Wrecked ticks all boxes

By Ellie O'Gorman

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The location race, I have decided, is the perfect combination for the Weekend Warrior. It combines time away from home (where washing, ironing, gardening, visiting your relatives, sorting your spice rack can distract you), with the experience of a new destination (think: tropical paradise. Moreton Bay trumps the Maldives EVERY TIME!) as well as the self-satisfaction of completing an ocean swim (nothing works up an appetite for post-race bacon and eggs like a swim in the ocean).

Tick, tick, tick.

For those readers who are unsure of its meaning, Urban Dictionary defines "Weekend Warrior" as:

'...a person who holds a regular job during the week which restricts their ability to party/go on trips/partake in awesome activities, and thus plans epic weekend adventures to compensate. As much variation and quantity of awesomeness is packed into the weekends as physically possible, warranting the rest of the work week to recharge for the next weekend.'

The weather was fine and sunny, providing a pleasant change from the constant rain that Queenslanders have been suffering since before Christmas.

The Wrecked field for 2011 was strong (as these Weekend Warriors often are - working 9-5 or longer then voluntarily diving into the ocean to splash, dash and bash against each other in a mad fight to the finish line). Competition was fierce for the overall placing with Trent Grimsey emerging first from the water in a time of 24 minutes and 27 seconds followed closely by his brother Codie Grimsey two seconds later. I wonder if they shared the car ride home amicably...

Third place was Michael Sheil, 30 seconds after Codie Grimsey.

The women's race was won overall by Lesleigh Mayes, in a strong time of 29 mins 59 seconds, followed by Jane Solomon and Chelsea Godson in third place.

Fascinatingly, this was Lesleigh's first ever ocean swim. Not only that, but she is an Olympian, having competed at the 1976 Montreal Games in the 100 metres and 200 metres freestyle and 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay. Speaking after the event, Mayes commented "I had the best day on Sunday - it was such a beautiful swim".

Equally as impressive as these overall placegetters were the remaining field of over 200 individuals and teams of two who travelled to participate in this event, showing that ocean swimming as a sport in Queensland is growing in popularity. Participation is what Weekend Warrior Events is all about. John Guise, the Event Director, prides himself and his team on creating sports events focussed on the beauty and natural settings of Queensland, with the aim of getting Queensland active by motivating people of all ages and backgrounds to get off the couch and into the great outdoors.
Each event is focussed on providing the opportunity for the Weekend Warrior athlete (as well as the elite athlete) to do something out of the ordinary. To compensate, as Urban Dictionary states, for the 'regular job during the week which restricts the ability to party/go on trips/partake in awesome activities'.

The result?

Wrecked will become (if it hasn't already) the perfect "location race". Similar to the "location wedding", but without the price tag, the agonising small talk, and the uncomfortable shoes, the location race allows you to pack an overnight bag with more than your Speedos, goggles and cap. The location race allows you to make a weekend out of an experience, and to get up and get out and explore a part of Queensland you might not have visited before.

It's not often that ocean swims are held on the shores of a world famous tropical island, either. And one that is only 75 minutes from Brisbane. If that wasn't enough to get you reaching for your Speedos, off the couch and into the local pool for some training to work off the office paunch or post-Christmas pouch, then the thought of making a weekend getaway should be. What could be better than competing (a full 2.4km individual swim or take the tour as a 2 person team) in these waters, drying off in full view of some dolphins, and then heading off for a cocktail at Tangalooma Resort?

Next time, plan to stay overnight in the Tangalooma Resort, complete the ocean swim, feed a dolphin, hire a 4WD and scoot around the endless beaches, freshwater lakes and bushland. Arrive home, perhaps a bit sunburnt, salty, and with sand in your shoes, but with a sense of achievement and purpose that allows you get through the working week knowing that you are more than a cog in the corporate machine.

Until the next event (think: location race), happy training, Weekend Warriors!

Ellie O'Gorman is a freelance writer and editor.