Race Coverage

Hungry For Growth...

Sunday, 17 September 2017 19:10

By Gaby Bunten

Reflection... Looking back at this season I have grown; not just as an athlete, but as a person, a coach and in confidence. 

My race at the 70.3 World Championships in Chattanooga may not have met my personal goals, but I proved to myself that I possess grit and gumption. 
A solid swim for myself with the challenge of swimming upstream. I struggled to get position with the leaders and keep them in sight. Typically, I like to keep control of the pace, but you roll with the punches when they're thrown! 

The bike certainly did not disappoint with its challenging climbs, ballsy descents and hairpin corners. I climbed very well and had a total blast. But with packs around me, I struggled to find consistency in my pacing and spacing between riders; landing me with my first, ever penalty. A whopping five minutes... I rallied and did my best to fight to the finish on that bike and into the run. But, I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel a bit gutted. 

The run was just as challenging as the bike. I had a minimal run build up to the race from a low back niggle. So, I wasn't speedy and didn't have my usual gears on the run, but I was happy to run with zero pain and feel smooth. I worked through injury, got stronger and made it to that start line with a smile. ...

And I did it! I completed the most challenging swim, bike and run course I've ever competed on and proved to myself I'm hungrier than ever to continue to grow. Each of my races this season I've learned a little bit about myself and I've come out stronger. Im truly thankful for this journey and excited to see what the future holds.