During a three-month campaign in San Diego, training and racing under the direction of coach Siri Lindley, Whangarei's Sam Warriner has made her mark on the competitive triathlon scene in her host country.
Warriner has been in the United States since March living and breathing triathlon and recovering from a broken
wrist she suffered in February.
It affected her swimming for several weeks, but the 38-year-old has put the injury well behind her and has been making the most of Lindley's intensive training and racing regime.
In April, Warriner climbed back on to the podium by winning the New Orleans 70.3 (half Ironman) and is leading the Revolution 3 Half Ironman Series, after two rounds.
"The series is actually the best-paid triathlon series in the States, with a big bonus prize at the end for the winner. It's made up of three races in total, the first was at the beginning of May and I got second, then last weekend I came third in Quassy, Connecticut ... so I'm now leading the series overall," Warriner said from her San Diego base.
The non-wetsuit swim in Lake Quassy was calm and warm and Warriner completed the 2km in 28.22 minutes, before setting off on the hilly 90km bike ride.
"I rode strong on a tough hilly course and got off in third - I have just had a new bike position set up which has helped especially on the flats.
"Unfortunately due to the hills, I was not able to capitalise on this though, it seemed I was constantly out of my seat," she said.
The hills took a lot out of Warriner's legs, so she felt fatigued on the run and could not catch up any further positions.
She finished in a time of 4h 31m 55s.
The field racing in the Rev 3 was world class, including current world champion Julie Dibens, who was fourth, and Rinny Carfrae, who won the Quassy race.
Now she is leading the series, Warriner said she was tempted to race in the third event during September as the prizemoney was alluring, despite it not being part of her race schedule this year.
For now, however, all focus was on her next race tomorrow (Sunday), which is at the Eagleman 70.3 in Maryland, featuring some strong American professional triathletes in it.
