Noosa and 2008 wrap-up 6th November 2008
Coming back home to Palmy has never felt like such a cold experience at this time of year. But seems like the whole of New Zealand is having some interesting weather at the moment.
After travelling and racing in Noosa in the weekend I feel like I have gone full circle in a week and a bit ( weather wise). 10 days ago I was running around in Germany in all the clothes I could put on while still being able to move. Then I flew to Mexico for the final World Cup of the year and didn't want to wear anything! Lastly I arrived in Noosa where the sun packed some heat and the birds were up making there presence felt at around 4am... I love Kookaburra's. And so it is now I'm back in Palmerston North with all the clothes back on again.
The race in Noosa was my last of the year in what has been the most demanding year for myself since I started triathlon. I ended up 4th. I had a good race but was foiled by some dubious rule changes that were not to my knowledge and a lot of travelling over the week. What I will say is if you ever inspire to do a triathlon overseas then this one is the one for all of you. 7000 athletes just giving it there all on a great course and all with a smile on there face as they cross the line. Not to mention a great expo and and even better after race party!
2008 has had it ups and downs for myself as every year does. But my overall results read as one of the best year's I've had in the sport to date. I only raced three world cups this year due to a limited programme because of the Olympics. But the ones where I did toe the line, went great. I was 1st in Mexico, 2nd in Austria and 4th in New Plymouth. I gained a 2008 World Cup ranking of 12 from only 3 races when a possible 8 can be used. And my overall World ranking is now number 4. I won in France, Germany, and became a French club champion for the second time round.
But.... then there was the Olympics, It's a one day gig that's for sure. I had worked so hard and put so much into my training over the last years to perform better than anyone on that day. But that day and the chance was robbed from me! The Olympics in Beijing was one of the most challenging points in my life to date. It was a great honour to represent my country but I wanted so much more. There is no easy way to get over a disappointment like that.
Being back in New Zealand over the past couple of days has made me realise even more so the huge amount of support I had here. My once old room at my parents house. Has turned into a room full of posters, banners and letters from so many people wishing me the best before and after the games. I never thought I would be able to touch so many people in that way. And I now know that I have a unique opportunity to share those thoughts and what I learned from Beijing to everyone.
I'll take a few easy weeks now off training. Things are pretty busy while I'm back in NZ catching up with everyone and putting my hand up as much as I can in any way possible.
I hope the summer is going to get a run sooner or later for everyone's sake....until then wrap up, and for all of you that are still training for the big events coming up like the Contact energy triathlon series, round the lake bike race or the open water swimming events. Good luck. They or any other event are great reasons to get out there and have some fun and be healthy.
Laters,
Kris
Regards,
Kris