Filipa:
Last Sunday I was allowed to participate in the Belgium Sprint Duathlon Champs as preparation race for still what is my main goal this season: World Duathlon Champs held next September in Nancy. I didn’t make the National Team the 22 April, but I still dream about going, even though for now it can only be as an age group.
58 women respond to the challenge and I couldn’t be more excited. Never have I been in such a competitive race before. I was scared to death, I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t recognized the circuit before racing…apart from these (crucial) details, had no pressure. This was going to be a test to see how far I have improved so far.
It was a battle from the beginning just to get in front of the pack and find my pace. Once I found it I started to increase rhythm until we were only 4 women together. It was the first race of the season that I pushed the pace on the run and felt good. Did the 6Km run in 21:51 min, with 3 women chasing me.
Out to the bike, I messed up in T1 losing one of my shoes when I jumped. Ended up in 4th place, caught the 3rd girl and once we were together we worked hard to catch 1st and 2nd. It was 33min of pure bloodshed. I entered T2 in 2nd but I was out of legs. My 2.5 Km were a disappointing 9:49min but that’s life. I finished 4thoverall, 34’’ after the winner, with 1:05:50.
Even though I died on the beach, I can see now that I’m bridging the gap’s very fast. Changing coach and having to adapt to a whole new training philosophy, besides moving country and lifestyle, were one of the hardest decisions I had to make, but one that’s paying off and in such a short time frame. Thank you Coach, you are taking me to a whole other level, and we have only begun…
Next challenge will be held 13th of May: International Olympic (non-drafting) Triathlon in Geel, my first experience in a non-drafting bike segment
Daan gaf ons een kijkje in de geheimen van het beroep van fietsenmaker.
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