Photo by Anthony Grote www.anthonygrote.com
Waking up to the series sms from Billy Harker saying the 5 beaches had changed venue to Marine was super disappointing.
The sport is growing so fast with so many new people in the system that it makes it impossible for race organisers think twice about holding races in hectic conditions. I don’t blame anyone for this, its growth.
The top boys will get their chance in races like world cup to pit their skill against the elements. It just means we have not had an open ocean race this season yet to prepare for the world cup to come.
I can see a number of the top 10 skipping race in the next couple weeks to do exactly that, spend some time in the open ocean instead of doing laps. Hank didn’t come to the race on Sunday and not surprised.
Back to the race. Well done to the Marine lifesaving club for pulling the logistics together at the last min so the race could happen. Marine have to have the best safety crew in the country so awesome that Trevor and his team could help out.
The course, have to say was uninspiring. 15km, 1 lap out and back with side on wind and swell. Eish, not fun at all.
I had a bit of a mare. Got away well with the bunch and broke away with Matt and Brandon and after 10min my shoulders and arms started to cramp up. Nothing I could do other than tap off and try get some rhythm. Nothing came and felt like I was hacking at the water. Scratched to the turn sore and uncomfortable.
After the turn I hooked into a group of doubles on the way back and the body finally started to loosen up. Too late. Managed to hold onto 3rd. Glad to have finished in one piece.
There are days you have fun and things click. It has been clicking nicely the this week and even ran a really fast (for me) 10k. Then there are days when nothing seems to click and this was one of them. Haven’t felt that kak in a boat in months.
Who knows why? Training to hard? Not enough stretching? Bad attitude?
I think a lot of the above. I think I need some of the good stuff. Going around in circles at races has me dizzy and the open sea is calling. Clear the mind with salt water and get the smile back. When in doubt, go downwind!! Haha
Let’s hope the wind blows this week!
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