It’s been just over a week since I raced Ironman Australia. During that time, I’ve had an abundance of moments to feel sorry for myself. You see, things went pear shaped, just like I described in The Curse of the Ironman PB!

I should have seen it coming. It was whilst riding one of the steepish rollers past Flynn’s Beach just before the 60km mark that a guy stepped out from the side of the road and yelled “you’re sweatin’ like a pig mate!” that hinted things weren’t quite right. Upon reaching the crest of the climb, I looked down and noticed I was absolutely drenched. At the time there was no need to panic and I focused on maintaining my fluid intake. In hindsight, the damage was already done.

To complicate things further, my dehydrated state was making it difficult to digest anything sweet. Gels had to be forced down with the effort akin to a child eating their most hated vegetable at the dinner table. It’s a painful, drawn out affair!

Through 120km I could feel my muscles tightening slightly. The jaggedness of the roads made climbing hills a refreshing retreat, thanks to the easing of pressure it provides to tired arms and hands. The descents became agonizingly tiring.
Continue Reading “When the Pear Hits the Fan” »

Finishing an Ironman is hard. Going faster next time is even harder! But it shouldn’t be.

Heading into your first IM, there are so many unknowns. How will I feel on the run? Will I be able to hydrate enough? Will I even finish!?! You listen to all the advice, proceed with caution and hopefully come away with a finishers medal.

Next year rolls around. You’ve got an IM under your belt. You’ve trained better than last time. Been there, done that.

Race day arrives and you feel the nerves – everyone does. The cannon goes off and you begin the journey. This time however, somewhere along the way it goes a little pear shaped. Maybe it was a neglected piece of equipment. A niggling injury. A missed aid station. You dropped the ball – and that champion mindset suddenly meets the Ironman gods, who put you sharply back in your place. You’re reminded that this game isn’t easy, and everyone earns their finish medal – fast or slow.

Continue Reading “The Curse of the Ironman PB” »

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…” »