2008 70.3 WORLD CHAMPION

CLEARWATER 70.3 WORLD CHAMPION 9 NOVEMBER 08

Hey guys,

Just a quick note to let you all know that finally on my third attempt I managed to crack the World title with a course record here at Clearwater Beach, Florida.
It was an awesome day and coming across the line first was an indescribable feeling. I still cant really believe that I did it.I had a good swim and was about 5th out of the water, Andy Potts, last years champ had about a 45sec lead. A big group of about 20 athletes formed on the bike, everyone seemed to ride fair and there was no drafting going on. The bunch split at the half way point and unfortunately I was way at the back as I was struggling to find my legs. I managed to bridge back up to the leaders and get in a group of 4 that broke the group again. the conditions out there were great, not much wind and not too hot.
So into transition in 2nd place, and out of there in the lead.I found my rhythm early on, but it may have been a bit quick as I hit the first mile in about 5.05 which is about 3:10 pace per Km. I was running out the front by myself and things were going great, I finished the first lap in about 35min and that is when I started feeling my legs, my quads and calves were on the verge of cramping and my legs were starting to blow, my pace had slowed big time and Andreas from Germany was running me down and quickly. I did everything I could to keep moving and thankfully I had put enough time on him in the bike on on the first lap of the run to hold him off.
The spectators were amazing, the volunteers were great and to have my folks and girlfriend here with me topped off my day. it would have been even better if my bro was here but I guess studies have to come first!!!

Thanks everyone for everything, this has been a great year and I have loved every minute of it.

Now Kelly and I are off on holiday for the next 5 weeks, we are probably going to have to have a holiday when we get back to recover from our travels.

Terenzo

CLEARWATER 70.3 6 NOVEMBER 08

Hi I hope everyone is well and healthy. Just a quick note to fill you in on what's been happening the last month.

First stop was Kona, Hawaii for the World Ironman Championships. I stayed with the Specialized team for the week and we had a blast, even though I did have one of those weeks from hell. I dropped my cell phone in the pool, I broke my hand riding my bike down town for breakfast and I was not even under the influence of Alcohol. I got a job on race day as a spotter out on the course which meant I got to see the race from the front the whole day which was a huge learning curve. I stayed in town for another 3 weeks to train in the sun but the VOG (volcanic smog) was killing me, so off to Clearwater, Florida a few days earlier than expected to get some clean air.My last key workout on Friday on the race course went well, so now I am counting down the days, 4 more to go. The healing of my hand has come along well but I am still have to ride with my splint on.Last but not least I would like to welcome my newest sponsor onboard, ARX by Healthy Directions. ARX is a recovery pill that I have been using for the last couple months. In a world where recovery is so important and can determine your outcome on race day, ARX helps speed this along. My legs to be able to bounce back after hard workouts so I can train harder more often. Check it out at http://www.fastertomorrow.com/.

Saturday 8th November is the World 70.3 (Half Ironman) Championships here at Clearwater Beach, Florida. 6:45am kick off time which is 12:45am back home in NZ, so you all better be up watching!!! Just kidding, I will try get an email out soon after the race so when you wake up on Sunday morning you should know the result. If you do wish to follow the race you can do so on http://www.ironmanlive.com/ hopefully they will have respectable coverage.

Thanks and will report back soon
Terenzo