30 Apr 2006

Birthday for Darren

Apparently that English painter, who likes to cycle a bit, is celebrating his entry into a new age group today ..

Congrats Darren .. all the best .. and also congrats on hearing that your recovery is progressing well!!

SBR in NYC

Check out this site, the home of a New York based tri store .. Dingo and I met the general manager of the store in Malaysia (Cliff Scherb, who is in Dingo's age group. A super nice guy.)

http://sbrmultisports.com/press/20040105.html

Competitive Cyclist

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCT?PAGE=HOME

Just pointing out new tri division of this US store. Has bike descriptions and pricing for comparison purposes.

Tri Season Opens

Bermuda Triathlon Association launch their new season tomorrow with the staging of the Pirates Port Sprint and Junior Triathlons at Clearwater Beach.

http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060429/SPORT/104290149

On the airwaves

http://www.EnduranceRadio.com

TriNsw Year Ender

TriNSW personnel will now continue to organise the TriNSW Annual Awards night, to be held mid-June 2006 and both Clubs and members will shortly be advised of selection and voting criteria for these prestige awards and nominations for the 2006 state awards - as well as the venue and costs.

Don't forget we are also coming up to the end of the season; and all current memberships will lapse on June 30th.

Costs and new season benefits and calendars are now under development and will be released to members at the end of May.

Kiama Camp

note kiama camp is long w end 10/6

full details coming,u can go 2 or 3 nights ie fri sat sun

50$ deposit reqd to secure booking in usual whitehouse

wont be expensive u just pay me to book accom

please advise asap so i can reserve for u

jh

Skody Bike Ruling

Over the past few weeks we have had a number of queries from
prospective participants in the Scody ATCTC's, who wished to use their tr-bikes
in the event. Our initial ruling from the Triathlon Australia Technical
Committee was that "no" this was not possible.

As a result of these enquiries we revisited the ruling with Triathlon
Australia technical officials. We can now say that a revised ruling has
been approved by TA Technical Committee and athletes are now permitted
to use tri-bikes with bull horns.

Cheers,

Brett James
Event Coordinator
t3 Events
0433096658

Lausanne News

The Age Group Team List for Lausanne will be posted up on the TA website as of 12pm Monday 1 May 2006.

Regards,

Triathlon Australia

26 Apr 2006

Weekend Review

well done those who raced teams race sunday, after lots of fun and cheating as much as possible dingos team won... me, bindy and emma was 3rd ... great effort well done!!

hillbillies soccer match was bloody great !!! some great talent in dingo anthony lisa and damo, the german panzer tank nearly took my legs off, but man of the match goes to josh marathon and holly berkleman for their defensive skills.

winter strength program starts from next week, lots of 1 legged and strength drills to set u up for the summer .. let me know if your ready for a prog asap(not last minute)

also strenth camp will be at kiama on 1st week of june as usual ... details coming soon.

still protein bars left at 1$ each (min 4 boxes)

lastly this is the time for newbies to join and start training, if u know anyone who wants to come along then let me know or bring them to training

on the other side of things people always move on with their lives and big fairwell to eve and later in the month mark

jh

Nth Queensland Training

NORTH QUEENSLAND TRIATHLON TRAINING TOUR

MON – 28 AUG to MON 4 SEP

COST: from $750 all inclusive
(except 2 own dinners / 2 lunches)

Register your interest NOW! Numbers strictly limited. Only a few vacancies left.

Scott Penny
AAA Fitness Cairns
0412 963 263
www.aaafitness.com.au

National Team Tri

National Team Triathlon Championships

The BRAT club has already confirmed the services of Danny Illianzo, John Hill, Mark Preston and Dave McAlpine to lead us off in great fashion. We also have an impressive line-up of talent for our younger teams.

Distance: 750m swim, 20km (4 laps), 5km (1 lap)

Venue: Penrith Regatta Centre

Dates: May 20 - All division 2&3 teams and all over 45 teams

May 21 - All mixed team and premier teams (nominated by club President)

You can be in a Saturday team and also a team on Sunday. Pros can only race in the premier division. See website for further details www.t3events.com.au

How do I put my name forward or enter a team? Also if you want to join a team I have people wishing to join a team. You can do this by a simple e-mail, along with your date of birth, TA number and send it to idepree@yahoo.com.au

Final Malabar

MALABAR swim, run & aquathon This Saturday April 29th - Final One !!

Sign up for the last Brat Aquathon this season!

Swim: 500m, 1km or 2km – 3.30pm.

Aquathon: 1km swim/ 5km run – 4.30pm.

Run: 5km – 4.45pm.

BRATs Retain Title

BRATS RETAIN TITLE - 2006 Club Champs CANCELLED!!

From the Tri NSW website

‘…Less than half the entries required to allow the event to proceed in a fiscally responsible manner had been received at TriNSW. TriNSW regrets that faced with costs outweighing the entry fees by 4 - 1, to continue with the 2006 event in the Aquathlon format would have been foolhardy and further risk to members funds. TriNSW will seek a new venue for future annual TriNSW Club Championships, and will report back to members as the decision making process proceeds.’ For more info see www.trinswrace.org

Performer of the month

BRAT Performer of the Month!!!

Anthony ‘Dingo’ McClement - Hawaii Ironman Qualifier!

22 Apr 2006

Club Team Champs

Early bird registration for The Scody Australian Triathlon Club's Team Championships closes on 28 April 2006 (8 days away). Be sure to register your team before this date as the registration price will rise $50 until 14 May 2006, when registration closes.

Also there are a limited number of complimentary tickets for athletes to the carbo and awards nights at Panthers World of Entertainment. These tickets are only available at time of registration and are going quickly, so don't miss out.

Brett James
Event Coordinator
t3 Events
0433096658
www.t3events.com.

20 Apr 2006

BRAT Rego Day

BRAT Club Registration Day SUN 23rd April
Heffron Park from 9.30am – Midday This day is sure to be huge with -

1. A great opportunity for people to find out what the BRAT Club is about
2. Old members to renew their membership
3. Sign up to race for the BRAT's at the NSW Club Champs and get a $30 voucher to purchase club clothing
4. Find a team for the Australian Triathlon Club Team Champs.
5. Purchase great Club clothing (at or below cost price), there will be swimmers, Tri race gear and cycle clothing.
6. Sponsors info and freebies, coffee cart and BBQ

All memberships (new and renew) signed up on the day will be for next season as well. Cash or Cheque only.

19 Apr 2006

New Tri Magazine

There's a new triathlon magazine on sale here

Triathlon Magazine Canada, edited by Kevin Mackinnon, the managing editor of ironmanlive.com

Check it out:

http://www.triathlonmagazine.ca/index.html

Stories in premier issue include interview with Peter Reid, bike reviews:

Orbea Ordu (Kate Major)
Guru Crono (Desiree Ficker)
P3 Carbon
Aquila Crono Pro
Argon 18 Platinum

One second record

A cool US$25,000 bonus for setting the Boston Marathon course record yesterday .. in addition to the top prize of US$100,000 for winning!!

http://www.bostonmarathon.org/

Indoor Tri Champs

To be run from 10 November to 12 November 2006, over three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) elite age group athletes will be invited to compete.

The event will be run within the Dunc Grey Velodrome and utilises a temporary pool within the middle of the velodrome for the swim, the velodrome track for the ride and the flat inside area of the velodrome for the run.

Races will be short and high intensity. Each race will be different in style, with each athlete competing at least four times over the weekend. There are 300 spots available for the AITC. At a minimum there will be 200 spots for male athletes and 100 spots for female athletes (this may alter depending on the ratio of male/female entrants).

Athletes must register their interest on the Indoor Triathlon event site registration page, at www.t3events.com.au by 1 June 2006.

Fastgear Sale!!!!

MASSIVE WINTER SALE !!...BE QUICK LIMITED STOCKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

old "best by" date high5 bars...still in exellent condition...$1 PER BAR !!!!!!...(usually 3.50 to 3.70 per bar)

minimum qtys 4 boxes at $25 per box plus 8$ post anywhere.usually next day delivery(16$ wa)

aug-sept 05 dates - protein bars in berry vanilla,banna vanilla and limited cappucino...great for rides, snacks or recovery !!

ALSO

DESOTO CLOTHING PRODUCTS-WINTER CLEAROUT SALE

product original usual price sale price
tri shorts 100$ 50$
zip tri tops 100$ 50$
crop tops 100$ 50$
tri suits 200$ 100$
wetsuits 899$ 249$

plus post 6$ anywhere


GT-85 LUBRICANT,CHAIN CLEANER,

carton of 36 big aerosol tins 50$ plus post 8$ anywhere (wa 16$)

jh at fastgear@bigpond.com

Kiama or Cairns Camp?

strength camp

usually we have this at kiama 1st week of june.

after my visit to cairns last week i want to put it out there for u guys to think about going to cairns instead and get away from the freezing cold...the hills there are really brilliant and its really cheeeeeeeap !!!...but most of all it's at least nice weather and a great break

we could incorporate some fun things if u wanted eg swimming in mosman gorge or snorkeling and scuba diving etc in the spare time

u can get air fares for 100$ each way and food and accom is crazy cheap...like the food hall is 10$ huge meal.....accom is cheaper than kiama

PLEASE ADVISE YOUR INTEREST.....SAY 1ST WEEKEND IN JUNE

jh

Brat Team Tri

BRAT Club Team Triathlon

Sunday the 23rd April special start of 10:30am at Heffron Park.

To be follow by a BRAT Club BBQ.

This is a team Tri which will be handicapped on the day to ensure every team has equal chance. You can have your own team of three or just come along and get one on the day. Each member will do a 300m swim, 10k Bike & a 2.5k run. This is a fun race for everyone as there is basically no rules.

16 Apr 2006

Happy Easter

Celebrate a peaceful day!

Weekend

optional sat ride 6 am york rd gates ....to waterfall and back (i wont be on this)

official ride-sun ride 6:15 am york rd gates ..to kurnell

note theres a randwick botany 7k run race sat if anyones interested ....see details on www.coolrunning.com.au

sun swim 3:45 with stg NOT ON THIS W END..but if anyone wants to swim let me know

regards
jh

ps feels wierd not having to worry about training hey !!!...dont worry u deserve and need the rest !! all the work comes soon camp details soon too

13 Apr 2006

Ah -- but in moderation!

From health24.com

The latest "evidence that cacao and chocolate are not as ‘sinful and harmful’ as they have always been made out to be, is good news for chocoholics. However, it is important to keep certain things in mind over this Easter weekend.

Eating moderate amounts of chocolate may have certain health benefits

Chocolate is, however, not exactly a “health food”!

Dark chocolate and cacao powder appear to have more beneficial effects than milk chocolate

A moderate amount of chocolate would be about 10-20g or 1 Easter egg

De Soto !!!!

http://www.desotosport.com

Not sure when the 2006 merchandise will arrive on the shores down under.

The new zip tri jersey is now 2 inches longer at the back - should help eliminate future ironman burns across the lower back .. I think I noticed a few of those on some Port Mac finishers .. I still have mine from 2001!

TRI NSW coaching

COACHING COURSE ENTRY OPEN

Looking to gain Level 1 coaching qualifications? A Level 1 course is now open and promises to be the best yet! Just go to www.trinswrace.org and then to the Coaching Course tab.

This training program is designed to provide training for beginner coaches involved in triathlon, that is, coaches who assist club and state championship level triathletes. The potential target markets are also parents, teachers, current and former triathletes, fitness industry staff and senior secondary and university students.

12 Apr 2006

Lisa, Chris, Alice ...

http://www.triathlon-professionals.org/organisation/

Just saw this link on xtri.com

11 Apr 2006

Allen on nutrition

Ok, just one more pointer to the magazine, you can check it out online or get your own copy when they arrive in Oz.

Mark Allen has a few thoughts on nutrition that might be of interest for those of you having some race day issues.

*Allen says he experienced nausea in 11 of the 12 Kona races he did

He links the reason to the difference in what the lab recommends for intake and what a person can digest during the intensity of the race - adding that you can TRAIN your body to absorb more calories and more fluid

He also thinks that pre-race carbo loading is "old school" and that all you need to do is eat fairly normal in the three days leading to race day, perhaps with a bit more of a focus on carbs and eating a little extra.

Reid's cycling tips

For anyone out there struggling with one of the three disciplines, here's a comment from Peter Reid in the April issue of Triathlete:

"When I first began my triathlon career I was a strong cyclist who couldn't swim and was, at best, average on the run. In fact, today I consider myself a cyclist first and a triathlete second.

So you can imagine how hard it was on my ego to get crushed on the bike" by Stadler in 2004

His cycling tips:
- get aero, and for him that means adapting to a less comfortable position
- use a trainer
- races are hard enough so use aid stations and special needs for bottles
- tubulars rule .. higher pressure and so less rolling resistance
- pace yourself

Reid says Stadler noticed that there appeared to be a tendency for riders to hammer the first part of the race and fade in the last 30 miles so Stadler kept a steady pace and then attacked, dropping everyone else

Who rides what?

One benefit of being in North America is getting a magazine at a more reasonable price.

The April issue of Triathlete Magazine is just $6.99 in Canada and it's a massive 208 pages - a special bicycle buyer's guide.

Here's what a few of the pros are riding:

Faris Al-Sultan Canondale Ironman I, 58cm
Campagnolo Record 10 speed
Xentis Mark I wheels

Belinda Granger BMC Team Machine, 47cm
Shimano Dura-Ace 10 speed
Zipp 606 wheels

Normann Stadler Kuota Kalibur, large
Campagnolo Record 10 speed
Campagnolo Bora wheels

Chris McCormack Kestrel Talon SL, 57 cm
Shimano Dura-Ace 10 speed
Hed wheels

10 Apr 2006

Wendo Checks In

Wendo crossed the line in Tempe - with hours and hours to spare but after the lights were turned out here .. so apologies for delay in posting the accomplishment.

She was second in her age-group!

Another Ironman

Solid day for Grace .. looking forward to post-race analysis from Arizona!

New Ironmanlive Site

http://www.ironmanlive.com/

BRAT Malabar S,W + A

MALABAR swim, run & aquathon Saturday April 29th- Final One this season

Swim: 500m, 1km or 2km – 3.30pm.
Aquathon: 1km swim/ 5km run – 4.30pm.
Run: 5km – 4.45pm.
Location: Malabar Beach, 1 beach after Maroubra heading south on Anzac Parade.
Left into Cromwell Place, left into Franklin St, Right into Dacre St.
Meet at the LIFEGUARD TOWER for registration.
Entry fee is $15 per event or $20 for any 2 races

BRAT Rego Day

BRAT Club Registration Day - April 23rd 9am

Before the Team Tri!

New membership valid til Jan 2007. Join/renew on the day. Cheque and cash only!

BRAT Team Tri

BRAT TEAM TRIATHLON SUNDAY 23rd APRIL 10.30 AM

Get a Team of 3 together or just turn up and you’ll be allocated a team
- BRAT MEMBERS ONLY

VENUE: Heffron Park Maroubra.

DISTANCE: 750m x 20k x 5k to be completed by each team member
TIME: 10.30 AM Start REGISTRATION CLOSES: 10.15 AM

Call Ian Depree on 9130 6745 to register your team.

9 Apr 2006

Outstanding reports

Still waiting for IM OZ reports from:

JH .. super swimmer

Lisa .. gutsy runner

Emily .. first-time convert

JC .. so close to sub 10!!!!!

Damo .. refocused and renewed

Kona qualifiers - you know who you are

?????

Go Grace, Go Wendo!

Ironman Arizona competitors .. start your engines!!!!

http://www.ironmanarizona.com/

From the course description, there appears to be a one-lap swim, three loops on the bike and three laps on the run.

Weather forecast for Sunday in Tempe:
Sunny with some clouds .. low of 15 and high of 30

7 Apr 2006

Rambling Rob's Report

I suppose I have to start by saying that despite being pretty nervous leading up to the race, once I arrived in Port the nerves settled a little. I have never checked and rechecked a couple of plastic bags as many times as I did on Saturday, but once this was all finalised I grabbed my bike and headed down to the transition area.

My first surprise of the weekend came as I was walking across the grass to check my bike in, and heard a nice crisp clear pop from my back tyre, followed by that dreaded hissing sound. I was a bit perplexed as I had new tyres on the bike, but the Shimano guys fixed it up quickly and found that the valve had gone. In hindsight, I suppose I was very lucky this had happened when it did, and not when I was out on course.

SWIM:

The day got off to a good start when I was able to upgrade my hat colour from orange to white. When filling out the application I had no idea they ranked your swim starts, and must have put down a fairly conservative time. Anyway, the atmosphere was just electric and the chopper buzzing overhead combined with all the people lining the banks isn't a sight I will forget in a hurry.

As planned, I managed to get to the outside of the pack by the first turn. I'm not too good swimming in bunches and copping punches and kicks, so thought it was worth swimming the extra distances and avoiding all the turmoil. I got into a rhythm quickly, and was quite enjoying myself towards the end.

I was stoked to see I had broken the hour mark when I emerged from the water, with 58 minutes up on the big Ironman clock. The legs felt wobbly to say the least, but no where near as bad as the guy who was just in front of me who was swaying all over the place and almost crashed into the barrier! I then totally forgot my race number and had to check my wrist to ensure I picked up the right bag, and then had a quick chat with Joel in transition before heading out on the bike.

BIKE:

The first lap of the course went pretty much as planned. I was getting passed left right and centre, and by the first straight out passed Lighthouse beach was part of a massive line of bike snaking out on the road ahead of me - it was a pretty awesome sight!

I stayed on my heart rate, made sure I was in a pack for all the tougher areas of the course, and hit my time on spot on. The second lap started to get a little tougher, as the legs and bum started to feel a bit sore. I was still maintaining h/r, but starting to feel the pinch. Had a good laugh on the way back into town as I
passed Gezz's 'Pants Down Palace' and saw all the supporters half naked sprawled in a blow up pool, trying to play guitar and sing. I also encountered a little hiccup regarded my nutrition. I had planned to use a combination of gels and bars, but after my second bar, decided that this wasn't going to work out to well as I was having trouble stomaching them.

I was carrying enough gels to get me to the 120km mark, so immediately switched and picked up my remaining gels from special needs.

I was really starting to hurt by the third lap. This threw me off a little, and I started to get a bit distracted. However looking round the people I was riding with I realised these guys were hurting just as much and probably more than I was. I knew I had done the hard yards, and just kept repeating Dingos advice - YOU ARE STRONG, YOU ARE FIT, YOU ARE READY over and over and over. This got me through the 120-150km marks, and I was feeling much more positive and I rode back into town for the last time.

RUN:

I had planned to really control my run in the first 10km to make sure I didn't go out too hard. As it panned out, this wasn't too difficult as I got off the bike with a very bloated stomach and feeling terrible. I struggled through the 3km, but then it came time for my first gel of the run - It only just made it into my belly for a couple of seconds, before it all come back up, along with some filthy red Gatorade.

I didn't really have time to stop, so just kept running and throwing up every 10 or so paces till my gut was empty. (This was just outside Panthers, and was stoked to see the stains still on the road as I headed to the after party on Mon!!! That red Gatorade really is potent stuff!!!)

Anyway, next drink station I quickly established I couldn't keep Gatorade or cola down either, and knew I couldn't stomach a gel by it's self - so I thought this would pretty much be the end of the race.

Luckily however water was staying down, so I adjusted my nutrition slightly - every second aid station I would take a gel and tip it into a cup of water, which made it so much easier to swallow and tricked my tummy into thinking it was just water! On the other aid stations I would knock back the salt tabs with water to try and slightly offset the electrolytes I wasn't getting.

Alice caught me just into the second lap of the run which was an absolute godsend. I find it really hard to pace and push myself, but much easier to run off someone else's heels, so I just tucked in behind Alice who was running a really strong pace. We started to fly by others as they hit the wall, and must have passed close to 40 or 50 people who were just walking up the hills at the back of the course. Ironically I was probably feeling better in the last 10km of the run than I had
since the 60km mark of the bike!!

The last km up to the finishing line was fantastic, seeing everybody cheering and hearing the music pumping! Pretty hard feeling to put into words - so I won't try. I grabbed a quick massage in the tent, some scrumptious pumpkin soup which really hit the spot, then headed back into the stands with Alice and Eve to watch Emily and Gezz cross the line. I was on a bit of a high and feeling great, and it was just as
amazing watching the other athletes coming in.

I finished the day off with a drink at one of the restaurants in town with my folks as we waited for a couple of takeaway pizzas. I then almost managed to finish one of these off just in the car back to our house!!

A day to remember

Rob

6 Apr 2006

Gezz looking ahead

Thanks you all so much for your cheering and support, your all legends!!

Was personally a bit disappointed with the race as I had higher expectations, but as always with ironman there are soooooo many factors.

Felt terrific the whole way through till the fist half of the run, 60m swim, 6hr ride and 2hr first lap, that's when the belly went berserk and I became one of those on the sidelines bringing up the contents of their stomach ... tried slowing down, walking etc, anything to try and settle the tummy, but as soon as I put anything back in, out it all came again.

Continued to push through but I could feel my energy levels getting lower and lower and then the legs started to tire with energy to keep them going, so the last 21km became a real slug and ended up taking 3 hours.

So, a little disappointed, but that just makes me more determined to get back into it and keep cracking. So I'll see all you crazy kids that qualified for Hawaii out on the track as I'll keep you company through the winter.

Anyway, tanks again and well done to all.

-gezz

Analysing the Numbers

So was the new course tougher? Here's what a comparison of some times from this year's course and the final year at Forster, keeping in mind there was more time to finish at Port Macquarie.

In 2005 at Forster, 1466 athletes completed the race. The person who came in at 733, or the mid point, finished in 11:40:48.

At Port Mac, there were 1448 finishers. At the moment, the results are divided by gender: the mid-point finishing time for women was 12:38:04 and for men 11:45:41.

In terms of those athletes finishing in less than 10 hours, at Forster 10.2 per cent achieved this distinction. At Port Mac, 2.4 per cent of women finished sub 10 and 8.1 per cent of men.

For those finishing sub 11, at Forster 34.2 per cent of all competitors did so. At Port Mac, 11.3 per cent of women crossed the line in less than 11 hours and 28.9 per cent of men.

5 Apr 2006

Happy Birthday Mone!

Birthday greetings!!!!

Race Report by Chris

Swim - went well with the first 1200 or so with the current, meant it
was always going to be quick. Fought and fought as it was a real battle
out there but once I got through them all everyone started dropping
like flies and I found myself at the lead of the 2nd pack and in clear
water which was cool.

Bike - I was up and down a bit but really liked the bike course. It
was so much easier fully trained and tapered rather than when we trained
on the course. I lost my first hours nutrition early in the bike but
compensated for it by skipping into my second hours nutrtion. I realized
if I was out there any longer than 5 hours I would be in trouble but
with cookies and coke and everything else on course there was no need to
panic.

The first 50k was spot on, we were all solo and about 50m apart. Then granger and ashton caught me with a big group and the trouble began. If anyone thinks its easy riding with these top females and hangers on - it's not! They are so inconsistent and make you do all the work then have a surge to take the lead then slow down, you drop back to stay legal , someone else surges and again you drop back and arrrggghh - half the time your on your brakes and losing massive time! Also for the record - we had 2 draft buster bikes on us nearly the whole way who are tough on the age group guys (8m) but let Granger and Ashton down to 3m!. Then you try and ride your pace and move to the front and then they all tuck in and 10mins down the road they do it again! I would much much rather ride solo.

Anyway not much you can do you have to go with the flow. Hawaii is totally not like that and really is a fair ride. Info from my hrate monitor on bike leg . Avg 153 , max 172 , time in e1 -19min time in e2 - 3hrs 25 .. time in e3 - 1hr 34 (first lap only)

Run - Was a little worried because I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to
run coming in off the bike. Started slow and comfortable. Had salt in my eyes and so everything was a bit of a blur - and it was for the whole run as I couldn't get it out! I began to adjust into my pace when wham - a massive hammy cramp. I stopped and stretched it out. Shit not a good sign at only 2k in. Threw down 2 salt tablets in a row. I lasted another 1 km and wham again - same hammy. I stopped again and stretched it out. Well at this point the run could go either way. I got back running and felt comfortable and threw down another salt tablet and heaps of water and gatorade. Next km or so went well and sweet - I was under way.

Ran at comfortable pace and felt in control but a little fatigued. I kept slamming down salt (yuk that burn taste on your tongue!) Everything went smooth til the start of the hills where I got another cramp in the same hammy. Again stretched it out and it instantly eased. I jumped straight back into the battle. Kept on through the hills and realized they were all over in a few k's so nothing to panic about just cruise up and and step out on way down - praying I don't cramp.

I ended up in a battle for 2nd with a good mate Ryland Garnett. He got away from me but over the 2nd lap he began fading and I clawed him back. The last 10k we were neck a neck and I managed to surge on him through the hills and pull 30sec or so - which I held over the final 5km. There is a lot to the story but that's the short of
it.

Kick ass race - I loved it and think the move to Port is a big success.

Big shout out to EVERYONE who cheered for me and the Port locals support especially Dingo - Gina - Fee Skinner and Shannon - Tim, Margreet and Steph - Mum and Dad and of course little Zaydey who for the first time watched his Dad race and ran down the finish chute with me carrying his aussie flag.

Also big shout out to Rhys Newsome(M30-34) and Nathan Campbell (MPRO) who were offering me salt and heaps of support when I was cramping. The comraderie of ironman is amazing.

cheers chris

Photo-shopped







Dingo's Thoughts

I just want to pass on my congratulations to everyone that raced on the weekend. Those first timers who crossed the line welcome to Ironman. I hope that it was everything that you expected it would be, and hope you decide to go around again, it can be very addictive.

Personally watching from the sidelines I had a wonderful day, and enjoyed watching you all. Here are some highlights:

Seeing Offie (the Animal) come second losing to an ex-pro and beating current Number 2 in the world. Absolutely awesome!!!!!!

Seeing Lisa, Gez and Emily (particularly Emily) having tough days but NEVER giving up and crossing the line. It is easy to give up, but the strength you get from finishing is priceless.

Seeing the smile on Thomas’ and Rob’s faces running the final few hundred metres, missed the others but I am sure it was the same huge smile.

Damo having a great swim, and doing a massive PB

And last but not least watching Alice and Eva battle each other and themselves coming 3rd and 4th and BOTH going to Hawaii!!!!!!! WOOOHOOO.

And congratulations to JH for so far getting 5 of his athletes to Hawaii this year (awesome) with hopefully Wendo and Grace to qualify this weekend, as well as 5 virgins across the line.

Well done to all, I am motivated to get training again. Anyone up for a run tomorrow?

Dingo

Two More for Hawaii






Belated congrats to Alice and Eva .. superb gutsy efforts on Sunday secured each one a spot at the big show in October!!!!!!!!

3 Apr 2006

Race Reports

All race reports will be accepted. If I could be so direct, I'd like to know:

- how did JH learn to swim like a shark? training tips for those not yet equipped with fins would be appreciated.

- how is chris w so consistent on so many different courses? what does this guy eat on race day and does he consume according to plan?

There were several who exceeded expectations and perhaps they can talk about how they had the confidence to do so, and there were several who struggled at points yet found the strength to push on, regrouped and made it to the finish.

Race Day Photos

There are a lot of photos out there from the race including ones that I took. It will take a few days to process them.

Sydney Morning Half

Sign up for the May race opened today .. it fills to capacity every year.

http://halfmarathon.smh.com.au

Port Mac Paper

There's some impressive coverage of the race in the local paper in Port Mac. Here is the link, I don't know for how long it will be valid.

http://portmacquarie.yourguide.com.au/Features.asp?feature_id=38

The Next Day

The toughest part of any Ironman is the morning after. The objective that's driven every waking hour for the last few months has passed. Few people have set a new one.

Congrats to all of you who raced yesterday. It wasn't easy, though a few of you made parts of the course look short!

Enjoy the success that comes with crossing the finish line. It's a huge accomplishment, especially if it was the first. Ironman has a huge learning curve.

For those of you who exceeded your expectations, smile a lot. It's a great feeling. Enjoy it.

For those of you who struggled, don't be too hard on yourselves. The disappointment will ease.

If you're like any other high-reaching athlete, you'll be reviewing and comparing results all week. I remember a suggestion from JH from a previous year: make a list of five positives that you'll take from the experience. Focus on expanding that list in the months and years ahead.

1 Apr 2006

Port Mac Weather

Saturday

Mostly sunny
15°C - 25°C

Sunday

Mostly sunny
13°C - 24°C