Anaconda Adventure Race Gold Coast 2011

Garmin;
http://www.trainingpeaks.com/sw/GDKEQTW7LMKR5QVDSNTTB4DNR4

First time for the Gold Coast Race, after having done the Augusta event  twice I thought I might broaden my horizons. To add to the attraction, Mici's family we're coming for the weekend.

Managed to get hold of the XT I hired on Sat to set it up and have a quick spin. Glad I did as it made the paddle out through the breakwall a little less scary. Had a quick look at the "Tulla Bar" where we were to paddle back into the river, and it looked fairly tame.......

Had the worst build up week to a race I have ever had. Felt like I was getting the flu and had the worst stomach ache the night before. It was so bad I couldn't even go for seconds of John B's incredible lamb for dinner! I felt un-Australian!

Raceday, and thankfully my guts had settled down. Up early to go and set up the transitions which involved a bit of driving. Had some difficulty finding the MTB Transition, but managed to get it and the Run transition sorted, back to the start and set up my Ski and dropped off my gear for the final Run Transition. Bloody logistical nightmare.

Back at the unit I picked up my loyal support crew Ethan and Mici. Down for the Swim start the ocean was very calm, next to no wind. I was surprised at how small the field was compared to Augusta.

Off in the swim in Currumbin Creek, arouns a bouy and back to the ski transition, out, around a flag back in, out the breakwall into the ocean, arouns a bouy, into the beach and run to the Ski's for about a 2km stage. Swim went reasonably well by my standards.
1.9km 39:55 110/151 overall 20/23 18-39male.

Onto the ski the conditions were brilliant. The chicken was still taking pride of place since the Avon, and got a few nice comments. Into the bar, I got tipped off on an embarrasingly small wave. Managed to get straight back on and was off up the river. Hopped in the wash of a double ski and managed to hold onto them for about 6km, they were good guys and I was very thankful particularly as I had forgotten the ski leg was 15km not 12.....Had a geat exit and ran up to my Run transition I set up earlier. I was a bit shocked to see spectators everywhere in the transition. I found this REALLY annoying as they would not get out of the way.
15km 01:37:20 78/151 overall 14/23 18-39male at end of leg 81/151 overall 14/23 18-39male

Felt great as I set off on the run. ran past no41 who asked how old I was, I replied 38 and he said "good I don't have to race you!" the run course was brilliant! cris-crossing a creek for 6km, then came "the hill" I was warned, and yes it is big, and steep. I was chatting to my now mate no41 and asked if at the top of this was the last of the uphill? He replied "Yes, but don't get excited". How true! The downhill was worse......really technical and very......downhill. Quads were burning by the end. Then onto the bike.
12km 01:28:10 71/151 overall 14/23 18-39male at end of leg 69/151 overall 14/23 18-39male

Started the MTB gently, aiming to work my way into it. I was warned there was some "propper" climbing in this leg as well, and it didn't disappoint. Some very steep pushing, and when on the descents I had to take it a bit easy as my new brakes weren't playing the game. Pull the back lever to the grip and still not pulling up. Bugger, it was good open fire trail that you could fly down. into town and I was catching a guy and thought I'd take him after a water crossing on a mown lawn area that looked a couple of inches deep. He slowed down so much I was thinking "C'mon mate1" he then rolled into the water and I watched in horror as his bike disappeared to the handlebars! Lucky, as I would have hit it at a million miles an hour......A cool ride through a drainage tunnel and into the final transition, I had a great result.
18km 01:18:01 44/151 overall 11/23 18-39male at end of leg 61/151 overall 11/23 18-39male

The final 2km run for me at Augusta has been a real struggle. I hit the road and was lucky someone pointed me in the right direction as the course wasn't that clear. When I hit the bridge I started to stretch it out and was really happy to be running 04:30k's. That's great for a plodder kike me at anytime let alone after 5hrs of prancing around the bush. To my surprise I came across half my support crew on the way in. Ethan was very dark on John B for missing my finish. Crossed the line and none of my largest support crew ever were there to see it. I had beaten my estimated time by about 25min and they were all otherwise occupied. When they did turn up, none of them were wearing the IOAR (Indian Ocean Adventure Racing) shirts I had brought along for them to wear. Still was nice to have them all there.
2.1km 10:14 42/151 overall 13/23 18-39male

Great race, great course. beers at the Currumbin SLSC were well enjoyed. I'll be back!
Final placings 05:13:40 60/151 overall 11/23 18-39male. Great result for me.