Iron Jack

Well specifically, I crossed the finish line and straight into the arms of my amazing, super-supportive husband, Mike. A volunteer put my much-desired medal over me head and wrapped my Ironman towel around my shoulders. I was an Ironman.

I had thought that I would finish sometime between 11:30pm and 12midnight – the cutoff. I finished at 11:46pm and I was delighted. I think that if it hadn’t rained incessantly, and if the constant wetness hadn’t taken its toll, I would have been bang-on 11:30pm. So ultimately I was very happy with the time result.

Mike and I headed into the sodden marquee and I had a few bites to eat of some spaghetti bolognaise. But really, I was too tired and sore to stay there for long, and just wanted to get home to bed. We left the tent and into the warm embrace of my family and friends. I felt so loved and supported, it was amazing. And my gorgeous boys were there as well. Mum had been looking after them all day, and had put them to bed at their normal bedtime of 7pm, and then woken them up to come and see the finish. Seeing their cute little faces made it all worthwhile.

Eventually we started making our way to our ride home – Shelley and Ben’s car. I still can’t believe that Ben completed his Ironman earlier that day and came back out to watch me finish. They helped Mike get me into the front seat – my legs didn’t really want to bend – and after a quick stop at McDonalds to get another cheeseburger, we headed home.

It was a bit of a struggle to get out of my wet running gear – Mike physically had to help me peel off layers of clothing. By this stage everything was seizing up. By this stage he was also completely shattered – after all, he’d been up as long as I had and I still maintain that supporting an Ironman event is harder than actually doing it!

I was determined to have a shower – I wanted to be clean and warm and I had 17 hours worth of grit all over me. The warm water felt amazing, even if I couldn’t move to actually wash myself!

Five minutes later I was in bed – with Mike’s help again to get my compression tights on!

And I have never been so sore in my life. I’ve heard people talk about being so sore that they couldn’t lie down or have a sheet tough their legs. That is exactly what it felt like – it was an extraordinary feeling. I was in absolute agony.

Eventually I dropped off to sleep, but rolling over was harder than when I was nine months pregnant! I kept waking every time I had to move.

At one point I had to get up to go to the bathroom – what a mission! I actually wasn’t sure that I could actually get myself out of bed. My thighs simply wouldn’t work to leverage myself in and out of bed – and on and off the toilet. I must have looked like an absolute clown. I was actually in so much pain that I nearly fainted – and nearly threw up – a sure sign that my body is in a state of shock and in need of repair.

We slept until about 8am and then I finally turned on my cellphone – and nearly burst into tears. I had so many text messages and emails from people, it was completely overwhelming. I logged into my Facebook page and was completely blown away. People who didn’t even know each other had been communicating all day about where I was on the course and what times I was doing. The messages that came through as I crossed the line were truly special. People were logged in all over the world to watch me online as I finished – they were crying, I was crying, it was absolutely incredible. I don’t think I will ever forget how I felt when I was reading those messages.

I finally managed to drag myself away from the computer and we started packing up the units. Mum and Dad were also getting on their way so we inherited the boys back again. We said good-bye to Shels, Ben, Alicia and James, and headed out the gate. I can highly recommend the Chelmswood Manor for Ironman accommodation – the managers were fantastic and the rooms were perfect for us. We have already re-booked for next year (when we will be supporting – not competing!) and I suspect that we will have a running booking!

We collected my bike and the rest of my gear and I organised my finish line photos. The Great Lake Centre was chaos – and filled with Ironman finishers who were walking as stiffly as I was! We were part of a very special club – and our tired, broken bodies were the badge of membership.

I bumped into many of the Fit Goals Team, including Coach Kathy. I think she deserves a blog post of her own which I’ll get to in time, but suffice to say, I wouldn’t have made the start line, let along the finish line, without her and I will always be eternally grateful for her unwavering belief and support.

A final good-bye to the Great Lake Centre and I headed up the road to meet up with the rest of the family who had been celebrating their support efforts with brunch. My support crew had been absolutely amazing, it was so special to have them all there, so it was actually really sad to start saying our good-byes. I’d been away for several days by now and I was so sore I just wanted to get home! An hour later I was there – and crawling into bed for a much-needed nap!

By the Monday I was starting to move reasonably freely, although still with a great deal of soreness. By Tuesday the soreness was fading and my muscles felt great. On Wednesday I was overwhelmed by a massive wave of fatigue – I felt like I had been hit by a bus! That passed too, however, and on Thursday I headed back to work and managed a relatively normal day. It was already starting to feel like a dream.

This is getting a bit back to front, with my race report for the Taupo Half Ironman done before the Tinman I did last weekend - but this is the most recent and of course, the most significant! I thought I’d get the race report done now, and try and write about how I’m feeling about it all later. Suffice to say, words nearly can’t describe how proud I am of my achievement - nor how sore I am today. I am proud and delighted with yesterday’s effort, and very very grateful for all my supporters everywhere - friends, family, colleagues, Facebook and Twitter friends - you have all played such an invaluable role in getting me to the finish line. Thank you. And now, the really hard work begins - the NZ Ironman is just 12 weeks away!

So, to the race report (its a bit long):

Set alarm for 4:15am in the end. Up and eating by 4:30am, was worried about getting my tummy sorted and getting the car packed and away on my own! Also had a sudden panic about whether I’d be able to get into the road by the Police Station. Just drove around cones. Sorted! Was in transition by 5:05am – very early but knew that I would have everything sorted in loads of time.

All went well. Laid everything out in order. Food packs with each set of gear. Pumped tyres to just over 100. Didn’t think it was going to be a stinking hot day but didn’t want to take any chances!

Left all my Leppin at transition! Realised I needed one for just before swim so had to go back. Pleased I had loads of time.

Found a Police colleague from Palmerston North by the Police Station so had a good, distracting chat while I got my wetsuit on. It was good!

Went into water and listened to briefing in water – didn’t put my head under just yet though – was a bit cold! After briefing, got into it, did some swimming. Was really happy with the way the wetsuit was feeling on my arms. Swam out to race start.

Start seemed to take a long time to come, I got quite cold. Was just waiting and waiting! Cracked up at the national anthem – didn’t quite feel like standing at attention to sing! Was happy with position.

Race started, started watch and got underway. Not too much like a washing machine, managed to hang onto loads of people’s feet! Realised very very quickly that there were lots of people at my level in the swim – or slower – was a nice feeling. Passed lots of people. Was feeling incredibly comfortable. Arms working well, breathing going well. Absolutely loving the swim. Got to the first buoy in no time, still feeling really comfortable, never needed to stop to breaststroke for a breather. Am really really happy with the swim. Room for improvement time-wise, but very happy.

Got out of water and started slow jogging along the carpet – and felt good! I passed people! Wasn’t a difficult run at all. Unzipped wetsuit along carpet, but didn’t pull out arms until going up the steps. I was ahead of time.

Got out of wetsuit, pulled up my change towel and very easily got out of my bikini bottoms and into cycle pants – didn’t take as long as I thought it would – I had been a bit worried because I hadn’t practised it! Even got the chafing cream on okay! Got my top on, shoved a peanut butter sandwich in my mouth while I carried on getting ready. Sort of dried feet, pulled on socks and shoes, sunglasses (put lens’ in my back pocket in case my contacts played up), put on my helmet. Put on my race number. Left. Walked out – rolled my ankle in a hole just before the bike mount! Grrr! Hoped that wouldn’t come back to bite me later!

First quarter of bike: Wow, feel GREAT on the bike. Very comfortable. Pants feel good. Was a bit worried about Napier-Taupo Highway. And it was absolutely fine – didn’t even need to stand to get up it! Couldn’t believe it! The slight uphill to the ETA seemed to take absolutely forever! Only a few people passed me at this point. Got onto ETA, slugged back some drink. Nice smooth road – loved it! Something metal pinged off my bike – WTF was that? Slight panic while I tried to make sure it wasn’t a wheel pin or something! Realised it was my CO2 canister which had flicked out of the rear bottle holder. Talk about a fright!

The rest of this first quarter went superbly well and exactly to plan. I ripped down the hills and was rocking on the flats. Way ahead of time. I was stoked. Had a Leppin in the first quarter. New Cyclezone cycle jersey is just awesome – first time I haven’t been constantly tugging a jersey down!

Second quarter also went superbly well – seemed to take forever to get to Reporoa – but it always does on this bit. Average of 27 – absolutely stoked. On the aero bars or drops most of the way. Fuelled and hydrated along the way. Still way ahead of time. Got to Reporoa (first time I’d seen Mike since Friday!) in under 1h45. Very very happy. Got off and went to the toilet. Bottom already very sore in the new spot.

A few people passed me, but I just kept thinking – I beat you in the swim! Started eating jet planes. I was very happy with this leg, and knew that I could push it over 90km – which admittedly, I don’t do in training.

Third quarter of the bike: Suck. Absolutely suck. The headwind was worse than any I have trained in, and I have trained in some bad wind. Constant head wind, right from the turn around. The goal was to maintain 22 to the bottom of the hills, but just couldn’t – could barely keep it above 12. It was just awful. I nearly got blown off my bike on one corner, and was going backwards in some places. It was just suck. I just hadn’t planned a contingency around wind – or that sort of wind. Had a peanut butter sandwich at some point. Also started on the protein bar. Replaced water at the aid station.

Fourth quarter of bike: Couldn’t wait to get to the hills! Who would have thought I would say that! And they were absolutely fine. I got out of the saddle for them, mainly to rest my bum. Actually enjoyed them! Had hoped they would give me a reprieve from the wind but sadly they didn’t. Focused on eating jet planes and protein bar and taking on fluid. Sped down the hills to get into town, but didn’t get as fast as I’d hoped due to the wind factor.

Completely gutted with the time. I’d done 3h55 on a bad bottom day previously and had been hoping for 3h45. Disappointed and a bit worried about how much the wind had taken out of my legs for the run. Ended up with an overall average speed of 22.5. Gutted.

Stuffed another sandwich down my mouth. Pulled out my change towel and managed to get out of bib shorts and into tri shorts pretty easy. Took off cycletop and put on fuel belt (which rocks by the way!) Was a bit worried about using it when I hadn’t trialled it in training but it was just awesome. Fluffed around a bit trying to decide what fuel to take. My tummy doesn’t like running very much so I was a bit worried about how that would go. In the end took a sandwich and another bag of jetplanes and protein bar squares and a Leppin. Can’t remember whether I jogged out of transition or not!

First quarter of run: Ouch. Left knee started hurting straight off the bike. Something I need to get sorted! I hurt absolutely everywhere! I absolutely didn’t think I could do it. Mike told me I could! Even though I was gutted about the wind on the bike, I was thankful for the conditions on the run because it wasn’t too hot – I actually felt cold at some points! Couldn’t go any faster than 130 heart rate – legs just dead. Focused on keeping moving, steady pace, taking on water. Walked hill up to turnaround.

Second quarter of run: Actually managed to get heart rate up into 140 for most of the rest of the run so was reasonably happy with that. Focused on taking on fluid. Realised I had only brought one Leppin with me which was a bit of a concern. At the first fuel stop they told me they had run out, but managed to grab a couple of extra gels on the way back. Still hurting but still moving which gave me a big boost! Had a Leppin at some point on the way back into town – and immediately my tummy starting getting upset. First time the whole day. I definitely need to fuel up on the bike because my system doesn’t like it on the run. With superb timing, my friend Nina appeared out of nowhere and gave me some Gastrosoothe – five minutes later problem gone. Fantastic and awesome learning for next time! Went to the toilet at the harbour. Walked the hill up to the transition area.

Third quarter of run: Mike was waiting opposite KFC on the lakefront with our friend Ben. I had run out of water by this stage so he ran off to get more. I was worried the fuel stations would run out by the time I got there – I already knew that the bike had set me back and my run was much slower than anticipated so I was worried about being allowed to finish. I also knew I wasn’t going to go under eight hours which was disappointing, but not a deal breaker. Just kept going. Mike and Ben then jumpfrogged the rest of the bike course, waiting for me every few kilometres and helping me keep going. They were awesome. Still running at this point! Couldn’t quite believe it! Very focused on taking on fluid because I knew I wasn’t going to try and eat anything else. Had Balance electrolytes at the aid station – fortunately that didn’t muck me up too much. Decided to walk the hills and run in between.

Fourth quarter of run: Man this was tough. Still running though which I just found unbelievable! Mike and Ben still there the whole way. Kept focusing on what Kathy had said – work out how to get through right now – what will get me through the next 100metres, 500 metres. Starting counting rubbish bins, flags and power poles!! More fluid at every stop. Walking up the hills. People in front of me had walked the whole of the second lap so was trying to catch them. Just got there and they started running! And then finally got to the boat harbour and on the last stretch. Walked up the hill and then ran around the corner and into the finish! Although I hurt everywhere, I still felt very okay about everything!

I was so stoked to finish. Everyone was so supportive and happy. I was so happy. And very proud. I hadn’t thought the Half Ironman would be the achievement it was, mainly because I knew it wasn’t the main goal, but I am so pleased to have done it. It was a huge achievement. If it hadn’t been for that wind on the return lap of the bike, my race plan would have gone nearly perfectly to plan. Everything else did, and in the end, the run wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be either.

Swim was sensational.

First part of bike was fantastic.

Second part of the bike sucked.

And the run just had to be done.

Taupo Half Ironman…DONE!

I am officially entered in the 2011 NZ Ironman. Am really excited and completely petrified at the same time.

But at least I’m in, unlike many other people who have missed out.

For the first time ever, the NZ Ironman event has reached capacity and it sold out in just 13 days! It caught many people out, many who will be first-timers whose goal was only ever going to be doing “an Ironman”. From now on, if you even think you’re going to want to do an Ironman, you’re going to have to be ready to enter as soon as it opens - you won’t have the luxury of waiting until October (or even later) to decide if you’re ready or if you’re injury free.

It’s going to change the nature and culture of the NZ event forever.

Approximately 800 entries had been filled in the first five days, with the vast majority of those going to Australians who had already experienced their two Ironman events selling out - one sold out in less than 24 hours. So there may well be more Ozzies than ever before, and potentially, less of the average back-of-the-packer who simply wants to survive. Those people have always been at the heart of NZ Ironman so I hope that doesn’t change too much.

It also means that relatively new, local events like Challenge Wanaka are also in for a sudden increase in numbers, as those who seek to simply complete an Ironman look for a new event to enter. Challenge Wanaka sounds like an amazing event in stunning scenery, but how will its unique experience be impacted by a sudden influx in numbers?

At the same time, setting early goals and planning to achieve them isn’t a bad thing. Surely there’s nothing like the motivation of being entered to keep you going?

So I do have mixed feelings about what this means for the event.

But as a result of entering, I am living, breathing, eating and freaking out about Ironman more than I ever have before. I dream it - or rather I have nightmares about it; my training programme has gone up a huge level; I’m reading everything I can get my hands on - and unfortunately I’m not sure that is helping! I’m also sick and have already missed three days of training which doesn’t help!

I’m sure this panic phase will pass. There are still 287 days until the start line. How bad could the training possibly be?? Yeah right!

Anyway, I’m lining up alongside some fantastic friends and training buddies for next year’s event. Here’s the list so far:

Mary Ann Patterson - my fairy god mother and constant motivator, supporter and friend. She may have moved to Palmerston North, but that hasn’t stopped the banter and phone calls and us giving our coach grief!

Alison King - the journalist I was never going to be, fellow redhead and training buddy. 2011 will be her fourth - yes fourth! - Ironman and she’s after new times that shes not yet ready to share - I know she’ll get them too.

Ben Shaw aka Binga - one of the key people in the whole Ironjack journey. Ben did his first Ironman in 2005 and was meant to do his second in 2006 - the year the swim was cancelled. He’s been battling injuries and babies ever since but is determined to get back to the start line. He’s always been my inspiration to do triathlon, and then Ironman, and I’m stoked we’ll be lining up together next year. He’s also married to one of my closest friends.

Ingrid Tiriana - one of the first people I met at RATs - and quickly discovered we had a common friend! Ingrid is a true Ironman inspiration (I say that a lot don’t I? I guess its because pepole who do Ironman are completely inspiring!) Anyway, Ingrid did her first Ironman in 2009 - after suddenly discovering a random heart problem during her training for 2008. Despite this, she achieved her goal of finishing in 2009 and now she’s back for more!

So the countdown is now well and truely on for 2011 NZ Ironman. Even though there are moments of real panic, I am also extremely excited. It’s time - bring it on!

Start line 2010 Ironman

I’m so far behind in my blog posts! I always think up these ‘amazing’ pieces of prose when I’m out running, and then as soon as I get back to reality, life, children, getting dinner on the table or work, they promptly go right out of my head!

So unfortunately its now a whole week since my2.8km swim for the King of the Bays event at Takapuna, Auckland.

This is an event I have literally been looking forward to for a whole year. I have been attempting to do this swim for five years, but for one reason and another, never quite made it. By the time last year’s event rolled around I had set my Ironman goal, but just in my head and Ironjack and this website certainly didn’t exist!

Probably just as well. I’d been watching the weather all week, and the forecast just started looking worse and worse. The day finally came and it was really lumpy and really cold. In fact, it got rougher and rougher the longer I was out there. The distance itself was also a huge shock to the system. I ended up breaststoking an doggy-paddling most of the way. But I did at least finish - 1hr35 minutes later - and that was more than most people. A lot of people pulled out along the way. At certain points I thought I would have to pull out too. But I learnt to swim at those beaches and even though it was really rough, I was still in my comfort zone. I was so proud to finish that event - it was a tough swim in tough conditions and I was pleased to get to the finish line.

But I knew I could do better. Conditions aside, I knew I should be able to (a) swim the whole way, and (b) do a better time. And I need to - the Ironman swim is 3.8km and I need to get out of that swim feeling refreshed enough to get on a bike for eight hours and then run a marathon. So while this year’s event was a personal, individual milestone - its also an important step along the way to the ultimate goal.

I have never spent so much time checking weather forecasts as I did the week leading up to the 2010 King of the Bays. I desperately wanted better conditons than last year. The day before was calm and still, and race day dawned even better. There was literally not a breath of wind around. The only problem? The race wasn’t starting until 2:30pm! Plenty of time for the wind to come up - and it did! Not too bad, and nowhere near as bad as last year, but not the still, lake-like conditions I was hoping for.

The start line early Saturday morning - was quite different by the afternoon!

I caught a lift to the start line with my brother in law, and also met up with Mike’s boss from Rotorua. Nice to have friends around.

We suited up, sat through the briefing, and hit the beach. In my entry I had estimated my swim to take 1h15. This meant I started in the third wave of four. We started a minute apart. The final wave started before I was even half way to the buoy, and most passed me before that first buoy. I don’t know what they estimated but they were way faster than me.

It was very cold, but I was feeling very comfortable with my stroke. My wetsuit felt good and my breathing was settled. I felt good and knew it would be great. I also knew there would be no breaststroking or doggy-paddling.

The briefing was really comprehensive, and I knew there were nine buoys along the way. Its a great way to measure distance, and they seemed to pass really quickly! I resisted looking at my watch until the halfway point - 35min. I was on target to go under 1h15 - not only my time estimate, but also my goal for that race.

The buoys kept going past - and I just kept swimming. I finally rounded the Takapuna Boatramp an started heading for the final buoy. Once I turned the final buoy and could see the beach, I picked off a couple of people to pass. And I did.

I finally hit the beach and felt great! I literally sprinted up the beach - Oli tried to give me my glasses on the way but we ended up dropping them in the sand! I was on a roll and I didn’t want to stop.

Final time: 1:10:49

Sprinting up the Beach!

I knocked 25 minutes off my time from last year. I was absolutely stoked! I think I could allow ten minutes of that saving to the improvement in conditions, but I’m happy to claim 15 minutes as solid improvement.

Its not nearly fast enough for Ironman. But it gives me a boost for winter - and a base to work from.

PS: Congrats to my Mum who entered the 750m event just two days before! Am very proud.

PPS: Thanks to everyone at the finish line! Awesome to have the support.

Mike and I after the race - Oli took the pic!

Set your calendars, book your accommodation, the date for the 2011 New Zealand Ironman in Taupo has been set:

7am, Saturday 5 March, 2011

According to the countdown, 366 days, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 33 seconds to go.

Hmmmm.

Now’s probably a good time to include another inspiration quote from Stu’s site:

“The purpose of the swim is to get you on the bike. The purpose of the bike is to eat for the run. The purpose of the first run lap is to put money in the bank to pay the monkey that will jump on your back the second lap.

“The Second Lap Monkey. He is very a big monkey. If this is your first Ironman, you have probably felt in your training everything that you will feel on race day, except the Second Lap Monkey. You can’t train for that. The Second Lap Monkey carries a big stick, and its name is Pain. Love it, hate it, get angry at it. Breathe it with every breath, feel it with every step and use it.

“It lets you know you are still alive, more alive than most people will ever be in their whole lives. The clock keeps on ticking and everything bad must eventually come to an end. All you have to do is keep running in a straight line until someone tells you to stop.”
(Anon)

Also, here is a link to my friend Stu’s blog about his incredible journey towards and through 2010 NZ Ironman. Its a fantastic read and very real insight into the journey leading up to the event - and more importantly, on the day. Hopefully he doesn’t mind me sharing!

http://no-more-shadows.blogspot.com/

Enjoy and happy training.

I will try and constrain my use of superlatives, however, the Bayfair Triathlon at Mt Maunganui yesterday was absolutely sensational! I could also say fantastic, brilliant, rocking, outstanding and bloody awesome! Loved it, absolutely loved it, from start to finish.

We arrived at the Mt about 7:30am after leaving Rotorua bright and early at 6:30am. I’d been craning my neck the whole way waiting for that first glimpse of Mt Maunganui on the Tauranga Direct Road. The Tauranga Half Ironman in January at the height of summer had been windy and brutally cold. I was hoping that wasn’t the swim I was about to be in for.

When we crossed the harbour it looked like absolute glass. Sweet.

We arrived in the race area, found a park and made our way to transition. Bugger. Not so glass-like after all. In fact, quite lumpy, breezy and building.

Transition was busy, and cramped. I found a spot to squeeze into and set up. I’m definitely not one to muck around in transition - why prolong the suspense? Once you’ve double checked everything its just best to get out!

We found Mike’s swimmer, listened to the briefing, and then it was time to get into the wetsuit and head down the beach.

I was determined to have a bit more of a swim before the start in this race. I’d done a fun quadrathon with work on Friday and, even though it was just a short 300m swim, I’d really struggled to get comfortable in my suit. This time I decided I’d get those things sorted well before the gun went off.

The water was absolutely freezing! Much colder than the Blue Lake on Friday. Nothing for it but to get swimming, and then get lined up at the start line. To start with I made my way to the back lines, as I usually do. Then I suddenly decided that I’d had enough practice and it was time to start lining up at the front. I made my way into a spot and got ready to go. The gun went and I was off. All the open water swim practice really did pay off and my beat my way out of the flurry to find my own space.

The swim went as expected really. Not great, not bad. A highlight was being able to sprint out of the water and through transition, and another highlight was finishing about halfway through the field on the swim. A definite progression. And the good news just continued really.

Really quick transition and out onto the bike. On the way over to Tauranga I’d decided that a small goal for this event was to spend a lot of time on the aero bars. I’m not completely comfortable on them yet, but I knew it would pay off on this flat course. I’ve also trained on this course a few times now so I felt like I knew it. And it was time. As soon as I got onto the main road I went down onto the aero bars…and I just stayed there!

I had hoped to do the bike in 45 minutes. I reached the first turnaround point in just over 10 minutes. Fantastic! You should have seen the smile on my face, I was grinning from ear to ear. I knew if I could do that time in a strong wind I’d be looking at sub-45 minutes. I even managed to wave to Mike as we went by in the other direction.

I stayed strong on the bike on the next three legs and clocked the bike in just over 42 minutes. Stoked!

Heading into transition I had a small panic that I might have killed my legs on the ride and wouldn’t have anything left on the run. I’d done a trial run at the Mt two weeks ago and while I’d done a decent time, it was a hard reminder that its a challenging run. Heading out of the transition I had absolutely no idea how much I had left.

My second wee goal for this race was to wear my heart rate monitor so that I could pace myself on the run. I knew where I’d been sitting on the trial run, so used that as a benchmark. It took me a little while to get comfortable in the run. I knew I’d come out well on the swim, and that I had passed quite a few people on the ride, however, I knew that I would lose that on the run - I’m still a plodder.

The run went pretty well really. In fact I did the same time as I did on my trial run (44min), and that was adding a swim and a bike into the mix!

My third wee goal for this race was to finish under two hours. I’d gone well over two hours at Kinloch and I wanted to beat that. I was feeling so comfortable on the run that I actually had time and space in my head to start working out how far I had to go and what time I needed to be off the mountain in order to reach my goal. Unfortunately my stop watch hadn’t started for the swim so I had no idea how long that had taken. But I did know how long the bike was. By my calculation, I had to be off the Mt by 1h22 (bike/run combo).

When I hit the road off the Mt at 1h16 the grin came back. I knew I’d do under two hours. The challenge now would be to see how far under I could go.

I knew I had about 1km to go. By monitoring my heart rate, I knew how much I had left in me. I picked up the pace. By the time I hit the straight I was starting to speed up significantly, another few hundred metres and I was at my max. It felt absolutely fantastic to sprint the last 500m through the finish line.

1h49. Unbelievable!!

I knocked 21 minutes off my Kinloch time. Obviously a completely different course, but a sensational result even so. Absolutely stoked.

PS: Mike had a great ride and run as well. The James Triathlon train is underway.

It didn’t matter that I came last. It didn’t even matter that by the time I finished the race organisers had finished up and I had to get my own souvenir towel and take my transponder off. What mattered to me is that I had a sensational race at Takapuna on Sunday for my second ever sprint triathlon!

I had been hoping for a much better race than at Kinloch two weeks previously. I know the Takapuna course well - I grew up in Takapuna, I learnt to swim at Takapuna Beach, I did the short distance there last year and the transition is even behind my old office building! As a result, I knew exactly what to expect, where the problem areas might be and how I would run the race. We even had a good trip up to Auckland on Thursday with the boys so I was in a really positive frame of mind.

That all changed, however, as I watched the Mens sprint distance race before mine. Firstly, most of them were wearing wetsuits, whereas I hadn’t even brought mine up from Rotorua. The sea water is so much warmer than the Rotorua lakes - and its even warmer than usual so I didn’t think anyone would be wearing a suit! And then I watched the men race around the very tight cycle course - with more than a few nasty spills. I had run the short distance last year, but I didn’t remember the course being so fast or so tight. I turned to Mike.

“I think I’m too slow for this event, I’m going to get in people’s way.”

“No you won’t,” he reassured me. “You’ve done the training, you’re really fit and you know the course. You’ll be fine once you’re on it.”

I then proceeded to work myself into a complete state - completely unnecessarily as it turns out.

I finally headed into the water - without my wetsuit - for a quick splash before the briefing.

Fantastic. The water felt amazing, my stroke felt amazing. Everything changed.

“Its going to be just fine,” I said to Mike before heading to the start line. And it was, right from the gun.

It was a very busy start, with people swimming all over and around me. But having done my open water swim course I was ready for that. I got to the first buoy in no time and feeling great. The second buoy down I was heading for the Shore. A great swim!

Exiting the water after the swim leg.

The walk/run from the beach to transition is nasty - up a very steep hill. I took my time, knowing I’d need my legs on the bike. I arrived in transition to find myself far from the end of the swim group - there were still plenty of bikes on the rack. I reached my bike to find someone sitting on my towel and gear while she changed shoes! Unbelievable, a few choice words were said under my breath!

I quickly pulled on my bike shoes and helmet, unracked the bike and headed for the mount line. I was about to face the bit I had been having nightmares about - clipping in on a slight rise. I have honestly been lying awake at night dreading this part of the race. After just one false start I was off and away and out on the main part of the course.

The bike/run course for Takapuna is a very tight 1.6km loop around the streets of Takapuna. Its also draft legal and it was a completely different experience watching people tuck in behind others as they made their way around the course. Counting your laps is vital in this race - some of the elite racers got into trouble last year and I was determined not to make the same mistake. I started my bike computer as soon as I got underway, and decided I wouldn’t even bother counting but measure the distance instead. Just as well I did, on one loop I asked Mike how many I’d done, and we both thought I had two to go. I was just finishing the second and realised I was still another 1.6km short - around I went again. I noticed quite a few people coming off the bike much earlier than I thought they should - I had passed quite a few people and I’m sure they should have been out there for a bit longer. At least I know my race was honest.

The other amazing thing about this course is that its fantastic for spectators because you loop the course so many times. I had a fantastic support crew which amazing everytime I came around. It really kept me going and I felt like I was whizzing along. Thanks everyone - and Mum for looking after the kids while we were out there too!

Came into transition - successfully getting out of my clips - and headed out on the run. I knew I’d passed quite a few people on the bike, but I knew they would pass me on the run. It was around 28 degrees and quite a difficult run course with lots of long uphills. I knew it would be hard work and it was. But I felt pretty good and knew I could sustain my steady, slow pace.

I finally came home in 1h33 and I was absolutely stoked. It was a sensational swim, great ride and acceptable run in intense heat. Very very happy.

Final times:

Swim +T1 14:16

Bike +T2 40:51

Run 38:00

Finish 1:33:07 (once again, if I hadn’t stopped for a toilet stop I would have gone under 1h30! A goal for next time!)

The Kinloch Triathlon finally rolled around last weekend - it had felt like a long time between races…and more than a few gaps in the training programme! My 393 event at Kinloch last year had been a highlight - and my finish photo is the one gracing the home page of the Ironjack site.

I had been looking forward to Kinloch for a number of different reasons:

• it was going to be my first sprint distance tri (750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run)
• it was in Kinloch, Lake Taupo, a stunning location
• it was a fresh water swim
• our wee family was going to make a weekend of it in Taupo

And finally, two of my training buddies were going to be staying with us for the event. Mary Ann, Nina and myself regularly make up the three musketeers as Coach calls us (actually he also calls us the three monkeys - as in see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil). I think he calls us a few other things under his breath as well but we choose to ignore that!

I was also feeling quite confident about it because I had a great swim at the Blue Lake Multisport Festival just two weeks before. But, doesn’t pride always come before a fall???

I hasten to add that I didn’t literally fall off the bike or down a hill, but my confidence quickly went out the window as soon as I took my first strokes in the swim. I felt like my arms were lead and that I was swimming through jelly. Whereas back at the Blue Lake I had felt strong and lean and that I was cutting the water like soft butter, this felt like I was just a large lump of lead. My strokes were heavy (and splashy) and my breathing was all over the show. Before I had even hit the first buoy, I had started to think about pulling out afer the swim.

Making my headspace even worse was the fact that I knew the bike was going to be very difficult and I was absolutely dreading it.

Somehow I made it around the course and out of the water - with only a few people behind me. I had hoped to finish the swim at least halfway through the group. I do believe I may be caught on video saying “well that was suck!” Charming!

I had a good transition though - wetsuit came off like a dream, I took on some water, got my bike shoes on and headed out of transition. I also managed to get my shoes into the clips onto the bike without falling off - that has been the cause of a number of nightmares in recent weeks so it was actually a huge relief to get through that okay!

The first quarter of the bike was lovely. Smooth roads around gorgeous new subdivisions with stunning views of Lake Taupo and its mountains. I finished that short loop and headed out of town. Back on a rough road and up a slight uphill I was already puffing badly. And I got passed by a “older” woman who was in the 60 - 65 age group! Ouch!

I turned onto Whangamata Rd and the challenge really began. I had planned on riding or driving the bike route so I knew exactly what I was in for. Unfortunately Oliver had become really unwell the day before and I had to take him into Taupo township to see an emergency doctor - a diagnosis of tonscillitis and some antibiotics later we were on our way back on to Kinloch, but I had missed my chance to see the route.

In hindsight, I’m not sure if that was a good or bad thing, however, I was completely unprepared for the quantity and quality of the hills! It would be completely accurate to say that I absolutely slogged my way up and down those hills. At one point Mary Ann went whizzing the other way, yelling over her shoulder as she went:

“Flat course my arse!”

At that point I seemed to recall talking the girls into it by saying that it was a “relatively” flat course. And in the 393 event it is! Turns out the Sprint distance is quite different!

I finally reached the turn around and made the much quicker return. Another suburban loop and I was back at transition. Of course I had taken so long they thought I was in the next event and were directing me to do a second suburban loop. In no uncertain terms I indicated that I was indeed finished my bike and I was getting off!

Into transition and onto the run.

And…feeling GREAT! How did that happen?

By this stage it was nearly noon and it was extremely hot - baking hot actually. I kept taking cups of water at the drink stations - to pour over my head! I headed out onto the second lap and was still feeling surprisingly good. I wasn’t breaking any land speed records but I knew I was going to finish and that I was going to finish in good shape.

I scrambled up the bridge for the final stretch and turned the corner into the home run. There were people yelling for me from all directions and for the first time in an event, I nearly burst into tears. It was a very emotional finish.

Certainly it was an incredibly hard event - and a big step up from the baby tris I’ve been doing. But its under the belt now and I can move on to the next one - Takapuna in less than two weeks. And yes, it is a much flatter course!

Final times, Contact Trophy Race, Kinloch:

Swim +T1 21:13

Bike +T2 1:06:57

Run: 43:21

Total: 2:11:31

Unfortunately I’m still have problems loading photos into my blog posts, but you can check out some photos on our RATs Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotorua/Rotorua-Association-of-Triathletes-and-Multisport-RATS/205232939327?ref=nf#!/album.php?aid=184886&id=205232939327&ref=mf

Being Auckland Anniversary Weekend, this weekend marks the annual Blue Lake Multisport Festival - one of the highlights on the RATs calendar. It includes a reverse Aquathon (run around the lake followed by swim), the Hinemoa Swim (2km from one side of the lake to the other) and a sprint triathlon. This year also includes a 750m swim and a fun run. The event plays host to individuals - young and old - and families from Rotorua and beyond.

Last year it was one of my first forays into the lake for an open water swim as I completed the reverse Aquathon in a team with Mike. I’m not competing in much of the festival this year as I’m getting ready for my first sprint tri at Kinloch next week. But at the last minute my friend Mary Ann and I joined forces in Team JackMAP to take on the aquathon. Like everything we do, its serious - but with a whole lot of fun!

The runners headed off with some of the fastest (including Lawrence our coach) whopping around the lake in what seemed like no time at all. Mary Ann had estimated 35 minutes, but I suited up as soon as we got back to the beach after the runners headed off. Just as well I did, a very quick 30 minutes later and we were swapping the timing transponder and I was off.

Mike, Lawrence, Kevin (Mary Ann’s husband) and the rest of our support crew were all cheering us on at this stage, so I thought I better put some of our open water swim course skills into practice. I ran in to the water (yes ran!), doing the high-knee sprint, and then dived in. It was text-book. Apart from the bit where I lost my goggles!

But, once the goggle situation was fixed, I was off. And I had a great swim. I thought I was going quite slowly, but I did think I was going smoothly, and I was trying to focus on “catching” the water. Rounding the buoys went smoothly as well. I passed a few people on the way out, but no-one passed me. I headed into the beach for the run-up before rounding the flag and back into the water. I had finally remembered to start my stopwatch when I started and I quickly glanced down at my watch (never easy without my glasses on!) But it quite clearly said just over six minutes - for 400 metres! Significantly faster than in the pool.

I was absolutely blown away.

“Wow! I am having a fantastic swim, I better keep it up,” I told myself as I went back into the water.

Second loop, same as the first - except for the unexpected chop that had come out of no-where. After the first few mouthfuls of water I tried to breath on the other side, but in the end just opted for a higher breath on my preferred right side. Buoys - all good. Into beach - all good. Run into finish line - fantastic.

All up, 13 minutes 43 seconds for 800 metres. As long as their distance was pretty accurate, that’s a fantastic swim for me and one that bodes well for Kinloch next weekend.

You can check out the link to the Blue Lake Multisport Festival here http://www.rats.org.nz/eves-blue-lake-multisport-festival/

My race preparation for the first official triathlon of the 2009/2010 season wasn’t ideal.

I drove out to the Blue Lake with Mum and Oli to register and collect our race packs. The only downside to living in semi-rural Ngongotaha (which we love) is that we are now on the absolutely other side of town from the Blue Lake – and on the opposite side of Lake Rotorua! On a good day it’s at least a 25 minute drive – which, when everything else is only five minutes away, it’s a bit of a pain. I know, all you city folk, we’re lucky!

Anyway, we rocked up on a bit of a timeframe. It was Mum’s birthday – a bit of a milestone for her – and we were due out to dinner. The boys were both fractious and we needed to hurry. We collected Alison on the way, who had brought her wetsuit with her for dipping. I hadn’t. I had read on the race instructions that all the wetsuits would be dipped before racing to prevent the spread of a noxious weed, didymo, to our beautiful North Island lakes. However, I completely missed the bit where it said that you couldn’t collect your race pack until your wetsuit had been dipped.

Bugger.

No amount of begging and cajoling the DOC warriors would convince them to let me through. They informed me I could just dip it and then collect my race pack in the morning.

There was absolutely no way I wanted to do that. I have enough problems with my stomach on a normal day, let alone with pre-race nerves, so I didn’t want to add to that pressure.

We drove all the way back to Ngongotaha, I got dressed into my party clothes, and then Dad and I drove all the way back to the Blue Lake again. And then back halfway to home to go out to dinner.

Dinner over, it was home to prep the race bags, get the number onto my race belt and spend two hours looking for my tri pants. Then off for a semi-early night.

Alarm went off early, and Mum and I managed to get out the door early. And arrived at the Blue Lake to find ourselves the only people there. We had taken the concept of “being prepared” to a whole new level.

Actually we needed to be. In my infinite wisdom, I had told the folk at TriNZ that Mum and I were doing this triathlon together for her big birthday – they thought it was a great story and lined us up for interviews for TriTV which screens on TV One later in the season, and also Sky Sport. We were followed by cameras for most of the event – a hilarious feeling, we felt like real sports stars.

At least it distracted us from the fact it was pouring with rain and the lake was bitterly cold.

Finally the pre-briefing was done and we suited up and headed for the start. After testing the water I had thought it was slightly cooler than two weeks before. Wrong! It was freezing. Really took my breath away and made it very difficult to swim. I felt like I barely made it to the other end and the whole way, all I could think about was finally getting out!

I eventually rounded the buoy and headed for the beach, knowing it had been an average time to say the least. The cold really took its toll and it was a long walk up the hill from the beach to transition. I only broke into a run once I could see my bike!

Really quick transition into my cycle shoes, out the gate and off. I felt great on the bike. It was pretty warm. I had decided to just wear my Reebok singlet with my tri pants and it worked really well under my wetsuit. Really comfortable and dried quickly.

The route out to the turnaround point went pretty well, hills included. I was actually enjoying the ride and went absolutely whizzing down the hills, passing lots of people. I made a good turn and started for the return leg. And promptly lost my drink bottle. Bugger. I’ve been having quite a few problems getting dehydrated lately and this wasn’t a good start!

The hills back up felt much longer and harder than they had previously. I eventually got there though and headed back to transition. By this time most of the RATs club had arrived at the Blue Lake to help marshall for the next event. Everyone was cheering for me – it was absolutely awesome. Mike was also there with both the boys, and Dad yelling from the sidelines:

“Come on knickers!” Well no event would be completely without that from my Dad so it was all good.

I’d also been keeping an eye on Mum and she was doing really well.

Transition into running shoes and off. The 3km run leg was up for 1.5km and then down. Its quite a challenging run as I know from experience. I couldn’t wait for the turnaround, and then I couldn’t wait to get back.

I had quite a strong finish, but got passed at the last minute which was gutting!

The highlight, however, was a big hug from World Champion Triathlete Sam Warriner at the finish line. Absolutely awesome. I’d also caught up with her earlier in the day. That will have to be the topic for the next blog post because this is already the size of a novel.

I grabbed a jacket and headed back to meet Mum. She wasn’t that far behind and had run the whole way. She had an awesome event and loved every minute.

So overall, a good first hit for the season, but I felt like it was really hard work – much harder than the short one I’d done with Lawrence just a few weeks ago. I felt like I hadn’t improved much over the year at all.

Until the next day. Mum charted our results against the one we did in January, and there were some definite improvements! Then I asked her to chart it against all my results from earlier in the year and it turns out I knocked two minutes off my previous best time – and on a much harder course. So eventually I was stoked!

So, results from the 3:9:3 – 300m swim, 9km run (except it was 10!) and 3km run:

Swim including T1:     10:38

Bike including T2:       29.43

Run including T3:        22:30

Total:               1:02:51

First race of the season…done!