Blogs

Tue, 19 Jul 2011

"London Triathlon & British Super Series Champion 2011, WhHu!"

By Jodie Stimpson - Vision Fitness Ambassador

Good evening everyone!!!!!!!! As you can probably tell, I'm a little happy this evening :-)

So, down to business, I will start with this weekend. At last years London Triathlon, I got 2nd next to Helen Jenkins, but unfortunately Helen wasn't racing this weekend, however, this did not stop this year being short of competition; with Liz Blatchford racing, super swimmer Abbie Thorrington, and of course some of the juniors racing up and some international athletes, I wasn't in for a easy day at all!!!

I drove down on Saturday morning with my Mom, to get there in time to watch some family and friends who were racing the Sprint Relay Event. Big Congratulations to Sim, Wayne and Carli for finishing, next year it's the individual sprint for you all!!!!!! Michelle also had a team who entered (and of course won) and Min was running the 5k leg in her relay team :) Well Done to the Team Dillon Relay Team!

So, race morning came, I got up and had a little jog to stretch my legs, had breaky and set up transition. Meanwhile the Stimpy clan arrived and next thing I knew it was time for swim warm up, and I was off at 10.20. I got called into the water first woman, number 66, so went to the furthest point on the start line which I had decided was probably the fastest route to take. This swim was a little different than what I have been used to in the WCSR, being only 1 lap (basically 750m up and 750m back). I had to remember that I couldn't make up ground on my second lap (which I normally do).

So, off we went, and I soon found out that Abbie Thorrington was to my left somewhere, I knew it must have been her as she had a gap near enough from the start, and then Liz Blachford soon hooked up with her and they both managed to get a small gap on me. My reaction time to getting on their feet just wasn't quick enough, so the gap was made and stayed the same throughout the remainder of the swim. I got into T1 there was about 20 seconds between myself and Liz and Abbie but I could see them, which is always good, so head down I just hammered it to get to them. I caught them quite quickly and then the three of us really worked really well together. Everyone took their turn and did their fair share of the work, which always helps!

Liz was the strongest out of the three of us on the bike, but we all managed to stay away from the chasing pack comfortably and before we knew it T2 was approaching us. We all entered T2 together and as soon as I could I hammered down the pace. I know how Liz races, and she is a gritty racer, and races hard throughout, so I got into a strong rhythm quickly and felt comfortable. After the second lap, I heard Michelle telling me to ease up a little, as I didn't want to over do it for Hyde Park next weekend so I did (as much as I could). Upon entering The ExCel Centre I heard a massive roar of people, and coming into the home straight on the red carpet, people were lined up banging on the signs and cheering for me! I managed to high 5 some people before taking the ribbon and finishing in a time of 1 hour, 56 minutes, 48 seconds. How chuffed was I?!?!?!

Well done to Liz who got 2nd, Lois who finished 3rd and to Abbie who unfortunately pulled out on the run.

Little did I know that after I had been on top of the podium for the race, I was summons back again to receive my third British Super Series title! I won the Series for the third time in a row with a total of 270 points! WOW, To be honest it wasn't my best series to date, but the win today at London made up for that tenfold.

Me and Michelle have really been working hard on my running lately, and I now start to feel a difference. I would not be where I am today without her expertise and support, she really is a legend! I remember seeing her win this same event back in 2007, where I was racing as a Junior, and said to myself I'll be winning here like her too one day, and today was that day. Min you are an inspiration to me and I know many many other people. So thank you!

Next week is London Hyde Park WCR, the set up looks awesome already! I've seen some pictures on facebook, and it's going to be one hell of a race! Hopefully the crowds will be as good as they have been the past two years, please please please come down and support team GB, and give me a shout when your there, I'm ready to rumble!

Night everyone!

Jode Xxx

For more information about Jodie Stimpson - Great Britain Triathlete, visit www.jodiestimpson.co.uk.