Post 70.3 feelings and more race pics.

So I am still waiting for this post race slump that I have heard about and can't seem to find it anywhere. In fact, I think I may have found this thing called the post race mania. I can't stop smiling, reflecting, re-living, wondering and even setting some more short, mid and long term goals. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would get this drawn in by a sport. Actually I think it's the whole lifestyle associated with it. Not only is everyday varied but it is probably the most well rounded in terms of fitness for me.

I have found that I am able to recover each different muscle group effectively because you don't seem to be constantly repeating the same sort of activity. And it's this variety that keeps me interested.

Since the 70.3 I have seem to recovered really well. The first 3 days I waddled a bit like a penguin. My hips felt like they had be soldered and my quads ached so badly it hurt to sit, stand or anything for that matter. But after that I think I was fairly good to go. I went for a nice easy bike ride the Thursday morning following with Nicole as stated in the previous blog and although I felt good, I got to about half way through the ride and had absolutely nothing to give. So I quickly realised I wasn't that good to go.

Then on Sunday - Mothers Day, I went for a quick bike ride before my gorgeous family got up. Elissa and I rode for about 90mins and a really comfy pace and I felt amazing, except for the fact that it was 4 degrees celsius. Talk about being cold. My fingers and toes were frozen stiff and a beautiful shade of beetroot. Winter sure has made it's presence felt.

So I spoke about these short, mid and long term goals. Here is my plan up till 2013. I told you there was a long term goal.

SHORT: Yeppoon 70.3 August 14.

I would like to attempt to beat my time from Port, even if only by 2 mins. So I have looked at all my splits and think this could be possible. I need to get a little bit more assertive in the water and try to hold my ground and go out harder than what I did. The one thing I noticed is that nobody holds back and if they have to swim over you to get to where they want to get to - they will. So I need to stay ahead of that bunch.

When it comes to the bike, at Yeppoon it is a flat 5 lap course. So if all goes well I am hoping to hold a 30km/hr average. At Port they averaged my pace at 28km/hr. I think I can do this.

Now for the run, I have decided that I will not walk every aid station rather every second. I am hoping to hit a 2hr 21.1km. And if I can do that between the bike and the run, I have saved myself 15mins which should drop the 5hr 52mins to 5hr 37min.

Of course I know things can go wrong but in the perfect world this is what I am hoping to achieve.

MID: Port Macquarie 70.3 2012.

The only way to know in my head if I have improved for sure is to do the same race and same course. So when registration opens up for Port Macquarie 70.3 2012 I will sign up with much excitement and anticipation.

LONG: Port Macquarie Ironman 2013.

Oh boy, I have said it out loud. I have declared it to the world and am so happy. There was something about seeing all of my fellow team mates tackle that goal that made me want the same. 3 weeks ago on a ride with Cloe and Elissa the year 2013 was brought up as being the year that we would tackle that dream. I said YES but inside was scared. But now that I have tackled my first 70.3 I think somewhere deep down I have what it takes to finish the full IM. And I think by extending it to 2013 I am giving myself the best opportunity to realise that dream.

So with these wheels set in motion I look forward to reaching every single one of them.

Here are some more photos from Port:

These photos courtesy of Jeff Akers.

Team Barbie - you guys are just the BEST and I love you more than words can say. This day was made so much easier because you were all in it.

Mum, Ule, Elissa, Susan, Kyle, Me, Stephen, Taillah,Kurtis, Aunty June, Uncle George, Julie & my Father in law Barry.

My number 1 supporter and my love, Stephen.

I may be taller than my Mum - but she holds me up and supports me all the time.

LOVE YOU

My life - they are my everything. I love you beyond all measure.

My best friend/sister Susan. Love you.

My strength, my rock, Elissa. Love you.

Sometimes you just have to cut loose.

Stay tuned for more photos. They just keep coming!!!