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Through the eyes of a first
timer.........
In the lead up to Noosa I was very nervous
but actually excited too.
I had tips from lots of
crocs-James, Brad B, Rod, Brad D, Doddy, Anna, Sara, Brownie, Whitey and anyone else who would
listen to my nervous rant. After doing a season of sprint races was I really ready for
Noosa??
When the weekend arrived-there was so many
people around and the other great events were just buzzing. There were a few “children of crocs”
racing-including the Rieck kids .With legends handing out the medals, the kids were excited and
proud.
Putting my bike into transition on Saturday
afternoon got me scared. I tried to not look at how big transition was! Yes I know I am in aisle
13, but do I run down the 12-13 or the 13-14 aisle?? I thought later-aargghh!!!.
Well Sun morning arrived and the familiar
croc faces and being in the tent made me feel a little better. Lots of crocs were racing this day.
Luke Reynolds and I were comparing nerves and I think we both felt equally awful but his belly was
actually unwell. We were secretly plotting to run away to his apartment and hide. But we sucked it
up and got to the start line.
The weather was pretty kind-a veritable mix
of cool and clouds, rain, sun, heat and humidity. The swim for me was a bit of a navigational
nightmare especially as my goggles filled up with water and I had to stop and empty them as I
couldn’t see where I was going.
The ride was great except for the sad sight
of the man in red-our mate Dan Pollard changing his first flat!!-He later went on to a second and
race ending flat.
His poor little boys who kept waiting and waiting to see Dad go
by...... Brownie did the good Samaritan act and stopped and offered him a spare- What a kind
offer Brownie! (This was reminiscent of Bek Keat giving Chrissie Wellington a CO2
cylinder at Kona really).
The run was lined with lots of cheering
people and was fantastic. Going past the croc tent felt great. The first 7 km of the run felt
better than I thought
they would (the last 3 were a bit tough) but the finish line felt
even better!! A cool
shower, watermelon and a few hugs and it was all over. I had very sore legs but a big
smile.
Another unfortunate incident was poor
Michael who was cut off on the bike turn around .
He hit the bitumen and lost quite a bit of skin. But just like Courtney Atkinson-he got back on and
finished-well done Michael.
Thanks to all our spectators –including Rod
and Pieta and Brad and Teish and all our croc family and friends!!!!! Also to our injured and sick
crocs too who couldn’t race on the day.
The crocs had some great racing and some
amazing pbs. Individuals and team members had lots of
fun.
Margo had a great win in her age group,
Alan Bolton finished 1st in the mates wave, Sara had a fantastic 2nd and I was very happy with a
5th. Special
mention to Deb Harding for completing her first Olympic distance
too!
Noosa was a great experience, not possible
without a great squad, coaches and supporters!!!!
PS If anyone is
looking for Brad Dalrymple, I think he is still in Noosa handing out our croc squad pamphlets to
potential new hot female crocs!!
Linda
Marsh
Photos from Noosa Nov 2009
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