Ready Deb for U23 World Triathlon Champs

Tisza?jv?ros, Hungary was stop number three of my overseas racing season. Situated 180km from Budapest airport, this 50 years young town definitely showed its age with brightly coloured, more modern looking houses than those found back in Banyoles. The format of racing over this weekend ? two sprint distance races run as heats and finals ? would make for fast and furious competition. The key to do well at this race is to be as close to the front as possible at the first swim buoy (a whoppingly short 110m) and hang on for dear life for the next three laps of 250m. Unfortunately everyone else has the same race plan. I was the sole kiwi in heat three of three, needing only to make the top nine in the heat to guarantee myself a spot in the final. After finding myself in an ideal position on the pontoon, second from the end, I was preparing myself for a blinder. This is where the excitement ended, as from the dive to the end of that crucial opening sprint I was a flailing mess, arriving more than a few positions short of the ideal ? dead last from what I could tell. From there it was a matter of picking up my swimming arms off the bottom of the pond and go in to damage control, getting out just off the main chase group. Catching up to girl on the bike who hadn't quite made that group looked promising to being able to bridge up to that tantalizingly close group ahead, with the help of a few friends I brought along. Alas, it was not to be, as only a few friends were prepared to help me out, and the other now acquaintances, were simply along for the ride. Running legs kicked into gear a few minutes too late, as though I still caught a few of that group, I was 30 seconds off receiving an invite to the next dayfs party ? one of my acquaintances scooped up the last invite. The next day it was back to training and enjoying the festive atmosphere put on by the hosts for the finals, which included the top 20 put up on stage in the evening to receive plaques ? dancing not compulsory but highly encouraged! Definitely a race I would like to come back to. Itfs been back to the drawing board since, fixing up a few defects in technique, and getting some hard sessions under the belt ? good confidence boost more than anything. Just on two weeks until that all important race of the seasonc.Edmonton World Champs. Thanks once again for allowing me to focus on getting better at what I love instead of worrying about that ever increasing food bill! Herefs hoping it will all come together come race day. Ifll let you know how I get on. Cheerio, Deb xx