I know there are plenty of triathletes out there who are either preparing for their first Ironman ever at Port Macquarie, or who contemplate doing one in the future, so I’m going to try and write a few posts in the lead up to the race targeted at you guys.

We’ve got just under two weeks to go now until the big day. Right now you’re probably tapering, backing off the training and beginning to (hopefully) feel great!

There is one thing to remember about each and every time you prepare to race an Ironman:

Throughout life, it’s likely you’re only going to have a handful of days where you are at such a peak level of fitness. Savour and enjoy the feeling!

Between now and the race, inspect all of your race day equipment. Get your bike serviced. Check your wetsuit zipper. Check the laces on your shoes. Go over everything now to eliminate stress later.

Whilst you might be reaching peak fitness right now, your immune system is open to attack. Eat well. I don’t mean massive servings, I mean aim for maximum nutritional value from your meals. Wash your hands properly. Dry off completely after swimming.

Continue Reading “Ironman University – Two weeks out…” »

Whilst out walking yesterday I was having a think about the races I’ve completed over the past few years – and those I would love to toe the startlines of sometime in the near future. So of those completed so far:

Most Physically Demanding Race - The Victorian Mountain Running Championships. Held near the ‘1000 Steps’ in Ferntree Gully National Park (VIC), this race starts at the foot of the ‘Kokoda Memorial Track’ and instead of using the steps, follows a parallel track to the top, rising 300m in just over a kilometre, followed by a long, winding descent to complete the 4.2k lap, to be done three times. This race took me weeks to recover from! Getting up the climb was tough, but I made up time there, however I lost places on every lap by simply not being able to run fast enough downhill. Those guys and girls are crazy!!

Most Enjoyable Race - Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie (NSW). This one is special because I’ve been lucky enough to have family there to support each year. It’s like a little holiday as well as a race outing. I love it all, from the moment we leave the garage, to the moment we get home again.

Most Satisfying Race - Ironman Australia 2001. My first Ironman at Forster-Tuncurry (NSW). I know it’s cliché but your first Ironman is special. Mine was the culmination of years of preparation and at 18 years of age, I went 9:57 and set a mark that until 2009 had me beat. Continue Reading “On The List” »