It is a local favourite for Melbourne triathletes to close out the summer season of racing with the long course option on their doorstep.
The MEC crew were out in force over the weekend and whilst all those racing were in varying stages of their respective seasons, what was most impressive is the diversity of how each athlete goes about preparing for their race showing that being adaptable to include training as part of a lifestyle doesn’t mean skimping on improving when done well.
In the short course race Shri Vasudeva squeezed in a race in what has been a very busy start to the year. A nurse by trade Shri is accustomed to the long work hours and getting training in and it was a comforted to see that all is not lost with less than ideal training and still racing away with 3rd female overall and 2nd in her age group.
A big welcome to MEC’s newest recruit Matt Dorrington who took on his third sprint tri at Challenge on Sunday. Matt’s caught the bug and is keen to improve his ‘tri game’ and in particular his swim, so we look forward to watching his progress and cheering him through his tri goals. It was great to have Matt join the MEC cheer squad on course on Sunday, thanks for jumping in and becoming part of the team in what is most definitely an important race day role!
In the long course event Chris White lead the charge home on the back of a last minute decision to race with goal races later in the year. Untapered and a full week of training in the legs still had him home in good time taking 5th in his age group before heading home to complete his 2nd run for the day. Some technical improvements to come as a result of this race and that was the purpose of racing for Chris.
Adrian Moore is putting the finishing touches on his preparation as he heads towards the Port Mac/Cairns Ironman double. A weary body didn’t stop him from stringing together a strong day which is always made better being able to share it with his young family who were out in full support and even got to share the finish shoot with him.
Adrian Polidano is no stranger to long work hours and many a time over the last 3 months the easier option would have been to sit on the couch after a busy day at work or sleep in to skip the morning session. But hold the line he did and whilst Sunday was not his greatest race the example he sets to others of finding a way and not an excuse is a testament to his commitment to giving his best. Some R&R now before kicking things off for some events mid to later this year.
Whilst it was no shock to her training partners, it has been a while between middle distance races for Stacey De Bono (over 2 years) and she showed her improvements she has made over that time on Sunday. A strong swim/bike/run combo shows the commitment she has put forward everyday over the past 2 and a bit years in particular as she works towards her ‘Epic’ goal. A 7th place in her age group at the state championships shows that whilst training for long she isn’t slowing.
They say if you want something done to give it to the busiest person. Sam Janssen got it done amongst her countless other areas being Mum, partner, business operator, clothing designer and coach. Racing the half distance once before Sam was curious if the training could be done on a stricter schedule to fit life in not just giving it away to tri training. She showed it can be with a strong day and taking 6th in her age group. Rumours are the wheels are already in motion to make those improvements for the next half later in the year.
Leanne Keating is another who took to the start line with a full week of training under her belt and she works towards her next full distance. A little bit of sting taken out of the legs on the bike didn’t hamper her bringing home what is becoming a trademark strong run with 2nd fastest in her age group and finishing 7th in her category. Back to work for the Croc now to get ready for her mid year race in Cairns.
Samantha Doust lined up in her local Club to Club swim in Foster. After finishing her first solo crossing from the mainland to Rottnest Island in February this year, some shorter races are in order whilst she lines up her next goals. Sam took 4th overall and 3rd female showing the girls are sticking it to the boys at the mid north coast races.