The coaching philosophy at CPC was born out of the desire and passion to not just coach, but to educate athletes of all levels to help them achieve their optimal per4mance while maintaining a balanced, happy and healthy life…
Coach Sarah recounts a recent forced reflection and sets a reminder for athletes to take stock, and reflect, particularly if you are towards the end of a long season / training block…. But even if you are not, and you feel like things ‘just aren’t quite right’ – then this is your little reminder to look a little deeper to ensure you are performing AND living to your optimum.
I woke up on the weekend like a truck had hit me. I couldn’t move out of bed, I had this overwhelming sense of pure exhaustion that was over me and a thumping headache. So I slept. And laid about. Literally all day. I moved from bed to the couch, slept a bit more there, had a dip in the pool in the hope it would wake me up. Which it did, for a tiny bit, the exhaustion did lift though, it just hid it for a wee bit… So I filled up the bath soaked in a magnesium for 2hrs! I made myself go out for a walk for some fresh air in the evening. Not for exercise, more for mental health – there’s nothing worse than feeling cooped up inside all day. I often include walks for recovery. This was far from that. I felt like an old woman. Moving slowly. Unsteady. No energy. Having to take breaks along the way – and that was just around the block!
But I made it back home, had some nourishing chicken broth soup and was tucked in bed by 8:30pm. Wow. I have not had a day like that in forever! But I wasn’t going to fight it, not this time. I couldn’t even if I wanted to ! And so as I was laying in bed last night, a heavy cloud of exhaustion over me I was wondering – where has this come from? Why was I perfectly fine yesterday and then down like a sack of potatoes today? Admittedly I have been feeling a little flat of late, just not having the spark I normally do. And although competing sessions everyday, they weren’t feeling as good as they should. And it was playing with my mind. Had my motivation waned? Did I not want race anymore?… And then it dawned on me. I donated blood the day before. That in itself can create some exhaustion as they take around ~500ml of blood. For an averaged size person that’s around 8% of your blood volume, but for me, it’s around 12%. And there’s a reason for this story..
When I was doing the blood pressure and HR check before donating, the lady asked – is your HR and BP normally so low? (HR was 40, and I silently kicked myself for not doing a few star jumps before I walked in!) ;-p And so I explained to her (like some of you when docs see your low resting HR) ;-p ) that I train and race and so yes it is normally low. So we got past that and then she did the haemoglobin finger prick test and she again said, hmmm is your haemoglobin normally so low? I was below the range they allow for donating – so essentially far from optimal. And so I thought back when I had my last blood tests done with my Dr, and I couldn’t remember when that was. Definitely over 12mths ago! She did say they can do a more accurate test to check it again so that I could still donate though. So we did that and it was just above the minimum marker – JUST! So I went through the process and did my bit. Looking back – I should have put my own health first – but there is a theme here….
So why do I share this? Well, looking back on how I had been feeling in general, the wall I hit yesterday after donating blood and I realise I hadn’t been looking after myself as well as I could have over the past few months. And for someone that has a history of low Iron, to not have had regular bloods done recently I was kicking myself. I was in my groove and didn’t think about it. I needed an outsider to point it out!
I’ve been running the tank dry. Trying to do all the things and forgetting about number one. And number one is ALWAYS YOU. Not just for performance and training, but for health and vitality. I’ve been trying to be all the things – the parent that helps at the kinder, the mum who catches up with the other school mums, the mother taking kids to all the sports, and making the fancy lunch boxes, the the wife trying to cook everything from scratch. All while working and training… And as we know, it we burn the candles for too long, or we burn them from both ends, without a rest/reset then eventually they will dim. And Mine didn’t just dim, it went out !
And so I’ve had to remind myself – that I can DO ANYTHING, but not EVERYTHING. And so some self care is coming my way this week, that massage I’d been meaning to book but just hadn’t made the time for – that’s happening this week.
Those bloods that I should have had tested 6mths ago, and checking in with my naturopath will be done this week to get me back to my optimum. And I’ll be saying no when I and if I need to…..
Only then will I be able to find my equilibrium again and feel like my cup is full, my candle burning bright and back to my healthy and vibrate self again!
SO – this is YOUR reminder. Take stock and check in with yourself – BEFORE it’s too late… How ARE you doing? We train, race and compete for the love, because we are able to, reach our lofty goals – but it shouldn’t be at the detriment of our health…. So next time we chat – I’ll ask again, how are YOU doing….
And if this resinated with you, get on the front foot and book in a chat with your coach or health professional to ensure you are performing AND living to your optimum. 🙂
It’s no mean feat training for a Half distance when you are a working parent. The balance of getting the training done, along with prepping children for school, after school activities, homework, lunches, dinners and everything else between that comes with being a parent. Not to mention being a husband/wife to your partner ! ;-p
Well what happens if you put both parents into the mix of training for a big race! That’s what athletes Evelyn and Shaun Wilton did on the weekend when they BOTH competed in this years Ironman Melbourne 70.3 – both as their fist half distance race.
When you share training time with your partner / other half in can sometimes lead to some friction – who’s doing more, who’s taking more of the training time, who’s more tired and deserves more rest… Other families choose to not race at the same time of the year. Many I have trained generally have key races at different times of the year to their partner so they can share the training load better and balance home life – as it works better that way for them. If you have been there / are there, I think you will know what I mean! ;-p
But for Evelyn and Shaun, their children are at an age that having a shared goal actually worked in their favour.
“Our kids are teens, and pretty much ignore us unless they’re hungry or want something. 😊 They are also self-sufficient to a degree. They also sleep in, so week-end mornings and weekday evenings are generally the time we train. We make sure we’re there for sports, pick up and drop offs and everything in between.” wife Evelyn reflected.
So for this family, having a shared goal was what worked for them. Being able to spend training time together, share the experience together, and the highs and lows that go along with it.
“Shared goals, wow, massive! The ability to go out together early on Sat for our swim, early on Sun for our ride, etc, so much easier as there are no expectations on each other to be home by a certain time, or frustrations due to either of us being out for long periods.” hubby Shaun said of their shared goals.
And Evelyn agreed – “I think… it was easier for us to have a shared goal. We could share the tiredness, the nutrition, the 101 things that needed to be done. We’re on the same path, similar mindset and can help each other. Lastly, and most importantly we have lots of laughs. We do this because we enjoy it, it’s fun. (Most of the time)” ;-p
So for this couple, they managed to take it all in their stride. Of course there were some compromises along the way, and it required planning and balancing, but they did what was needed, including ensuring their children’s needs were being met as well as their own, open communication being at the forefront. “Another important thing is open and honest communication with your kids. We would often ask them questions such as “Are Mum and Dad out training too often?” “Are you OK with the time you are spending at home along?” “Please let Mum and Dad know if it is too much”. All this communication made sure the kids felt they had a say in it all and could speak up if it was getting too much.” hubby Shaun said of their experience.
For a family with teens, and both working, I asked how else they managed to ensure the household kept up and everyone managed as at times training topped out at around 10hrs a week including importantly strength and conditioning sessions. And Evelyn shared some of her top tips:
Outsourcing: “We are a big fan of outsourcing to free up our time. Things that need doing, such as cleaning, mowing, meal kits, online shopping. Anything that will give us extra time is appreciated. It costs extra, but that’s the reason we work so hard.“
Reducing mental load“As above, anything that reduces the mental load, such as coaching. We don’t have to think about what next, or should I go swimming, running, cycling, everything is mapped out. I don’t have to think or choose an option. I just need to tick it off my list.”
Limited social life: “Other than the occasional birthday celebration, we pretty much keep to ourselves. Our weekends are structured around kids activities and training and that’s pretty much it. Now that the race is over, we’re catching up with friends and social circles outside of triathlon.”
Group Training: “Training as part of a group helps so much, the time goes quicker and it’s great to have a shared goal with others. If one of us is getting ready for group training, it’s almost an obligation for the other to go, even when we didn’t want to!”
And how did their races end up?
AMAZING ! First and foremost on the top of both their lists was to enjoy the experience. To be in control of their races and not have the race control them – or unravel – which you can often see in long distance racing. To ttick to their race plans but be flexible in their approaches. If something isn’t working, then to change it up. And they both did this brilliantly. Not everything went to plan – and that often can be long course racing, but regardless, they both stayed headstrong in their goals of completing their first Half Ironman and embracing the journey along the way! And what fantastic attitudes and outlooks they both have. Shaun finishing in 6:02.55 (if only he knew he was so close to a sub 6!) and Evelyn 7:04.23. Both loving the experience, the learning and the training process along the way. What an awesome team effort from both of them!
There are not many (if any?!) races that you would feel ‘accomplished’ with a DNF (did not finish) beside your name. But in this event, there were 25 people who DNF’d and just TWO who did not…. Yes you read right. Unless you WIN, or are the second last (the assist), you DNF. The winner is, literally the last man standing…..
So what possesses someone to take on such a challenge, knowing full well that you are most likely going to finish with a DNF beside your name? But if you read on, these events are SO much more than about winning. They are about pushing through levels of fatigue that you can only imagine, of working through pain and discomfort, of having a plan, a large support network, of planning nutrition and hydration to a tee and packing just about everything with you – ‘just in case’. It’s about finding YOUR limit – whatever that may be…. For most people, these types of ultra events are not about winning at all, they are about the personal challenge, they are about finding where your ultimate limits lies and trying to push just one lap further, continuing just that little bit longer, until the body finally says no more and you can rest. Lay that weary body down knowing you gave it every ounce of what you had.…
From the beginning – It all started with my mate Phil just leisurely saying ‘hey have you seen there’s a new event coming to Shepparton‘ – that was all it took. And before we knew it, the idea had gathered momentum and I was hooked on the idea straight away; I had been looking for a new challenge and this was right up my alley. For those unfamiliar with the Last man standing or Backyard Ultra’s as they have become known, this is an event that has simple rules. It’s a 6.72k loop that starts on the hour, every hour until one person runs the final loop on his own – the ‘last man standing’ – literally. This one was the Northvic Backyard Ultra – held in Shepparton.
The injury – So with 4 months until the event my main concern was an ongoing injury that I had been carrying for a while – after I completed my last big challenge event – 160k in 48hrs virtual event last October. This cleared up eventually but with only 6 weeks out I developed a calf niggle in the same area that I had experienced a stress fracture 4 years prior. So I went to the start line still having this niggle but it was much better and I felt I was in a position to be able to nurse it through the event. An event that really was an unknown in so many ways!
Short training prep – Rolling back the clock to about 12 weeks out, I slowly made my way back to some run fitness giving myself until 2 weeks out to decide finally if I was going to enter the event. Coach Sarah had put a plan together where I was just introducing a few K’s each week this took me to about 25k’s a week now just 6 weeks out. A pretty low training load for such an event, but we went conservatively to ensure the body managed the training load. But despite this, the calf niggle popped up and I had doubts – thinking that the event was now just a dream and I wasn’t going to be able to do what I wanted to do. But Sarah and I put a strategy together that would see me not running in the week and training one single long run over the weekend. Although very unconventional, it allowed me / the body to recover between the weekends running and it really seemed to work! So I did a 6 x 7k test run the following week and a final 10 x 6.7k test run (10hrs – a lot in the dark!) 2 weeks out. Although the niggle was there it was manageable and we decided I could get through the event so I entered and then started the final preparation!
Race Prep – Having never done an event like this before and of course this event has an ‘unknown’ finish time and distance, I trawled through Youtube videos of previous backyard ultras reading blogs and listening to many podcasts I came up with a plan. And part of that was to be over prepared rather than wanting something I hadn’t planed or packed for. So one list became 2 which soon became 3! I really don’t think I could have added anything more on my list of things to organise and pack! Over prepared for sure but I was totally AOK with that! PS – if you thought packing for an Ironman was full on – this is NEXT LEVEL ! Times your Ironman list by 10, and you probably are in the ball park! ;-p
Race Day – It was 8am when I woke and the nerves were lingering around for sure. I had a pre race catch up with the coach the night before so I knew what my pre race prep was going to consist of so let the day begin! We arrived on course at 11am which gave us 4 hours until race start. Set up had begun and 2 hrs later we were ready for the race briefing and the final last few prep things to go through. Nerves were really surfacing now but I always have pre race nerves which has always proved a good sign. So 27 participants would take the 1st yard and the 3 minute whistle blew, then 2 then 1, so you have to be in the pen at the 1 minute whistle. The race director counted down from 5 and we were off! Lap 1 of who knows how many laps to come ! !
The Race – There has been many strategies talked about and who knows what is ‘best’, all I know is I had MY race plan and I wanted to stick to it for as long as I could. My strategy for the first 10 laps was to run (well a jog really) 2.5k then walk 1.5k which took in the hills on the course and then run home apart from 300mt up a bridge on the way back to the start/finish line. This would get me in at 47 minutes. And for the first 12 laps I was pretty much spot on! I was over the moon at this point that my times and strategy was working with 12laps / hours and 80km already down.
I best not forget to throw in there too though, that come lap 4, night time would hit and darkness would descend over the course and for the next 10+ rounds we would be guided by our headtorches…. Add to that rain, and it made the challenge of this event even more so… On lap 11 I would walk the first 1k with my mate Phil who it ended up would run his last yard on this leg. A big achievement Phil, well done mate – and thanks for planting that seed!
Other highlights of the first 12 laps were defiantly the support crew. Lisa (partner) has been in it from the start and she was there almost until the end (this story comes later). Without a good support crew your day is done before you even start. On lap 4,5,6 would see more support from friends Regan, Ben and Alisha who I never knew were going to come over so it was a great surprise. And this wouldn’t be the last time I would see Regan on course – in fact she was popping up everywhere on the morning loops and she gave me lots of laughs as she would randomly appear, sometimes from behind the bushes. Thanks Regan – a real moral booster! 😊
The biggest surprise of all though came at lap 8 when Coach Sarah had arrived at 10pm with son Alex. I held it together as this was very emotional for me but this gave me a massive boost just when I needed it. Those night time laps, in the dark, and in your own thoughts can get very very lonely especially as more people drop out. Doubts start to creep in, sleep deprivation is real and you start to question ‘why’. Its strange too as you become oblivious of the time of day so I didn’t realise until after the event that it was after midnight when Sarah and Alex actually left….
With about 13 minutes until the next lap it was a case of a loo break change of clothes, topping up hydration bottles and trying to get nutrition and food into me. Its surprising how quick this goes. If you had to sit and wait for someone for 13minutes you would think it was the longest 13min of your lift. But 13minutes of ‘rest and refuel’ in this event felt like 3! It’s a bit of an adrenaline rush knowing you have to be back on that start line with 1 minute to go. And if you are not. You are out. Simple as that! So with my first goal of 12 laps accomplished it was onto my next goal of 15 laps which would see me clock up 100kms. And 15hrs straight of running, resting, refuelling – on repeat!
At this point, I noticed for the first time that my running was slowing down so a change in strategy was made. From this point on I would have to do more running than I had been to make up for the pace deficit.. So I decided to only walk the hills which would work out to be about 1k more of running over the 6.72km lap. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but when fatigue is really kicking in and your body is trying to get you to slow down and stop – it’s a big effort. So laps now were coming in on 50min. This was still ok and giving me still enough time to do what I needed. As I completed my 15th hour, Lisa brought to my attention that I had stopped eating. It’s hard to explain but I think anyone that has done ultra events will experience this. Your body just goes into a self preservation mode and starts to shut down in a way… Lisa would make me porridge which I attempted – knowing I needed to continue to get some fuel / nutrition in to be able to keep going. I spoke with Lisa at this point and said I just wanted to go out for the 8am loop which would give me 17 laps, I knew at this point or at least I thought I knew I was close to the end…..
Laps 15-18 – It was daylight by now, another target achieved and the next few hours would see me just getting through each lap playing mind games with myself, giving myself targets to when I would run and then walk and just finding any way possible to complete that lap I was on. I can’t remember out right but by now I am sure I was in the top 10 finishers. Another target achieved! I was now in a group of 3 of us who I kept passing then they would pass me and this would go on all lap, which was good as we would have a little chat whilst we were together, not many words but just a bit of encouragement knowing we were all in the same hurt together…..
The final laps – on returning from lap 17 and 18 I was greeted by more people that had come down to support me. I think I was probably done at this point. Physically and mentally. I was exhausted. I was slowly getting slower. I had achieved a number of my goals for the event. I didn’t ‘need’ to do anymore. I felt content. But my mate who had come down to watch said to me “how about doing another lap for me”. Well how could I say no, after all – they had made the journey out to see me so yes off I went on lap 18!
There was now only 7 of us left now and I had a renewed goal. I’m here. I’m on 18. lets get to 20 I thought! Just 2 more after this – so this became my new target. I was now getting back at 51 then 55 mins for lap 19. Lisa waved me off for the final time on lap 20 as she had to go to work, yes work after being my support for 20 hours!! Like I said earlier, without a good support you are finished early. So I can’t thank Lisa enough.
Now this was by far the toughest lap yet – heaps of walking but I was determined to get back within the hour even if I never left again. Lap 20. One foot in front of the other. 1k at a time. It was brutal. My body was screaming at me. It was telling me to stop. I had decided that I was going to ‘dong’ at the end of this lap and declare I was done. Because I was. I was done….
But just as that thought went through my head I had a voice message from a very emotional Lisa saying how proud she was of me and just to keep going out until I didn’t make that hour anymore. This was following a voice message from the coach basically saying how proud she was of me and to keep pushing. So there it was, ready to stop. I would get back to complete lap 20 with 2 minutes to spare – so I decided I would go back out and finish this on course. I wasn’t been defeatist but I knew I didn’t have it in me to complete another lap in the time I needed to. So after a very quick top up of water and a swig of coke off I went on lap 21. With another one of my support team videoing me going out he was cheering “just one more Andy!”. I looked back and said this will be my walking lap and off I walked into the distance pondering my thoughts….
I had always stated that I wanted to finish on course and I would always attempt my last lap. But within 2k of walking (as fast as my body would allow!) this lap, I quickly realised there was no chance of me making it back just walking. So I tried the good old Ironman shuffle but my body was having none of it, and I was very soon walking again.. At this point I made the decision not to go any further and turn around and head back to the start/finish line. Speaking to Lisa on the phone on the way back and we both agreed it was a great journey. I had achieved more than I thought was possible and I was happy with how my ‘race’ went and the decision made – no regrets. At the finish line I was greeted with even more support crew but unfortunately, they would only see me bang the gong to confirm I was DNF. Extremely pleased with the achievement 20 laps and 130k much more than expected and I come away with huge memories !
Lessons learnt / post event reflection: A longer build would of been nice but with my niggle this wasn’t possible. Have a more simple food plan. ‘Keep it simple stupid’. ;-p Do what’s necessary to make sure that I continue to eat throughout the event. Always thank your support crew. Always.
What now – Most would probably see this as a ‘bucket list’ event. Do one and that’s enough! But I am already planning my next Backyard Ultra (yes call me crazy!). But for now some time off to get this niggle under control so I can start back ready and raring for my second attempt!
My go to foods – I remember having a bowl of rice which tasted amazing and I enjoyed my dates and peanut butter. Lollies kept me company late on but 3 cans of coke in the later laps certainly helped. Tailwind was my go to liquid calories and I was taking on 170ml most laps and sipping on electrolytes during transition. The main thing – trial in training what you plan to do on event day. And keep your options open!
Thank yous – Heaps of these!
Support crew – Lisa was amazing this was not possible without her. She had everything covered and nothing was too much. Her motivation was incredible.
Coach Sarah worked hard with me at something that was new to her too. Between us we smashed it and her knowledge and expertise was always there for me to call on. I am sure my journey doing future Backyard Ultras will be very successful too.
To all the people that came out and gave up their time to see me for maybe 10 minutes each lap thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Seeing friendly faces made all the difference.
And lastly to all the people that followed our live feed and updates and for all the motivational comments that was left. I have loved reading and reflecting post event. And I’m sure I will again in my next prep!
Finally – When you think you are done, go and do just one more lap……..
A kiwi living in Regional Victoria, who is ready to dip her toes in the water and try her hand at triathlons! A dog lover, lover of health and fitness and cleanliness! ‘Ants’ is ready to set her triathlon wheels in motion! 🙂
Name: Antonia Wilson
Nickname: Ants (not very inventive hey) haha
Age / Age Group: 35
Lives: Bendigo, Vic
Targeted Sport: Triathlon
Years in the Sport: 0, none, zilch! It’s never too late to start something, right?!!
How did you get started: I have always wanted to get into triathlon because I love running and cycling.
Why I choose CPC: As a triathlon newbie I needed a coach that wasn’t just knowledgeable and would push me to reach my goals but I also needed someone supportive and approachable. Sarah is all of these things so it was a no-brainer.
What I ‘get’ from my sport: It’s more than just health and fitness. Pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of is how I grow as a person.
Ultimate Goal: I would love to complete a 70.3 but for now my sights are set on just completing a triathlon!
What I couldn’t live without: Coffee. Without a doubt!
Biggest love: My very spoiled but very cute dog, Arthur.
Pet peeve!: Messiness, I’m a neat freak.
Interesting fact about me: I’m a Kiwi but I’m losing my twang!
Ironman Cairns and Ironman 70.3 Cairns Race Results and wrap up.
The lessons. The Learnings. The Triumphs. The challenges.
Who wouldn’t want to escape the cold of winter and head north and race and holiday at the same time?! A spectacular place for racing, to put the training into practice and enjoy pushing the boundaries of your own physical and mental limits.
4 CPC athletes and their supporters made their way to the top end of Australia and 4 athletes walked away with shiny new medals around their necks. Including 2 newly crowned first time Ironman Athletes! I always say to athletes – you only get to do your first Ironman ONCE. So make it a memorable one. And that they did.
There was some hard luck stories though. Situations that ended up being out of their control, but what we learnt during the process was not what happens TO you, but how you react. And man did our athletes handle themselves brilliantly through the adversity thrown their way.
I could not be more proud of each of our crew, and each waking away with lessons, a truck load more experience and races that they will forever remember!
STEVE GRAY – 70.3 HALF IRONMAN Overall: 4:44.57, 6th M50-54 Swim 29:14 Bike 2:30.01 Run 1:39.05
If you want to see what a consistent race looks like, then look no further. Steve is a veteran at racing and is a shining example of racing to your level of training and to your own race place. Not what you have done before, not to try and beat someone else. But to beat yourself. With a limited training prep, we went in with our expectations in check, but with a solid race plan. This didn’t mean not pushing the boundaries, or not hurting, (because it still hurts – just ask Steve!) but what it does mean, is that you are measured and in control and that’s what Steve was all day. 👊🏻
Lesson of the race: race your own race and you will finish your race strong.
DAVE BAXTER -70.3 HALF IRONMAN Overall: 7:17.03, 51 M55-59 Swim 39:35 Bike 3:45.53 Run 2:39.08
Our first hard luck story of the day. Swim ticked off, and out on the bike, goal pace and effort in check but 30km in and things came undone. Or locked in to be precise. Breaks jammed on Dave jumped off his bike to see what was going on, a fiddle on the side of the road. Unperturbed he got himself sorted and back on the bike only to discover down the bike gears had a mind of their own, and wouldn’t stay in the big chain ring. So for 60km worked up the hills but could get no speed on the downhills or flat stuck in the small chain ring. Time goals disappearing, but not his will to push on through the diversity.
Jumping off the bike and onto the run to finish with a 20min run PB from his previous race earlier in the year.
Lesson of the race: When things seem out of your control, simply focus on controlling what you can. Push on and push through.
Stay tuned for Rach’s personal re-cap. But what I can say here is this. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EFFORT! To put her body on the line for this race, to be able to push through so many mental barriers, run bike and run through so much physical pain with her condition of Iliac Artery Endofibrosis that – in her own words, her right leg feels like immense “pain and suffocation. It’s like being strangled” blocking the blood and oxygen to her right leg. And as we all know – sport is about getting as much blood (read oxygen) to our muscles as possible! Immense pride watching her finish in such a gallant effort – and to finish in the time she did, simply incredible. Lesson learned: You never know what is possible unless you take the leap of faith. Of trusting in the process. Of pushing past your own barriers. And seeing what may lie on the other side….
DANE MIGGIANI – FIRST IRONMAN Overall: 12:19.49 Swim: 1:03.53 Bike: 6:20.29 Run: 4:39.10
If I ever felt the pain and agony of an athlete in a race, then this would have to be it.
Leading into this race, Danes training was spot on. He’d nailed sessions, went from strength to strength and he race ready to execute. He’d dedicated the past few months to this race and he was ready for his first Ironman.
But, 24hrs prior to the race and things started to unravel. Uncontrollable vomiting and toilet stops had him up all day and night. Unable to keep any fluids or fuel down. Race morning and the bus trip was going to be a challenge just getting there without needing to yell at the bus driver to pull over! But he made it. Bus trip mission accomplished. ;-p
He made it to transition. He made it to the start. (not without a few stops between) And he made the decision to at least start and ‘see what happens’.
Well what happened for the next 12+ hours was excruciating for him. Vomiting in the swim (sorry fellow swimmers!) feeling nauseous and lacking his swim power and ability to push, and still managed just over the hr mark. But that was meanly the start of the day. A long way still to go..
On the bike and more vomiting and toilet stops, not to mention stomach cramps from all the vomiting and lack of nutrition, barely able to go down on the TT bars, he limped his way around the bike. Previous time goals not even in the picture, but doing mental calculations on whether he would make it around the course, or whether to jump in the next sag wagon that went past..… 6+hrs of the most mentally and physically grueling rides for all the wrong reasons.
Finally making his way to T2 and able to leave the bike behind. It was now simply about finishing. He’d made it this far, it wasn’t a question now. Walk the marathon if we must, but there was no way he wasn’t going to finish now after nearly 7hrs already. With friends and his partner and beautiful little daughter there supporting he willed his way around the run course. Continually vomiting and numerous toilet stops and next to no nutrition in his system now for 48hrs he was in a bad way.
So to see him come down that finishing chute. To hear those words YOU ARE AN IRONMAN gave me goosebumps. To hug Mon and his daughter and his mates, what a moment after so much pain.
That even though this wasn’t the race we had trained and prepared so hard for, this was the race dished out to him and he fought the hardest fight to win. And win he did !
Lesson learned: Never. Ever give up. The mind is so much more powerful than you give it credit for.
Ironman Australia in Port Macquarie, race wrap up and results
It was an awesome day for the return or Ironman racing in Port Macquarie! Including the Ironman 140.6 and 70.3 Half race distances.
Rain had dumped over night (and most nights leading in!) making for a soggy transition, but a beautiful morning to kick start the day. Athletes took to a calming sunrise swim, a little tide made for some slightly slower times, but the cloud cover aided in easy sighting. Light rain came down on the bike and there was a bit of wind around (and hills!) but this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit! Overall it was a nice mild temp, overcast and the rain (mostly) dried up for the run, leaving a little humidity, but otherwise they were pretty good conditions for racing!
The day started with our Half Ironman Distance athletes and what great races they each had including a first place finish for Caroline Houston!
Once the 70.3 athletes were out on the bike course the full distance athletes started their day. The swim for many in the Ironman is a source of anxiety, but knowing they had done the work, and with plans in place, each came out of the water with great swims and in control of their races from the get go. Regan showed her swimming prowess coming out of the water in second place and set herself up for a great race.
Out onto the bike course – which isn’t an easy one, with around 1400m of climbing over the full distance – including the famous Matthew Flinders Hill, and all on rough roads and it definitely takes it out of your legs. But each athlete had their race and nutrition plans set and worked their way around the 180km course.
But as many know, it’s the run in where the Ironman really becomes one. Over do the bike and it WILL come and bite you on the run. Start out too fast, and you will know about it later. Pacing is KEY. And what amazing work our Ironman athletes did. In control. Ticking the boxes (kms) as they went. Was so good to be out there cheering each of them on. Special mention also to athlete Janelle who made the trek and offered her support on course also!
RESULTS:
HALF IRONMAN Caroline Houston 7:14.25, 1ST F65-69 ! Sarah Mulkearns 5:06.38, 4TH F40-44. Sharon Smith 7:04.11, 11TH F55-59 Full results here.
FULL IRONMAN Regan Hollioake 10:28.27, 3RD F30-34, and 5TH AG female overall. FIRST IRONMAN. Darren McKemmish 14:38.19, M50-54. FIRST IRONMAN. Ollie McNulty 15:37.38, M45-49. FIRST IRONMAN. Full results here.
