Last year while having a PT session with Steve I mentioned that I was thinking of entering Outlaw, I knew as soon as the words left my mouth and saw the smile on Steve’s face that I was doomed.. there would be no turning back now. So I went home and within the hour I’d booked it. Let’s go. No risk, no story.
I knew this year was already going to be busy for me, Tri Camp in Lanzarote in March, IM Mallorca 70.3 in May, an impending shutdown at work meaning I’d be working extended hours and weekends, plus I was half way through completing my Foundation course in Quantity Surveying (oh and being a mum..) Training for me wasn’t going as I’d imagined and I panicked, had a paddy and told Steve I was going to defer, but a quick phone call from him turned that around (Thanks coach )
Fast forward to the Friday of race weekend, I was feeling good, feeling ready, I’d slogged out plenty of miles on the bike and my nutrition had all gone to plan, then disaster struck... the swim was cancelled and would be swapped to a 5km run.. a Iron distance Duathlon?! Panic again, texting Luke back and forth complaining that we didn’t want to do it as it wouldn’t even be a full distance (shout out to Luke here by the way, we’ve complained to each other none stop about training for the last 6 months but it’s been a pleasure). Another quick call from coach and my head was back in the game (thanks again..). We can only race what’s infront of us.
Race morning, up early, breakfast in and I didn’t feel nervous at all , I think the disappointment of the no swimming took all the pressure away. Before I knew it we were lining up in waves to set off for the 5km run around the lake, I was stood next to Hinchy having a bit of a laugh and then he left me. I took the 5km really really slow as I didn’t want my HR to be too high getting on the bike. 29.53 and I was into T1.
Again took this steady, toilet stop and then headed off onto the bike course. 10 minutes.
I got my head down straight away on the bike course and started ticking the miles off, I wasn’t really paying attention to my speed I just was focusing on eating every 30 minutes and drinking every 10. Uncle Rob was out on the course supporting and it gave me such a boost seeing him on lap 1 and 2. The roads were terrible! Pot holes everywhere and someone came off straight infront of me, he shouted “carry on Laura I’m okay”. I was picking quite a few people off which was great and I didn’t feel like i was pushing it (also had Gemma in my head telling me that if I think I’m going okay I’m probably going too fast so back off a bit, thanks Gem it helped reel me back in places!) Before I knew it I was turning left to head back as I’d completed the 3 loops. I rolled into T2, 112 miles with a bike split time of 6.13.26. That’ll do.
T2 I’d read somewhere a good bit of advice that went something like “nothing good happens in T2 so get out of there as fast as you can”. Quick shoe change, picked up my nutrition and off I went onto the run. 5.13
I set off and felt great, putting in a couple of quicker miles before I remembered that this wasn’t a sprint tri and I had a long day ahead of me still, back off Laura! I already knew there was 17 aid stops on the run so instead of counting down the miles I counted the aid stops, stopping to grab a drink and throw water over myself (it was flipping hot by that point). Running up to the corner i saw a crowd of OTCF supporters shouting and cheering me on, this made me feel quite emotional, we really do have the best team and they kept me going with a smile on my face all the way around! Again the miles were ticking away nicely and I felt strong, I saw Luke in the distance and slowed down to have a chat, he was struggling and I was gutted for him but needed to crack on. When I reached the OTCF supporters again, Rob shouted “hinchy is infront and walking, you can catch him!” Righto! And I did pass him (sorry buttercup but OTCF girls definitely rock) Before I knew it I was coming up to the orange carpet and collecting Annabelle from the family and friends section to run down the finish chute with me! Laura Hebb, you are an Outlaw! Wow I’d done it. It was over. Marathon split 4.50.21.
My overall time was 11.49.07 and I placed 20th female out of 81. I couldn’t and still can’t believe it! Never did I imagine I’d finish sub 12 hours, probably one of the most proudest moments of my life so far.
So whats next? I’m now itching to book a full distance again as I want to complete the swim too, but I actually think it was my favourite distance to race! If you told me 2 years ago I’d be saying that I would’ve laughed in your face. I’ve gone from none swimmer, only ridden a mountain bike for a few miles and running 10ks to completing Outlaw in less than 2 years. What a life this is.
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