Hey guys,
Just finished my third half ironman in 15days with a bang here in St. Croix. Managed to just hold on for the win over Tim O’Donnell who was also second last week in Texas.
It was a tough day. The competition was world class, the course was hilly and the heat was unbearable!
We kicked off at 630 this morning which meant my alarm went off at 3:45am. I did hit snooze several times. The swim was fast but the core group of guys, which included Craig Alexander Ironman World Champion 2009, Richie Cunningham, Tim O’Donnell and Tyler Butterfield stuck together. That all changed pretty early in the bike section when the Frenchman Romaine Guillaune pushed the pace big time. Fortunately Tim and I managed to keep up and split the group. The three of us stayed away for the duration of the 56mile/ 90km bike and stretched our lead to about 2 minutes over the chase group.
Heading off onto the run my legs were dead. Tim quickly open up a 20second lead in the first couple miles. Finally my legs started to free up and I could find a good Rhythm. At mile 4 I caught up and got myself a little lead that I held onto until mile 7 where Tim caught back up. We then ran together until mile 12 of the 13mile/ 21km run where I made my move and managed to hold on to the finish.
Tim is a class act and a great sportsman – thanks for keeping it real out there buddy.
Tyler Butterfield ran through the field to finish 3rd closely followed by Richie Cunningham and Fraser Cartmell, who lead out of the water.
The woman’s race was won by Catriona Morrison, second place was fellow Kiwi Sam Warriner.
St. Croix has been an amazing experience thanks to my great homestay Dave and Jane Kendrick. They own a amazing restaurant “Kendricks” so I ate in style every night. Think Dave’s special Pasta last night topped off my Carbo loading.
Planning on taking a couple weeks easy now before getting ready for some more races in June.
Will keep in touch,
Thanks for the support
Terenzo
