Hi All
The main reason I decided to study at the University of Natal in Durban was so that I would have ample opportunity to master the sport of Surfboarding! Many a lecture was skipped when there was a westerly offshore wind when us “Surfers” would rush off the North Pier to catch a swell.
I, therefore, had an instant affinity to the Sunshine Coast some 80km north of Brisbane in Australia – the beaches there have such soft, beautiful sands that stretch as far as the eye can see with many popular surfing spots teeming with enthusiastic youngsters.
With my subsequent interest in competing in the numerous half ironman events, it was only natural that I should, one day, line up to compete in the Sunshine Coast 70.3 held annually in Mooloolaba. That opportunity presented itself last Sunday morning when I lined up on the water’s edge with over 2200 eager triathletes. The weather was (initially) perfect with overcast skies and moderate wind conditions. We were sent off in batches of 4 every 7 seconds with the self-described stronger swimmers leading the pack around some 12 orange beacons covering some 1.9km. We had to adjust our directions to accommodate a strong side current along with waves that made beacon sighting a challenge. 35 minutes later I was brought back to shore with a fun bit of body surfing.
Alexandra Parade is the main road running alongside the seafront in Mooloolaba and most of the run and the initial part of the cycle traversed this route presenting competitors with some stunning views. The 90km cycle was made up of two, mostly flat, out, and back loops along the main M1 highway to Coolum Beach. We had the wind on our backs for the outward journey giving us a challenging return into a strong headwind and subsequent drizzle. Cycling is, unfortunately the weakest link in my triathlon ventures resulting in my overall position changing from 717 out of the water to 1775 after the cycle – well at least I was not included in the 400 odd competitors who failed to complete the swim / cycle leg under the 5-hour qualifying time!
It’s been hard to admit but I injured myself playing bowls some six months ago. With the help of a couple of very knowledgeable Physiotherapists, I’ve made major improvements to my running strength and was able to run for most of the 21km half marathon albeit at a very slow pace. My final 70.3 time of 7.43 was 17 minutes within the 8-hour qualifying time so happy days.
If you are thinking about taking up this long-distance triathlon event and can afford to fly over to Australia the Sunshine Coast 70.3 is a good place to start. Why not attend one of the local Harare triathlons held regularly at the Mount Pleasant Pool. Good on ya mate Mike G
