Amanda's Malaysian Day

Oh My God

What can I say....... my race report is as follows:
The swim start was a bit of a debacle as most of the athletes were still on the dock as the gun went off but luckily I had swum out to the start line. I felt great in the water and took off at a great steady pace. I was pretty soon catching some of the pro's and was pretty sure I was the first one in my age group. Out of the water in 1 hour flat (no wetsuit) not bad at all.

Onto the bike and I took the first 10km easy. Had a massive big hill to go up and did not want a repeat of the dreaded butt cramps ... please see previous race reports.

Settled into a steady pace and started to put some time into the other girls. I went around in 5.40 and felt great. (NB: The race statistics show that Amanda averaged 35.7k/hr for the 60km between 25k and 85k and she averaged 34.2k/hr during the final 60k!! She was cruising.)

Next was the run and had figured out that the only other girl in the running was an Aussie.. She was still about 15mins down and I was pretty sure if I could hold it together on the run I would be good for it.

First lap was good but hard but no time change, second lap was harder but still no time change, third lap I figured she would make her move so I put in a little bit more effort I had her by 20 or so mins.

Collected my final wrist band and headed out for the last lap. I got to the last drink station at the top of the turn around and that’s the last thing I remember. Apparently I started to stagger at the 36km mark and collapsed on the side of the road. I don’t remember a thing but the ambulance came and picked me up and took me to the medical tent.

I was unconscious for about 2 hours and when I came to I didn’t know my name or luke’s or even recognise my mum. So they took me to the hospital where I started to come round. I couldn’t believe I was 6 kms away from finishing and was so far in front and blacked out. Dam Dam Dam. I was headed for a 11 hour race for sure and am so disappointed not to have my well deserved kona spot but they don’t give them out for 36 km they only give them out for those who cross the finish line.

What I am taking away with me is that I know I have it now and I know I will get that elusive spot this year as this was so dam hot and hard. I led all day and toughed it out til they had to drag me off the bloody course unconscious.