It took all of 2 minutes to get to transition from my garage on Sunday morning. It took 4 hours 7 minutes and 37 seconds to come away with the Boulder 70.3 title.
One lapse of focus could have taken that moment away from me, as it was that memory will last forever. It is a risky business- this professional racing game- but a brilliant one filled with the excitement of battle and those 'Moments' -those split second 'Moments' that make or break the race.
There is no death or knockout in triathlon, it isn't war and it isn't combat- Rachel and I could have jogged to first and second with little effort or stress- but we didn’t – we fought – and that is where memories were made.
So, please read the race reports – they give numbers and timescales ,they're statistically correct and give factual account of speed and sequence over each timing mat. However, they are not the race, they are not the 'Moments' and by missing them -they miss so much.
I am honoured to be able to share the real race Moments with (primarily) Rachel but also with anyone who was there on that hill at 13km and saw us draw our swords. This is racing.
We were aided by consistent and informative split relays around the course– I could calculate (30miles) when Rachel would recoup the time deficit I had built out the swim as she was quickly decimating the field. I also knew that when she did- I had to go with her, it was that decision that would be the first decisive move in winning the race.
It is incredible the amount of communication that two rival athletes can have without speaking a word to one another. Rachel and I have rarely raced one another, never trained with one another and had no pre-race converse but racing with her seemed natural and dynamic. And so.... we rode, twelve metres apart. When she slowed I moved up and when I slowed she moved up. By the end of the bike we had 4 minutes 50 on pack 2. I was controlled – I knew she was- we were ready to run for it.
I didn’t hang around in T2 but I was also very aware that 21km is a long way and that misjudging the first 10km at 1700m altitude would see punishment twice as harsh in the second ten km. At about 6km into the run I had 17 secs on Rachel. She monitored every step I made and pounced on any lapse of concentration. At 9km I missed a drinks station and panicked a little, Rachel drew closer.
I resolved to either break away early on this final lap, or wait and sprint finish. Yes- my confidence has been built so resolutely in the past six weeks that I was willing to hedge my bets on a sprint finish. 'I have been Siri-ised'
As we reached the first dirt hill of the second lap of the reservoir the second bike drew up to my own lead bike. This annoyed me – I was still leading- the pass hadn’t been made. Do not assume mate, do not assume. I’m gonna fight for this.
Whether it was passion or anger or frustration I don’t know but when Rachel drew next to me I surged and she came with – we ran beside each other once more. Right beside each other- on a huge, wide trail.
It is that 'Moment' that changed the race. A flit of thought, a sense of being, a familiarity -I’m not sure how to depict it -but I went again – we were sprinting up a hill with 9km still to run. She was as crazy as me (and I totally respect her for it).
Siri was roadside going mad, I think even unsure who to cheer on – she was just manic for the racing. The lead bikes seemed confused, the photographers gripped and the spectators raucous. Rachel’s supporters were clapping me and mine were cheering Rachel. We were entertaining well.
I got a little gap and heard my James shout ‘This is what you live for Jodie – head to head racing- this is what you love’. That gave me a lift because I do love it – I do it everyday – even in easy sessions- I race and I monitor – that is Me.
So I trucked up the next hill where I saw Rinny. I didn’t know at the time but Rinny had got up ultra early to run (5am on a Sunday), just like James, showered and raced to the course to support us. She let me know that Rachel was still there and would fight. Tough. As. Nails.
It was down to energy and craft on the day and I was able to extend my lead to 1.23 by the finish.
Another day would be a different result and I am reminded yet again that this sport is moving forward and moving forward fast. There are no ‘easy’ wins anymore and I love that because the harder battles bring the greater rewards. I am challenging myself mentally and physically every day in order to keep ahead. Siri elevates me, James backs me and my squad keep me grounded- that makes me happy.
I also want to celebrate Tim Don's magnificent 2nd place under huge personal stress last week. He is and was the daddy of the year on Fathers Day 2014. It is simple when things are going well but when the s*&t hits the fan it takes a true champion to respond. x
1. Jodie Swallow (GBR) 4:07:37
2. Rachel Joyce (GBR) 4:09:00
3. Leanda Cave (GBR) 4:13:03
4. Rebekah Keat (AUS) 4:13:23
5. Laura Bennett (USA) 4:13:38
6. Jeanni Seymour (RSA) 4:17:36