Cairns Carnage

Pic 1: The beautiful Palm (swim location)

So Cairns 70.3, what an emotional roller coast… after having to pull out of Busselton due to broken collarbone (1st Down) I signed up for Cairns 70.3 assuming I would be recovered (1st Up), however a physio appointment the next day would find that I had significant muscle damage and would most likely not be able to compete (2nd Down). As I couldn’t get my money back for the entry fee I began considering what event I would transfer the entry to. As time went by and I was religious with my physio and strength program my shoulder became stronger and stronger and about a month before Cairns 70.3 my coach, physio and I decided I was able to compete (2nd up)!! Training was going really well, I had joined a swim squad in Joondalup that was pushing me and bringing on my swimming and my running injuries were at bay.

Pic 2: Happy lil camper the night before race day

Race day….. as per usual my every attempt to be more organised than the last race was unsuccessful as I had to jump a fence 10 mins before the race for a toilet break and forgot to start my watch at the start of the swim. All this considering I had a really strong swim exiting the water as 2nd female overall, if only I hadn’t stopped a couple of minutes into the swim to start my watch!

Onto the bike, I loved this bike course! It was hilly, winding and an honest ride. The scenery was beautiful and the undulating course made for some fun/dodge descents. Within 500m of transition I began to take my foot out of my shoe whilst cycling and my entire leg cramped up the next thing I knew I hit the ground, landing on the side of my recently broken collarbone (3rd down). As I was in a top position and after giving my all in the swim and the bike I was determined to not let this stop me… getting up, putting my chain back on and jumping back on the bike with no shoes on I rode into transition and started the run. The support from the crowd when I got back on my bike was amazing!! I have never experienced anything like it (3rd up)!!

Pic 3: The breathtaking bike coarse

The run, I started out strong, cramping a bit in my calves but holding my aimed race pace. At about 5kms in things started to deteriorate. My neck was seizing as the initial adrenalin from the fall started to wear off, I was able to continue for another 5kms but then I had to do one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, I stepped off the path and stopped (4th and most devastating down). This is when the uncontrollable crying began and would continue for the next maybe 20 mins. There has been multiple times in my relatively short time in triathlons that I have been shown the unbelievable kindness and generosity of the people within the triathlon community. This occasion was no exception as the girls who were my competition passed me, in a state could only be compared to a young child who has accidently let go of their balloon, were asking if I was ok and wanted one of their gels (4th and most inspiring up).

People say this sport is selfish and an individual sport but from what I have seen this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every successful athlete in this sport has a whole team of people that they rely on to support them and in return they offer the same support. This team includes your family, coach, squad members, close friends and partner to name a few. The friendships made and comradery with in this sport could not be compared to anything I have seen before. With what the athletes in this sport go through side by side whether in racing or training creates a bond like on other.

In summary, through all the ups and downs I have come out on a high! Cairns 70.3 did exactly what I had hoped, taught me a s***load about racing and competing and fuelled the already out of control fire I’ve got burning deep down for this sport!

Pic 4: Havin a beer with my bestie!

Just a quick thank you to my parents and best friend who made it for the race, without your support and love none of this would be possible (and I would probably still be sitting on the side of the road crying uncontrollably)!!