May 2nd was a glorious day in Busselton. Perfect swim conditions (although course may have been marginally long). Relatively little wind on the bike and mild to warm conditions for the run. Congratulations to all of you.
Thanks to friends and family, as always, for being there for the team. In no particular order………………
| Peter Thomas (Grasshopper) (40 – 44 yrs) |
1st time 70.3. Only started cycling in February! Thrilled to have come in under 6 hours. Would have been quicker except for the nearly 12 minutes in transition. Happy camper. |
| Ann Menkens (55 – 59 years) |
1st timer. Also cracked 6 hours. Also, spent overly long in transition! J
A very happy gal. |
| Nigel Coles (50 – 54 yrs) |
Significant PB with 4:54 including a 4 minute rest somewhere on the bike course. A good consistent effort in all three disciplines. Good enough to gain a spot for the World 70.3 Championships in Austria later this year. Holiday sorted. |
| Mandy Coles
(Zen Mistress) |
1st timer. Sub 3 hr bike leg. A tired but very happy athlete.
It’s been an interesting time watching Mandy develop as an athlete. By the time May 2nd came around Mandy was the Queen of Cool. |
| Phil Felton (45 – 49 years) |
Sub 5 hours for the first time. A 3 minute PB. This was Phil’s third full 70.3. Very happy. |
| Maree Griffiths (40 – 44 years) |
In Maree’s words, ‘51% training, 51% result.’ Pleased to have got through it and did really well in T3. Body well prepared for winter hibernation. (Her words not mine.) I’m going to try and not let that happen. |
| Di Chisholm (40 – 44 years) |
1st timer. Di was excited to exit the water. Rode a sub 2:50 bike leg and ran strongly all day. Happy with a sub 6 hour performance (which she did easily). |
| Katherine Ryan (Poster Girl) (45 to 49 years) |
Katherine had another great race finishing in 2nd place in her division. She had her best swim to date, rode really strongly and ran well. Michelle Boyes was just that bit stronger on this occasion. Katherine’s time: 4:44.42. Not a PB but she left nothing out on the course. |
| Yvonne Rash
(45 – 49 years) |
This was Yvonne’s 9th race over this distance. Amazing. It wasn’t a PB but her preparation period threw up numerous challenges with injury, travel and general life stuff. Well done, Yvonne. |
| Henrietta Ireland
(45 – 49 years) |
On this occasion of her 7th half Ironman distance triathlon, H, finished with sub 5:20 – a 5 minute PB. It was the best I’ve seen Henrietta run in an event. In her words: a very well-paced race. A terrific achievement. |
| Guillaume Pougnet
(25 – 29 yrs) |
Despite limited preparation, Guillaume completed this event with a 23 minute PB. Brilliant. Time: 5:04.26. Next time – sub 5 hours. J |
| Pam Criddle
(35 – 39 years) |
3rd place in a remarkable performance given that she is on maternity leave. I cannot claim any responsibility for Pam’s achievement on this occasion unfortunately. Her time – 4:48.31. |
| Jenny Bates
(45 – 49 years) |
Jenny looked relaxed and happy out there on the run course. Not a PB (I don’t think) but she seemed to be on holiday for much of the last few months. |
| Nancy Warnock (55 to 59 years) |
Nancy (an old friend based in Bunbury). This is her sixth half IM and she finished 6th in this group. Lead out of the water and held together for a solid performance all day. Well done, Nancy. |
| Jacqui Claasens and
Joanne Thomas |
Team competitors. Both girls did the swim and run legs. I hope they are inspired to sign up as individuals next year. |