Hello!!

I opened my 2009 race season in Tasmania this past weekend at the Australian Sprint National Championships.  I can't remember the last time I did a sprint race, so I was really excited, not to mention the fact that it was the first time back racing since September.  My race preparation has been going really well and coming out of a big training block filled with some of the biggest running weeks I have ever done in my life, I was feeling relatively prepared to race.  I haven't been swimming as much as I would like, because running has been our focus, so I was actually most hesitant about the swim leg of the race.  Yet, in all of that, I had no real expectations and just wanted to put together a good and smart day.

I got off to a great start, got on the right feet at the right time and was cruising along through the first 1/2 of the swim.  Unfortunately, big waves and a poor decision on my part (to take the shortest line, not stay on the fast feet) resulted in my falling back a few places and coming out of the water in 4th.  A slower transition than normal set me up for a tough bike ride, but I put my head down and forged forward.  It was well worth it as I caught the two women ahead of me on the 5th of 8 laps.  At the end of the bike, I was still in the group of 3, with only the solo leader ahead.  I charged out on to the run course in 3rd place and tried desperately to find a rhythm in my smashed legs.  It's amazing how quickly you can forget what racing feels like!  I had a solid run, although not as fast as I would have liked, that was technically excellent.  I ended up finishing the day in 4th.

It was a solid effort, far from perfect, and a great way to start the 2009 season.  It gives me a clear idea of where I am at and what I need to keep working on in the next few weeks before the race season really begins!!  Next up, as long as I'm granted a start, will be the Mooloolaba World Cup at the end of March up on the Sunshine Coast here in Australia.

Thank you for all of your support!!!

Best,
Jenna

www.jennashoemaker.blogspot.com