Gael Force West 2019

Two weeks after the Westport Triathlon I was back in Westport for GaelForce West. Back at the race that started it all and back at the race that one year previous forced me to rethink my life approach. The training was done and I felt good. This race would tell me everything. I started the race in Wave 2, 30 minutes after Ger and Ed. By the time I had completed the first run I had caught up with them (they timed out for 10 minutes so I had a 20 minute lead). I had a lead but it was still all to play for, both Ger and Ed were very strong cyclists. I managed to hold my lead up and down Croagh Patrick and on to the final cycle. I knew Ed was gaining on me. I pushed hard ignoring the cramp that was trying to grip my leg. I crouched forward to try to reduce my air resistance. After rounding each bend I anticipated the finish and wondered how much longer I could continue to push. On each straight I grimaced, looked down and drove my feet into the pedals. Finally, into the town and into transition. A sprint over the finish line. Got my medal, my time and a look over my shoulder. There was Ed. 8 seconds behind. Ger was further back and would end up over 20 minutes behind. The training had paid off and I was now better than OK. This was not a time for pause however, this newfound drive needed to be fed.