Jessica Learmonth

What a day! This was one of those races where everything just came together.

The Swim

Fought my way into the top pack early and held on. The washing machine start was intense but I stayed calm and found clean water quickly. Split: 24:38

The Bike

Pushed hard from the gun. The course suited my strengths — rolling hills and a few technical sections where I could gain time. Averaged 310W normalized, which is a new race-day best for me.

The Run

Ran scared for the first 5km, then re...

Race week is here and I wanted to share my thoughts going in.

The Course

The bike is going to be the decisive leg. 2,400m of climbing over 180km with a brutal headwind section on the Queen K highway. I've done my homework — rode the course twice this week and know every corner, every climb, every place to push and recover.

The run is flat and fast, which should suit my strengths. But after that bike, nothing is guaranteed.

My Competition

The start list is loaded. At least 5 athletes w...

Track session: 10x400m with 90 sec rest. The last two were the fastest. That's what race-ready looks like.