Ironman Western Australia - TriathlonFull Ironman

Prior to the start I got into the water and swam a couple of hundred meters. This definitely helped settle my nerves.
Being straight out and back it is along way to the first turn. I started alongside the jetty in waist deep water and aimed for the end (jetty has slight bend). The far end of the start beach was more congested with swimmers. Found clear water early and got into a good rhythm.
Wind and swell were in different directions and so it became lumpy further out. Along with congestion at the turning buoys made this section difficult. Did swallow a little sea water at this point. Water was uncharacteristically dirty and so was unable to see too much marine life.
This was the first mass start swim I had done and being my weakest leg was happy with my time being so close to my target.

Not much, I watched the swim last year and so had a clear plan in my mind what I wanted to do and was able to execute it well.

The transition tent was hot and chaotic when I entered. Managed to find some space and things went smoothly.

Nothing

I live locally and so have ridden the course many times and felt this was a big advantage to me. As my strongest leg I was looking forward to this part.
As a poor swimmer I had many people ahead of me on the road. I spent most of the morning slowly overtaking one rider after another. This caused considerable doubt in my mind. This was my first Ironman, was I pushing too hard, did they all know something I didn't, would it come back to bite me later. I had to trust my body and my training and ride by feel.
I stopped at special needs for my own energy drinks, having tried the on course drink I didn't like the taste.
I was able to stay in the aero position for 99% of the time, just having a stretch at each of the turnarounds and aid stations. A good bike fit makes all the difference.

Buy myself some go fast wheels and aero helmet, the factory ones just don't look the part.
I would definitely push a little harder next time.

Like T1 the transition tent was chaotic but I again found some quiet space and got organized. I had some bandaids packed in a small plastic bag to slip into by back pocket. Somehow I managed to loose them (or just left them on the chair next to me).

Focus more on the task at hand.

I had been troubled by foot injury after my HIM in May. An Xray and MRI were nonspecific in their diagnosis however the simple remedy was rest. I went by feel and was only able to run a total of 186 kms between May and race day. Not an ideal scenario however I was not to be put off and so did alot of long power walks in the last three months. In the last month I added some 1km walk : 1km runs during those walks and decided to continue that strategy into the marathon. How far I could go on the day was to be the biggest variable of the entire race.
I remember exiting transition and turning left through the big crowd, it was hot. By the time I reached the first turnaround I was really struggling with the heat, I was not looking forward to the next 40kms. As it turned out, the first few kms were the hardest of all.
I got my thoughts together and managed to get my plan back on track. I kept close to my planned 14 mins per 2km (walk/run) aiming for a sub 5hr leg. I lived totally off the course on the run. I liked the taste of the Gatorade on the run and drank every aid station. I used the water and ice to cool myself and ate the watermelon regularly. Other than a couple of jelly beans that was all I needed. It did the job well and I started to come good.
My pace dropped a little each lap but I was still close to schedule and feeling good.
My plan had been to run as much of the last lap as possible. I ended up walking only 2km and ran 8.5km. I don't know why I felt so good on the last lap, yes my legs were tired and my running pace slow but I felt great. The end was in sight, that finish line was approaching and I was on a high.

At this point in time I dont think i would do anything differently. With a better running preparation I would certainly be looking to improve that time and perhaps adjust the plan accordingly.
I always intended to start slow and build momentum with each lap. Lookikng back I could not have been happier with the run leg.

Lack of experience and injury.


I loved every minute of this race (even the swim). The event was well organised, the volunteers amazing, the crowds energetic and the location fantastic.
Being my first Ironman and second only triathlon I put alot of time into planning this race. I felt I was able to execute this plan well resulting in no major obstacles and a successful outcome overall.