Challenge Bahrain was a race that had many ITU athletes, World Champions and Ironman favorites – a professional field that was deeper than any I’ve raced (or seen for that matter!). The race proved to be a strong one and it was an amazing five days overseas. I’m still amped from the event!
Both big and small – the Challenge Family lived by their words: all about the athlete. From shuttle service, food pre/post training and racing, to the little things: top quality swim caps, gear bags that could last a lifetime, to post-race jackets (yes, jackets). I was blown away with how well all the athletes were taken care of! The post-race party and dinner was spectacular. Organization was top-notch. And from what I gathered from my husband and those who I caught up with post-race, the live coverage was incredible as well.
It was my first Challenge Family race and loved it.
A huge thank-you to Felix, Zibi, Victoria and Pro Liaison, Lisa for all the support and help for this race! Challenge has gone above and beyond and I’m sure I can speak for all the professionals at the race, we are so very grateful for the opportunity to attend the event. And now, to have the triple crown series for 2015, next year will be epic!
Onto the Race:
The days before the race were spent sleeping, getting orientated and enjoying the wonderful hospitality that was provided by the Challenge Family. I jumped into the pre-race swim, checked out the F1 track prior to race and met a few locals that were either competing and spectating. It was a pleasure to meet his Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa before the race. His support for the professional athletes was/is overwhelming. He looked fit and definitely proved that Saturday!
Race morning came and I woke up early. I had some troubles adjusting to a 12-hour time change in the days leading up, but surprisingly, I felt quite alert and rested. With a Military band and canon to start our wave, the pro women were off 5-minutes behind the men and a lofty 30-minutes before the first wave of age-groupers (which meant a fair women’s race was to ensue!). With the likes of some fast fish-strong cyclist Swallow(s), I knew I had to have a good swim to be in any sort of contention for the race.
The water was quite salty and I definitely engulfed my fare share. Into T1, I had no idea where I was in the mix but was determined to get out onto two wheels as fast as I could. Luckily for us, we had a few bystanders that followed in cars that were giving us splits. I was just shy of 3-minutes from the lead. Awesome!
Most find riding an entire course on your own mentally draining but I love being a lone wolf! I focused on my effort level and each pedal stroke like I was in a trance.
Unfortunately we had clear skies and less winds than we had in the days leading up. More wind the better. Nonetheless, the bike course had you in full throttle the entire way. I slowly picked my way up to the lead group just shy of the F1 track. The last few k’s on the track were awesome. Hitting the corners just right and speeding out of them was definitely the highlight of the ride.
In T2 just the top 4, we all ran out in close proximity. I wasn’t ready for the fast start! It took me a couple of kilometers to find my legs and I set out on trying to reel them back in. The run course took us into the local wildlife park where ostrich ran free. I had a few close calls with these birds and it definitely kept me on my toes! From there, we winded our way back onto the main road. It was another lonely time on the run. I focused on quick feet and pushing forward. With about 2miles to go I started seeing Anabel in the distance. It was hard to say just how far away I was from her and the finish. Heading back to the F1 track, we went thru a tunnel or two and into the final stretch!
5th place finish, fastest bike split and one solid effort! Overall it was a great race and I have much to take away.
Congrats to the everyone in the race. This was by far the deepest field I’ve raced yet. Many top contending athletes in the mix. Helle was in strong form and big kudos to her for the Win!
A big thanks goes to my amazing, awesome sponsors that have supported me this season. Always an honor to be an athlete for companies that I feel are family. Exciting times ahead! I’m already eager to gear up for 2015 with Jesse’s guidance. But first, a few good weeks off, and Christmas!
Until next time!