So here I am 12 months later back again at the scene of last years #sharkbikerun event! Yes I still carry the mental scars from the heat and poor decisions I made early in last years duathlon. So this year Ironman have made changes to try and increase the chances of the event going ahead as planned and hopefully I’ve learned a thing or two, ensuring I get to the finish line of a full Ironman event healthy and happy! So let’s get into a quick review of the event!
The bike and run are unchanged, the transition areas and layout are unchanged! The swim is the only significant change!
We now have a two lap swim and get to swim under the iconic Busselton Jetty, instead of out and around it!
The Water here is very clear, clean and cool, so the wetsuit ruling at the moment is optional (I’m reasonably confident that will remain that way for Sunday)! So the goal is simple, find clear water, get into a long strong rhythm and punch out a (hopefully sub) hour swim!
The bike is the same as last year! A 2 lap bike with 5 u-turns (or fingers as I count them)!
So far this week the wind has seemed a little stronger than last year, but that is counteracted by the lower temperatures! So my strategy is a lot simpler this year, stay mindful, start hydrating early, start eating immediately and settle into an easy steady rhythm of around 200 watts and hopefully bike around 5 hours!
The run course is also unchanged, a 4 lap out and back course along the foreshore! It’s nice and flat but full of flies!
This year, I’m hoping to be able to actually run some (if not all the marathon)! Last year I battled cramps, the nasty voice in my head and probably a little de-hydration on the run. This year will simply be about excising some demons from last year! I have absolutely no time goals for the marathon, other than to be able to keep running between each aid station for the entire 42.2km! If I achieve that goal, the time is what the time will be!
How am I approaching this year event differently? Well I did learn a lot about myself last year, how to improve my self talk and even what my nutrition strategy should be in different weather conditions. This year seems a lot cooler but just as dry as last year.
So this year I am using a new hydration supplement, hydralyte sports which is high in the electrolytes, sodium and potassium! Hopefully all things to help me stay hydrated and avoid some cramping/bonking/hitting the wall!
I am also carrying a small hand held bottle on the run with a gel & water mix. I’ll also carry a product called crampfix with me on the bike and on the run! All aimed at keeping the cramps at bay! But no strategy is ever full proof, last year taught me that no matter how dialled in you think your strategy is, things can and will go wrong! I’m being firm but flexible in my approach this year and hope this approach has me in better shape mentally and physically! I guess only time will tell!
I am traveling without my family this weekend, so there won’t be any updates during the race, but the app and tracker will be live on Sunday morning and some ways to follow my progress are as follows. I’m athlete number 150!
Ironman Live is a website that on sunday morning will activate and you can track my progress by name or athlete number.
There is also a phone app (this is the best way) that has athlete tracking and updates available at the following link. The app lets you search by athlete name or club.
Ironman Oceania App – Event Tracking
So I am racked and ready now, there is nothing left to do but race/compete! If you are on course tomorrow in either the 70.3 or the 140.6 distance events race well! The work is done, it’s your time to shine on the course!
Here is a little insight into an Ironman transition tour from my racking experience today!
Remember keep a smile on your dial (no matter how bad it seems, there is always someone worse off then you…. ALWAYS), thank as many volunteers as you can (they have given up their Sunday for you)! Those 2 simple tasks make your day that much more enjoyable!
Finally I need to take a moment to thank my amazing beautiful super supportive wife, Mel!
You are amazing and without you none of the crazy adventure I’ve done would be possible, THANK YOU! To my amazing coach Ben, and all our club mates that we coach/train with at Starfish Tri Athletic, you guys are the reason I try to live by example! To everyone that has run, ridden or swam with me over the past 7 years, I am always grateful for your support! It’s time to race, let’s IRONMAN!
If you ever have any questions please reach out, I’m only a message away.
If you’re not active at the moment & need some inspiration, follow me on Strava, Instagram and like my facebook page and let’s get back out there swim, bike or running. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss a blog post from me! The biggest regret we can have in life is to not TRI!
Till next time build consistency, keep smiling and live to Tri!
SO, YOU WANT TO BE AN IRONMAN? 
Can I ask a question – how can you “bonk”during a race 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Sent from my iPhone
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Bahahahahahaha, get your mind out of the gutter!!!! It’s another term for hitting the wall!!! Similar to when bonking is all over, you have nothing left and want to sleep 🤣😜😳
You are in my tracker! Go for it!!
Thanks for following!
Congratulations on your KQ!