Iron Jack

Whilst running the risk of missing anyone out, some heartfelt thank yous are long overdue in relation to my journey to and through Ironman.

So, in no particular order:

·         Dr Alice – for giving me the encouragement and support to set the goal in the first place – and then to loan me her road bike so I could physically achieve it. Our family thinks you’re just awesome – thank you!

·         LeeAnne – for getting me started and giving me the self-belief to do it.

·         To my bosses, Scott and Glenn and everyone else I work with for the support to get my training done, including the team in Wellington.

·         To George, Rhys and Julie – your phone call on Half Ironman day was spectacular and helped enormously!

·         To Shels and Ben – our oldest, dearest friends who got us into triathlon in the first place – look where we are now!

·         Tupara, Donna, Andre, Bailey and Nieve – I actually don’t have the words for how I feel about you guys, what you’ve done for me, what you’ve been through and for being there on that long day and night, you guys are amazing – looking forward to the next journey together.

·         My family and extended whanau

o   Mum and Dad – I’m here because of you; thank you for your support and for looking after the boys on the day, it took a load off my mind!

o   My brother Bruce and his family – I was stoked that you could be there, and love how much you embraced the day, it is special

o   My sister Deb and her Mike – a very long way away but always on our minds

o   Jane and Tony – my other parents and major support crew, thanks for everything

o   My other sister Sarah and her husband Ben – so cool to have you there – and everywhere on the day! And to Ben for loaning me his super awesome quick wheels for race day! Hope the seed has been laid…

o   My other other sister Nicky and her husband Mark – again, a long way away but always here

o   And the Aunts, Uncles and cousins who were all there in spirit

·         My incredible support crew on the day – hope I don’t miss anyone out, but…Cushla and Nick, Leonie, Sue and Becky, Vance and Lee, Aunty Helen, Rach and Beth, and more!

·         My amazing friend Leah – for giving me a smack on the hand when I really needed it, and for driving over from Rotorua to Taupo at 10pm on Ironman night, in the pouring rain, to make sure I finished! I’ll never forget seeing your face as I come up Tongariro St, it meant the world.

·         The RATs crew – the last two years have been a blast and I look forward to so many more major events in the future – special thanks to Jamie, Steph, Katrin and Sarah for all the help and advice, and all my swim squad buddies, Nicky, Matt, Sharyn and Clarrie.

·         Kelly and Nathan – what can I say, you guys are amazing, thanks for all the training hours, friendship, support and love – we love having you as part of our family; thanks for supporting Mike and my Dad on the day; we look forward to returning the favour next year!

·         KT and Dave – special Ironman work colleagues

·         Alison and Deborah for the rides, friendship and support – it was a very very special time

·         Mary Ann and Nina (aka Mrs P and Nemo) – without you Mary Ann none of it would be possible, thank you so much for your friendship and support; and Nina, thank you for patching me up, handing me tummy pills and all of your advice, it was all very much appreciated

·         Coach Kathy – without you I wouldn’t have made it to the start line, let alone across the finish line! You are an amazing, inspirational person; I love your style and your sense of humour and I can’t wait to work with you again – if you need a super-sensational coach, Kathy is your woman!

·         The Fit Goals crew – training camp was a blast, love the new friendships we have made, and the support on the course on the day was fantastic – Pete, Di, Jodi, Gina, Lynette and more – looking forward to the next outing!

·         The online crew – I have made so many virtual and now real friendships through the triathlon forums on Twitter and Facebook – just to name a few: Donna, Toni, Mel, Matt and so many many more.

·         Canterbury Toni – we met through Facebook and quickly made a connection that has turned into a firm friendship – your journey was made all the more inspirational due to your survival of the Canterbury earthquake just two weeks before Ironman, I’m honoured to know you and can’t wait for the next one!

·         Ironman Mel – you found me and I’m eternally grateful that you did! Love the laughs, advice and stories and am looking forward to many triathlon adventures together in the future!

·         Ironman Stu – well I call him Ironman Stu, he could also be called Graperide Stu, Endurance Stu and pretty much Legend Stu! Met through Twitter, friendship gained through triathlon. Watching him complete Ironman in 2010 was inspirational, and his adventures since have been even more so. Thank you for the friendship, support and contraband! Looking forward to our family spending much more time with yours in the future.

·         Bryce and the Cyclezone team – you guys are amazing! Without you, its unlikely my journey would have gone much further. Thank you so much for sorting out my bike, my riding, my seat…the cycling list is endless! Love being part of the team.

·         Heidi and Marcello – to Heidi for fixing my broken body (and mind) and for Marcello for making my bike look like a speed demon machine! And for the unwavering support from you both.

·         The Reebok and Speedo team for the fantastic sports gear to get me through the training and the day; I’m very grateful for your support, it made a huge difference.

·         The awesome Gu people – thank you for the nutritional support for those last few weeks, I’m so grateful you came on board. I truly believe in your product – it worked for me like nothing else had. It really works and I highly recommend it to anyone else for long-distance training.

·       And while we’re on the subject of nutrition, my awesome nutritionist, Rachel Scriven - really helped me get on the straight and narrow with ensuring I was eating enough for training (I wasn’t) and eating enough during training (I wasn’t) and eating enough afterwards (I was eating too much!) - you were a huge help and the cheeseburger at hour six was inspired!

·         Lawrence and Lisa – for the middle part of the journey and especially the super-spin classes!

·         All my wonderful girlfriends – Donna, Rach, Kim, Louise and Lisa.

·         Tony for the awesome Ironjack logo that fits me to a tee! Mark for the great website. And Lee for the sensational Ironjack t-shirts for the support crew!

·         And last, but by no means least, my ever-patient husband Mike, and our two wonderful (ratbag) boys, Oli and Toby. I couldn’t have done any of it without you. Thank you for the endless hours spent looking after the boys so I could train, race and sleep; for the unwavering support, belief and pride; you guys are my rock.

I sincerely apologise if I have missed anyone – no doubt I have – but thank you again for all your support. I couldn’t have done it without you!

I’ve had a nutrition backthrough - or more precisely, a gel breakthrough!

I’ve been feeling really good about my nutrition programme for a while. Rachel Scriven from FoodFX in Tauranga has been sorting me out on this and it has largely been working very well. I know what I’m meant to be eating and drinking and when. As they say, nutrition is actually the fourth discipline in a triathlon so its critical to get it right.

However, there has been one slight issue. An important component of my nutrition plan is gels for quick, easy and effective carbohydrate consumption on the go. They are light and easy to use, and pretty much are a must for the bike and the run.

Except they weren’t working at all well for me.

I suffer badly from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). At times in the past it has kept me closeted inside and unable to leave the house. It has also left me very depressed. Specialists had always told me that a good diet, exercise and reducing my stress levels would help my IBS significantly - turns out they were right! I have had minimal problems over the past two years on my journey towards Ironman. The training not only helps my body keep fit and well, it reduces my stress levels as well so its a win-win situation.

The only time I was having a problem during training was with the gels. I was using Leppin which is one of the old Kiwi favourites. My tummy would tolerate them - just - on the bike, but not at all on the run, always leaving me caught out and desperate to find a bathroom. They didn’t agree with me at all.

The Half Ironman was getting closer and something had to be done. I couldn’t run the risk of having a major tummy problem on the bike or the run. It was going to be enough of a struggle as it was, without the added pressure of tummy problems.

So I tried some GU. They are an American product which I started seeing around the shops, and an American friend also recommended them. Perfect. Absolutely no problem - no twinges, no cramps, nothing. I thought it was a fluke, so tried them again, and again. Ever since switching to GU, I haven’t had any problems with my tummy. I couldn’t work out why - surely it couldn’t be this easy? Then I checked the packaging - contains chamomile and ginger - problem solved! When things have been really bad with my tummy, I always turn to ginger and chamomile and it always does the job. GU might only have small amounts in them, but it is clearly enough to do the job for me. It is a huge relief.

I’ve now used them throughout the peak summer training and they have been awesome - I’ll be strapping eight to my bike on the day!

So, do you GU?

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!

The time has come to face up to reality. If I’m going to be serious about my Ironman quest - and if I want to stay injury-free along the way, I’m going to have to drop some serious weight. Soon.

To be fair - and to Lee-Anne’s credit - this is something she has been trying to get me to focus on for around nine months. It would appear I’m a slow learner on this front - or rather, I have my childrens’ selective hearing when it comes to cutting down on food, or the foods I love.

I have always battled with my weight. My father’s nickname for me is Rolly - he truely means it as a term of motivational endearment so I’m not actually offended. Actually, either Rolly or Knickers - either one gets used on any sporting occasion, most recently at the Takapuna Triathlon where he positioned himself on a key corner and yelled “Come on knickers” everytime I came around - all six times! But again, I’m not offended - in fact I’m thrilled he’s there and getting into it - it’s a unique motivational tool for me!

But I digress. Back to the weight issue.

I have always been on the larger rounder side. As outlined elsewhere on this site, I’ve been pretty inactive for most of my life, although I excel at fine wine and good food. I have made the effort and lost weight previously - leading up to our wedding for example. But it’s always gone straight back on - I couldn’t fit into my jeans on the last day of our honeymoon - it had only been two weeks for goodness sake!

I’ve used every excuse in the book to avoid tackling my weight issue - pregnancies, IBS, work, stress - mainly the old adage, “it’s just not the right time”. Well the time has come and the time is now. Watch this space.

PS: Special thanks to Lee-Anne (for persevering!) and @donna_de and @brennanannie on Twitter for their advice on this topic!