Dubai 70.3, 5 Mar 2022

Dubai 70.3 was to be a ‘training’ race (i.e. one that my season wasn’t built around), which meant practicing my nutrition plan and avoiding the temptation to go too hard!

I was in the minority, choosing not to wear a wetsuit for the swim and I’m pleased with my decision - it was pretty warm (23.8c). My swim goal was sub-30min as I’ve been comfortably doing this in the pool. I got kicked in the ribs only a couple hundred meters in, and then as we got further out the water conditions became increasingly choppy! At the turnaround, I couldn’t see the buoys or beach because of the sunrise. I then lost feet to follow and started panicking. Eventually, I caught sight of a buoy and realised I was headed in the wrong direction... this cost me my sub-30!

The start of the bike felt strong - I avoided focusing on speed and kept my HR consistent. Heading out into the desert, I knew there would be a headwind and unfortunately I caught it at its worst. Some sections felt like a real struggle, but after the it was like going downhill with the tailwind! I was also nailing my nutrition plan throughout. It was surreal cycling on the usually busy roads of Dubai!

Usually in the run, I start hard and try hold that pace... which then means I fade and the pace drops. This time I started slow and steady and maintained the pace throughout. Considering it was 35c, I was really pleased with my run time! The need to stay hydrated meant I forgot to have any gels on the run until 45minutes in, oops. 

All in all, I’m really pleased with my result (5:09:59) for so early in the season and can’t wait to see what more I can do later this year. It was also amazing having my parents there to support!

Holly Mei Jones