Oli and I did another crazy road trip across Europe for some big races. First up was my first Ironman Pro Series race at Zell am See 70.3, after which I was planning to race German National Champs followed by European Long distance Champs.
After a few days of taper holiday in Kitzbühel (including getting engaged!) we headed to beautiful Zell an See for an Ironman Pro series race with the highest strength of field score I've ever competed against. The race had a generous 11am start time.
For the pros is was non wetsuit (which I really had not anticipated in a lake in the Alps...) so I didn't have a swim skin like everyone else yet and lost a few seconds on the swim coming out middle of the pack. I was a bit nervous about the whole Race Ranger thing on the bike (a bluetooth technology to enforce drafting distances by showing different colour lights and removing the doubt for the referees). Big chase on the bike, managed to eat 300g of carbs in 2:32 (a new record!) and overtook lots of girls on the big climb before being caught again by some on the flatter descents because of a poor chain ratio choice (turns out with a 48 teeth big ring you do spin out very easily and it's a bit of a rookie mistake). Ended up riding the last 40km solo and fatiguing a bit there.
Onto the run and I found a good stride but slowed a bit on the second lap, with the very muggy weather and struggling a bit on the ups and downs never finding a rhythm. But I was determined to push myself and still test my limits, despite this not being my best day. I appreciated all the sponges and ice at the aid stations and some wonderful local supporters.
Crossed the finish line in 20th place and was very happy. Oli followed shortly after and we had a great post race massage, pasta and pretzel feast and a nice restaurant dinner by the lake. I was pleased with my attitude in the race and my resilience, but a bit gutted about choosing a poor chain ratio and not having a swim skin - some important lessons learnt for the future on having the right kit at hand. Nonetheless, it was a solid start of a three week racing block on the continent!
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