Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
THANKS!!!
Thanks to all my supporting crew in my build up to Ironman.
Thanks to:
Bede
Mum and Dad
Kate, Neil and Marg
Laura, Chris and Paris
My coach John Newsom
Steve Guy and the crew from Alpe Gear, Kethy, Kieran, Raewyn and Graeme the other Alpe Athletes
Steve and the crew from Planet Cycles
Future Dreams swim squads
Walter Thorburn at Go2Max running squads
Bruce Baxter at SportsMed
You've all contributed in some way to making my dream a reality.
Now, what's next!
Thanks to:
Bede
Mum and Dad
Kate, Neil and Marg
Laura, Chris and Paris
My coach John Newsom
Steve Guy and the crew from Alpe Gear, Kethy, Kieran, Raewyn and Graeme the other Alpe Athletes
Steve and the crew from Planet Cycles
Future Dreams swim squads
Walter Thorburn at Go2Max running squads
Bruce Baxter at SportsMed
You've all contributed in some way to making my dream a reality.
Now, what's next!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Ironman New Zealand Race Report - 11.11...
Here is an abridged version - full report will be in our book!
This date is known as Remembrance Day in the UK. And funnily enough 11.11 was my Ironman time. Similarly it will be a day I will always remember....
I will try to describe for you the race in its entirety, but next to my wedding day, it was the most emotional day of my life. It’s now midnight, and my head is so full of emotions I can’t sleep, so I thought what better a time than now, to get my feelings down on paper (or a screen so to speak!)
My day started at 4.45am when I woke. I’d been tossing and turning all night, worried that I wouldn’t wake up. I had breakfast- white toast with peanut butter and marmite and a banana and half a powerbar, electrolyte, and a coffee.
Bede gave me a pep talk and drew me a diagram- see attachment to get me to use my head. It’s basically a matrix called the head, hands and heart model. The hands part being the skills, technique and training, the heart being motivation and desire and the head is how you put the two together and control your own pace, and race. It was exactly what I needed and showed me that Bede understood exactly what I was going through and why I wanted to do so well.
Bede took me down to the swim start and registration for 6am. I was bodynumbered – FB “F***in Brilliant” we decided for my age group and my race number 282- a great number seeming as I was born on the 28th.
I headed down to the lake, vas and oiled up and got into my suit. You could just feel the anticipation rising. Then the waka arrived and the powhiri commences. It was beautiful against the backdrop of a glass lake – I couldn’t have been happier. I’ve seen footage of 2 years ago when they canned the swim and I was horrified. I’d never had the lake so to my liking. All my other (I say all- three!) were pretty choppy affairs, which left me very demoralised.
The swim
So I found myself a position in the swim, about 20-30m back off the start line, so I could get some clear water. As I looked at the shores of Lake Taupo, I was overwhelmed. It was amazing just how many people had come to watch- wow. Taupo really puts on a great show.
The three light/three minute countdown started and bang, we were off! I found myself holding a good line against the buoys and following the line of the kayaks. I didn’t panic and settled into a nice smooth pattern. There was none of the usual thrashing washing machine like effort normally associated with a half or Olympic distance. I felt really comfortable and concentrated on technique and not worrying about the time. Despite a few zig-zags I reached the far end of the swim in just over 31 mins. The return leg was cruisey and for once I was enjoying a swim! When I came into shore and saw 1hr 6 mins I was flabbergasted! I had expected between 1hr 10 and 15 and piking a bit on the swim as in the last few weeks of training, I’ve slackened off on the squad training and missed a few swims! But hey, I’ll take my official time of 1hr07mins. Conclusion - have faith in yourself, relax in the swim, take a good dose of Rescue Remedy and you’ll swim better than ever.
I jogged steadily through the long transition and into the changing tent. I love this idea of having a personal tri-assistant! I dumped everything on the floor, they helped me dress and whisked everything else away! As I got to my bike, I couldn’t help but notice the amount of bikes in my age group which had already gone. Ok, so I’m still an average swimmer, but hey I had an awesome swim I was buzzing!
The bike
On to my bike and I took it really easy for the first 20 mins up the Napier-Taupo hill and Kiddle Drive. The aim of this is to get your heart rate back in the steady zone as coming out of the swim it’s normally reasonably high. I only took water on board and once my stomach had calmed down a bit I started on powerbars cut into thirds alternating with gels, Enervit and water.
My race plan was to hold back on the bike- the whole way, but especially on the first lap. This meant keeping my heart rate in the steady zone – 135 to 145 bpm. I only let it creep up to 155 on the climbs. This required a lot of discipline as it does mean people pass you. But it’s not a problem - just watch how many crash and burn on the run. Out to Reporoa, especially on the last stretch it was windy, cross and head winds. I made the turn around in 1hr 35 mins. The return leg to town was sweet - tailwind all the way. Deceptive though, as it would have been fairly easy to smash yourself on that leg if you didn’t play it safe. I made it back into town just on 3hrs. The rain was starting to settle in, making the roads hazardous, but the crowd were like nothing I have ever seen or heard. Everyone calling your name, gave you that little boost of energy to go into the second lap on the lonely road to Reporoa. The second leg did a funny loop off the main road, which I hadn’t done in training, so that was interesting, but it wasn’t much more than a steady climb.
The wind and rain were worse on the second lap, and I soon realised that I wouldn’t be looking at a negative split. The second lap is harder and longer apparently as well. So going out was similar to the first lap. I managed to pick up the pace, whilst still keeping a good 85rpm cadence in the big chain ring, and staying on the aerobars throughout.
The tailwind home was again a blessing. About 40km from home, I did however have a momentary lapse in concentration, and found myself rolling into a sand verge! I was a bit shaken up, scratched and (now the wounds have settled, quite bruised!), but I was far more concerned about whether my bike would still run. Luckily there was nothing wrong and my minor heart attack never eventuated. I picked myself up and continued on to finish strongly in 6hrs 5 mins. I was hoping for 6hrs 15 mins to 6hrs 30 so in the conditions, I was pretty pleased that my race plan of holding back came off.
The run
Heading into the run, another girl in my age group was hot on my heels, so I probably set off a wee bit too quickly. I got caught up in the crowds and the “I feel wonderful!” moment that I momentarily forgot that I had a four hour run ahead of me….
Hence coming to 5km, I had an annoying stitch! So I took on some water, did the hands over the head, breathe out slowly and lower arms technique but it took until about the 8km mark to come right. I was averaging 5min-5.15 ish kms, for the first quarter, but after a loo stop I kind of got confused with the timings….so I said to myself, right, I feel quite good, I’ve got a good strong cadence, people are commenting on how strong I look. I can do this! So I said right, you’re going to finish before 6.15pm. Sub 11hrs was not on the cards, and I wasn’t going to come close, so sub 11.15 would be a dream. Well I hung on in there and kept a really steady pace and finished the marathon in 3hrs 50mins. My race tactics paid off and I caught a dozen or so girls on the run. Thank goodness, it came off so sweetly! I finished in 11.11.34. And best of all I was 4th fastest in my age group on the run. Playing to your strengths is a great tactic.
Overall, I was 33rd female. Taking out the 13 pros, I was 20th age grouper. Out of approximately 265 female finishers, that’s pretty good I reckon. If I could swim faster I know I would be more competitive. I think I was something like 16th fastest in my age group in the swim, 9th on the bike and 4th on the run. I am the Hunter, I do practise the softly softly catchy monkey mantra. But it feels good to play catch up, rather than being the hunted. No girls passed me on the run, and I caught most of the girls who passed me on the bike on the first lap, on the second lap.
I was chatting to a Taupo resident later in the evening and she asked me, what was the hardest bit. I struggled to pinpoint any single point in the race. I was lucky, or maybe I used my head. I had confidence in my training, I followed and executed a good race plan, and my pace remained constant. Softly, softly, catchy monkey. So what was the hardest point? I know now. It’s overcoming your self-doubts when you push yourself beyond your longest training time. For me this came at about the 8hr mark, and an hour into the run. After most long rides, I always say, God I could never run a marathon now! Ironman is so different. You just do it, it feels so natural. Like Paula Newby-Fraser said (as we were told at the Pasta Party), doing an Ironman is like doing a really long training session with 1500 of your best mates - all with the same vision, to become an Ironman and to be the best you can be.
Well as for the marathon, I was running well, in fact better than I thought I would. All along I knew I wanted to run a good marathon time (4hrs), but you can’t help but think, can I keep this up? When will I hit the wall? You just don’t know. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is why the Ironman experience is so special and for me, utterly emotional. It’s something I can’t describe as I’ve never been there before, so I have no past knowledge, experience or words to justify how it feels. I was so close to tears at the 40km mark, a spectator told me not to cry! But that was how I felt.
Coming down the finishing shoot, I waited for the volunteers to put the ribbon up again, too right I wanted my moment of glory! I did it, Emma Hunter you are an Ironman! Yey!!!!
Once in the recovery tent I was really disorientated, massage, food, drink, duh..I didn’t want any of it, I just ran outside (literally I know stupid..) and gave Bede the biggest hug and kiss ever. I just wanted to let him share my experience and I burst uncontrollably into tears…
After all I have been through, following France, being sick, and coming through a real malaise, moving house, and finding a job, I have done it. I am an Ironman, those four words just sound so great.
I wanted to make my family proud of me, and show them that I could do something great. I hope they are now. I also wanted to do something for myself and I am proud of myself.
Would I do it again? Most definitely. Next year? No. Right now, it would be too stressful on my work and relationships to go through it again, not to forget the expense, and Bede is well overdue some weekends with me! I might now have to take up golf that’s all….
I found out on Sunday after the race that the two Kona slots were taken. Too right, so they should be taken up! I was still hanging out for a big roll down though. Not to worry, I wouldn’t really want to do Kona in my first Ironman year -far too much pressure. So I can set my focus on Perth, and Ironman may have to wait a few more years for me to return. I will be back next year I hope as a supporter for sure. It will be harder watching, knowing I would love to be out there doing it though!
The Awards dinner was really the icing on the cake. After presentations from the race directors and team, the age group placings were awarded and the pros got on stage. I was amazing to see the top ten of the Ironman world right there. Jo and Cameron gave excellent speeches and they were both really touched. Jo was pushed harder than she has ever been pushed before and it showed. She spoke about toughness taking over and I think she’s so right. 96% of starters finished- we are real tough cookies in NZ!
Seeing coverage of the event on television on Monday morning, they described the age groupers as the toughest athletes in New Zealand. For me, the age groupers are the backbone of the sport, especially the ones out there on the course in the horrific rain and dark nearing the cut off. I saw one lady finish after the cut off at 14 minutes past midnight, but she still did it, it was amazing.
Ironman is no triathlon. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a swim, bike, run, but it’s unlike any triathlon I have ever done before. The distance is one thing, but the amount, quality and level of training required to get there is crucial, the pacing, self-belief, and toughness are areas you will never delve as deep into in any other triathlon. I am proud to join the Ironman family. I am an Ironman!
This date is known as Remembrance Day in the UK. And funnily enough 11.11 was my Ironman time. Similarly it will be a day I will always remember....
I will try to describe for you the race in its entirety, but next to my wedding day, it was the most emotional day of my life. It’s now midnight, and my head is so full of emotions I can’t sleep, so I thought what better a time than now, to get my feelings down on paper (or a screen so to speak!)
My day started at 4.45am when I woke. I’d been tossing and turning all night, worried that I wouldn’t wake up. I had breakfast- white toast with peanut butter and marmite and a banana and half a powerbar, electrolyte, and a coffee.
Bede gave me a pep talk and drew me a diagram- see attachment to get me to use my head. It’s basically a matrix called the head, hands and heart model. The hands part being the skills, technique and training, the heart being motivation and desire and the head is how you put the two together and control your own pace, and race. It was exactly what I needed and showed me that Bede understood exactly what I was going through and why I wanted to do so well.
Bede took me down to the swim start and registration for 6am. I was bodynumbered – FB “F***in Brilliant” we decided for my age group and my race number 282- a great number seeming as I was born on the 28th.
I headed down to the lake, vas and oiled up and got into my suit. You could just feel the anticipation rising. Then the waka arrived and the powhiri commences. It was beautiful against the backdrop of a glass lake – I couldn’t have been happier. I’ve seen footage of 2 years ago when they canned the swim and I was horrified. I’d never had the lake so to my liking. All my other (I say all- three!) were pretty choppy affairs, which left me very demoralised.
The swim
So I found myself a position in the swim, about 20-30m back off the start line, so I could get some clear water. As I looked at the shores of Lake Taupo, I was overwhelmed. It was amazing just how many people had come to watch- wow. Taupo really puts on a great show.
The three light/three minute countdown started and bang, we were off! I found myself holding a good line against the buoys and following the line of the kayaks. I didn’t panic and settled into a nice smooth pattern. There was none of the usual thrashing washing machine like effort normally associated with a half or Olympic distance. I felt really comfortable and concentrated on technique and not worrying about the time. Despite a few zig-zags I reached the far end of the swim in just over 31 mins. The return leg was cruisey and for once I was enjoying a swim! When I came into shore and saw 1hr 6 mins I was flabbergasted! I had expected between 1hr 10 and 15 and piking a bit on the swim as in the last few weeks of training, I’ve slackened off on the squad training and missed a few swims! But hey, I’ll take my official time of 1hr07mins. Conclusion - have faith in yourself, relax in the swim, take a good dose of Rescue Remedy and you’ll swim better than ever.
I jogged steadily through the long transition and into the changing tent. I love this idea of having a personal tri-assistant! I dumped everything on the floor, they helped me dress and whisked everything else away! As I got to my bike, I couldn’t help but notice the amount of bikes in my age group which had already gone. Ok, so I’m still an average swimmer, but hey I had an awesome swim I was buzzing!
The bike
On to my bike and I took it really easy for the first 20 mins up the Napier-Taupo hill and Kiddle Drive. The aim of this is to get your heart rate back in the steady zone as coming out of the swim it’s normally reasonably high. I only took water on board and once my stomach had calmed down a bit I started on powerbars cut into thirds alternating with gels, Enervit and water.
My race plan was to hold back on the bike- the whole way, but especially on the first lap. This meant keeping my heart rate in the steady zone – 135 to 145 bpm. I only let it creep up to 155 on the climbs. This required a lot of discipline as it does mean people pass you. But it’s not a problem - just watch how many crash and burn on the run. Out to Reporoa, especially on the last stretch it was windy, cross and head winds. I made the turn around in 1hr 35 mins. The return leg to town was sweet - tailwind all the way. Deceptive though, as it would have been fairly easy to smash yourself on that leg if you didn’t play it safe. I made it back into town just on 3hrs. The rain was starting to settle in, making the roads hazardous, but the crowd were like nothing I have ever seen or heard. Everyone calling your name, gave you that little boost of energy to go into the second lap on the lonely road to Reporoa. The second leg did a funny loop off the main road, which I hadn’t done in training, so that was interesting, but it wasn’t much more than a steady climb.
The wind and rain were worse on the second lap, and I soon realised that I wouldn’t be looking at a negative split. The second lap is harder and longer apparently as well. So going out was similar to the first lap. I managed to pick up the pace, whilst still keeping a good 85rpm cadence in the big chain ring, and staying on the aerobars throughout.
The tailwind home was again a blessing. About 40km from home, I did however have a momentary lapse in concentration, and found myself rolling into a sand verge! I was a bit shaken up, scratched and (now the wounds have settled, quite bruised!), but I was far more concerned about whether my bike would still run. Luckily there was nothing wrong and my minor heart attack never eventuated. I picked myself up and continued on to finish strongly in 6hrs 5 mins. I was hoping for 6hrs 15 mins to 6hrs 30 so in the conditions, I was pretty pleased that my race plan of holding back came off.
The run
Heading into the run, another girl in my age group was hot on my heels, so I probably set off a wee bit too quickly. I got caught up in the crowds and the “I feel wonderful!” moment that I momentarily forgot that I had a four hour run ahead of me….
Hence coming to 5km, I had an annoying stitch! So I took on some water, did the hands over the head, breathe out slowly and lower arms technique but it took until about the 8km mark to come right. I was averaging 5min-5.15 ish kms, for the first quarter, but after a loo stop I kind of got confused with the timings….so I said to myself, right, I feel quite good, I’ve got a good strong cadence, people are commenting on how strong I look. I can do this! So I said right, you’re going to finish before 6.15pm. Sub 11hrs was not on the cards, and I wasn’t going to come close, so sub 11.15 would be a dream. Well I hung on in there and kept a really steady pace and finished the marathon in 3hrs 50mins. My race tactics paid off and I caught a dozen or so girls on the run. Thank goodness, it came off so sweetly! I finished in 11.11.34. And best of all I was 4th fastest in my age group on the run. Playing to your strengths is a great tactic.
Overall, I was 33rd female. Taking out the 13 pros, I was 20th age grouper. Out of approximately 265 female finishers, that’s pretty good I reckon. If I could swim faster I know I would be more competitive. I think I was something like 16th fastest in my age group in the swim, 9th on the bike and 4th on the run. I am the Hunter, I do practise the softly softly catchy monkey mantra. But it feels good to play catch up, rather than being the hunted. No girls passed me on the run, and I caught most of the girls who passed me on the bike on the first lap, on the second lap.
I was chatting to a Taupo resident later in the evening and she asked me, what was the hardest bit. I struggled to pinpoint any single point in the race. I was lucky, or maybe I used my head. I had confidence in my training, I followed and executed a good race plan, and my pace remained constant. Softly, softly, catchy monkey. So what was the hardest point? I know now. It’s overcoming your self-doubts when you push yourself beyond your longest training time. For me this came at about the 8hr mark, and an hour into the run. After most long rides, I always say, God I could never run a marathon now! Ironman is so different. You just do it, it feels so natural. Like Paula Newby-Fraser said (as we were told at the Pasta Party), doing an Ironman is like doing a really long training session with 1500 of your best mates - all with the same vision, to become an Ironman and to be the best you can be.
Well as for the marathon, I was running well, in fact better than I thought I would. All along I knew I wanted to run a good marathon time (4hrs), but you can’t help but think, can I keep this up? When will I hit the wall? You just don’t know. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is why the Ironman experience is so special and for me, utterly emotional. It’s something I can’t describe as I’ve never been there before, so I have no past knowledge, experience or words to justify how it feels. I was so close to tears at the 40km mark, a spectator told me not to cry! But that was how I felt.
Coming down the finishing shoot, I waited for the volunteers to put the ribbon up again, too right I wanted my moment of glory! I did it, Emma Hunter you are an Ironman! Yey!!!!
Once in the recovery tent I was really disorientated, massage, food, drink, duh..I didn’t want any of it, I just ran outside (literally I know stupid..) and gave Bede the biggest hug and kiss ever. I just wanted to let him share my experience and I burst uncontrollably into tears…
After all I have been through, following France, being sick, and coming through a real malaise, moving house, and finding a job, I have done it. I am an Ironman, those four words just sound so great.
I wanted to make my family proud of me, and show them that I could do something great. I hope they are now. I also wanted to do something for myself and I am proud of myself.
Would I do it again? Most definitely. Next year? No. Right now, it would be too stressful on my work and relationships to go through it again, not to forget the expense, and Bede is well overdue some weekends with me! I might now have to take up golf that’s all….
I found out on Sunday after the race that the two Kona slots were taken. Too right, so they should be taken up! I was still hanging out for a big roll down though. Not to worry, I wouldn’t really want to do Kona in my first Ironman year -far too much pressure. So I can set my focus on Perth, and Ironman may have to wait a few more years for me to return. I will be back next year I hope as a supporter for sure. It will be harder watching, knowing I would love to be out there doing it though!
The Awards dinner was really the icing on the cake. After presentations from the race directors and team, the age group placings were awarded and the pros got on stage. I was amazing to see the top ten of the Ironman world right there. Jo and Cameron gave excellent speeches and they were both really touched. Jo was pushed harder than she has ever been pushed before and it showed. She spoke about toughness taking over and I think she’s so right. 96% of starters finished- we are real tough cookies in NZ!
Seeing coverage of the event on television on Monday morning, they described the age groupers as the toughest athletes in New Zealand. For me, the age groupers are the backbone of the sport, especially the ones out there on the course in the horrific rain and dark nearing the cut off. I saw one lady finish after the cut off at 14 minutes past midnight, but she still did it, it was amazing.
Ironman is no triathlon. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a swim, bike, run, but it’s unlike any triathlon I have ever done before. The distance is one thing, but the amount, quality and level of training required to get there is crucial, the pacing, self-belief, and toughness are areas you will never delve as deep into in any other triathlon. I am proud to join the Ironman family. I am an Ironman!
The final countdown
My last weekend of training
I arrived back from fours days in Sydney on Friday afternoon. Training in Sydney was short, but fun all the same. I did three runs along the waterfront and around the Botanical Gardens. Sydney is very busy! I ran one evening and realised it was probably a bad idea to run at commuter home time. Plus everyone in all the restaurants made me fell hungry and envious of the waterfront lifestyle of wining and dining! I also ran one morning, much better although hot. I swam in the 25m pool at the hotel- a 2km time trial in just under 35 mins. It was good to have a change of scenery, but I didn’t like being on my own.
So Saturday morning I had a 30 min swim, 60 min bike and 30 min run planned, all at IM pace (steady). Well the weather had other plans. A weather bomb hit Auckland and the sea was horrendous, the worst weather I had seen in my few months in Auckland. So I canned the open water swim, and did a wind trainer session, followed by a 30 min run in the rain. I only saw one other guy out running. It was very blustery, but I was spurred on by the thought that I wouldn’t let the weather gods spoil all my training fun, and at least one discipline would be done outside today whatever!
Bede and I then caught a plan to Napier for Bede’s Aunty’s 75th Birthday party. We had a beautiful meal at The Church at Meeanee. Although it was short and sweet, we enjoyed the break and it was good to catch up with Bede's family.
Back to Auckland, and I ventured out on a 2hr ride around the back of Howick and Bucklands Beach and the waterfront. The rain and wind had almost all cleared up and it was good to get my last long ride under my belt (although 2hrs seems like a breeze now!)
Monday
Back at work, and I had heaps to sort out, so I was kept busy. I kind of wished people would stop asking how the training was going, am I nervous etc., but it’s great to know people are interested and care.
It is funny how Ironman begins to “define” you. Once your friends or work colleagues know you are doing Ironman, they all want to know how you are doing, and always ask. There’s more to me than my training! Anyhow, I take it as a positive comment. Admiration, respect, I don’t know but something motivates them to ask. As it takes up most of your time outside work hours, you do actually struggle to find other subjects to talk about.
I went for a 45 min run at lunch which included 4 x 2 min mod-hard. This is intended to “sharpen” you up, and top up your peak fitness, not to get used to the speed you will go on race day! I had a good run around the waterfront out to Westhaven Marina, Herne Bay and Ponsonby.
After work I had a 30 min swim at the Parnell baths. My last swim on my swim card, great timing! I did 2km, including 5 x 240m strong.
Monday night I had a think about my race plan and started putting the pieces together. I had concerns about going too hard on the bike. My coach advised me to hang back on the bike, and use the run to catch up. This was going to require a lot of discipline!
I had faith in my bike endurance- K2 was a great achievement for me and a highlight of my Ironman training. I think though that I went too hard on some of the long rides, as I often didn’t have enough in the tank for a run. Proper pacing and nutrition though would hopefully sort this one out.
Tuesday
Today was bike pimping day! Race wheels on and a tune up. I took the beast for a 60 min session on the flat which included some IM pace pick ups. I felt ready. The bike felt really fast over the smooth tarseal of Tamaki Drive- Taupo’s roads are chip seal- a really horrible bumpy bone shaking experience which can stuff your legs if you’re not careful.
I made a list of the uncontrollables/concerns for my race plan, for the swim, bike and run, and how I would counter each situation with a positive move. You can see these on my race plan, which I have included to give you an idea of the thought processes you can go through to prepare for (almost!) every eventuality.
Wednesday
Tuesday night I had a minor crisis, as I couldn’t find my spare tubes and gas gun attachment. I was sure I had put them in my race wheels bag, but they weren’t there. I checked all over the house to no avail. So I rang the bike shop on Wednesday morning and guess what, they were all sitting on the counter!!!! I was relieved but peeved as I’d spent time stressing unnecessarily.
I had a 40 min run scheduled, which I got out of the way early. I felt good and the legs fresh.
I headed down to Taupo with a work colleague of Bede’s. It was good to have a good chat, although with someone I had just met, about tri-geeky stuff and our preparations for the big day.
One of my major concerns was the swim, being my weakest of all three. I had a bad swim last time in Taupo, so I wanted to get down early to get in a decent swim. This time I swam from the far end of the lake, 20 mins towards the Yacht Club and 20 mins back. All the buoys were out and it was such a relief to see how easy it would be to navigate around the course. Phew! I was much calmer and confident after a really good solid swim.
In the evening we settled into our apartment and I finalised my race plan.
Thursday
Today was my TOTAL rest day! I normally have my rest day on the penultimate day before a race. I used the day to register and get my race pack, then spent some time reading over everything and sorting through the goodies! A great rucksack, Bonita banana t-shirt and a few other items.
I had a snooze whilst Bede and my Dad played golf and Mum went shopping. I woke up 2 and a half hours later! I think I needed it. I met up with the Alpe crew later. It was great to see them and see how they were going. Sure we were all nervous, but excited too.
We then headed off to the Carbo loading party. After filling our plates with some delicious pasta, potato and salad (I was happy it all looked so healthy), we sat down and all enjoyed a nice meal, and chatted about the big day to come. We were then entertained by a maori cultural group, which was really great. Then a number of speakers talked about the event and Mike Reilly the “You are an Ironman!” commentator spoke. If there was one thing I took away from his speech and the video clip of Ironman was that you must enjoy it, have fun and most of all be the best you can be.
Just looking at all the footage, listening to the pros made my heart race. I was getting really excited now! It was heartwarming to hear Cameron Brown say how he still gets nervous, and if you didn’t well, why are you doing it! And also to treat the race as a two lap swim, 4 sections on the bike and a two lap run. Simple, yeah right!
I had a good think about the race when I got home. I know that I have come a long way since France, and have completed numerous great, and not so great, training sessions to get to Taupo. It’s all about remembering the good ones, and pushing through the sessions where you feel less than your best. I’ve realised over the last year that you can’t always perform to your maximum. Learning to make the easy sessions easy and the hard sessions hard is one of the many keys to success.
Friday
I woke at 6.30 and headed to the lake, across the road from our apartment for a 20 min swim. It was a cool, but still morning, and there were heaps of other athletes out there doing the same thing. I then headed back, jumped on my bike and headed off for a 30 min bike along the lake front and up the Napier-Taupo hill, Kiddle Drive and back to town. I then ran for 20 mins, 10 mins along the waterfront and 10 mins back. Overall it felt good, and got me in the mood for Saturday.
Following my quick “warm-up” tri, we had the compulsory briefing at 9am. This is where it all gets so “real”. It all seems like a lot of rules, but all well organised and in the spirit of good sportsmanship all along. This is where the nerves do start to tingle and the butterflies start fluttering.
Following the briefing, I rechecked over my gear bags and headed off to registration to hand them in and go through final checks for the big day.
Following lunch and a quick nap, I checked my emails then we headed to the mini-golf for a round to take my mind off over analysing the race! I had a terrible round (58, compared to Bede’s 39…) but I did have two holes in one! It was great fun.
In the evening, we relaxed at the apartment, and I had steak and pasta for tea. I went over my race plan and visualised the day ahead. I’m as ready as I can be, just a good night’s sleep and we’re off.
I was really looking forward to the race and the off time afterwards. I found out today that the next Long Distance Worlds for 2009 would be in Perth. Excellent, a half- Ironman goal for me to set my sights on.
I arrived back from fours days in Sydney on Friday afternoon. Training in Sydney was short, but fun all the same. I did three runs along the waterfront and around the Botanical Gardens. Sydney is very busy! I ran one evening and realised it was probably a bad idea to run at commuter home time. Plus everyone in all the restaurants made me fell hungry and envious of the waterfront lifestyle of wining and dining! I also ran one morning, much better although hot. I swam in the 25m pool at the hotel- a 2km time trial in just under 35 mins. It was good to have a change of scenery, but I didn’t like being on my own.
So Saturday morning I had a 30 min swim, 60 min bike and 30 min run planned, all at IM pace (steady). Well the weather had other plans. A weather bomb hit Auckland and the sea was horrendous, the worst weather I had seen in my few months in Auckland. So I canned the open water swim, and did a wind trainer session, followed by a 30 min run in the rain. I only saw one other guy out running. It was very blustery, but I was spurred on by the thought that I wouldn’t let the weather gods spoil all my training fun, and at least one discipline would be done outside today whatever!
Bede and I then caught a plan to Napier for Bede’s Aunty’s 75th Birthday party. We had a beautiful meal at The Church at Meeanee. Although it was short and sweet, we enjoyed the break and it was good to catch up with Bede's family.
Back to Auckland, and I ventured out on a 2hr ride around the back of Howick and Bucklands Beach and the waterfront. The rain and wind had almost all cleared up and it was good to get my last long ride under my belt (although 2hrs seems like a breeze now!)
Monday
Back at work, and I had heaps to sort out, so I was kept busy. I kind of wished people would stop asking how the training was going, am I nervous etc., but it’s great to know people are interested and care.
It is funny how Ironman begins to “define” you. Once your friends or work colleagues know you are doing Ironman, they all want to know how you are doing, and always ask. There’s more to me than my training! Anyhow, I take it as a positive comment. Admiration, respect, I don’t know but something motivates them to ask. As it takes up most of your time outside work hours, you do actually struggle to find other subjects to talk about.
I went for a 45 min run at lunch which included 4 x 2 min mod-hard. This is intended to “sharpen” you up, and top up your peak fitness, not to get used to the speed you will go on race day! I had a good run around the waterfront out to Westhaven Marina, Herne Bay and Ponsonby.
After work I had a 30 min swim at the Parnell baths. My last swim on my swim card, great timing! I did 2km, including 5 x 240m strong.
Monday night I had a think about my race plan and started putting the pieces together. I had concerns about going too hard on the bike. My coach advised me to hang back on the bike, and use the run to catch up. This was going to require a lot of discipline!
I had faith in my bike endurance- K2 was a great achievement for me and a highlight of my Ironman training. I think though that I went too hard on some of the long rides, as I often didn’t have enough in the tank for a run. Proper pacing and nutrition though would hopefully sort this one out.
Tuesday
Today was bike pimping day! Race wheels on and a tune up. I took the beast for a 60 min session on the flat which included some IM pace pick ups. I felt ready. The bike felt really fast over the smooth tarseal of Tamaki Drive- Taupo’s roads are chip seal- a really horrible bumpy bone shaking experience which can stuff your legs if you’re not careful.
I made a list of the uncontrollables/concerns for my race plan, for the swim, bike and run, and how I would counter each situation with a positive move. You can see these on my race plan, which I have included to give you an idea of the thought processes you can go through to prepare for (almost!) every eventuality.
Wednesday
Tuesday night I had a minor crisis, as I couldn’t find my spare tubes and gas gun attachment. I was sure I had put them in my race wheels bag, but they weren’t there. I checked all over the house to no avail. So I rang the bike shop on Wednesday morning and guess what, they were all sitting on the counter!!!! I was relieved but peeved as I’d spent time stressing unnecessarily.
I had a 40 min run scheduled, which I got out of the way early. I felt good and the legs fresh.
I headed down to Taupo with a work colleague of Bede’s. It was good to have a good chat, although with someone I had just met, about tri-geeky stuff and our preparations for the big day.
One of my major concerns was the swim, being my weakest of all three. I had a bad swim last time in Taupo, so I wanted to get down early to get in a decent swim. This time I swam from the far end of the lake, 20 mins towards the Yacht Club and 20 mins back. All the buoys were out and it was such a relief to see how easy it would be to navigate around the course. Phew! I was much calmer and confident after a really good solid swim.
In the evening we settled into our apartment and I finalised my race plan.
Thursday
Today was my TOTAL rest day! I normally have my rest day on the penultimate day before a race. I used the day to register and get my race pack, then spent some time reading over everything and sorting through the goodies! A great rucksack, Bonita banana t-shirt and a few other items.
I had a snooze whilst Bede and my Dad played golf and Mum went shopping. I woke up 2 and a half hours later! I think I needed it. I met up with the Alpe crew later. It was great to see them and see how they were going. Sure we were all nervous, but excited too.
We then headed off to the Carbo loading party. After filling our plates with some delicious pasta, potato and salad (I was happy it all looked so healthy), we sat down and all enjoyed a nice meal, and chatted about the big day to come. We were then entertained by a maori cultural group, which was really great. Then a number of speakers talked about the event and Mike Reilly the “You are an Ironman!” commentator spoke. If there was one thing I took away from his speech and the video clip of Ironman was that you must enjoy it, have fun and most of all be the best you can be.
Just looking at all the footage, listening to the pros made my heart race. I was getting really excited now! It was heartwarming to hear Cameron Brown say how he still gets nervous, and if you didn’t well, why are you doing it! And also to treat the race as a two lap swim, 4 sections on the bike and a two lap run. Simple, yeah right!
I had a good think about the race when I got home. I know that I have come a long way since France, and have completed numerous great, and not so great, training sessions to get to Taupo. It’s all about remembering the good ones, and pushing through the sessions where you feel less than your best. I’ve realised over the last year that you can’t always perform to your maximum. Learning to make the easy sessions easy and the hard sessions hard is one of the many keys to success.
Friday
I woke at 6.30 and headed to the lake, across the road from our apartment for a 20 min swim. It was a cool, but still morning, and there were heaps of other athletes out there doing the same thing. I then headed back, jumped on my bike and headed off for a 30 min bike along the lake front and up the Napier-Taupo hill, Kiddle Drive and back to town. I then ran for 20 mins, 10 mins along the waterfront and 10 mins back. Overall it felt good, and got me in the mood for Saturday.
Following my quick “warm-up” tri, we had the compulsory briefing at 9am. This is where it all gets so “real”. It all seems like a lot of rules, but all well organised and in the spirit of good sportsmanship all along. This is where the nerves do start to tingle and the butterflies start fluttering.
Following the briefing, I rechecked over my gear bags and headed off to registration to hand them in and go through final checks for the big day.
Following lunch and a quick nap, I checked my emails then we headed to the mini-golf for a round to take my mind off over analysing the race! I had a terrible round (58, compared to Bede’s 39…) but I did have two holes in one! It was great fun.
In the evening, we relaxed at the apartment, and I had steak and pasta for tea. I went over my race plan and visualised the day ahead. I’m as ready as I can be, just a good night’s sleep and we’re off.
I was really looking forward to the race and the off time afterwards. I found out today that the next Long Distance Worlds for 2009 would be in Perth. Excellent, a half- Ironman goal for me to set my sights on.
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