Anaconda Adventure Race, Gold Coast, Australia
More victories for the Usshers... Richard reports
Richard Ussher / 19.08.2008
Congrats to NZ’s Richard Ussher for his first place finish in the individual category, and to Elina Ussher, who along with partner Hailey Bateup, took first place in the pairs (not just female, but ahead of all of the pairs, and most of the four-person teams as well) - and many thanks to Richard for the following report:
After a whole 4 days back in the country....and the cold, Elina and I headed across the ditch for the first of the Anaconda races – this one on Australia’s Gold Coast. It was the first time for both of us on the course so we allowed a few days spare for checking it out which also allowed us to catch up on some sleep and get rid of a little of the jet lag still chasing us from the 50 hours of travel back from Finland.
The first swim in Australian waters is always a bit nerve wracking but the crystal clear water at least meant you could see anything that was heading in for a snack – not that much comfort really. We also got to head out on the bike and run courses which looked like we’d be in for a fast race. There were several unknown factors heading towards race day though, would I get my ski in time for the race, I was borrowing a ski off Aussie legend Guy Andrews but he’d managed to do some damage to it the week before and it was getting some repairs – and some rocks in it if his father was to be believed. The last leg of the race also involved a 1 km paddle board leg, on learn to surf boards which most of us had no experience with. The final factor was how much time was I going to lose in the swim this time around? Last year I was giving up anywhere between 5-8 minutes and I was hoping my swim training over the past few months would slash that to a more manageable gap.
SleepMonsters
