Worlds Race Report
2009 ITU Elite Long Distance Triathlon World Championships
The 2009 ITU World Long Distance Championships took place in Perth, Western Australia on Sunday 25th October. I was selected for the Australian Elite Team for this.
I arrived in Perth 5 days before the race, and even then the city was buzzing with shaved legs & flash bikes. As I was taper mode , I spent the first couple of days trying to relax as much as possible and keep my mind off the race.
Everything started up on the Thursday. I participated in one of the support events, the Aquathlon, which was a 1km swim and a 5km run. It was held over the same course as the main event , so many triathletes competed in it to get a feel of what the race would be like on Sunday (although we would be out on the course for a lot longer on the Sunday!) It was hard to sit back in the run and keep my legs for Sunday. There was no point getting into a hard race , so I ran on the grass instead of the concrete path at some points, to make sure I wouldn't pull up with sore legs!
The next day I had registration & the elite pre race briefing. That was scary. Looking around me, there were so many athletes that I have looked up to for years - some of them since I was 10 years old! And everyone looked so fit & conditioned . I really did look like a little kid compared to some of these girls and guys!
I also went to the Opening Ceremony. All I have to say about that is, the food was amazing. It was the nicest pasta ever .
The Saturday before the race was cold, windy and raining. I just chilled out sorted out my stuff for the Sunday.....
I woke up early Sunday morning to clear skies, and wind! Walking down to transition at 5.30am and even at that time there was crazy wind! I was starting to get scared as to how my 45kg frame would cope on the bike..
I had a quick warm up, set up transition and spent the rest of the time chilling out in the Elite Athletes lounge. 30 minutes before the race I went down to the start area and had a swim warm up. We were then rushed to the athlete holding area, and were told the Elite Females would be sent off as soon as possible after the men, so to be ready! This was great news - The further we start in front of the 35-39 Age Group men (180 of them) , the better.. All I know next was that we were told to enter the water, and before most of us had even reached the start line, the men were off! Not sure how long after them we were actually set off - But it didn't feel like any more than a minute!
Next thing I know I was swimming in the toughest conditions of my life. The wind created very strong, choppy water & current. My skinny arms didn't cope too well! I struggled in the 3km swim.
I was out of the water in 15th place, but really enjoying it. As soon as they announced I was from Australia, everyone was cheering! It was awesome.
Onto the bike and it was clear that I was going to struggle a bit with the wind . I was getting blown all over the road, and I was actually starting to wish I'd eaten a few extra cakes to add some weight! Other than the wind, the course was fantastic. The roads were so smooth, and we were fortunate enough to have the Freeway shut down for us - it was awesome! I caught 1 female within the first 5k of the ride, but after that I was on my own. There was a large gap between myself and the next girl up front, and a large gap behind. I think it would have helped to have someone else within sight.
I was wondering how the course would go with drafting - 4 x 20km loops with so many athletes. However, this was the first race this year I have been too where I didn't see any blatant drafting. It was a 12m draft zone, and plenty of draft busters, which obviously was a good deterrant . The organisers did a great job - It proves that it can be controlled even in such a tight course.
On the last lap of the bike, I could really feel the sun beating down on me. The wind was still strong and I was really struggling with the cross winds.
Into T2, and once again, the support was amazing. I guess thats the great thing about it being a home world championship!
I got onto the run, and the first 10k I found really hard. It was over 30 degrees out there , humid - with no shade - it was far from 'perfect conditions'. I just kept trying to think ' everyones in the same boat!'. Although, coming from a Victorian cold Winter certainly didn't help! I took on as much fluids as possible. Then on the last 2 laps, I started to feel great. Taking in so much fluids and electrolyte was starting to pay off, and I was catching people who had overtaken me in the first couple of laps. A lot of people were really suffering - Its easy to get caught up on the race and not realise how dehydrated you are.
After catching another elite female with 8k to go, and seeing a few behind creeping up on me, I picked up my pace and held the position.
I loved the last lap, and really tried to take it all in.. I had amazing support as many of my family & friends were there - and of course all the spectators were great.
I crossed the line, very sunburnt & hot, in 13th place.
Congratulations to all the other females - Jodie Swallow (the winner) was insane. She really owned the race. And all the other Aussie girls did so well. And of course Congratulations to everyone else who raced - It was tough out there for all ! The British man in the 75 -7 9 age group and physically challenged athletes are definitely an inspiration! .
Also, it was a great day for my family, as my dad, Frank, was 2nd in the 50-54 age group!!!
I was slightly disappointed after my race. I didn't have the best preperation due to injury and illness, and I think its hard to be 100 % happy, knowing things could have gone better. At the same time, I am very proud of what I achieved, and appreciate having the opportunity to represent my country and compete against some of the fittest and fastest athletes in the world. A couple of years ago I would never have believed I would have been 13th Elite Female in the World Long Distance Championships at 19, and I think it will take a while to really appreciate that!
I definitely have many more years to go before I reach my peak, and in the meantime, I will just have to be patient! Its all part of the learning experience!
Thank you to everyone for all your support, I certainly wouldn't be able to do it without it. Also to the organisers, the team manager (Mick) and all the spectators, for puting together such a great, well organised event. I definitely won't forget it for a long time.
I will have pictures up on my website (www.charlottemcshane.com) in the next couple of days.
Charlotte
