In the realm of triathlons, the Noosa Tri stands as a beacon of challenge and celebration. Their website says, “The Place to Be”. My journey to this iconic event began in 2022, as a spectator, cheering on fellow Tri-Alliance athletes. Little did I know that the allure of Noosa would beckon me to its shores the following year. Fast forward to November 2023, and I proudly wear the finisher’s medal from the 40th Noosa Triathlon, a testament to my completion of an Olympic distance triathlon – an inspiring experience etched in my memory.
Background:
My initiation into the world of triathlons was humble, with a 2XU series Fun Tri in 2018. With zero knowledge and confidence in the three disciplines, I found my way to Tri-Alliance through their Try the Tri program. Since then, I have been a part of the TA family and competed in every 2XU Sprint series.
The Race:
Preparing for a race away from home involves more than just physical readiness. Accommodation, travel logistics, and meticulous packing added layers to the challenge. Despite the demands of racing in humid conditions, conquering Garmin Hill, and navigating unpredictable waters, my goal was clear – to complete the race. Without personal bests to chase, the mantra was to do my best and relish the joy of being part of the Noosa celebration.
The Swim:
The 1.5km ocean swim presented a unique challenge, especially without a wetsuit. Despite initial anxiety, the swim turned out to be a the most comfortable leg of the race. I experienced minimal interference from other swimmers and navigated the markers easily. With a focus on technique and efficient sighting, the thoughts of not finishing the swim dispelled. To my surprise, I emerged from the ocean in an acceptable 35:24 minutes, with plenty of energy to sprint up the beach and run into transition for the next leg. 
The Bike:
The undulating 40km ride, featuring the notorious Garmin Hill, demanded careful preparation. A critical component was the reconnaissance ride, led by Coach Ollie. I was able to familiarise myself with the turns, gauge the amount of effort required to conquer the challenging climb and gain confidence for the exhilarating descent. Despite a conservative approach to the bike leg, I was happy with the overall time. The highlight was reaching a thrilling 67.7km/hr on the descent. My legs felt well enough to take on the next stage – the Run.
Transition 2 (T2):
I embraced the advice to take a bit of extra time. The focus was on preventing blisters, fuelling up, and hydrating for the impending run. Although my transition time was lengthy by race standards, I was glad to have taken the time to put on socks and have a gel. Perhaps next time, I will try to do it all standing.
The Run:
Anticipating scorching conditions, I planned for hydrating at each Aid Station and consistent nutrition on the 10km run. Fortunately, the overcast sky provided relief, allowing for a relatively comfortable run and the chance to savour the cheers of locals and Tri-Alliance supporters that lined the streets. Crossing the finish line, hearing my name announced, marked the triumphant end to an incredible event.
The Support:
I was overwhelmed by the number of members from the Tri-Alliance family who made the effort to travel to Noosa and help make this experience truly extraordinary. The greatest support came from Head Coach Ollie (with Michelle and Oscar). Ollie provided invaluable information about pre-race training, course knowledge, advice on race prep and nutrition. Prior to race day, there were scheduled sessions to familiarise us with the swim conditions, the bike and run course followed by group breakfasts. It was like a training camp, triathlon race and vacation rolled into one long week. Race day felt like a 2XU series race on steroids. Providing a focal point for the athletes and a cheering and drink station (bar) for our support crew, the Tri-Alliance Tent was located on Noosa Parade about 500m from the transition and finish line. Each time I passed it, I felt energized to push harder and go faster.
Reflecting on my first Olympic distance triathlon, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the TA coaches for their invaluable guidance and belief in me. Being a part of the Tri-Alliance family has been an immense source of support, and I extend my sincere thanks to Team Wood-Rich for going above and beyond in some many ways.
The scenic beauty of Noosa, the race’s challenges, and the camaraderie made this experience truly memorable. I now understand why the Noosa Tri is a must-attend event.
As I bask in the afterglow of this achievement, I find myself buzzing with excitement about what potential goals lie ahead. The allure of new challenges beckons, and I am eager to explore the possibilities that await in my next chapter of Triathlon journey.
