Hi Everyone,
2 weeks ago, the Malta Triathlon Association organised the National Duathlon Championships held at Salina Bay. Since I am training for the Ashbourne Duathlon which is going to be next week in UK, this race was a good test to see if I am on the right track for such an important race. Although I was not peaked for the race, I still was in a good shape and I was prepared to give my 100% and finally win a National title for the first time in my career
Although I did a personal best by more than 3 minutes, I had to content myself with another second place in a major event. To make it more frustrating, I was beaten by only 30seconds. I lost championships because I did some mistakes before and during the race but this time I did everything well and I was in a very good shape but still I came 2nd and beaten by 30seconds is much worse to accept defeat.
I did the first 5km in 17.10 and was in 3rd place. It’s a great time and I was going according to plan. I predicted to register such a time. I moved to first place in the bike segment however I was suffering a bit as it was very windy and I did not have the usual explosiveness on the bike. It was too windy for me. In the last stages of the bike my brother over took me and opened a gap. I started the second run very fast trying to reduce the gap. I managed in this intention but it was too late as my brother crossed the line 30seconds before.
I have mixed feelings about this result. I am happy with the improvement I did from last year but still I am disappointed with the second place. It is another second place in a major event and it is very frustrating. May be I need more experience but luck was not on my side on race day. Now I am focusing on the Ashboune Duathlon which is the first race of the blue seventy Series. I am going to participate in this series in UK because Prizes include a cash pot of £1500 and 2 sponsorship packages worth around £5000 from race sponsor Total Fitness Nottingham Club, one of the best clubs in UK.
The Duathlon is on the 24th April. The Race is staged at the fantastic setting of Carsington Water, Nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire and is run over the challenging distances of 12K Run-40K Bike-4K Run. Not only are the distances very challenging but the entire course includes very steep hills. However this will be to my advantage as it will favour my climbing prowess.
At the moment I am really training hard for the race. I am training around 15 to 20hrs per week in order to be at my peak form for the race.. I am aiming to finish among the top athletes in Ashbourne and set a great performance. However, I have a very stough opposition especially from the CEEPO TFN duo James Ratcliffe and Mark Couldwell, the latter I beat him in the Worcester Sprint Triathlon by 4 seconds last year.
Take care
Keith
