Kyle Jones
Canadian TriathleteSan Diego World Series
This past weekend was the second stop of the ITU World Triathlon Series in San Diego. WTS events are always special to be apart of, but with this particular event doubling as the US Olympic Trials, there was a unique vibe throughout the weekend. With an exciting women’s race the day before and a massive age group event in the morning, there was plenty of energy out on the course by the time we hit the start line Saturday afternoon.
I had a great block of training leading into this race and was excited to have another big hit out. Out of the water there was a small lead group that formed on the first lap of the bike. I was in the main chase pack, that would eventually bridge the small gap early on. We were then caught by a larger second chase group about half way through and formed one big pack for the remainder of the bike and into transition. As expected, the race came down to the last 10k. As always the top placings were separated by just seconds. I felt strong on the run and ended up 12th. Another solid performance that I’m very happy with.
Photo courtesy of the ITU
Sydney World Series
Last weekend was the first round of the ITU World Triathlon Series in Sydney, Australia. I came into the race looking to build on the performances I’ve had already this year and take another step towards my ultimate goal of performing well in August. I was able to do just that, finishing with a solid 13th place finish. I was hoping to be in a position to run with the leaders on the first couple of laps, but I wasn’t far off, and I was able to close well on the second half of the run so that was good. Overall I was happy with the result.
After a couple days of recovery in Sydney, I traveled over to Japan for the World Cup race in Ishigaki this weekend. I’m looking forward to getting out there on Sunday. This race offers another good opportunity to mix it up at the front of the race.
Photos courtesy of Victor Lee
Track Tuesday is back
Last week Joel and I made the drive from Noosa to Sippy Downs to use the track at the University of the Sunshine Coast. For this particular session we were joined by British triathlete David McNamee.
Mooloolaba World Cup
This past weekend was the first World Cup race of the season in Mooloolaba, Australia. This race is probably my favourite stop on the circuit. The atmosphere is unlike any other event. Enthusiastic spectators combined with a challenging swim, bike, and run course make it a great event to kick start the season.
Overall I’m happy with my 8th place result. It was another step in the right direction towards London and a good hit out before the World Series race in Sydney in 3 weeks time. In the meantime I will be training on the Sunshine coast in Noosa. I’m really looking forward to this next block of training and racing.
Clermont Pan Am Cup
This past weekend I capped off a 6 week training stint in the sunshine state of Florida by racing the ITU Clermont Pan American Cup. This event was a sprint distance race (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) which offered a nice hard effort and acted as a good tune up for the races coming up in Australia. I was very pleased with my 2nd place result, adding another podium finish to the start of my 2012 season.
Here’s a link to the results and some photos from the race.
Pan Am Champs
This past weekend I was in La Paz, Argentina for the Pan American Championships. It’s not often we race so early in the season but with important Olympic points up for grabs the long trip was well worth it.
I’m very happy to start the 2012 season on the podium with a 3rd place result, finishing just behind teammate Brent McMahon and race winner Tyler Butterfield who broke away on the bike to setup his well earned victory.
I felt fit coming into this race. It’s a long season with many different trips and we had to decide how much emphasis we wanted to place on this one race. I was confident in my training leading up and felt like I could pull it off with little disruption to the overall plan. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get the win but overall I’m happy with it. The focus is still the World Series races in April and May so need to keep that in perspective, but we’re off to a very good start!
Navy Base Swimming
Due to the temporary closing of Crystal Pool here in Victoria our squad has been making alternate arrangements for our swim sessions.
For 3 weeks in December we were welcomed by the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt to use the Naden Athletic Centre. Here’s some footage from one of our workouts at the Navy base.
Music: Houdini – Foster the People
Boxing Day 10 miler
Yesterday I ran the Boxing Day 10 mile road race in Hamilton, Ontario. It was the 91st running of the event but only my first time racing. For anyone living in the southern Ontario area who hasn’t participated before, I strongly recommend it. A well run event with a tough course to burn off all that turkey! I was very happy to get the win in a time of 50:28.
Click here for results
Click here for Hamilton Spectator article
Crossing the finish line
Post race with family
With 2 of my biggest supporters, Glen & Norma Lawson from Chip Time Results
Track Tuesday
It has been just over 3 weeks since I’ve been back working with coach Joel Filliol. It has been a very positive change, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I’m really enjoying working with him again and training has been rolling along quite nicely.
Here’s a sneak peek of what our Tuesday afternoon session looks like:
Music: Tonight is the night – Outasight
Triathlon Ontario Dinner
Saturday evening in Toronto I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker at the Triathlon Ontario annual awards dinner. Triathlon Ontario has been a huge supporter of my career ever since my early days racing as a junior. It was great to be able to give back in a small way by sharing my journey in sport and what I’ve been able to accomplish with their support. It was also nice to catch up with some of the guys I used to train with back in the day. On top of all that Kelly and I even got the chance to spend some quality time with our family!
