thank you

Its been a little too long but I wanted to take the time to thank every one who joined me and was a part of my Ironman World Championship journey.
Family, friends, sponsors, training partners, coaches, the lot!

GKEndurance
Kate Bevilaqua and Guy Crawford have been a part of my journey since early in 2013. Andy emailed Kate in regards to coaching me, however I was innocently unaware of this communication!
Kate and Guy guided me through 2013, my first year with a coach. I saw my fitness improve and in turn my strength and results. After entering Ironman I knew I could not do this alone and was excited to have their knowledge behind me for my first Ironman. After my successful season and Ironman results I didn't want to change anything and continued this year with another Ironman program provided by GKEndurance.

Thank you Kate and Guy for taking me from a participant to the podium and for very much being part of my journey.

Ruth Chang - Physiotherapist
I met super Ruth through Kate and Guy. Her ninja hands and needle skills punished me on a regular tuesday afternoon visit but I would not have it any other way! Ruth always had me in tip top shape through out the heavy training weeks when I was fatigued, leading up to races and of course the recovery. She taught me the importance of looking after your body and most importantly listen to your body. She even managed to keep me positive with some ITB issues before the great wall of China Marathon!

Super Ruth thank you for your support.

Newline
In July I joined the newline team after being exposed to the brand in China at the Great Wall Marathon. Andy and I made contact with David Biwer the Australasian Manager and I was provided some gear to train and race in! A mixture of running, cycling gear, compressions and warmer clothing certainly served their purpose over the heavy training period. I raced in the Newline two piece kit and loved it!
I look forward to being part of the Newline team in 2015 and happy they will keep me looking good!

Gerflor
As a commercial Interior Designer I have been exposed to Gerflor - Worldwide vinyl supplier to the Commercial and Residential Market.
Gerflor generously assisted me getting to the start line in Kona.
Their support was very much appreciated.

Shotz
I spoke with Darryl Griffiths over the phone after I was told to contact him early this year. I gave him a brief history of my position and that I was participating in the Ironman World Champs and wanted to pick his brain to ensure I nailed my nutrition come race day as this plays such a big part. He gave me plenty of his time and knowledge that is so valuable. Andy and I met Darryl at Metaman earlier this year where more advice was given and taken onboard. I trained, recovered and raced with Shotz and felt confident come race day I had this portion of the race nailed!

Schnell 
I was introduced to Karl Hardy via Andy and when we realised I needed some fancy wheels to race in Kona there was no other choice! Karl provided me with some awesome fast wheels and I was confident with my choice. He is also responsible for the custom colours and name too, making it almost impossible to miss my bike in transition!

Armando Sports
I have always purchased my Brooks from Armando Sports after my sister worked there for a number of years. After going in to purchase my last pair for training and a fresh race pair I was very fortunate to have Armando sponsor me these shoes which I very much appreciate and so did my bank balance ;-)! 

Swim Smooth
Kate, Guy and Andy all convinced me to swim with Swim Smooth as the genius Paul Newsome would work his magic. And he did. I've never felt so good in the water! Most of all I actually enjoy the Wednesday morning red mist sets! Thank you for your encouragement and making me lead the lane ;-) 

Raphael Design Australia
To my boss Geoff, thank you for allowing me to chase my dreams and provide me with the flexibility at work to take the time off I needed to get to Kona this year. The support from my works mates is awesome and even more special as we are a small tight knit team. 

Training Buddies
You know who you are!
Sean, Jono, Macca. To be honest, its mostly the guys!! Of course Kate B, Guy, Ruth, Andy, Kate and Mark! Thank you if you have joined me or let me join you on a session. It sure beats being alone and I love the laughs and company!

Mark aka Twinny
My twin brother Mark. It was awesome to qualify with him for the Ironman World Champs and share the journey. Whilst we had different lead ups to the big day it is special to share the training days knowing you are both going to be part of a very special event. We believe we were also Australia's first fraternal twins to qualify which is also special. Stepping up from the 18-24 AG to the 25-29 was also intimidating but great knowing he was going through exactly what I was!
Something we will share together forever.

Kate 
My younger sister. Also a physio and nerd so it was great to have another set of hands and brain to pick! Again I think she got much more enjoyment from finding the trigger points and needling than I did but every pin prick was very much appreciated, as was the company in the pool and gym. I had never been to the gym and felt very out of place but being with Kate was much better!

Mum and Dad
My biggest supporters. I love the support Mum and Dad give us kids at EVERY SINGLE RACE!! Their support and encouragement is amazing. Mum would cook meals on my biggest training week days and Dad would too provide massages! They follow every race and ensure they see you at every point possible, cheering as loudly as possible! Not only this, I have also had financial support and 'gifts' which are very much appreciated. 
I think the next race is for you!

Andy
Andy inspired me to enter my first half. He then inspired me to race my first Ironman. It was hard to tell him I want to race and the deal was we both can't do it. So he took a step back and supported me in 2013. This has continued to this year. I was very committed to a very big training program and when I had sessions to do he came second. For majority of this year I have been tired, grumpy or tired! Not much fun to be around I know! 
He has had to suffer and put up with the selfish, self consumed, moody Ironman athlete that I became but truth is I raced Kona for Andy. 
Originally this was not my dream, it was Andy's and after two very close finishes Andy fell just short. It was difficult to qualify and take my spot, and I can appreciate this was never the plan! I thought Hawaii would have been difficult trip for Andy but he soaked up every bit of the 10 days we experienced and was my rock. 
He had my broken bars sorted before I even knew they were broken, drove me around that island, came out on the bike when i dragged him out so I wasn't by myself and as always, calmed my nerves, carried my bags, had my bike ready to race and hogged the bed pre and post race ;-)
It was not the result I had hoped for but I hope I made you proud. That finishes medal is as much your as it is mine x I love you.

Ironman World Championships. Relentless. Unforgiving. Brutal.

My journey for Kona started after qualifying from Mandurah 70.3 in the 18-24 AG . A half distance race. I had not completed an Ironman. 4 weeks later I took part in my first ironman, Busselton Ironman where I mentally reassured myself I had earned my spot with a time of 10.00.56.

I was consumed in Ironman yes, but tried to limit this only during the times of my training sessions. 
Work, home life, family, Henry all took their priorities and I tried not to let this completely consume me as I believe balance is important. 
I am a first time Kona qualifier and 1 time Ironman finisher. I wanted to enjoy the journey and the ride. It was a roller coaster but I did exactly that.


Race day started like all others. I woke, got dressed and ate breakfast rather quickly. We drove down to the start but struggled to find a park. I jumped out the car with mum and Kate and grabbed all bags and rushed off leaving Dad and Andy to park. As we reached the body marking I checked my bags for my special needs. I laughed to myself as I grabbed the snorkels bag that was in the car from yesterday. Could be useful for the swim I guess?!

I met with twinny in transition before finding the GKE crew and finally the family. I was extremely nervous at this stage. As my eyes filled with nervous and excited tears I got my good luck kisses from everyone and I was off.

Being with fellow GKE athlete Andrea from the start of the race significantly calmed my nerves. We entered the water and I headed straight for the front. I was never going to lead but desperately wanted some fast toes right from the start! Elbows and glares were dished out by the dozen. I cast my eye to soak up the unfriendly and intense atmosphere but I wasn't letting this intimidate me.
Without warning the cannon fired! We were off and this over whelming feeling came across me. The race I had been waiting and training for almost 10months had started! I swam hard. Super hard and got on the front pack of girls. It seemed to split into two groups, side by side but split  down the middle. I was racing the Ironman World Championships.
The Swim was surprisingly rough. It didn't take long before we caught the slower men who started 10mins before us. Once we made the turn around at the boat there were men everywhere. This really split the group and made it difficult to navigate to the finish, losing toes, pace and constantly sighting.
Im not sure why everyone seemed to swim wide back into the pier but I took a direct line and stumbled up the steps to transition.

Swim 1.06.26

I ran as fast as I could into transition. A volunteer grabbed me and lead me into the tent. "Lisa" she said. Confused I looked up. "Hi! I checked you in yesterday"! And to my surprise she had! I ran to my bike pushing my way past others taking their time. I reached my bike a little deflated as she was easy to spot with the surrounding bikes having already left transition. This made me a little more determined to get moving!
Out I ran, mounted my bike and had a glanced at the deep support that seemed to last forever. There were 100's of people. I don't know why I was so surprised!
A fellow athlete Janine Willis passed me and I immediately decided to follow her pace through town. 
As we turned onto the Queen K I sighted Andy and my family for the first time before disappearing back into town for a quick loop then back onto the Queen K.
Once I passed supporters again I smiled to myself and just thought this was insane! I looked ahead and saw the long trail of athletes all fighting for their spot in the race, looking like ants in the distance.


Approx. 30kms in a large pack formed right inform of me. It was manic. Then right in front of me a male cut in front of a young female and they both came crashing down. Like a car crash I could not look away after dodging the incident and bike pieces that scattered across the road.
A short time after I was introduced to Madame Pele. I opened my big mouth in an interview prior to race day. 'It’s not windy at all' I said. And the truth is it had not been the 10days or so prior to race day. 
Everyone told me, this is how the day should be. Hard, hot, humid, windy. You want it to be tough. Its meant to be hard. With this in mind the next pedal I took the heads winds blew. Oh my lord they blew. At one stage I think I could have run faster. But this somewhat made me just laugh and get on with it.



The climb to Hawi I was confident. Until one particular gust blew me from the far right of the road over to the center lines. I know im light weight but I couldn't believe that just happened.
I gripped my bars so tight I think I could have crushed the carbon. Once I reached the turnaround I was already intimidated by discomfort on athlete’s faces that were already on their decent but there was no avoiding it. I watched the Mexican wave effect of cyclists in front of me being blown all over the course and prepared for it as it hit me. I looked out to the ocean for white caps as Andy had told me. It looked like the ocean was snowing! I sat up and descended slowly. I was intimidated by the decent with the cross winds. I snailed it but I wanted to make it off the bike in one piece. A decision I regret now as I know this is where I lost soo much time but one I told myself I would comfortable with that decision.

Back onto the Queen K I felt lonely. It was hot. The long trail had petered out, the head winds did not ease and I was desperately longing for the sight of the airport. It felt like it never came!
Finally I made it to transition and parted ways with my bike knowing it would be a good two weeks until i even contemplated riding her again! 

Bike 5.57.29

I cannot believe the support the volunteers provided on this day. They were outstanding. Amazing in the transition tents, realising the importance of your race and did anything and everything to assist. One drew my attention to the burns on my lower my back, my tramp stamp of Kona as she applied more sun screen on me.

I ran out of transition feeling somewhat fresh and legs not trashed. It felt like forever until I saw Andy who through some much needed words of encouragement before letting me know Mum, Dad and Kate were just up the road. It’s always great seeing them. 
Through Alii I had mixed feelings. My body felt good, muscles not too sore but my stomach soon turned. I tried to ignore but with the vivid memory of the male runner finishing his race with number two's present down his legs I vowed not to make the same mistake and finally stopped at the aid station. A little convincing from Andy also helped as i let him know my stomach was not too good! Nothing, so I continued on. I could not shake this feeling of an upset stomach. 
I reached Palani and the man on the mike referred to me as the chick with the big smile and cheeks. Of course I ran up here to quick but couldn't dare fade in front of the crowd so kept going. Hello Queen K again. Support from Andy was awesome out on the run. I stopped at 6 aide stations before deciding the last one would be at the entrance to the energy lab. It rained lightly as i entered the Lab. I ran through and started to feel good. Finally I ran like I felt like I should have. Like how I had been training and what I felt like my body and months of hard work deserved.

Run 3.38.48
Support from Wes, Jono and Andy drove me home as I motored past others struggling. Finally I was counting down the final few km's occasionally converting km’s to miles as the number was less and made me feel better. I could smell the finish line and at this stage was running like a fat boy runs for cake.
I ran too fast for my own legs down Palini. The final stretch back to Alii never ended but finally it was there.
The crowds grew in numbers the closer you got and deeper and deeper. It was AWESOME!
Hi-Fives to my Mum, Dad and Kate and most importantly I was Andy down the line also.
I don't remember crying as I usually do but I concentrated so hard to hear the words 'You are an Ironman' after zoning out in Busselton and never hearing them.

I crossed the line and couldn't slow down. I was power walking and my catchers couldn't keep up until finally I just let go and slowed down. I was finished.

I was in and out of the athlete area after the race. I searched for the area to get your medal. I could barely stand let alone walk. My legs ached. I rushed out to desperately find Andy and the family... then i cried.

 10.48.25.

15th Female 25-29 AG.

88th Female

I pulled up surprisingly well after race day. Of course I was sore, I had chafe that made me walk like I had a nappy on, I will part ways with my big toe nail, I have burns on my back that are Kona stamped to match my twin and tan lines of a triple choc chocolate bar. I was disappointed I was not sorer! But I think my body had let go and I was very sick for a week. I didn't need to be strong anymore and was just run down!

As ungrateful as this may sound, my honest feeling, Kona has left me feeling empty. I trained, like all others, for months. Dedicated to the sport, my program. I hardly missed a session and if I did it was for a legit reason. Most of my sessions were solo. I felt good. Fast. Fit. Confident.
I was, at the time, pleased with my race. Seriously, I just finished the Ironman World Championships! But then, you have time to think, assess and look back on the day. I wish I rode faster. I should have been more confident on the decent and takes for me, a risk. I wish my guts didn't hate me on the run. I wish i didn't stop at the toilets as sit was for nothing anyway. I know I am capable of more and I feel my result no way near reflected the hard work and all I sacrificed for this one day. Kona stole my happiness.
Then I told myself what I tell others. It’s just a race. I'm not changing anyone's life. This was for my own satisfaction and that's exactly how I should remember this relentless, brutal and unforgiving day!

I raced Kona. And it was awesome to race this with my twin, Mark. What an experience! I did not have the fastest splits, break records or podium but I lived the dream many will never achieve and it will stay just that, a dream. I earned my spot at Kona, I am thankful for that life experience. Nothing will ever compare. I know look back at my results and I am proud.

It’s time now for me. My family and most importantly Fiancé. 
It has now been two weeks since race day. I have not done any more than run 150m with my boxer Henry. I am a little lost. A little bored. I go to bed and don't set the alarm for 4.40am. But I still wake up then! 
I wore heels, and have done for 4 days straight. I had my hair done and spent time in the morning actually doing it before work! I feel like a girl! 

I have plans to race next year. Big plans! But for now it’s time to enjoy life, appreciate what I have and live each day as it comes.

Metaman Bintan

This was an interesting race for me, lots learnt but most of all confidence gained.

Andy and I had the midnight flight out of Perth on Thursday.
Last minute packing of everything! Thank god for my new bike bag mum and dad bought me as all we needed to do was take my new wheels off, put her in the bag and zip her up!

Little sleep was had on the flight before reaching Singapore and catching the ferry to Bintan.
Straight to the hotel where we went straight to the sun loungers to have a snooze in the shade before our room was ready.

As usual a pre race swim/bike/run was planned for Saturday. Off I went with my sister Kate for our 30min spin. Within 2 mins I was dripping. The sweat running off me was insane! A short run on course in the shade an that was me done for the day. I went over the bike course in the car with Kate, Dan, Mum, Dad and Andy so we all knew where we were going and what we were install for tomorrow. Being one lap there wasn't much for all to see on race day so it was nice the supporters could get an idea of the course.

Bike check in, registration, briefing and Carbo dinner. The briefing was intense! Never have I been to an athlete briefing with so much emphasis on the heat and humidity and ensuring you look after yourself and hydrate and listen to your body!

I met Darryl from Shotz at registration and it was great to finally meet him in person! Many questions later I left much wiser and confident with my nutrition plan for race day and not too worried with the conditions as long as I execute my plan correctly.

Race Day

The alarm only went at 6.00am, but I was awake much earlier. An 8.30am start allowed for a 'sleep in' which is rare for triathlon! At 8.00 we headed down to the start where we 'warmed up' (not needed - the water temp was 29!) and before we knew it we were called to the start for a mass start.

I was nervous but excited.
I positioned myself at the front and went hard from the start to hang onto the lead group. The water was warm and calm. I feel off the feet of the leaders at the first bout but was still pleased with my swim exiting the water 8th overall.

Swim - 30.43

I was off onto the bike saying bye to my support crew! Off for a one lap bike! I put my head down and just went for it. It was a little odd. Much less congested than any other race I have ever done. The roads were not closed but traffic was controlled which was great. There was no opportunity to see where you were placed in the race so I just rode. It felt a bit like it was a solo Saturday training ride! At 60km's I had some company before catching the blitz athletes and some iron distance athletes on course.
As i headed into T2 I felt fresh. Not too fatigued, sore or tired. I felt like I had taken my nutrition appropriately and was excited to run.

Bike - 2.39.02

As I left T2 something wasn't right. I just didn't feel good on the run. I had forgotten to pack my running legs and this frustrated me. I wasn't comfortable and could not get into a rhythm. I had great support from Andy, Mum and Dad and Darryl, all to which I gave no smiles or thanks, unusual for me as I always do! 

I was really angry at my body and started to doubt myself and wonder if I could continue running. I thought maybe ill just walk. For every negative thought I talked myself out of it. I walked an aid station and thought no more! The third and final lap I felt a little better. At 16km's I realised I have moved into third place female and this gave me enough motivation to hold on! With that last final 200m I finally let out a smile and felt like my usual self.

Run - 1.35.58

I hi-fived Andy as i ran to the finished and when I got to that banner I grabbed it and slammed it down as if to say - take that Metaman!

Time - 4.47.28

2nd Female 25-29 AG 
3rd Female Overall
5th Overall

Soon after I waited for Kate to come through for her last lap just before the top 3 male and female presentations were held for the half distance.

I was proud to share the podium with Kira Flanagan and Monica Torres who were flying on that run!
A spray of champagne by Kira, a photo and then back to the course to see Kate finish her final few km's. She finished with a smile, and smiled the whole way!

I have learnt a lot from Metaman but most of all I have gained some confidence in myself again after a long time between racing and training. I had some time to think about this on the horrendous travel night home!
Still tired and sore today but just as happy, until Ruth Chang made up for a few weeks of missed treatment with some needles! 

Thank you Mum and Dad. As usual they made the trip to support Kate and I and it is the best feeling to have such supportive parents who just love watching you and being involved in what we do! Darryl thank you for your wisdom and support through out the weekend. Of course Andy who packs my bags, carries my bags, books my flights, sets up my bike and gear, puts my sunscreen on, calms my nerves, supports, cheers, takes photos and does hims own marathon just to see me at every point he can and of course a kiss at the finish. It is always followed by a 'love' hit in the sore quads, or a punch in the leg 'does this hurt' and then the usual you can swim much faster than that but i love every second of his support and humour. 

I didn't give anyone much thanks out on course this weekend but thank you all. It is most appreciated x 

newline

newline

Back in May I competed in the Great Wall Marathon.
Newline provided the 'race shirts' as part of our race pack and this was my first introduction to the brand.
I wore my shirt a few days before the race as I had a short run on the treadmill and needed a running shirt to wear!

I was impressed with the material and fit of this simple sports T  and impressed how comfortable I was in this T, especially sweating it out in a small, hot and stuffy Chinese gym!

After the race Andy and I approached the newline stand to check out more of the gear.
It was eye catching with great colours and designs.

We introduced ourselves to Jesper, the director of Newline. He put us in contact with David Biwer the general Manager for Australasia as this is a European Brand.

I am proud to be promoting newline as it makes its way into the Australian market.
With newline's large range of products; running, triathlon, cycling, accessories, compression and shoes, men's and women's specific clothing as well as children they have everything!


As I spend many hours in tight, body hugging clothing, shoes with shoe laces as opposed to heals, and clothes that get worn, wet and covered in sweat, it is awesome to find a brand that produces an amazing clothing line that is comfortable and fashionable. 

newline... get into it!

http://www.newlinesport.com/

base coolmax singlet

compression knee tights

bike laser bib shorts

compression sprinters

base coolmax singlet

compression knee tights

base coolmax singlet

compression knee tights

The brand in the words of newline;

It all started in 1981 with a man being offline.

Hanging in a parachute between sky and earth he started wondering why his suit was wet and the parachute still dry.
His curiosity accelerated into creativity and generated newline outfit.

From the parachute fabric he made one of the first functional running suits ever.

His background from the special forces and focus on the military precision together with many years as a runner
helped him to create an innovative range of functional products with focus on details and comfort.

This is still the DNA of newline.

David Biwer
General Manager - Australasia
+61 416 756 996
dab@newlinesport.com

one month down

I have moved the computer into the living room, turned on the heater and are all rugged up, with Henry my boxer sitting on my lap.

Today sums up my first 4 week block of training after returning from China and of course my first block heading into Kona.

This week started with some ups and downs.

The first half of the weeks training sessions were good. They were steady and I was happy with how my training was progressing.

I swam Wednesday morning with Paul Newsome's Swim Smooth squad and was lucky enough to have Adele lend me her Huub wetsuit to try. This was perfect timing as Wednesday morning sure was a cold one! A freezing 2 degrees! but I was nice and toasty, actually roasting by the end of the 5km set. Usually I would be itching to get a wetty off as I am not frond of a wetsuit swim but I felt very comfortable in the wetty and was not getting out of it any time soon!!

Andy and I meet some fellow GK Endurance athletes on Wednesday night to see - Rising from Ashes.

Rising from Ashes is a feature length documentary about the first Rwandan national cycling team in their bid to make history and represent their country at the 2012 Olympics. Competing in a white man's sport, reserved for the privileged, a rag tag group of cyclists coached by the first American to ride in the Tour de France, are transformed into a powerful symbol of hope for a country recovering from one of the world's most devastating genocides.

An amazing story sharing the lives and journey closely of 5 young men. An incredible story definitely worth watching.

As I had very early morning sessions for the start of the week and knew the remaining of the week was going to be the same I thought I would swap a couple of sessions around, allowing me to have a 7.00am sleep in on thursday. 

For the past few weeks Thursday nights have included Pilates with Ruth Chang. This week was no different but I encouraged Andy to join and we all had some fun!

Friday saw me up early for a morning run before work. I cycle and swim in the morning but very rarely do I run. It was weird! It was COLD, dark and lonely with only a couple of people brave enough to venture out side at this time! But I enjoyed the peace and isolated feeling and was great to see the sun slowly but surely rise as I was finishing my run. After work I finished a 120min cycle and I felt tired. My legs were sore so I put on my compressions and went to bed early.

Saturdays ride was unpleasant! It was cold. I was rugged up - toe covers, leg warmers, skins, long sleeve thermals, top, cycle top, x2 wind breakers and arm warmers!!

I struggled up Albany Highway. I nearly cried. I actually nearly did. I don't know why but I really struggled. I felt better for the remainder of the ride but it was the coldest ride the 4 of us had ever had! Lucky for me my ROB was actually strong and this made me feel better.

I had an easy rest of the day and a early night rugged up in bed. I slept in half of my running clothing for the next day so I didn't have to get changed in the morning.

King of the Mountain - 

Andy and Henry took me to the race start at Helena Valley. As this is a point to point race it was great to have Andy so he could take all my warm gear to the finish line!

It has been a good two years since i have last run at Helena Valley. This previously was a regular Sunday run with friends and it was great to be back on the lovely course in the very fresh morning!

The start was fast! I now position myself at the front of these races, (before Andy yells at me to get to the front) and this worked in my favour as I had a clear start, from the start.

The first 3km's were quick. Probably too quick but I just went with it. It was too cold to doodle around!

3.5km's in and there was a nice little river crossing. I was conceous not to cross and squeal like a girl so i just ploughed through it!!

I found this race really tough. I was tired and my quads were screaming at me the whole way. Im usually pretty good at tolerating pain and especially don't let it effect me in a run but today was different. It nearly broke me! Twice. At 7.5km, whilst running uphill I nearly walked! I don't like to stop, I never stop! I remember thinking 'what am I doing?!'. Then again at 13.5km. I so desperately just wanted to be finished.

At 14.5km we were off the dirt and back onto the road, but it was a 1.5km uphill finish and I was not happy. Finally, Finally I saw the finish line and that 16km Sunday run session was finally done!!

Of course it was a fantastic race, great course and so challenging. A great event as usual run buy the WAMC.

To my  delight I was first female - 1.10.07. Just a minute off the female course record.

When we got home I napped, in my warm, cozy triple blanket bed and have done much else all afternoon!

I am looking forward to a recovery week this coming week before hitting out another 3 solid weeks, amping up the volume and intensity!

Certainly feeling less like a try-athlete and more like a triathlete again!

And it starts again

It has now been  a month since returning from our Adventures in China and I am well and truly back into the swing of things.
A relatively easy week including some easy rides and swims initially until starting a more structured training program the following week. 
I was hesitant to run again, worried my injury would still be there but all seams to be holding up just fine at this stage.

Training has had its ups and downs. It is always hard getting back into three disciplines, especially after coming off a holiday and feeling fit and fast a few months before.
Mentally it has been a bit of a struggle, I want to be where I was, where I left off and NOW. Its hard not feeling fit and fast and this makes it even worse trying to regain your fitness in winter.
But I am determined, focused and stubborn so I know I will be back!

The mornings have been cold, they are dark with the sun only coming out when its time to go to work, and by the time I get home I can make most of 30mins of light before its dark again. When the mornings are clear it is cold and when its warmer they are wet! 
There is no winning but these days make you tough and even more determined to get through the session. You know winters here when you head to the pool and its empty! A lane to myself!

This week I have really felt like a triathlete again. I feel great running, especially as I'm back outside and no longer restricted to the treadmill. The swimming is coming along slow and steady and this weekend was the first time I saw a glimpse of speed and strength. Although today was wrapped up with a very, very rare afternoon nap! I was stuffed!

A pilates session with Ruth Chang is a new addition to the program and I'm loving it! Great to have her knowledge and humour to bring some variation to the weeks program.

I was also fortunate to have a chat with Darryl from Shotz a few weeks earlier. He shared his knowledge and priceless information with me which I intend to take advantage of come October.

With under 4 months until Kona its only going to get tougher. Im lucky to have the support of my fiancé Andy and my family and its very much appreciated. 

For now, I'm off to watch Master Chef before heading to bed and starting the weeks session with a Monday Swim!

Great Wall Marathon

Race Day

2.45am and the alarm went. Yes 2.45am! We had packed everything the night before so were able to wake up, get dressed and leave the hotel room. The bus trip was quiet with everyone trying to get some extra sleep although I don't think that worked for everyone!

Once we arrived at the wall the sun was up and it didn't feel like and early start! But we are used to early starts (I think it was quite new for most people there!). Into Yin and Yang Square and we sat huddling trying to keep warm. It was a really cool morning. We had some pre-race entertainment with some warm up exercises (or dance moves!) provided by two girls up on stage. These were some fun with everyone getting involved. The atmosphere was great.
Before we knew it, it was 7.00am and the race organisers called the Wave 1 starters to the start line. Not prepared to be called up so early we quickly got undressed and slapped on some sunscreen, dropped the bags off and headed to the start. Pre-race formalities and then the 1 minute count down was on. I was so excited. Not nervous, just looking forward to an incredible race in China, on the Great Wall and both Andy and I's first straight marathon! 'BANG', the gun went and we all filtered through a small opening before heading out onto the road and making our way up a 4km winding hill to the entrance of the wall. Andy and I made our way through the mix of 21.1km runners and marathon runners reaching the top in good time. As you approach the start of the wall its an odd sight. We have all been running and scrambling to find our place at the start of this race, with those passing and being passed then you reach the wall and look up, every one is almost stationary! You reach the first incline and set of stairs and most competitors are walking! Its hilarious!

Once you reach the wall most of the first wave has sorted itself out and its no too congested at all.
It was awesome. So much fun. We had to make a quick toilet stop (yes 5km's into the race) as there are 2 toilets just off the wall. As these are all squatters, it was tough on the legs already! To make matters worse i tuck my shots gels in my shorts legs, which i dropped in the toilet, not willing to fish these out!!!

On we pressed for the next 4km. Andy was like a little mountain goat and waited for me at the bottom of each decline! The last section of the wall was tough. All down hill, uneven and tight, almost single file. We did a lap around the square before entering it again and running back out through the same starting point. We continued along the local roads which were not closed, full of local traffic and there were people every where cheering and supporting. Mostly locals. It was brilliant.

We crossed the road and made our way through some off road paths before making it onto open traffic roads again, all up or down hill, almost never flat.

We high-fived kids all the way. Ni Hao! Amazing and so much fun!
So many aide stations lined with kids wanting you to take their water bottles. They were really great!

As we made it at the 18-20km mark, again another large winding uphill battle and the pace started to slow with some walking. What goes up must come down and this followed through out the race.

At the 25km mark Andy and I were walking when a Spaniard passed us and yelled 'run, you must run, don't walk!'. Andy and I both laughed and he replied ' you are one of the top females, you must run!'. I looked at Andy and we continued to walk before I asked if I could run on. We had planned to do the race side by side but I really, really wanted to run! After he said yes I took off, not before doubling back to check if it really was ok before actually moving on. I ran the remaining race over new paths before making it back onto the dirt track, knowing the exact remaining steps of the race as I had just traced over these a few hours ago in reverse.
Into the square the officials informed me I was the 5th Female Marathon competitor. 
I had great support from our new friends who also joined the travelling fit experience. These were the 'fun' runners and half marathoners who stayed to support the remaining competitors to the finish line. It was awesome and very welcoming as we are used to having Mum and Dad out there supporting!

Out of the square and onto the wall once more. 
OMG it was tough. The initial steps were hard and narrow. The decline was now an incline and at this point we just looked like a few tiny ants scattered on the wall. Everyone was crawling, walking, puffing and struggling. I tried not to look at any one as i didn't want the wall to break me! Then, maybe a km later it nearly did! I passed one female and moved on determined not to stop.
I still remember looking at the large rest incline of steps. Taking the first step I had my head down. I couldn't see anymore than one step ahead of me and then just found myself climbing the wall! 

The down hill was some what welcoming as you knew that the finish line was in reach, but wow it hurt! Every single step hurt until I got to the last aid station, a single km from the finish.

It was great finally crossing that line, just under 4.30hrs later!
An amazing feeling as you turn around and look at the section of the wall you just ran over to complete a marathon, twice!!

4.29.07 

4th Female Overall

1st Female 20-29

I immediately went to the travelling fit group and cheered the remaining athletes through their final 8km's and though to the finish.
I was so excited to watch Andy finish but I felt sad that I wasn't there to finish with him as we had planned.

It was such an amazing experience, not really looked as a race at all but an adventure, a cultural experience, something truly incredible.

Put this one on your bucket list!!

Broken

Training for China has been awesome and i have really been enjoying the training. Unfortunately for the past 2.5weeks this has come to a holt as I have been forced to have some time off running with some pain in my left knee. 

I first thought this was just an ache and a couple of days rest will fix it and ill be up and running in no time.

I booked myself in to see Ruth Chang to make sure I was on top of everything but unfortunately my sore knee would take a little longer to heal than I anticipated.

After 2 weeks of rest, constant rolling, needles and massage from Ruth, ice and compression my ITB has not managed to completely heal itself. Wednesday was the first run in weeks and it was a steady 60min date with the treadmill which was uncomfortable but awesome to be back on my feet!

Another 45 min run this evening, again on the treadmill has made me happy again and was significantly less painful than the last run so promising signs!

Lets hope the body holds up for what is going to be a challenging but fun Marathon in just a few short weeks!

As much as I was hesitant to run…

  Ive missed running!