Ironman WA 2011 PJ ‘s Race Report

The Race
After getting to bed at 9:00pm Saturday night the alarm went off at 3:00am but I had been awake on and off since 1:30am. I felt surprisingly calm. Unlike my fellow Amigos I am venturing into the unknown today. But I’m telling myself how well I have prepared and how my coach Paul Fleuren (Fluro) has laid great foundations for a successful day. First up job was to get some fuel in. I managed 3 Weetbix and yoghurt and a Sustagen Sport and milk. I needed a couple of attempts to wake son Sam up as he was very keen to come down to the start with us. After getting dressed for the day and picking up the bags and bike nutrition it was out to the car park to meet the other 2 Amigos Dazz (Darin) and Rat (Paul). The first thing I noticed on the drive down was that it wasn’t as windy as the previous few days, a good sign. Dazz was focused and in the zone. He has a big job today. A sub 10 race his target. But he still had a few good words of advice on the way down. We got into Transition just after 4:00am. It was lit up like a Christmas Tree. I was deliberately slow and methodical to keep myself calm. A guy in the next rack wanted to borrow my pump and I obliged. He had no idea what he was doing and when I went to use it the rubber seal was gone from the tip. The whole end had come off and was in the grass. Luckily I had a hands free head torch so could find all the bits and reassemble so I could pump up my own tyres. Thanks pal. Tyres pumped up, helmet on bars, nutrition squeezed into Bento Box and balance in helmet. Check, check and triple check. A few familiar faces racked near me so good to say a quick hello to a few. Always interesting to watch the faces of fellow athletes, some calm, some stressed, most focused. Some with tunes on….getting into the zone.
Paulie came by to check I was going OK. Once we had handed our street bags and special needs bags in it was time for a nervous wee and on with the wetsuits. The light was unveiling a nicer day. Some wind about but not too bad yet. It was warm already. The 3 Amigos started the march down to the start area. I couldn’t find Sam anywhere. We had a gel with 20 minutes to go to the gun. We stood on the beach just in front of the Goose to watch the pro’s. They all had a signature tune as they were introduced to the crowd. It was pretty cool. The whole area was packed solid with people. Athletes and spectators as far as you could see. Once they got underway at 5:30am we were allowed on the beach. We were about to go under the swim kite when Sam called out. He squeezed the crap out of me and told me how proud of me he was. He choked me up a fair bit. I walked in for a warm up swim. The ocean was cold and murky but it was good to turn the arms over and get a layer of water between my skin and the wettie. Pete Jacobs, Aussie pro triathlete and runner up in Ironman Hawaii this year I was in the water next to me with a board and head cam on. I commented on his transition from pro to media man/camera jockey. He was wishing everybody good luck. Back at the beach I cast an eye around the huge crowd assembled on the path wondering if I could spot anyone I knew to wave to. Very close to start now so Paul and I said our last farewells and I positioned myself as per Fluro’s race plan, on the right hand end. We were off. I waited back a little to let the crowd go then hit the water. I started nice and slow. I took a first sight and the water was like a washing machine. It was an amazing sight. I lined up the end of the jetty, the quickest way there. I wasn’t going to hug the curved structure and make my swim any longer. It was going to be long enough as it was !!! I was surprised how quick the swimmers thinned out and I was soon swimming with a small group trying to find a draught. The best thing was that I was calm and relaxed. The swell was getting bigger the further offshore we got which was making it difficult but not unmanageable. The water was murky but I’m sure I saw a big Ray at one point. Slowly but surely the end of the jetty loomed large and I was around the top m-dot buoy. After turning it became obvious there was a very strong current carrying me to the next buoy to the west side of the jetty. I felt like I had to put a lot more effort in to move back towards the jetty and pick up the next course marker. There was a decent swell running out there too and this time I was breathing on the weather side. The rising sun was in my eyes as well. However it felt great to be heading back to the beach. I kept breathing on the left as I was comfortable doing that. I got a few mouthfuls but nothing to panic about. After sighting and passing the next can the swell seemed like it was more behind me. The return journey seemed quicker and I got distracted with following other swimmers and sighting cans so before I knew it I could see the line up to the beach and hear Simon Beaumont’s commentary. I tried to kick a bit in the last 500m to get some blood into my legs. I took it easy getting out of the water. I didn’t want to leg myself with so many spectators looking on !!! A quick spy of the Garmin revealed a swim time of 1:31 which is what I had predicted. I spied Jenn and Sam and gave them a wave and a smile. It was great to see them for the first time. I was keen to wee so stopped at the toilets before going into T1.

After the never ending pee I ran into T1 and grabbed a chair. There to greet me was buddy and former Australian age group representative Ritchie Burnell. I don’t know who was more surprised him or me!!! He went to work on peeling off the wettie and I focused on getting my bike gear on. Out to the bike and on the road. The plan was easy out and water only for the first 20 minutes. It was great to be on the bike and hard to resist cranking it up. However Dazz’s words were ringing in my ear “ leave the ego at home ”. The road wasn’t as congested as I was expecting. It was warming up but the headwind out of town wasn’t too bad. My HR had settled to 144 beats. After 20 minutes it was into the solid food. I was maintaining eat every 20 min, drink every 10 min routine. I got to the turn along the Coast Road and took advantage of the tail wind and cranked up the speed for the same effort. Back onto Layman Rd and I was settling in nicely. My pace was 29k/hr for the first hour and I sooo wanted to pick it up !! Heading out through the Tuart forest I passed Rat going the other way. He looked like he was enjoying the tail wind. It was warming up so I used the water to wet my race suit (Fluro tip) and put some in the helmet vent to cool down the head. After the highway turn around I had the tail wind to town so once again used it. Fluro had said I should be needing to pee by the end of the first lap otherwise I was in trouble. No worries there because after an hour and a half I was keen and stopped at the second aid station on Tuart Drive. The Amigos support team were there in force at the Layman Road roundabout. I got a bit excited though and heard the cry of “stay left” as Mitch Anderson came passed me halfway through the roundabout . He was absolutely flying. Going into town the crowd was massive and this gave me a huge lift. I was very careful around the Queen Street roundabout as this would have been a huge embarrasement falling here in front of this crowd. Lap 1 done and feeling good. 31k/hr av for the second hour. Heading out for the second lap the headwind had definitely picked up. It was warming up too. I wanted to pick up the pace into the wind this lap. I maintained the solid food intake alternating Power Bars, Gels, Bananas and my vegemite sandwiches. I was taking a salt tab every lap as well. I maintained 30.5k/hr into the wind for the third hour and my legs felt fresh as. I was however getting “hot foot” and was getting sore on the outside of both feet from the little toe down to the heel. I was out on Tuart Drive again when I spied Dazz on the side of the road. Puncture….shit! He was going for sub 10 hrs so that would have been the end of that. I felt for him. I passed Rat again going back still looking good. The hot foot was getting bad now. I had popped 2 Panadol on the Coast Road but it hadn’t kicked in yet. I kept squirling my toes around in my shoes to get some relief. I tried to pedal by lifting occasionally instead of pushing down on the soles. I stopped for a wee again same aid station as the first lap and getting off the bike and walking relieved the pain for about 20k. I began to worry if this was going to carry through to the run….mental games.

Through the Layman Road roundabout again and acknowledged the Amigo supporters. Back into town with some more crowd support to soak up and the end of lap 2. With 120k done the legs were feeling good. This was a deciding point. I had to decide whether I was going to pick up the pace or ride conservatively for the next 60k. This was unknown territory for me being my first Ironman race. In the end I decided not to roll the dice and ride at the same pace. It was getting hotter and I thought that the wind would most probably drop out. I thought the run could be ugly. Dazza passed me just as I was thinking of seeing the gang at the roundabout. Good to see he was mobile again and was getting on with the job. I got in behind him till the roundabout where he stopped to say gidday to his family. I slowed up to chat to Jenn and Sam, told them I was feeling great and kept going. He passed me again near the Marina. Heading out on the Coast Road for the last time and I passed my old swim squad “Gumby “ lane buddy Gem Ivey . She was looking OK. Further up the road I passed another Gumby in Caroline Clark. Her and husband Pete have been living and training in Kunanarra and were excited pre race with the prospect of it being hot for race day. I was backing off the solid food now. A Power Bar was the only solid I had for the rest of the ride. I was still getting through 2 bidons an hour of fluid plus gels. The hot foot was still there but not getting any worse. Maybe the Panadol was kicking in. I had dropped one tab on the road and was regretting that now. I stopped to pee at the same station on Tuart Drive. The bikes were thinning out on this lap so I imagined the boys out running. I passed through the Amigo roundabout for the last time and into town. I was spinning fast now and stretching the hammies to get ready for the run. I managed to average 31k/hr for the last lap so was happy with that and the legs felt fresh as. The atmosphere was great in town now as all of the supporters were heading there. Into the dismount area where I got off the bike very gingerly so as not to fall over. I untwisted the Garmin and put it on my wrist and began a jog towards T2 to test the run legs. The hot foot had gone….yeah !!! I opted to stop for a pee and then into the tent for a change into the run gear. I laid all my run nutrition out whilst a lovely woman lathered me in sunscreen including my ears. It was great to be running and I took it easy and turned into Queen Street where the finish chute was. The atmosphere was truly awesome with people packed in and music pumping. I turned the corner to see Kat and Jack Geyer so went over for a high five. I got a huge lift right there. I remembered Fluro’s advice which was to engage the crowd, high five the kids, chat, smile and wave. This all takes your thoughts away from the pain. The plan was to go out easy and walk the aid stations to make sure I got fluids in properly. I planned to take a cup of water and a cup of Gatorade in at each station. To my delight they had watermelon at the first station. I remember reading someone’s race report from a past IM and they said how awesome the taste was so I was up for some of that. Running through the big carpark, the Equinox Café, and the Goose was awesome as the crowd support was huge. I acknowledged peoples support and said thankyou each time I got encouragement. After 5k I was feeling great. I was holding a good pace and my HR had settled. I was smiling. I got to the eastern turn around and got a boost from the Amigos support crew waiting there. It was getting warmer and the wind, although dying off, had also swung around to almost the northwest. With ice on offer at the aid stations I decided to take a leaf out of Macca’s book (Hawaii Ironman champion) and put a cup down the front of my tri suit to keep my heart cool. Another cup full went in my run cap. Post race I found out that Paulie had done the same. Heading back into town I passed some great support. The boys with the bar tables and cold beers, The Stadium Tri Club fancy dressers with the pumping music, I engaged them all, they loved it, I loved it. Back behind the transition tent and there on Marine Terrace I picked up my first black IM wrist band to signify the completion of lap 1. This was another lift right there. The first lap I did just under an hour at 5:28min/k pace, happy with that. I turned into Queen Street again adjacent to the finish chute and imagined myself running down it. I told myself how good that was going to be but I had to earn it first. The second lap I maintained the same aid station routine of water, ice in the kit, Gatorade, watermelon, get running again. It was heaving in town. It was great to have so much support from the Freo faithfull, Endurance Fitness swim squad mates, I thanked them all. I was smiling. Heading east out on the barren part of the course I was acutely aware that it was getting very warm. Athletes were walking already. I passed Bruce Bowman from swim squad walking. I asked him if he was OK but all he said was that he would finish. I passed Paulie running the other way, first time I had seen him on the run. He looked to be running bloody well. Great to see the gang at the eastern turn again, I waved my arms in the air in advance so they would see me coming.

The leg back into town seemed very short. I think because I have done 4 half IM’s on this course where this leg is much longer. The beer boys and the Stadium Tent warmed to me. I think they remembered my acknowledgement from lap 1!! The spectators were positioned in every square centimetre of shade now. A good indication it was warming up. Black wrist band no 2 was waiting for me and I thanked the young girl who gave it to me. Lap 2 was at 5:32 min/k pace, 2 hours spot on for 21.3k. Halfway through the run. I had been told that this is the critical point, this is where the race starts. My legs were feeling great though. The quads were just letting me know they were there, but not cramping. I thought they would be fine if I could just maintain my current pace. My feet were getting really hot and the balls of my feet were getting sore from the constant pounding. I took some precautionary Panadol after my “hot foot” experience on the bike. The goal I set myself was to maintain pace on the third lap. I also increased the salt tabs to 2 for this lap in case the quad soreness turned into cramp. I maintained the same routine for lap 3 nutrition, pace, cooling, support acknowledgement. I started on the coke. Time to get some simple sugars in. The jelly beans came out too but I found them hard to digest. Even the Gel Blasts were getting hard to eat. They went down OK but I found I needed to wash the sweet after taste away with some fluid. It was harder mentally going out to the barren end of the course. The attrition rate was high now. There were a lot of athletes walking. I was passing heaps of people. This is a good feeling. I passed Paulie again. He was looking great. Team Amigo supporters were there again at the eastern turn around. So good to see them. Heading back into town and my smile was fading now. I was engaging the crowd less and less and focusing more on my running. I felt my pace was slipping a little but I was almost back in town and decided to check the Garmin and do some maths. Shit….I had held pace for the third lap and was picking up black wristband number 3 on 3 hours even. This was 5:39 min/k for lap 3. If I could hold for one more lap I could go close to 4 hours for the run and go sub 12 hours for the race ???? Mmmm. Running down Queen Street again and I allowed myself a glimpse of the finish chute. I so wanted to be there. The run to the western most aid station was getting tough. I was still walking the stations but it was getting harder to get going again afterwards so I sensed I would make a change soon. I got to the big car park and passed Mark from swim squad who was walking. He was racing with torn meniscus in his knee and he knew he would be walking the run before the race started. I then recognised fellow Fluro athlete Tim Valentine from behind. He was walking….shit, tragic. Tim had done 9 hrs 43 min last year and this time he was out to beat that. He had smashed out a 5 hr bike split and started running at 4:15min/k pace until he hit the wall at about the 12k mark. I consoled him and urged him to just keep going. My smile was missing in action now. I managed thankyou’ s to the supporters now but that was all. I was headed out on barren land for the last time. I passed Paul yet again and he yelled out “just finish it off now”. Soon the eastern turn around came into sight. My feet were really sore now. The whole bottoms of my feet just felt like a bruise. Jenn was the only one left of the Amigo crew. I’m so glad she was there. I had a quick chat and she said just don’t stop. That jolted my memory and I decided I was not stopping at aid stations from now on. I came across “IronHoss” Andy Hoskins a seasoned IM campaigner on doing his 8th IM race today. He was walking and was telling me about how he had been chucking up the whole way. I urged him on and he started to run with me for a bit. Then he just took off towards town. No way could I go with him !! I was in agony with my feet for the last 4k. I kept telling myself the pain was temporary. I could not believe I was so close now. I thought I would be an emotional wreck by now but I was holding it together. Past the Stadium crew for the last time, around the back of the skate park and past the North Coast Tri Club tent. Into the car park where I yelled out to the special needs guys “ I won’t be needing my bag thanks” They didn’t get it though !!! I ran around the back of the transition tent and took my orange wrist band which identified that I was about to complete my fourth lap. I said to the girl “gimme me that orange one baby !!!!! “ I was so happy. I turned into Queen Street and could see the finish arch and big screen, so close. I was confused where you entered the finish chute and had to ask the athlete next to me. He says “near the Power Bar sign mate…I’ve got another one to go…” I thanked him and wished him all the best for his last lap. I entered the sacred corridor and saw Sam running along the fence. I high fived him. I saw Paul, Shells and the kids on the right I pumped my finger at them, I saw Jenn on the left, I saw heaps of people I knew, I saw……..the ramp ahead. I wanted to take my time and soak it all up but I wanted to finish as well. I don’t even know if I walked up the ramp or ran up it but I went under the finish arch to hear Pete Murray call out “Peter Jackson…..you are an Ironman” . I looked up at the sky and pointed. I acknowledged my Mum and Dad that were up there watching over me all day. This one’s for you guys.

Done and dusted with an official time of 12 hours 3 minutes and 25 seconds. A tough day at the office but I was a very happy man. Two ladies put a finishers towel around my shoulders and a finishers medal around my neck and escorted me to the athlete recovery area…..one on each elbow. I wasn’t going to collapse though, I was fine. They had some questions for me subtlely establishing that I was all there mentally I think !!! I turned down the offer of a massage and a visit to the medical tent. What a day. What a journey. It just seemed to go so quickly. It all seemed surreal, I don’t think it had sunk in yet.
I sat down in recovery and very slowly took my shoes off. I poured cold water over them. It felt so good. I couldn’t see Jenn and Sam in the public area. They probably hadn’t arrived yet. Paulie came in from watching me finish. We shared an Amigo hug for a job well done. 5 years since I watched him finish his first IM in Busso and 5 years since I thought to myself yeah…..I wanna do that one day. Dazz came through and joined in. More Amigo hugs. I know he didn’t have the race he wanted but at the end of the day we all finished well and were there in athlete recovery together sharing the moment…….The Three Amigos.

Reflections
Was I disappointed I didn’t go sub 12 hours ? sure a little if I was to be honest…..but I had such a good run, such a good day that I am just stoked to get that close. As I was to found out later in the day I placed 9th in my age group out of 40 starters, beyond my wildest dreams.
I totally miscalculated this campaign and what it would cost time wise, financially and in other ways. I found it difficult to juggle home, work and training. I need to learn to manage my time and achieve better balance in the future.
Acknowledgements
I don’t know where to begin my thank you’s. This is always difficult because there are so many to make and I may forget someone.
I would like to thank Jenn who has put up with so much. She has been running the household and working full time with precious little thanks. It has been a difficult time for her and I acknowledge that.
Phoebe and Sam. I know I haven’t been around much for you guys and when I have I’ve either been asleep on the sofa or eating the fridge out but your support has been fantastic and appreciated.
My good buddy Paul Manning whom I work with and train with. He is responsible for introducing me to this fantastic sport. Always there for me with advice and support. You’re a rock mate. I will never forget when he kept the secret of entering this race. Initially Dazz and I were going to race and Paul was going to spectate. As we talked it up in the months leading to entering he kept it quiet. Then on sign up day bang….he hits us with his entry confirmation email. Gobsmacked us right there mate…..
Dazz for his advice and technical know how as well as his training company and support. Awesome mate…it’s been a blast. I have learnt so much from you.
Paul Fluren (Fluro) supercoach. I can’t thank you enough for the fantastic preparation. What an awesome year of training I have had under your guidance. You have turned me into an endurance athlete mate. There were times I doubted your programme and said “I can’t do that crap “ but of course I could and did. It all made it so easy for me when it came to putting the icing on the cake.
Freo group one boys for letting me hang off the back most Saturday mornings and never doing any work. You are all fantastic riders and I have learned so much from you.
Phil Ingpen (Phabbie) bike mechanic extroadinaire. For the servicing and rugby dialogue.
The Runners World group for the bike training and general sharing and caring.
Brian Kempson my old swim squad coach for letting me come down and do open water swims with your squad for the last 6 weeks.
Tony Bence Massage Therapist to the stars of triathlon and Freo Dockers for keeping my legs fresh. Mate you always hurt me…..but you always fixed me too.
And to many others for their support and cooperation during this campaign. You know who you are.



“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone “
Neal Donald Walsch

Paul’s Race Report

That’s me...on the left......out of focus but still on shot !! I’ve finally made it to a Delly Carr Sportshoot gallery – my life is nearly compete !! ( see link for some of Delly’s amazing work !!) http://www.sportsphotography.com.au/

Well, it’s taken a bit to get this down onto the computer from my quick hand written notes of the day so will be from memory so hopefully all flows ok.

If you read Daz’s and PJ’s reports you’ll get a full picture of what the day was like, plus like the many other forum posts I have read on what happened on the day pretty much sums it up for most people

Woke at 3am with no problems at all – you’d think after 5 months of early morning start the main day would allow you at least a half decent sleep in ?? Scott up 2.30 so I politely told him we still had half an hour to go !!

Breakie of a muffin, sustagen and water...then a shower (just to wake me up) quick stretch (may as well start that campaign today !! ha ha !!).....out the door by 4am. Fellow Amigos getting in Daz’s car and all subdued and game faces on

Parked a bit from transition so Scott could get his car out later, and walked the 5 mins with my gear shared between us. Was a nice moment to share with Scott looking around at the other athletes doing the same. The sky was getting lighter and looking to be a pretty darn good Ironman-ning day. Straight forward bike setup – tyres pumped all good (thank god) bento box on, first two hours food into the helmet to go into the back pockets, double check triple check...walk away just walk away

Handed pump and bag gear off to Scott at the mechanics tent – a few people getting stressed with a some bike probs, mechanics doing their best to remain calm and appease them that all will be ok. Wetsuit on after a liberal lathering of Bepathen (baby nappy cream) quick photo op with the Amigos and off we go to swim start

First gel of the day down, quick gulp of water and watched the pro’s go off in the rockstar format...that was pretty cool. Shuffled over to swim marshalling and saw a few familiar peeps and said g’day and shook some hands. Amigo’s quickly regrouped and said our well wishes and acknowledged the semi confidence that we had done all we could to get to this point. I was pretty relaxed and it probably helped feeding off the different energies of Daz and PJ – different polars with Daz focused and PJ excited and apprehensive.
Very proud moment to be standing next to PJ & Daz – Daz with his game face and executable plan ready to go - knowing he had it in him to get it done... and PJ – I could tell he so wanted this for many years and to be right next to him for his first ever Ironman was pretty special.

Stuck with PJ til we entered the water and before you know it -- bang – we were off. In hindsight I should’ve started more up the front as I was working my way thru the crowd and took about 10-15 mins to get clear with some like swimmers and look for some feet to latch onto. Wouldn’t change it tho’ as to me it’s a bloody long day and starting with PJ was something I really wanted to do after 5 years full of constant chats between us of how cool would it be to be exactly here at this moment !!
Did have a moment right at the start where a woman was waving for surf rescue, I watched her as I got closer then she was on her back doing a back paddle thing......so I stopped and asked if she was ok – she didn’t reply but I said just take it easy and it was a long day...hopefully she was ok for the day

Out to the end of the jetty, couple of little swells to contend with that whipped up the butterflies in the belly..nothing to overly worrying tho’. Did then notice my arms and chest were getting a little sore and feeling a little tired, was hoping the swim back would be easier...no mouthfuls of Busso sea water so all good.

Turned at the buoy, rode the current to the next buoy that marked the leg back in to the beach. Got stuck right there and then.... didn’t feel like I had actually moved any distance for at least 2 or 3 minutes as the Underwater Observatory didn’t look like it was being left behind in my wake ! – the current was playing a little havoc which everyone has been commented on. Pushed on and managed to get going and concentrated on finding some feet, which was a little difficult as most swimmers were going all over the place. Nice little moment as I looked down I saw a red swim cap lying in the sea grass, distracted me enough to wonder which pro was missing their cap !! ahhh.....anyways...kept sighting and before I knew it (that good old Ironman race report statement) I was touching sand with my hand and time to stand up...1.08..not bad – was hoping for 1.04-1.05 just to beat 2006’s time..

Into transition T1...mmmmm.......now here is where I lost at least a full 5 mins in the day !!

As I ran in from the swim I noticed the toilets on the left, now I had tried to pee in the swim but was just too much a mental block to get over and get the flow going ifyouknkowotimsayin (have done it before but just couldn’t this time)... so made a note that if I peed now I’ll have to get out of my wettie and then squeeze into the portaloo blah blah so I decided all too hard and that I’d go on my way out to the bike, there would surely be toilets there.....

Into the tent and the nice volunteer Richie Burnell smothers me in sunscreen, I dry my feet socks on and get sorted for a nice day out on the bike. Ran out and realised there were no toilets in the bike area  ...doh !!.....so back I go right around to the swim exit and go there......no bother – it’s a long day !! ....yeah well, 5 mins may not seem a lot then but we’ll see what happens the rest of the day !!

Got onto my bike and was straight away thinking – oh... I didn’t get any cream on my legs......I’d better stop later at a bike aid station and get them covered...that thought soon disappeared later on in the day as I soon realised there wasn’t any sunscreen out there (well, not that I saw) and in the end I realised I’d probably be burnt everywhere else anyways so I let it go. Noticed my speedo wasn’t working so pulled over at the just out of town and made sure all was working ok..right, off we go again

First lap was controlled into the wind and  first 20 mins feeding only on water – 21 mins and then straight into the nutrition plan....eat eat drink...amped up the pace a touch with the tail wind sections but was careful not to go too hard. Plenty of people passing me but just let ‘em go.....will see them later for sure maybe !

Really enjoyed this bike course plenty going on to keep you interested, the section out to Capel was as little tough but not un-expected. Great boost seeing Mr Bikesure Roddie and Ben out there at the Capel turnaround in their Bikesure gear – cheering us on...very nice surprise.

Back towards town and looking forward to seeing the family support crew who had planned to setup at the Layman Rd roundabout. Saw them off in the distance, waved to get their attention and was such a great boost to get some familiar acknowledgement...goosebumps to see them even if it was just a fleeting moment as I whizzed past on the bike !! Pretty chuffed on how the first lap had gone and knowing in about 20 mins I’d get to see them on the way back !!

Second lap was a fair bit harder especially into the wind which had appeared to whip up a bit, was thanking myself for still pushing a controlled bit on the first lap as conditions appeared to be getting a little harder the longer the day went. Saw Daz stuck on the side of the road with his flat tyre – he looked pretty dark...stopped to see if I could help but didn’t have a short stem tube – was going to put on in my special needs whilst packing at home but found an old 80mm which went in instead – special needs was only 200m up the road as well – so coulda been a easy fix! He told me to keep going and said his day was done, I left him and said he needed to finish it off, no matter what....

Had a interesting to-ing and fro-ing with a few athletes, one Japanese guy who couldn’t work out his pace and kept surging back and forth which made it hard to maintain the 12m draft zone....and a chick who kept over taking me as I kept bloody stopping along the way (wee stop, Daz stop, hair check..)

Maintained eating, drinking, and was back in town turning at the town roundabout ready to go out for one last lap. Mitch Anderson was coming into transition to start his run and looked good. At this stage I was pouring bidons of water over me as it was getting hotter and was picking up at least 2 bidons at a time. Sometimes they were pretty cold so it was a constant juggle working out which one I was worth drinking or pouring over me...popped a nurofen at 130k and by then eating solid foods was getting a lot harder to do, had finished everything in the bento box including the vegemite sandwich

Switched to the 4 gels I had and a couple of oven baked bars which I had as spare as I figured I really needed to keep the food intake going...didn’t think the gels I had would’ve been enough for the last 2 hours – and still didn’t trust picking anything up from the aid stations so grabbed my spare gel in the bento box and scoffed that too. I picked up some awesome water bidons at eastern turn around that had fresh ice in them which went straight over the body, was tempted to drink them but tasted a little funny so used it for cooling effect only just in case ice was a bit dodge. Had a guy come past and comment on how cool it was to get the ice in the bottles – yeah baby, imhearinya !!

Was soooo good turning left back onto the home straight knowing a little effort and tail wind of sorts would get me home. Past the crew again, quick wave and felt bloody good if not awesome !! That feeling of coming down the main drag with people lined up (albeit a little less now the run had started for the pros), into transition T2 and off the bike a bit gingerly but still moving to grab run gear. Felt reasonably ok so with my bag in hand found a seat and two lovely volunteers were straight over and waiting for directions on where I wanted sunscreen. Well, I did warn them the last part of my getting ready would be ugly as I had some Sorbelene to ‘administer’ where they assured me they had seen it all before as they were nurse so with no further ado a big squirt and on it went (won’t describe where it went but you get the idea). Amazing the naked bodies again in transition – 5 years ago I commented on a couple of guys who just dropped everything, and this time yep – there they were stark bollock naked...no-one seemed to care so good on ya, go for it

Got my sunnies cleaned also as I had been riding with crap all over them for the last 70k or so, and was worried it was contact lenses playing up but was just crap over the lenses. Lucy irish shamrock hat on and out the door with everything I needd for a 42k shuffle around the foreshore of Busso – 7 mins or so this time so again so faffing around wasted some more precious minutes ...no rush...ho-hum...out the tent - saw Scotty, quick wave then a quick retreat to have another quick wee just in case I couldn’t hold on til wherever the first aid station was

Soon as I ran out I was a little confused if we were supposed to grab a wrist band (brain not thinking straight) as the hander-outers were right there ....so took off without (which was the correct thing to do !) and as I really hadn’t studied the run map enough that I sorta just followed everyone else and hoped I was going the right way !!

Ran alongside the finish chute and what a great idea just to tease you as you roll past on your laps.......not quite there yet mate !! As I ran out I could see they had the 3 podium getters with champagne up on stage.....very cool. Turned right and heard Roddie and Ben shouting from the VIP upstairs pub giving me a wave !! Out to the west and man, the path just full on people cheering on, was so good. Starting passing a fair few people who were walking and the further I got into the run the more I realised that some of these people didn’t even have their first lap wristband on so they were walking straight away...not good. It got more uglier as the day went, loads of people stopped, walking or just shuffling...actually felt guilty about keeping a fairly decent pace but there is something all powerful about passing people after a 3.8k swim and 180k bike knowing that your pacing has been spot on.

The first lap I turned out in 55 minutes and had to reset my head as i was thinking I’d cut short the course somewhere (was still playing on my mind I didn’t fully know the course) I was even surprised we actually ran in front of the Equinox and Goose Restaurant, in my head it was all going around the back of it this year ?? mmm....anyways, just keep running

So with Daz’s number 1 run tip in head I slowed a bit and backed off the pace, first lap should be 30-40 secs slower than targeted pace...
Missed Shell and the kids on this lap as I was probably a bit late after a few minutes out what I’d told them, saw the chalk marks the kids had done the day before but was too busy to take in as I was trying to see where they were standing......Back into town and picked up the first awesome lap wrist band (got cool IM logo on them) Last year when seeing a few friends who did the race with them on I decided if I did this race there was going to be 3 black bands (1 each lap) for the kids and the orange one (final lap) for me to keep !! ...off again around the loop to the west turnaround, still passing heaps of people and feeling damn good....second lap wrist band thankyou very much...Roddie yelling at me how good I was still looking – and still drinking beer he was ! Saw the crew this time at the western turn and was a great lift.....love the way they all tell you you’re looking good !!

Kept to the plan of gel a hour with alternating Gatorade and Cola each aid station, along with a salt tab – started on coke right at the end of the first lap. Ice went down the front of the suit, zippered up, and ice under the hat...would have loved to have shoved ice down on my quads but just got too hard to comprehend how to do it with a one piece suit.  Got to the near the end of the second lap and was still feeling really good. Only had a few people pass me and they were looking damn good too, ran with Michelle Bremer (eventual female winner) for a bit but she was just way too quick...saw the fellow Amigos and acknowledged a fair few supports. Got that 3^rd band and job done as far as I was concerned – no arguing from the kids about getting a wrist band each if I dropped dead right there and then !! Made sure I grabbed them off the same lovely volunteer and quietly said to myself I’ll see you in a hour and a bit.

Some cool moments along the way, the euro back packers around the back of Signal Park...I showed them my boob to side of my tri suit and they got excited and called me ‘sexy man’, Aaron Robertson on the wall near the Equinox giving some great encouragement, Scott popping up at different spots which was great, Stenchy snapping picks and on the run interviews and just some fantastic supporters out there giving it their all.

Shell had moved on this lap so I missed her and the kids but coming back thru where the kids park is she came running up and said I was looking great (even tho’ I felt like I was fading) she said she’d see me soon and they’d be on the left. That there and then kept me going in that last lap...... I knew then I didn’t have far to go.....an hour and a bit to go and I’m done – I couldn’t do any sums again looking at the kilometres done marker boards so gave up on timing for pace and thought ‘just keep fookn running’...Had a low spot then where I backed off all intake instead of water only for about 5k’s, jelly beans just weren’t cutting it neither was the Gatorade or coke

At one point I felt my little toe ‘catch on fire’ as such and I could’ve sworn my sock was filling with blood from a blister that had burst ??....have struggled with squished up toes in training so thought here we go, but in the end was all ok...did think running could go to crap right here and now but I persevered and eased off the foot fall effort a little that by the time I got going properly again the burning toe feeling had stopped. Ran with Andy IronHos Hosgood for a bit and was like 2006 all over again – politely told him I was off (he was having a bad run with vomiting but finished strong) We had joked when he caught me on the bike that I wasn’t going to run with him again this year !! ha ha !

Daz was slowly reeling me in and caught me just before the eastern turn – he said to go with him as he was hurting but I couldn’t ..he was on a mission to make the most the day that had robbed him a awesome pb. I let him go and I made sure I still walked that end aid station, then ramped up the effort and forced myself to focus and get it finished.....

Missed the second last aid station and was passing people like they were standing still (well a lot were just walking) was motoring now and got to the usual alley of tri clubs tents and upto the Stadium Tri Club tent.

Well, getting emotional is a understatement here – they had playing very loudly from their stereo a favourite Death Cab For Cutie song of mine – You Are A Tourist... I could hear it a few hundred meters off and was starting to well up thinking of what an awesome day, weekend, 5 months training, loving family, great friends and life I have had up until this very moment.....

This got me thru to the skate park section and knew I only had 2 and a bit kays to go......this is also when a stitch started in my side......oh sh!t I thought – not now...kept going thru the special needs station and was struggling. Wasn’t acknowledging anyone at this stage, was way too worried about having to walk the last 1k...man that seemed so in-comprehensible that I still had run around the back of the Goose Restaurant, then out along Queen St to the finish.......aarghhh.........called out passing at the last aid station as wasn’t taking anything on and just wanted to everyone out of my way, turned left and knew there wasn’t long to go til I got that orange band that said say – yep, you are allowed into the finish chute

Now it felt a million dollars coming up to that lap point (forget the lows I’m taking this high !!) – round the bend pointed to the dude with the coloured wrist bands got one for me there champ ??...politely declined another black one......thank you very much mate. Round the corner onto that bloody spongy matting stuff they had laid down, hoping I wasn’t going to go arse over.......up a bit and yep I have a bloody orange wrist band Miss Volunteer – yes you can turn left sir you are approved to finish !!

What a feeling.....

I want I bottled..... I want it in a locket on a necklace..... I want it on video..... I want the merchandised coffee mug that displays me running up that finish chute... ..

.....if anyone has the chance to do this....... do it, you will not regret it

Ran along high-fiving every one, Craig and Sue from Northcoast were there.......then saw Shell and the girls...just knew I had to stop.
Big kisses and high fives ...and a absolute awesome high-five from Bikesure Roddie.... then went to take off and realised I hadn’t seen Aiden !!......double backed - Bridie picked him up (he didn’t have a bloody clue what the hell was going on – he was just happy with his lolly pop) tried to give him a hug but sorta just squeezed his cheeks instead !! ha ha !!

Off running towards that ramp and finish arch....had mentally told myself no stupid Fonzie salute this time so fisted the muppet arms into the air and up over the line........DONE......very happy...

Pb’d 2006 time by 24 minutes.....(more if ‘faffing around’ time was reduced -- don’t really care – I like faffing !!) Lovely volunteer catchers led me away and asked those loaded questions to see if you need any medical – all good for me. One of the catchers was a lady who had sorted my sunscreen in T2 for the run and she remembered me too !!.... into the recovery tent and see Daz there with some ice on his shoulders and a can of Pasito.......I’ll have some of that thanks !!

Me and Daz chat and reflect on a mixed day for both of us – both knowing we were extremely privileged to be able to finish. Into the food area and time to catch up with Shell and the kids. Get out and see PJ coming up to finish, would have loved to have been on the over side to high five him but the legs weren’t working that well to run over and make it so just gave him a massive cheer as he ran past

So there you go that’s it done.....5 years later from the last one and 5 months of training such a damn fantastic day out, awesome weekend away and a special time with family and friends

Usual thanks:

Shell for putting up with all the training, washing, food requests, constant pasta meals, purchases from Chain Reaction and the non-conversations to a sleeping body on the couch at 8.30pm each night ..  I love ya lots !!.........and for the very long ‘cheap weekend holiday in Busso’.... having to do all that same stuff as mentioned above in the days before culminating in 12 hour day standing out in the sun with cranky kids !

The girls Bridie and Ellie for inspiring me to keep as fit as I can as I roll into my mid forties....some of my best memories are swimming at the Arena whilst they trained and those early morning starts and the couple of times they came out riding on their bikes alongside me as I a ran up the coast from home...gotta do a lot more of that in the next few years

...Aiden who again doesn’t really get what is going on but hopefully is proud of his dad

To Amigos Daz and PJ..... as mentioned - for this race, were two compete polar opposites to what they wanted from the day.
The knowledge we all brought to each other each week was invaluable, I feel we had prepped perfectly and all got there in pretty decent shape.  I will remember many a day day- dreaming as we rode or ran along pondering what it will be like on race day at this point or that point....it never got boring.... Thanks guys....

The Three Amigos did it !! ......we swam, we rode, we ran and we had a bloody lot of fun along the way
Damn proud of you both and those special memories are locked in forever and, recorded in this blog forever too........love it ! .....can’t wait to do it again.

Runners World crew for the caring and sharing including the one on one pysch sessions with Phabbie Phil (about 1 more than 2006 )

Scotty for starting all this off and being there for us on the weekend, one day mate.... we’ll be lining up together I'm sure – PJ is proof of that, we’ve got a few years left

So that’s it – blog finished...hope it’s been as fun reading as it has been writing.......til’ next time

Adios Amigos

Cheers

Paul

Paul’s Week 22 (Race Week) – ending 27/11/11 – Just About There....

Monday – Spin Class

Nice and easy, quite boring actually...more boring than normal knowing it’s the last one for a very short while !! Didn’t help instructor didn’t have their ipod and had to go with a pre-made disk of some cheesy tunes

Tuesday – Full Day Off

Nothing today – swapped around to run with PJ Wednesday

Wednesday –  Run

Easy run with PJ for 30 mins – took longer to get gear ready than it did to run......gotta love the taper – makes you feel like you’re a fat heffa and the 5 month accumulated fitness is seeping out of every pore

Thursday – Travel Day -- AM Swim  PM Bike

Swam whilst Bridie at squad, had a couple of moments mid way along the lane thinking how far I’d come in 5 months and that swimming was probably the most fun I had for all the disciplines

There’s something about a swim in the morning knowing you don’t have to go to work and I sat in the stands had a Up and Go and watched B finish off her set...special moment for me seeing her enjoying the team spirit that goes with the squad (tho’ not readily shown at 5.20am when I’m driving her down to the pool and not a word is spoken in the car !! ha ha !! can’t wait to see if she keeps swimming in her teens !! – that should be fun)

Car packed, bike on, kids in and we’re off. Un-eventful drive but love a good road trip as me and Shell get to chat more than we would if things going on in the house. Disappointed no IMWA billboard at the Busso roundabout...

In constant contact with fellow Amigos and drop gear off at villa (all three Amigos and support crews staying at the Busselton Beach Resort – near the 70.3 run turnaround – great spot, fantastic pool for the kids) Off to rego, signed in, grabbed a bit of merch and back to villa to grab bike and go and check out the new section of the bike course

That new part reminded me of Ningaloo a touch with the shoreline so close to the road. Turned and back along the farms smelling the lovely wiff of dead kangaroos and sheep poo. Loads of flies !!

On way back had a car full of bogans drive past and kindly throw their lighter and me...nice boys – cheers for that. Shaped up to them but luckily they kept driving (or lucky for me !!) Busselton is such a great town and the community get’s so into this race but I suppose there are still pockets that would prefer it wasn’t ruining there Sunday drive for a few hours once or twice a year – they are entitled to their opinions and if they feel they have to express by p!ssing people off them so be it

Friday – Mini Tri 

Swim at Jetty in wettie – felt good and was a bit blowy but manageable

Back to Villa on bike  - quick spin somewhere, can’t remember now !!

Run along the dual use path for 15 mins back and breakie number 1 !!

Eat Eat Eat and drink...more looking around at the expo, kids got into it a bit....went to movies and watched Arthur Christmas – cool little cinema in Busso – just like the city once just in mini size !! ha ha !!

Pretty cool hanging out with the kids and seeing them have a blast with the Dunstan’s in and out of the pool

BBQ with the Amigos and their crew, off to welcome dinner and briefing – we got there as final showing of pro’s. Massive big top tent to fit every one in and a great in-formal chat with some of the guns aiming for the win

Back at villa by 8.45 and in bed by 9.30’ish

Saturday –

Lazy morning, big breakfast then down to jetty for a quick walk and show kids how cool this old jetty is – kids had grand plans of walking the whole way out but that soon disappeared after 10 mins of walking...next time we’ll do the train thing to the end

Back to beach and met up with Daz and we swam in our boardies (after me squeeling like a girl that is soooo cold !!)

Eat Eat Eat Drink Gatorade, Eat .. .etc etc

Bike gear sorted – last minute panic to strap on spare tube number 3 under xlab, finally got out the door with bike and PJ reminded me to go back and get bike and run gear bags to also check in !! Doh. Check in so bloody straight forward again, that empty feeling of like going camping – you are paranoid you’ve left something out !! oh well – too late now. Quick photo op with Jason Shortis – pure legend of the Ironman scene and a bloody gentleman...asked him how’d he’d go and reckon he’d give it to the Euros in the heat !! yeah baby..bring it !!

Scotty rocked up just before 4 so good to have another member for the support crew, his official job was going to be pump bitch on the day. Good to see him and brought back some good memories for him being there after he was the first crazy nut to try this out of our group – back in 2005

Pretty bloated by the time dinner came from all the eating so had a bit of steak and some pasta, not too over board

Stressed over the weather waaay too much the last few days (hot, wind, swell, chop, hot, rain, Armageddon etc etc) so good to let it all go and whatever happens on the day then so be it – that said, did quickly check weatherzone again before sleeping and didn’t look that bad !!

Feeling pretty relaxed now and ready to go bring it on

Cheers

Paul

Race Week - let’s get the job done

Week’s to go 1 PJ ‘s Training Summary 28-11-11 to 4-12-11

The mental games I mentioned last week continue this week, bloody taper truly does your head in! The primary goal this week is to be fresh. Impossible to rest too much…but very easy to train too much. Fluro warned me that I will feel tired but it’s the body adapting to the training overload. It is a good sign if it happens !!
Paulie gave me a good tip. He said to use some visualisation. When I wake up in the morning go through the whole race in your mind, what you will be doing, nutrition, gear, everything. This was very useful as I remembered a few more things that I needed to organise and pack.
Monday
A short set in the pool tonight……. 1.1k and over in the blink of an eye !!
I layed out some more gear tonight to take down to Busso. I printed out some check lists today and nothing was going to be left behind !!
Tuesday
A rest day today. I was constantly thinking about what needed to be done and what I should be packing.
More stuff added to the pile tonight.
Wednesday
A 30 minute run with Paulie this morning from work. I made him do six efforts of 90 sec duration though !!
The last day of work today for me before we head down to Busso. Yet more stuff to pack. Check, check and recheck. I wanted Sam to pack today to take the pressure off tomorrow but of course that didn’t happen !!
Thursday
I woke early and did some more visualisation. I sorted my clothes and chased Sam up who had not yet packed a thing. I went down to 9 Seeds to have a last coffee with the fellow Fluro trained boys. Great to get their good wishes and encouragement. I got back home and had to chase Sam up again. Pressure I could really have done without. We finally got the car packed and hit the road at 11am. We had a good run down and were soon settled in out accommodation at Busselton Beach Resort.
The Amigos headed down to the village area to check it all out and soak up some atmosphere.We registered and picked up our race kits. The athlete ID was now on my right wrist so this was feeling all very final. This is it !!!
At 5pm we headed out for an hour’s ride to check out the Coast Road as this was part of the bike course we hadn’t ridden before. It was pretty warm and windy.
We had a barbeque dinner and a beer back at the Amigo Resorto to finish the day.
Friday
The Amigos headed down for a swim at the jetty in the designated training spot along with hundreds of others. The ocean was pretty lumpy so it was good for me to get in and have a go as the conditions were very similar to what was being forecast for race day. I’m so glad I did this as I got out comfortable with the fact that I could get through OK if it was that rough on race day. We had a short ride into town to do a final check of the bikes followed by a short run with a few strides included. That’s it now……..training officially finished !!!! Time to begin carbo loading. Eat, eat and more eat !! I decided to get a bit of pre race organising done to take the pressure off tomorrow. I laid out gear for prerace, bike bag and run bag. I put the race number on the bike and did a final check, packed the spares and put my race number on.
Jenn arrived straight from school about 2:30pm. The family support team were now complete as Phoebe was not coming down as she was getting herself organised for her London trip next weekend.
Saturday
The plan today was to put the feet up as much as possible and take it easy. I got up and had some breakfast and had a second breakfast with Jenn and Sam in town. The rest of the day was spent eating, socialising and just trying to chill a bit.
Sunday
RACE DAY !!!!
A full race report will follow……

Race Wrap - IMWA 4/12/11 by Daz.

Ironman Western Australia December 4th, 2011 – Darin’s Race Report & Random Thoughts

Well, as most people now know (well those that have an interest anyway!), I had a pretty tough day out there on Sunday. I faced a number of challenges, but the near showstopper was a mechanical that cost me around 67 minutes of my day. More on that later.

Swim 1:07
Bike 6:18
Run 3:45
Total elapsed time 11:17hrs (Total moving time 10:10hrs!)

My day started with me missing my 1st alarm (iPhone) at 3am and luckily my back up alarm (watch) woke me at 310am. I ran through my usual routine and was ready to go at 350am as I met the other Amigo’s in the car park of the villas. Time in transition went really quick, as we set up our nutrition and checked our gear. I was a bit nervous and couldn’t figure out why my speedo wasn’t working – then I realised I was spinning the wrong wheel! Idiot! On with the wetties and then the walk down to the water. Time seemed to speed up and H-Hour of D-Day was upon us. The Pro’s were introduced like rock stars as they entered the water one by one before their start at 530. They took off and we had a chance for a warm up. Then it was our turn.

The first thing to go wrong with my day, was that my stop watch somehow turned off after 23 seconds of swimming! I glanced at it at around the half way mark and saw only the time of day! Doh! No matter, just keep going. The swim out was pretty lumpy as we swum into the chop and I took on some sea water twice and then vomited it up again. I felt awful and had to do a couple strokes of breast stroke to get things back under control. The gag reflex was pretty strong and lurking there for a while. No matter, just a another small challenge thrown at me. Once we rounded the end of the jetty, we were swimming more with the chop and so I got into a good rhythm and was able to put in some good solid sustained efforts. But I could not find some feet to sit on and draft for very long. Doh! But someone certainly found mine as they touched my feet for ages! I was then hampered by niggly cramps in my calves. It seemed whenever I put in an extra effort I would get a painful cramp and have to slow and point my toes down until it went away. I have never had so many cramps in one swim before! No matter, just keep going. Another small mishap was when I had a thin, long strand of seaweed stuck on my face/head and I tried to brush it off – but what I actually did was knock my own goggles off! My slow 1st half deficit was not able to be made up and I officially swam 1:07:23 hrs. This was 5min slower than I was aiming for. No matter, it’s a long day and what’s a few minutes? My overall place was 354th to that point. Very average.

After sussing out the distance from the water to transition, it looked like my goal time of 6min in total (for T1 & T2) may be a stretch, so I was determined to have lightning fast transitions. I managed to get in, pull off the wetty and out onto my bike in 3:23 minutes, which is about 1 min slower than the pros! But I was happy enough.

The bike leg started well, but was pretty congested on course. It was hard to stay draft legal for the 1st 15-20km. I sort of hooked up with a train after a bit and stayed with this bunch for about 10km. But then I decided they were going too fast for me on this the first of 3 x 60k laps, so I let them go. Just before I did however, I saw one of them get busted for drafting. I saw Rod and a few guys on their bikes out at the turnaround point and they cheered me on. The wind was picking up from the NE and we were pushing into it on the way out on our capital ‘H’ shaped course. I averaged about 31-32km/h into the wind and about 38-39km/h with it. The crew were all waiting at the Layman Rd roundabout when I got back towards town, which was great. Seeing family and friends really does give you a lift. The girls all had sombreros on and were dressed in green and were waving pom poms! I saw them again on the way out of town and was going a bit slower into the wind, so was able to take in their cheers better. Nutrition was going well, pace was spot on and I felt good.

Then just as I started to pass someone, I heard the worst sound in the world – a pop and then a hiss, hiss, hiss, as a tyre flatted...hoping it wasn’t me I looked down and then felt my rear tyre go down! Bugger! No matter, just change the tube and be on your way, just like I had practised – only 3-4 minutes. So I stopped and calmly went about doing just that. I was using a mates borrowed disc wheel, so had to use a little attachment on my CO2 dispenser (crack pipe). Up went the tube and then POW! I had somehow managed to blow the tube to smithereens. I could not believe what I had just done! I didn’t think that could happen with a CO2 cartridge! Due to having 2 different wheels, I only carried one tube for each wheel and they were different. So now I was stuffed. Stranded at the 91.2km mark of the course. All I could do was flag down an official vehicle and wait for a mechanic. So my 3-4min’s was going to be a bit longer, no matter, I can still do a good time. So I ate and got ready for my rescue. I was out of fluid and getting thirsty, it was getting very hot and sweat kept running into my eyes and the flies were shocking. My mood was deteriorating rapidly. Eventually (after about 15min) Budgie rocked up in the Bikesure ute and he called in for a mechanic over the race radio. By now I was seeing my race disappear down the toilet. But help would be here soon – or so I thought. Then Amigo Rat came by and stopped to see if he could help (what a team player!). But the tube I needed was not one he was carrying (48mm stem). He tried to cheer me up and told me to finish the race off. I think I sounded pretty despondent. I told him to get going and don’t waste time with me. I was now seriously considering pulling out. DNF. Just 3 little letters. But I couldn’t bring myself to give up. I thought of the kids and friends who came to support me and thought what kind of example would that be to them? I never give up and this was no exception. Well, eventually a mechanic on a motorbike rocked up, 45min later! He told me I should be careful to not over inflate a tube. Thanks for that mate! Then somehow I had managed to lose the nut off the axle, so then he had to go find one in his bag of tricks. 67min after stopping, I was being pushed down the road like a TdF rider and on my way. I was very angry and so took off like I was riding a 40k TT. I was constantly passing people like they were going backwards – as they were all the slower riders by now. I blew back into town and then started the last lap. The headwinds going out were a lot stronger now and it was hard work pushing into it. To my surprise I caught up with Amigo PJ on Layman Rd who seemed to be pacing himself perfectly. I even stopped and had a quick chat to the family who were (bless their weary legs) still there cheering me on. By the time I got to the turnaround point out at the end however, the breeze started to swing around and turn into a head wind coming home! No matter, at least it was cooler coming from the west. By the time I finished, the bike course had thinned right out. Official time was 6:18hrs, but by working backwards from my avg speed on my Polar watch, I actually biked 5:11hrs (or 34.8km/h). My day was shot, but no matter, I could still finish well. My overall place had now blown out to 686th (332 people had passed me on the side of the road)

I hit T2 and blew through in 2:45min. So I had achieved one thing at least today – total time was 6min for transitions! Yay. I started running and the legs felt pretty ordinary for a couple of kays, but they soon came good. I had my one and only wee stop for the race at loos located at the 2k mark. I had to slow myself down constantly for the first 10km, as I didn’t want to pay for it later. The plan was to run about 15 seconds per km slower for the first lap and then pick it up to the goal pace after that. All went well and at the eastern most point the support crew where there to cheer me on. It was good to see familiar faces out at the end of the course where it was sparsely populated with people. The 2nd lap started before I knew it and I got my 1st wrist band. As I came through town, Rod & the Bikesure crew from work where in the pub and all cheered me on! I was wishing I was there with them by this point! The breeze now dropped out and the clouds all dissipated and it was pretty warm. I gave up on gels and switched straight to coke and Gatorade. I kept jogging, if only very slowly sometimes, through all the aid stations. I really dug deep for the 2nd 10.5km lap and made pretty good time, with one 5k split at 4:54 pace. I got back into town and received my second wrist band and the half way point was now passed. The real mental battle now began. With a total time that was already blown right out from my goal, I had to really focus on holding my pace and not giving into the little voice that wanted me to walk – “just for a minute or two!” I think if I was going for a good time I would have been more motivated, instead it was just pride and wanting to salvage something from the day that kept me going. But it was tough, real tough. My lower hamstrings started to tighten up, my left ITB got sore around the knee area too. I started to hurt all over as my legs fatigued and I went through the hardest part of the race – the 21km to 32km point. I just wanted to stop and sit down. I hung tough and kept plugging away with my 3rd lap averaging 5:25 pace, which was a lot slower than the last lap. I kept passing Rat going the other way, who I thought was one lap in front of me. But it turned out we were on the same lap and I was drawing closer to him. So I gave myself a goal to try and catch him by the finish line and we could finish together. That would be cool I thought. So with that in mind I kept shuffling away, all the time passing lots of fellow competitors in various states of disrepair. I just wanted to get to the sign that said 38km, as I had passed it 3 times now and really wanted to pass it and it apply to me. With 4 km to go, then I could put up with anything! Well as I progressed I saw Rat at the Western end of the course for the first time and he revved me up as if to say come and join me (well that’s what I read into it anyway!). It took me about 3 or so km but I finally caught him. Once I got there, I kind of fell in a heap (mentally) due to using a few extra fuel tickets. Rat & I ran together for a while, which was really cool, as it is a long day on your own and we had done this so many times in training during our brick runs. Then when we reached the next aid station and he was sticking to his plan and walking through aid stations to fuel up, so I reluctantly pressed on without him. I finally saw that 38km sign and was pretty relieved. Just 4.2km to go now. I had to hang in there and not give in. Even though I was so close to the end, my legs just could not maintain the pace and I slowed a little.

Then it was all happening so quick, last wrist band, then into the finish chute already! There, half way down was my family and friends all there to bring me home. I slowed a little (not enough in hindsight) and gave them a few high fives and a big smile. My body was on auto pilot and just wanted to cross that line so bad! Every cell in my body had been going all day to get across that line and I had not given a single moments thought to running down the finish chute! What an idiot! Anyway, I crossed the line and nearly collapsed in relief and exhaustion. My legs buckled under me and I felt like just falling over. Luckily there were two skilled volunteers there to catch me and walk me for a few meters. They offered me a wheel chair (which I refused!) but I started to feel a bit better after a minute and was soon walking under my own steam to the recovery area. But before I got there I got a bit wonky again and another one of the fantastic vollies helped me to a seat and put some ice on my neck and gave me what was the most delicious can of Passiona I have ever tasted, in fact it was the nicest can of drink I have ever had in my life! After a couple of minutes Rat appeared and joined me and we shared a moment of satisfaction.
I ended up running a 3:45hr marathon, which was about 5 minutes slower than my goal. Funnily enough I had overtaken 347 people on the run leg to finish with an overall rank of 339th. Official time 11:17hrs. A rubbish time, considering all the work I had done and what I know I was capable off. If I take off the 67min I lost on the side of the road in the Tuart Forrest it was a 10:10hr race – which would have been a 19min PB, could have, should have – didnt though. I was about 59th in my AG out of around 230 finishers. It could have been top 20. Not much consolation to me, but what can you do? I could of had more spares on board, I could have just used my own rear wheel, I could have not somehow overinflated my tube...the list goes on. But the main thing is I never gave up pushing myself, all the way to the end and I gave it 100%.

I am really proud of PJ and Paul and how they executed their own race plans, to near perfection as best I can tell. They both had great days and were pretty happy with their own results. PJ even picked up 9th spot in his AG! Well done boys...it has been great sharing the journey with you and after all - its not about the time you do - but the time you have! (thanks Wardo). Next time? I don't know if there will be at this point...but I have said that before!

Adios Amigos
Daz.