Race Report - Ironman 70.3 Yeppoon
So now for the longer version; I travelled up to Yeppoon on the Friday and enjoyed the day off relaxing and eating. Saturday rolled around and after a little ride and run I started to get my head ready to tackle this race. Being my first attempt at this style of racing I wasn’t quite sure what to expect so I went in with a very simple plan. Get myself to the finish line the quickest way that I possibly could. The intricacies of this meant pacing was a key factor and not getting trapped into someone else’s race plans.
On race morning it was a crisp temperature with a light breeze which somehow turned the ocean into a washing machine. After a very rough 1.9km swim there was a small breakaway, followed by the main bunch including all the main players of Aussie Long Course racing, including Australian Long Course Champion, Tim Reed. I exited the water 40 seconds down on these guys which was a little heartbreaking having to watch them run out of transition while I was coming in, knowing that it would be much nicer to have them with me. Anyway, I stuck to the plan I had set out and got busy riding a solid tempo that I thought gave me the best chance of a solid race. Also big thanks have to go to HED Wheels for helping me out this weekend and letting me roll around on a Jet Disc and Jet 9 front. This course was flat and fast and aerodynamics was a massive factor so it was great knowing that the wheels would perform regardless of how the legs went.
I jumped off the bike in 9
th place and was still feeling strong, slipped on my brand new Nike FlyKnit Racers (the coolest shoes going around and SOOOO comfy). Throughout the run I was aiming to hold a consistent tempo throughout and get to the finish line in good shape. Obviously with a race of this distance nutrition plays a large role, I had a pretty simple plan using a combination of Dextro Energy gels and their Carbo-mineral sports drink , this combination got me through the race without any cause for concern and I was very thankful I had them with me. After about the 14km point I managed to move into 8th position and this is where I would cross the line in a time of 4:08:06. The feeling of collapsing into the pool at the finish line was amazing.
Finally, the biggest thanks has to be reserved for my new coach Matt Koorey, he has an ability to get through to me that I have never experienced with any other coaches and it sure is a rare talent. I am very excited about working into the future with Matt.
Cheers,
Ben Hammond
On the run course with my Nike FlyKnit Racers at Ironman 70.3 Yeppoon
Excellent Ben. Congratulations on a great result and good luck with your upcoming long course preparation and racing.
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