Catriona Morrison

A while ago Iain Mackintosh of Imac Images did a photo-shoot with me down by the Forth Railway Bridge. You can see the images (and others) at: http://www.imacimages.co.uk/cart/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=1464

The Scottish Institute of Sport Foundation have changed name. They are now known as the Winning Scotland Foundation. To read more about the change read Richard Moore’s article at : http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/sport/Richard-Moore–39Winning39-is.4353105.jp

After a very quick (and apparently prudent – given that Broxburn where I live flooded last week) change to my holiday plans I am now in the south of France. Perpignan has a public bike scheme: the saddle was comfy and the upright position likewise. Perhaps not so aero though?

The skies are blue, my skin is still blue and the temperatures are up in the 30s. I have found some very good sunscreen. The heat has certainly made running and biking a challenge. 6am running sessions to avoid a complete melt down are just my cup of tea…I wish! The afternoon temperatures on the bike are made bearable by the gale force breeze that sweeps down from the Pyrenees. I never thought I would look forward to riding into a headwind! Still, it is all good acclimatisation for Monaco 70.3 in just two week’s time. By then I will have mastered the hills again aided by some super climbs into the foothills of the mountains around Perpignan.

I had a race plan: run my race, bike my race and run my race. Then finish in good shape and pull up on Monday with as little body damage as possible. It’s now Tuesday morning (I got home last night so apologies for the late update) and I’m stiff but otherwise seem to be OK!

Everything went to plan and into the bargain I defended my ITU Long Distance duathlon title. A major surprise and a major bonus. Unlike last year where I controlled the race from the off, this year I only felt in control on the second run. I set off at a comfortable pace for the first 18k keeping with the leaders for about 8k. The split through 10k was 36m10s so I wasn’t slacking! With only 4 weeks of sport specific training in the tank, the second half of the run was all about keeping going and digging deep. Coming onto the bike leg I was in 4^th position and quickly moved through the field to lead the bike most of the way. Again the first two laps were strong but I faded into lap 4 when the Dutch athlete Mariska Kramer who had tailed me for the majority of the race came to the front and entered T2 about 20s ahead. Onto the second run and the first Km was sooooo painful. The crowd was shouting that Mariska was looking rough and I was thinking that I was feeling pretty rough myself. Obviously she was having a worse time than I was and I didn’t look back as I past her just after the first Km. Then I decided that I was on my 35min loop from home and that I’d be in the house soon!!

Coming across the line I have to say that I was more proud of my performance this year given my surgery in April. I have also gained a lot more confidence for the races still to come this season. First I have to get home and give these legs some well deserved TLC.

A wee trip down south yesterday for the team relays. What a fun event. Loads of people, great atmosphere and a chance to totally gub yourself in 3 mini TT efforts. Full report at: http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/

I’m sore today :-)