Laguna Phuket Race Report

Finally we have managed to get a race report up from the race. IT problems and been busy settling into our new semi permament home in Coffs Harbour....... Enjoy and soon to be another update.

It is called the race of legends and is on every top ten Tri races to do before you die. As soon as we agreed to spend some time in Australia a MASSIVE penny dropped in London to go via Phuket to see what the fuss was all about. It was then Cat's idea to spend some more time here before and from what you have been reading............ It was one of her better ones!
The ferries take you across the lagoon to the start on the beach as the sun rises and every ones hearts start to race, including mine from a redbull and a caffeinated gel. There was still banter and chat so moods were high and knowing many people racing from Thanyapura added to the comfort.

Beach start, I was in the first wave and Cat in the 3rd (10mins behind). First wave included all the Pro's and young gun males up to 34yrs. Quick gallop from front row into the water.... Flat on my face into the white wash after 5 steps...Graceful!? From then the swim was ok in the ocean being crystal clear. Approaching the beach, the dread also approaches as you have to pick yourself up and run over the dune and continue back through the fresh water Lagoon for 600m more. The colour is a orangy brown and a few degrees warmer so it feels like you are swimming through honey rather than water after being in the pure salt water. I struggled and most people did. Couldn't be over quick enough as the heart rate was in overdrive.

We knew the bike course from training so no surprises and both put in some solid times. Unfortunately the famous steep hills come first and my heart rate was still in overdrive from the swim. Finally it settled after about 15mins but was a struggle up to then riding conservatively. Could tell it was going to be a hot one half way through the bike. For me it wasn't until I was on the main out and back road that I knew I was in 7th spot overall. At least I thought I was as I was trying to stay focused on turning the peddles at the same time. The course had it all in terms of hills, technical sections, rollers and flat AND a little extra of excitable school children out to cheer us on. They loved it and I manged to high five one. Hope I didn't break his hand as it nearly knocked me off my bike. Many words from out on the bike course were that Cat was tearing it up and managing to embarrass some of the boys!

Transition area back in Laguna Resort has a great atmosphere. Jumping off the bike onto the run I set in the rising heat of low 30deg's before 9am. The run winds you through parts of resort and golf course (the furnace). Checking the km splits I was clicking along ok for the start of the run. Aid stations (water/ice/coke etc) were approx 2km apart and this is where I raced myself to the next icy cold sponge. AGAIN the heart rate was in overdrive from the heat and sections I had to pull right back as it felt like I had ran into a wall instead of across the 4th tee.
Since coming out of the water no-one had passed me which was a pleasant surprise and the finishing chute couldn't have come quick enough. The atmosphere at the end was fantastic and when I was being called over whilst running up the finish chute it was amazing. The tape went up........ Hang on a second, why is the tape up!?!? I was out of it and JUST managed to get the arms up over it and was told I had won my amateur category! Wont go into the detail but I was and am very pleased. 2hrs 51min had passed for me and 3rd overall amateur. It was back out onto the course before too long as I caught a glimpse of Cat on the run course. Walking around out there is where you see the carnage from the sidelines of mother nature getting the better of people. Meanwhile Cat was steaming along unaware of her surroundings. She was on course for what she wanted and put together a fantastic result in the end at 3hrs 24mins and 3rd place on the Podium. (Just for the record, I won our little bet :)

Awards ceremony was bigger than the race! Word has spread that it is a good show and it didn't disappoint. Was pretty cool to except our awards on stage together.







Not only was the race an amazing experience but the entire time training in Phuket and in particular Thanyapura Academy was a dream for both of us. Can't thank everyone there enough for making it so special for both of us.

Team BenBen Pumped!!