fast sections (transition is located on Beach Terrace in Mooloolaba and the race heads out onto the Sunshine Motorway via Mooloolaba Esplanade and Buderim Avenue) and finally a 21.1km foot race which will finish in the heart of Mooloolaba (A two lap course in a clockwise direction. From Transition, runners will head north and onto the iconic Mooloolaba Esplanade After heading over the scenic Alexandra Headland hill athletes will continue to Cotton Tree via Sixth Ave and Alexandra Pde).

However, the beautiful Queensland sunshine seemed to take a break for the day with rain and surf presenting instead.  Wet and slippery roads were also a concern for the ride after the area was soaked overnight.  More than 2000 athletes were expected to compete across the event, including two of our own, Simon Gronow and Shane Bamford.  Let’s hear how their day went:

SIMON (swim 39:59 | bike 2:59:02 | run 2:44:43 | total 6:33:29):

So this happened today the Sunshine Coast Half IM. It had everything rain thunder little sun and surf. Thanks to @nicolettaceppellini at @2000__watts for the Thursday morning sessions thanks to @pamtunas for keeping me honest, @emchmoju1 @monty_triathlete and Brendon for support out on course.

SHANE (swim 52.57 | bike 3:17:24 | run 3:09:52 | total 7:30:45):

12 months ago I stepped away from racing and committed to a long term training goal and to work on my weakness… running. All was going well and I was pushing PB times. Injury free for 12 months and tracking along nicely until just 5 weeks ago when I tore my hamstring.

5 weeks without a breaking into a run leading into a long distance triathlon is hardly an ideal preparation but my stubborn attitude and determination to make it happen saw me line up this morning on Mooloolaba beach for Sunshine Coast 70.3.

Well the sun never broke through the clouds all day, the swell and waves were bigger and more daunting than anything I have ever swum in and the rain all day was relentless.

Slowest swim time I have ever recorded, not to mention I was absolutely drained before I’d even turned a pedal, naturally, the bike course started with a less than comfortable climb, big guys don’t climb well at the best of times.

Worked hard to get hw first 45km lap done in a somewhat respectable time and wound he speeds back on the second to try and conserve energy.

Started the run unsure if I was even able to break out of a walk but managed an intermittent and awkward shuffle. A long and slow half marathon later I recorded my slowest Ironman 70.3 time to date.

No excuses needed. Achieved what I set out to do and did it in difficult conditions and circumstances.

Now for some rest and recovery.

Time- 7:30:45