This page contains race reports as follows: 2008 IM NZ; Sprint Race 1, Sprint Race 2, Sprint Race 3, 2009 IM OZ; Swaziland MTB; Lake Bennett; 2009 Swazi Extreme; 2008 Olympic Distance Champs; 2008 Bali International Triathlon; 2008 OSIM Singapore International; 2008 IM 70.3 Singapore; 08/09 Challenge Series - Adelaide; 08/09 Challenge Series - Moreton Bay; 08/09 Challenge Series - Perth (Aust Triathlon Championships); Murray Man Triathlon, SA
2010 Lake Argyle Adventure Race
Mat's report from his latest multisport adventure
Driving 8 hours then camping is not everyone’s idea of a great time. What about driving 8 hours, camping and then doing an adventure race around some of the most spectacular terrain to be found anywhere? Well that’s a different story!
The inaugural running of the Lake Argyle Adventure Race was what the organiser, Simon, called an ‘intimate affair’. He was right. But fewer competitors didn’t mean the racing was any less intense. Nor did it mean that the course was going to be easy, though in truth, I don’t think any race of four disciplines in the heat of the Kimberley that covered over 77km was ever going to be easy.
The swim started from the rocky shore of Lake Argyle boat ramp and headed out and around a pontoon moored near the far side for the first lake. Conditions were great with a light breeze kicking a small chop but as anyone from training can attest I am certainly not a natural born swimmer and my main goal was to not finish last. I did it in 70 minutes and I wasn’t even out of my wetsuit when the last man was in.
The transition for the kayak was at the bottom of the dam wall, over 2km away but during the race brief it was decided that there will be a timing ‘dead zone’ to allow competitors a breather. I took my time and got stuck into some delicious jam pancakes on the way over the dam wall.
The Ord River is known for some great barra fishing and like Katherine Gorge, some spectacular scenery . It’s also known for freshwater crocs. Lots of them. But undeterred I ran over the timing pad, grabbed my boat and set off. 29km is a long way on a kayak and I took it easy for the first few km waiting until my shoulders were feeling good before I pushed harder. The river was flowing fast in places and I was nearly overturned several times by treacherous whirlpools grabbing my paddle and trying to turn my boat into the river bank. I managed to pass about 4 or 5 others on the paddle but was slightly less excited when the crocs finally made a showing. Once the river widened and slowed past the halfway mark I always had one in sight. Just the snout and eyes above water, and never closer than 20 meters or so but I was never in doubt about who owned the river! I think I actually hit a croc with my paddle too. I must have paddled right over it without noticing. Needless to say the next km was a bit quicker than the last few, just to be sure.
The mountain bike stage was tough. I had ridden a few of the course sections in the lead up and although it was mostly 4wd tracks there was still plenty of sandy and rocky sections where a lapse could see you spat out into the burnt out scrub on either side of the track. We crossed the bitumen near the spillway creek bridge and at the 15km mark headed east on the Matchbox Creek track towards the dam spillway. About 20km in I was parched. The track was sandy and technical and it was really hot. My only water was rapidly dwindling and it too was hot. I had planned to fill up with water at the spillway and that drove me on. The creek was not what I expected. Steep rocky banks made the crossing slow and dangerous but the water was worth the time. It was like something out a bad 80’s commercial. Me, pouring water from a bottle over my head in slow motion…
The final sections of the MTB were easier, a short section of well-maintained service road and then back on the bitumen until the run transition at the Lake Argyle village.
The run was to the Durack Homestead, then across the dam wall and back to the village. About 9km. From the moment I racked my bike I knew I was going to find it tough. I had run it before but not after a day in the heat. By the time I reached the 2km mark I had already emptied 2 bottles of water and was grabbing a third from Tish. My water mileage was appalling! I think I went through 6 bottles! It was damn hot and everyone was struggling, even the team runners were reduced to a slow jog or walking and running by turns. I took me about 60 mins to run the 9km and I was very happy to hear the beep of my timer as I staggered over the line. 7hrs, 40mins.
To finish such a tough race in really challenging conditions was great. But to do it in such a magical place, in the very first Argyle Challenge? Awesome.
I applied a lot of the lessons I learnt in the KUC and it seems to have paid off. Getting to the area earlier was great. It allowed me to see the course and get used to the conditions and have a solid plan ready for transitions.
As always Tish was fantastic and had all my stuff good to go when I got in at each transition.
I did get dehydrated during the race. I had water all the time and plenty of sports drink and gu. It took about a day to feel ok. It was over 38deg.
And never let anyone tell you that a week of water skiing is not ideal prep for a race!
A lean and thirsty Mat at the finish of the first Lake Argyle Adventure Race
22nd March 2009
Well it has been 3 weeks since I've torn my left calf at Oz Long Course Championships in Husskie and after Olympic Distance Nationals last week in Perth, I'm backing up for the SA Long Course Championships in Murray Bridge, SA - about 80km East of Adelaide. Distance of 2km/60km/15km. Why do I hear you ask, well after my DNF at Husskie I require just a few more points for the Worlds team an after numerous hours consulting with Super coach, I booked in Tuesday prior to the event - fly in & fly out job.
Race morning was very fresh about 10 degrees and blowing a gale, but the late 8.00am start was good for a much required sleep in and allowed for some warmed from the sun. The swim was wetsuit legal in the 20 degree Murray River and basically was a straight swim, 1km up and under the famous Bridges, left turn for 100m, another left and back to transition 900m. All males started together and the first 500m was quick before dropping back into Ironman race pace and locking onto some feet. The final 300m the pace quickened I just stayed the same but dropped to the back of the main pack, with only a handful of athletes off the front. Was in a good spot and a quick transition would see out with the group, but I got stuck with the wettie and was off the back.
Onto the bike and I wasn't to worried about the pack in front as the day was more about finishing in a solid position with no further damage to my calf, so it was a good test to practice some Ironman high aerobic threshold work. The bike course within the first 1km goes straight up for a 1km and with a head wind the whole way to the turnaround I was freezing and struggling to get warm. The turnaround was 15km out on the straightest road you could find with long rolling hills out and back x 2. Going out it took me 30 min to complete, sitting on about 28-30km/hr and at times down to 20km/hr smashing into the head wind. The trip back however was a little different sitting on a minimum of 40km/hr and a times holding 46-50km/hr plus in sections. The 2nd lap was the same as the first and I was happy to see minimal packs and drafting out there compared to previous races. However I had lost some time on the bike leg, need to get some strength back here.
Off the bike and it was time to test that left calf. Quickly slipped on my compression bandage same as last weekend and I was off. From transition there is a 800m flat section on road, then up 'Heart Break Hill' as they call it for 500m (longer and steeper than Darwin High hill), then down that and back on the flat, we loop back passed transition on roads (2km down) then along the flat riverfront over uneven trails to the turnaround, then back to transition to complete a 5km loop x 3. I slowly built my pace as I gained confidents with my leg and by halfway I was starting to move back through the field once again and did so through to the finish line, just missing out on one final position by a second.
Finished the day in 32nd overall and 9th in age group with the 4th quickest run in age - must be time to start training again! The race was a good confidence builder with a lot of positives coming from the event. Post race recovery has been good and the calf doesn't feel to bad at all, with less than 2 weeks before Ironman Australia. My Splits: Swim 27.52, Bike 1.47.35, Run 1.01.29, Total 3.16.56
15th March 2009
A team of six NT athletes ventured south to Perth for the Australian Olympic Distance Championships and double points qualifer for the World Championships, Grant Preddy, Craig Garland and myself among them. A warm day presented itself for the Nationals with temperatures expecting to get to 38 degrees, during the race however the temp was most likely mid to high 20's. A one lap swim course in the Swan River directly in front of Perth's CBD, followed by 4 lap flat cycle course and 3 lap flat run course. The wave starts saw the girls start first, followed by the U30's, the 45+'s, 30-45, spread out over a 1.5hrs, so all 1100 competitors were racing on the course at the same time. Needless to say drafting was a big issue on the day.
I'm still recovering from a torn left calf 2 weeks ago in Husskie and haven't been able to do much since then, but as it is the Nationals why not give it a go. I had a solid swim in the non-wetsuit race coming out with the main pack behind the leaders. Have a quick transition and was off on the 4 lap bike, 5km down to the turnaround went quickly with the strong tail wind, then the return trip back into the wind. By the completion of the first lap I was sitting in a strong pack of at less 20-25 guys from all different age groups and half way down towards the turnaround my calf wasn't enjoying the 55km/hr plus speeds, and dropped out of the pack, thinking that they would have to be broken up soon by a draft buster anyway. So I was by myself and by the end of the third lap the pack had only put 20 seconds on me, I was happy about that as I knew I would be able to run myself back into most of the group. The 4th lap was the joke, as I was just approaching the turn around by myself with 2 lanes to myself and riding in the middle of the left lane a draft buster pulls up and tells to move over as I'm blocking, to which I turned around to see no-one for a km behind me, so I started telling him some home truths as the pack on the otherside of the road went flying by... By the time I had got off my bike the pack had ridden 3 minutes into me on the last lap and I know then that it was going to be very difficult to chase them down with a tired and broken legs.
Into transition I quickly slipped on my compression bandage and it was time to see how I could run after 2 weeks off. Managed to find a good tempo without too much pain in the calf and held that pace, as with Ironman coming up in 3 weeks I didn't want to do anymore damage. Obviously I couldn't do anything much about the 3-4 minutes I'd lost on the bike, but had a solid race and a solid time to finish in 2.05.16 138th overall and 35th in my age - smashed in the placing results. Splits - Swim 20.39, T1 1.12, Bike 1.0.38, T2 0.41, Run 40.04. Grant finished with a Pb of 2.07, Craig busted for blocking with a 3 min penalty and 2.08. Happy with my performance concerning my issues and calf hung in there but was sore for the next few days, thanks to Ali Fitch I wouldn't have been able to make the starting line, her thumbs and suction cups of pain got me there. Onwards to the next one!!!
Wednesday 4 February 2009
Seems everyone was on different flights and different travel days but all arrived in Brisbane safely and put the gear together before checking out the course. Reports back to base were that though the course looked great, the bike leg probably wasn't going to be as fast as was thought.
Wave starts were spread over some hours with Michelle getting the starter's nod for a 6.30am- er right through to Micko a couple of hours later.
The swim course was pretty rough in the squally conditions. Some reports said that the buoys were rescued from their drift out to sea and dragged back in mid race so perhaps some swam more than others.
Grant could be heard to yell "this is fun" while on the bike leg, a tight and technical trip which involved multiple laps and lots of roundabouts. There were gory reports of a competitor running
into a spectator who stepped onto the road, with the resulting carnage requiring the turn cones to be moved in mid race while that was sorted.
Alex & Elliott and Loz (recovering from tonsil removal so not yelling, even a little bit) took the opportunity to catch up with the Darwin crew.
All up a normal, exciting, challenging event with the results showing that Craig, Grant, Mick and Michelle all earn selection points towards Gold Coast Worlds and that they can mix it well in their respective age groups.
Tuesday 2nd December 2008 - Race Report
After arriving in Adelaide town on Friday afternoon and running into Loz at the airport, it was time to check out the wonderful 1970s apartment Craig was raving about... what a classic, but very close to transition. The local news show 7 sharks jumping out of the water a few beaches up so that was very comforting when Craig strolled down to the beach on Saturday morning for a swim. The wind was blowing hard and the temperature was freezing, even the locals were cold and here are two Darwin boys walking around in shorts, gees! Anyway survived the swim, and then rode the course a little later that morning, before registration and race briefing in the late afternoon. Loz ended up crashing for the night was her accommodation was about 20minutes away.
Race day and the conditions were completely different from yesterday. The wind was still blowing hard but from a different direction and yes it was still freezing. So the swim course was changed to rectangle course in the shallows.The 18-29 year males started first, then 30-44 year males, so Craig and I in the same wave. One massive long line across the beach and then we were off over a small sand bar then away. Got a good start but nearing the first can, the tide was ripping and most people just cut the can. Lots of banging and crashing in the ocean swell. I turned off the pace about the half way point thinking I was in a good pack, but after rounding the 2nd last can the pack started swimming inshore, as there was a surf lifesaver on a board sitting up that looked like the boy, so eventually the can was sighted and we had to swim all the way back to the can into that massive tide that was flowing. So lost a bit of time there and once on dry land it was a solid run to transition. As I was running into transition I noticed Craig two people in front of me, who also got stuck in that pack.
Onto the 4 lap bike course and there were people everywhere and a very strong head wind on the way out. The course was tight technical in areas, especially when riding in a pack of up to 30 or 40 people. Lost Craig on the 1st lap, the 2nd and 3rd laps I was riding with the lead group from the wave before and the draft busters not really doing anything. The 4th lap was a reduced group but just about impossible to get away from anyone, at times riding at 48km/hr + and holding that speed for long sections. Survived the bike from the wind and any crashes, then it was into transition for the coastal run. Good fast transition and was off on the 3 lap run course.
Ran out with a fellow guys who took off like freight trains, I just thinking on myself and getting into my run and my the 1st turn I had passed them all and running at a good pace. Once at the turn around it was hard slog back into the head wind to transition and with a slight up hill this was hardest part of the run. Was feeling strong but for some reason back off a little on the 2nd lap before snapping out of that and started my final surge at the beginning of the last lap. It was great to hear some support out there from Rudy and Kia and as I blasted up the final hill towards the finish I remember thinking to myself I wish this race was longer. Crossed the finished line grab a quick drink then straight to the change tent to put some warm clothes on and watch the rest of the race, as there was a good race developing with the girls, Amanda, Loz and Monica. Results later state that I finished 10th in the 30-34 yrs in a time of 2:00.43, with the winner of my age group 1:56, so I can only wonder about the 'what if' I swam the right way! Still happy with the result and time and ready for Phuket in 7 days! Other results from Darwin Craig 2hr 10min & 17th, Anthony Beven 30 seconds behind Craig, Amanda 2hr 31min & 5th, Loz 2hr 34min & 17th and Monica 2hr 43min & 4th. So great times and results all round in the cool conditions.
Post race celebrates lasted for a while and typically the NT featured well.
Thursday 4th December 2008
Well I've been in Adelaide for a week now at it's still freezing. Completed some light training during the week and the body is feeling good after the race and ready to go again! The legs are more sore from walking around all the shops and malls in the city with Loz. Flying out tomorrow for crazy Thailand, luckily flying direct from Sydney to Phuket, so looking forward to some warmth and catching up with the Phuket racers. Time for another race, bring it on! Next report after the race. Micko
Had to head down to Lake A fairly early as had all the registration, trophies etc to take down. On the way there noticed the signs out so knew volunteers were already beavering away, Dave and Simon prominent among them.
Pretty dark first up, at least I had remembered a torch this time. Racked, sorted rego, chit chat, pit stop, quite calm really. Great to see such a good crowd turn up for the longer distance and also the teams thing happening.
The course is announced, so know it's going to be a fairly long and lonely day especially on the run. We get underway a little late so almost a relief to hear "Go" shouted. OK - first mental note is to crack a new pair of goggles, had to stop 3-4 times to empty out and that's such a time waster (but when you have been putting off getting new goggles for as long as me have no one to blame but self.
Happy with swim, happy with transition, happy with how I feel on the ride. Amazed when Bertram whizzed past on lap two, man has that guy taken off lately. Unhappy with getting caught at red lights a couple of times, and the air was a little blue when that happened especially the second time. Also had to play dodge the glass in a number of places. Learned later that Bin had punctured, so disappointing for her. Didn't have to worry about the draft busters - no one around. T2 goes well, shoes & hat on and out, no problems.
Then it's on to that run. Down I go towards the Surf Club. Michelle is already on her way back and passes with a big smile and is running well. I overtake Bertram early but am thinking that won't happen again next time. Nikki's looking great as always. Rosie is also running well, and then near the turnaround I see that Lisa and Jodie are putting in. The hill coming back seemed so easy courtesy of Friday mornings. Pass a couple of people, check where my opposition is, congratulate the leading guys as they go past (though didn't see first couple so wasn't sure who won until the end). With 70.3 in mind, I walk through drink stations and then suddenly find myself out around the gun turret before I know it. I can see Lisa up ahead but she seems to have picked up, Jodie is following as is my competition. Here we go, here we go ... knuckle down time.
Then suddenly the finish line is there. All done. Feel great, no problems, good time so chalk that one up as a good day out. Congratulate Lisa on holding me out (beware the sick triathlete), Lesley and I have again enjoyed our little rivalry. Then it's a quick drink, sort results and category winners for presentation.
Next it's Team Singapore announcement time: Craig, Micko, Michelle, Robyn, Lisa & Peta are announced and by Monday a slot has rolled down to - woo who - it's Supercoach - how good is that!
Rob is already going, now we just have to work on Simon and Pete and anyone else vaguely interested in trying the unique Asian style of triathlon. Anyone interested???
2008 Swarzi Extreme
Swarzi Extreme (3/4 May 08) reports from our intrepid international competitor Nic
Before: Very excited about the weekend just got back last night - so been tapering for a week already! and CHO loading... along with food and wine loading in general.... no exercise as it's too dangerous because you might get eaten by a lion or squashed by an elephant.
After: Survived! The race was crazy!! 5am til 2:30am then back on the bikes at 6am till 8:20pm and then again from 6am till 12:30pm... the first day alone we ascended 3.4km!! (on bikes and foot) - swam in rivers, scaled boulders, tubed in rivers - awesome experience. Those pro teams were completely inspirational - never met fitter people!!
Lake Bennett from the back of the pack:
By the grace of God we made it to Lake B, having narrowly missed ramming into a car load of girls who pulled straight out on to the highway ahead of us, sending highway traffic beside and behind us into panic mode.
Did the obligatory bike course inspection on the way in, deciding that the road was in the best condition in years with the only worry the roaring fire in the scrub along side. Unfortunately the brain also registered my intent and dragged up memories of Lake B races past.
Once checked in, I wandered down and did some road sweeping with Col and chatted about early trips to Lake B. Helped set up and staked out a spot on the racks early. I was pretty casual & calm about pre race preparations actually and had to dash back to our room and get some gear on.
I did my usual pre race warm up .. read, exercised my jaw only (only don't tell my coach). Then it was swim time. First buoy was a bit hard to see, but I seemed to be cruising in comfy mode. I could pick Daryl's stroke just up ahead. Back out on the the second swim lap and I was still trailing Daryl and someone who did the odd breathstroke bits (Simon W). By the time I got down to T1 my age group had disappeared into the distance. Daryl had a few issues with his seat and I saw him do some running repairs but he was still out before me, but I left Simon W behind (not for long though) and then it was knuckle down and just do it.
Watched the speedy people coming back on the first lap of the bike. The Lake B hills and the presence of a draft buster on the course had the desired effect and there were people out there riding 30km on their own merit for the first time in forever. Watching, watching and getting close to the turn around at the highway before I spot my opposition. It's a very sharp turn point that almost brings you to a stand still but I got going again and slowly make up ground until I have the opposition in sight. So what to do? Sit back or overtake?? Mmmmmm. Ok decision made, over take "one" and then just as I'm about to overtake the second, "one" comes flying past again so we end up going past "two" together. Then I yell at "one" to get a move on because she has almost come to a dead halt and she flicks me a hand signal to say that's the end of her effort. "One's" gone but "two" is still behind me as we go out on the bike again. Having made up the lost swim time on the bike I just knuckle down again and enjoy watching the speedy people heading for home. Kyle is flying, Matt is through the field and trailing him, Ian looks strong behind & Tim, doing a team, is a picture of concentration, Robbie and Craig are close - ish. Michelle looks speedy & comfy heading for T2, Amanda is still looking good, Nikki has passed Erica and Jane Marie is flying. I have Belinda between JM, Kathy and myself so concentrate on keeping her in sight, except when she gets on the downhills and flats & powers off into the distance.
In to T2, take it easy in there even taking a drink while I psych myself for the run. Now I've done a lot of Lake B runs and they aren't easy. Brain is in rewind, little man on one shoulder is saying "this is going to be tough", "you don't have to do this" etc etc. Deep breath, and get on with it.
Finally get into comfort mode and do the maths, I've got nearly a minute on "two", she won't give up. Neither will "one" whose strength is the run but I've got nearly 3 mins on her. Lachie becomes my shadow for awhile out there & I stop thinking about what is behind. Its pretty dusty when some vehicles go past. Tell the head to tell the legs to get on with it. I walk a little before the actual turnaround (to get the fluid in I tell myself), turn & I can see "them" coming and yes, just as I thought both going hard after me. Plenty to occupy the mind with long and short course people all over the place. Lots of encouraging words given and received & then I'm near the end of the first lap. Supercoach passes in the opposite direction & asks where my shadow is so I know I'm holding my own. Another walk at the drink stop (great crews at both drink stops at this race) and out I go again. Check out the girls again & pretty sure I just have to keep running to hold "two" at bay but notice "one" has a very competitive gleam in her eye and is travelling well.
The leaders are on their second laps and heading for home so that's good to watch. A hi five for Michelle as she storms down the last hill. Saying hi to people as they pass keeps me occupied. The knee is even behaving going up the hills, all's well in Robyn's world. Then the far turnaround is in sight, another drink, more walking ... what will I see when I turn. Both still coming and look like effort being made, OK nothing for it - a bit of concentration required.
The last hill goes on, seemingly for ever, but then it's down in to the gully, slowly up out of it and onto the tar. Permission given by mind to take a glance over the shoulder, yippee I'm in the clear so I can enjoy the run back in to the Resort and to the finish line. Very, very thirsty, bit wobbly but very happy with result. Hawaii 70.3 just might be survivable after all.
The race was a bit of a joke - there were only 6 people on MTBs. The race had some serious good bikes... I saw a P3!!! So needless to say we weren't in the race really - 2 of my team members for the Extreme were with me - and I'm by far the fittest... so it was rather odd kind of race - stopped and ate boiled eggs along the way... they all held onto the support ute to get up the hills! We're talking serious hills here!! Still managed to come in as the last girl that actually finished and got two trophies,,, mmm got to love the competition in Swaziland.
Micko's Report from 2008 Ironman Australia:
Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy and enjoy Micko's IronmanAustralia.pdf report
2008 Race 3 Sprint Series from the back of the pack
Up so early for this one as there had been some volunteering to put out run signs. Lake Alex in the early hours of the morning is a very dark place! (Which reminds me, I had reported the carpark light was out and received a call from DCC saying it was to be fixed, obviously they didn't mean immediately). Then its get the bikes off, help set up the racks, register & by then there is a little bit of light appearing. The competitors keep showing up right until the last minute & its a good turnout including a few IM OZ survivors who should really have stayed tucked up in bed but couldn't help themselves. The swim course looks a treat with the big buoys out, we get underway in a flurry. A few wacks and bumps (given and taken) before I hit some clear water then it was an enjoyable swim. Transition goes well - my age group opposition in sight, and it's out onto the bike. The draft zone demo must have clicked with some people as the field is mostly spread out - except for the notorious few who just don't get it. I get passed by the usual suspects going out on lap one & then start to gain some ground but wouldn't you know it ..... b+*# red light brings me to a stop. Get going again, feel good on lap two. Happy that I am pacing steady on the bike, get through the traffic lights but then can't turn right in to Lake A for a stream of traffic so chat about the state of the nation to another competitor as we balance, juggle, & slowly turn pedals to avoid having to click out. Get going again & can then see those already out on the run. Into T2, oops there's a stone in my shoe so off it comes, shoe back on, cap on and here we go, out on the run. Grab a drink at beginning and then don't walk at all. A certain speedy lady has me in her sights the whole way and Dudley Point alerts me to the fact she is closing the gap, so knuckle down and get on with it to hold her off. A quick glance over the shoulder at the toilet block shows she won't do it today. Cross the finish line v.happy to have held her off & we both enjoyed the challenge, v.happy to have improved so much in four weeks (thanks supercoach) and v.happy to think that another half isn't just a pipe dream!
2008 Race 2 Sprint Series from the back of the pack
Why is it for a race, Palmerston always seems so far away and the alarm goes off seemingly in the middle of the night? We arrived in Palmerston, unusually dry and almost awake to find the RD had been up for hours and had everything under control. Known for his attention to detail, his race brief even included the number of laps to be swum in the pool. When the cry of go finally went up, I took up position at the back of the lane. Nice steady swim until a lane swapper gave me a tap but that was ok as he was out at the end of that lap anyway. Tiptoed out to T1, a bit slippery on the concrete and then some glass on the road. Got the helmet on, looked up to see I was in touch with my age group and then getting on the bike happened pretty easy. Yes, its all coming back to me now. Feet went in, passed a couple of key people before the corner and it was knuckle down for the ride. But then suddenly I have a couple of people who whizz past, one who is normally miles ahead followed very closely by one who is normally behind. Then he of the fashion sunnies flashes past and leaves me for dead. Next time I see these guys, they have overtaken half the field and are on their way back. But before then I get to see the front runners heading for home and notice a few people further up the field than normal, the same little nests of those who like to suck wheels, the odd couple riding side by side and then I'm at the turnaround point and heading back myself. As luck would have it, a freight train crossed the bridge at the same time as me (scared the daylights out of me when the driver blasted the horn) and I found myself thinking about the draft effect from a train as I climbed the hill after the bridge. The lack of fitness was starting to bite a couple of kms out, but by then I could see where everyone was on the run which helped take my mind of that. Into T2, off with the helmet, on with the shoes, & hat (great, getting the hang of that again) and then on to the run feeling a lot more comfortable compared to Race 1. The concrete path was a shock to the knees so headed for the dirt each time there. Seemed to me that a few people were getting much fitter as everyone was bopping along nicely on the run. The ironman wannabes were cruising out in front and they all looked in tip top shape. I start getting passed by the backmarkers who run better than they swim and ride and also get a buzz when the IM bound girls cruise past looking like they could just go all day. Maybe, just maybe I will get to do another IM myself and relive that fantastic feeling. During this run I only had a few walking steps at the drink station so things are looking up. The finish happened with me still comfortable so it was a big improvement on a couple of weeks ago. The finish also brings to light the reason for some people not being in their "usual" place in the field ... a number of people got out of the swim a couple of laps early. A couple got back in and finished, one even going back from T1 when he twigged. That certainly changed the dynamics of the race but not the result as it was the same as Race 1. Matt and Michelle now have two out of two. Bring on Race 3. And I really like the Zoot gear (probably because most people wearing it flogged me and I'm hoping it might make me quicker too).
2008 Race 1 Sprint Series from the back of the pack
It's interesting to be at the back of the pack, you see & hear all sorts of things. I bobbed up in the swim just behind a certain pink capped lady, thinking that was a good effort on my part as I heard she was swimming well. Scooted over to transition and made it out across the mats with no dramas. Feet went in to shoes with no trouble - phew, thought I may have forgotten how to do that. Over the speed bumps, no problems. But then I notice who is ahead. The competitive spirit takes over and I pass, only to be retaken not that much further on. I also get an apology from a training partner as she overtakes me, and powers away as if I am standing still. Then I manage to overtake a few on the bike which at least gives me hope that all is not lost after all & to stick it out. I start to wonder if I missed an instruction at the race brief that the event was, in fact, draft legal. There are a few cosy little groups out there. A well timed traffic light gets me ahead of another rival on lap two so things look brighter. Feet out of shoes, off the bike (no worries), racked, runners on and bang .... you mean I'm now supposed to run 5km? Hang on I haven't done this stuff for awhile the body protests. The mind is willing however, so off I go. A little walk here and there, the odd shuffle. Water stop volunteers are a welcome sight and an opportunity, or is that an excuse, for another little walk. Some company from like minded competitors as we bop along, idle chit chat. Then hey, there are a few who are running well behind us so better get a move on. Almost home and I get passed by fellow competitor and recognise the sound of a tummy in turmoil - you know that slosh, slosh, side to side liquid sound - as he passes. And then the finish line is in sight. Awesome, doesn't matter where I come in a triathlon, the feeling on reaching the finish line never changes and keeps bringing me back for more.
Jenn is the latest to hear those magic words "..... you are an Ironman". The weather gods sent some character building conditions on race day just to add to the challenges of a first Ironman. Here's Jenn's race report:
The most magic parts were the start and the finish.
Lake Taupo was beautiful and calm on race morning. When all competitors were in the water waiting for race start the atmosphere was electric.
The commentator got the crowd to show their appreciation for us to get to the start line and we all waved back. Magic from where I stood in the water. I was excited – what would the day ahead hold for me?
The swim seemed to pass pretty quickly. I was lucky not to get too crowded and the water was most enjoyable to swim in. I got out of the water in 1:23:49 and felt fresh enough to easily jog up the hill and into transition. I was itching to get into the next bit but didn’t really rush transition to make sure I was all squared for the next 8 hrs.
The wind was already blowing by the time I got on the bike and the rain started too. Not heavy rain, but enough to make it a miserable day for a ride. The headwind out to Reporoa led to a lot of anticipation for the turn around and getting the tailwind. That was great on the first lap but I was unlucky enough for a lull in the wind on the second lap home from Reporoa and lost my much longed for tailwind for a bit. By the time I got to T2 7:44:43 later I was sick of being on the bike and very much looking forward to a bit of a trot. Putting on a dry pair of socks in T2 nearly qualifies as another magic part of the day.
My confidence of finishing the event was high starting the run but not so confident of being able to jog the whole thing. Small goals seemed to work up until 32.5km when I turned into a headwind that had only become stronger as the evening wore on for the return to town. I conceded to walking the last 10km – I wasn’t about to break any records other than finishing and that was going to happen even if I walked the last part. Walking did what I wanted it to – it kept me on the path (yes the wind was that strong) and it got me to the finish line feeling fresh enough to enjoy the part that I had been looking forward to all day – running down the finishing chute with Chase! Chase is 6 yrs old and has cystic fybrosis – and was my buddy for fundraising associated with this event. I’m still not sure who was more buzzed by the finish – but Chase and I enjoyed it so much – he hi fived everyone all the way down the chute and we both had smiles that could not be wiped from our faces.
I was lucky enough to have my parents, Chase and his parents cheering me on for the day. But it wasn’t just those that you knew that offered support out on course. With your name displayed on your race number the crowds were cheering you on by name too. I wondered at times during the day what the hell I was doing there – but I’m definitely going to do another Ironman and hopefully one day will even return to Taupo NZ for another one there. One of the upsides to taking 15:24:41 to finish is that next time I do an Ironman and want to do better than last time I just might be able to without having to really push it….or maybe not…..this Ironman thing seems to have a life of it’s own and anything can happen on the day.
Thankfully my first experience has been a truly positive one and will keep me going back for more.