Challenge Roth 2015

Challenge Roth - Race the Legend 

The day started with a 3.00am alarm before departing Gunzenhouzen at 4.00am, making our way on a very packed but quiet bus to Roth. 

A short walk over the bridge to T1 and we were one of the first athletes through T1 to our bikes. By now the sun was coming up and the cool damp transition area quickly filled with athletes. The music played over the speakers was somewhat interesting, not exactly motivational, 'hype' music, little more classical!

With only bottles and nutrition to put on my bike and tyres to pump I was keen to drop my T1 gear bag off and sit down before getting ready. Time went quickly. I was relatively calm and collected, with just a good amount of nerves. My swim start at 6.40am was the was first AG wave off and I was keen not to get caught at the rear of the 350odd females so I sunscreened up (forgetting my arms I realised after the race) and put my wetsuit on. Andy as usual helped calm my nerves and walked me to the start where we all waited to enter the water. The canon fired for the pros. Now I was next! A good luck kiss from Andy and see you in a number of hours! Our first iron distance race together and my first big race with out mum and Dad there but i knew they would be tracking me online at home! 

I entered the water and had a look around at the spectators who had lined the canal and bridge. The hot air balloons were inflated and you could hear the excited crowd. I positioned myself to the right side of the rubber ducky in the middle of the start line. This would allow me to have a clear left side when the gun went and give me the chance to move left or stay right on the fastest pack. The cannon fired which was awesome! A good fast, clean run and I was so pleased with my start. It was refreshing to swim in the non salty water! As we made our way back just over the 3km mark the crowd got louder and I remember taking a few long sights to see the hot air balloons and the crowd over head on the bridge and banks. 

Swim 59.56

Finally I cracked that 60mins! Still not a great swim but it was still under 60mins!

T2. 2.20

A reasonably quick transition. The volunteers were awesome in assisting me.

I grabbed my bike and just remember having the biggest smile as I existed T1. I think I even gave a woohoo as I left!

The first few km's on the bike was insane! Just the best feeling I've ever had in a race.

Approx 10km in we passed the first banner, lined streets with a male German on the mic. "It's Lisa from down under" he said so I smiled and waved to the crowd. "Lisa's laughing, she's laughing" he said back. I was just thriving off the thrill of the race. I loved it. I found myself riding with another Perth athlete and a female pro for most of the first lap. I was watching my km's, anticipating solarberg hill. Then as it approached the crowds grew. I was pumped. I turned the corner and there it was. The best feeling came across me and I rode as hard as I could to pass the female just ahead of me. I wanted a clear run up there first! It was INCREDIBLE! I smiled, yelled, and just felt awesome up that climb. 'Hop, hop hop!' 'Super super'! I never felt unsafe. The crowd was just amazing. 

I finished the first lap and just turned onto my second when my rear spares box lid came off and 'tink', my canister, valve and blade hit the pavement. With the lid dangling off the rear of my bike I needed to stop and attempt to put this back on. Once the lid was back on off I went again, a little flustered. What if I get a flat? I had an extra canister in my back pocket (I always do, paranoid about getting a flat) but no way to use it. Then the team riders came whizzing past. Frustrated at their freshness and speed I became a little negative. Then I remembered I had a pit stop and convinced myself I would be fine. The second lap was a lot more tough. It was warming up and became really windy. All I thought was 'how is this a fast course?!'. I tried to remain positive and only a few female competitors had overtaken me. The second time the crowds had dispersed from solar hill but still a great experience. 

I made the right hand turn for the last 10km to T2. I looked at my time and was slightly disappointed and so desperately wanted to get off the bike. I forgot to get out of my shoes and dismounted rather slow with my shoes still on!

Bike. 5.32

T2. 2.02

Finally I was onto the run. Out and back run courses are not my favourite as I much prefer laps so I can count down and mentally trick myself with how far to go. I was however prepared for this course as my long training runs are of the one loop nature. The first few km's were fast, then a gradual incline. I felt good. I settled into a rhythm and just counted down the km's. 

At the 10km mark I started to count the females coming back, which was the first chance I had to see where I was positioned. I found it difficult running on the off road track. My foot placement was a little all over the place and I could feel my blister growing from the uneven surface!

Gel, water, ice, sponge, sub 3.30 marathon, finish line. This is all I though of. As well as I don't want to race IMWA in 20weeks time!

I was super aware of the 32-34km mark, this was my dark, dark hole in IMWA 2013 and I remained really positive over this stretch.

Back down the hill we previously ran up. 'Wow, super super' the Germans said. Then 40km! 2km to go! Through the town, through beer mile. I hi-fived everyone I could. I smiled (or tried too). I could not figure out where I was in Roth and I couldn't remember or picture where the finish line was.  Then I saw the train tracks and relief, there was the massive purpose built stadium for this iconic and incredible finish. 

Finally I was finished and to my surprise 10.03.00 flat!

Run. 3.26

I cracked that 3.30, my personal goal for this race.

I had, as usual an emotional cry as I put my hands on my knees and bent over. I was asked if they were sad or happy tears. 'Happy tears' (of hurt & joy!) I said as I sobbed a little more! Straight through the tent to get a massage, shower and change. Private showers but a unisex open change area was the most interesting part of the day, with plenty of european 'sausage' on display!  After that eyeful I left recovery and waited for friends and participants to come through while tracking Andy and getting a spot right on the fence to see him come through. So worried he would miss me but he spotted me just in time. I was so proud. 

We did it! We have complete Challenge Roth! 

A later look at the results showed 25 seconds between the female 25-29AG. 

10.02.35 - 10.02.50 and 10.03.00 what a close finish!

First Australian female Age grouper, 3rd AG 25-29, 17th Female overall. More than I could have hoped for!

We went to presentations the next day and it was packed. I mean packed  full of buzzing athletes, friends and family. Great to see! The europeans put our presentations to shame! 

Busselton 70.3

It has been 2 years since I last competed in the Busselton 70.3 event and 17 months since I have last been on the Busselton race track!
I love racing at home and it did feel a little strange being there again after missing last years event to compete in the China Great Wall Marathon.

I was out to get a PB on this course and ideally a PB overall.
Straight up that was my goal and I was going to be disappointed if I did not get it.

I was lucky enough to head to Busselton on the Thursday which gave me Friday to complete my pre swim-bike-run over the course.

Race morning the weather was amazing, but one small detail! Calm, no rain but oh my goodness, it was FREEZING!! I was prepared this year and rocked up to transition in my European snow jacket and beanie. After much stress over the piece of glass in my front tube Andy had removed this for me and I anxiously waited to see if I was to loose any pressure due to the glass puncturing the tube.
Thankfully, a last minute check before transition closed and it was fine!
I waited for my 7.35am wave start, warming up with a jog before entering the water for a warm up - or in this case cool up?!

The 25-29 female AG was off with the Male 50-55.
The swim start was surprisingly rough. I got a little caught up at the start and as I made my was to the far bouy we then caught the slower swimmers from the age group before. As usual you navigate your way through the age groupers and eventually I made my way out of the cool crystal clear water to T1.

I was cold and shivering and as usual my T1 was somewhat slow. As I made my way out I stopped to check the pressure in that front wheel and then dropped my nutrition having to go back and get it!
Then finally I was off onto the bike course, trying to think warm thoughts!! I struggled, like most in the first lap to get warm and find a rhythm which wasn't continuous shivering! As I came back into town I spotted Andy at the round about where he told me I was down on the leaders and needed to go hard and lay it all out there. So as I passed Club Alley I decided, this is it, I need to go for it!

I rode hard. I put the hammer down. Then somehow I found myself in a pack of around 6 men. I wasn't impressed as they passed me then the pace slowed so I would over take again. It is a tight course and there is simply not enough room on the course for everyone but there is always a fight between men and their egos, and women passing them. I pushed to the front until dropping some at the far turn, with the stronger 2, just pushing ahead of me which I used to pace myself to T2.

As I came into T2 I knew I had ridden under 2.30 which was my goal (or Andy's!) and I was pleased I had achieved that.

Out onto the run I knew again I had to race hard. I was in third. I had some awesome support out there which was great. For the first time in a long time, my parents were not there to support as they were currently over seas. Andy and my sister Kate had lots of support to do to make up for this! And they did. I had closed the gap on second but the first placed female in my age put a whopping 4mins on me in the first lap! A couple of km's into the second lap I had moved into 2nd.



Around the 10km point I think this is where my race started to fall apart. I was feeling uncomfortable. Sore back, and glutes! My paced slowed which I was not happy with but I just kept pushing. I was really disappointed with the second half of my run, and especially as I was just off that 1.30 goal I had for the 21.1km.

I was relieved and emotion when crossing the line. Always emotional! Andy was there to 'catch' me and take me into the tent.

As usual, for me a disappointing swim of 30.05, a 2.27.43 ride and a 1.31.15 gave me an overall time of 4.33.05.
A PB time at Busselton and also a PB half time. I am also pleased to have made it on the Podium in 2nd for the Female 25-29AG and finish 7th Female Age grouper and 16th Female overall.

I have a weeks recovery before starting the final build to my Iron distance race, Challenge Roth in July and then completing the rest of the year with much more planned!!

It is now the perfect timing for some birthday celebrations but the end of Busselton also means one thing. Its time for coach Kate Bevilaqua and Guy Crawford to leave for Boise. I will struggle to train through winter with out these two, especially Kate as she has kept me company for many sessions this year. Kate has been awesome this year is providing me with support and pushing me in my training sessions. With out their company I will need to motivate and drive myself. Knowing the schedule, goals and plans I have this year I will need to do this! I have no other choice. It will be tough but you must work hard if you want to succeed. 

Lucky im determined and stubborn!! After all I am a Taurus!

Karri Valli Tri

Karri Valley 2015

The weekend of the 14-15^th of March,  Andy and I made our down south to Margaret River for a long weekend of training, racing and wedding planning.

We headed down south on the Thursday night reaching our accommodation, the Bevilaqua's beautiful holiday house with uninterrupted views of the ocean! Straight to bed to get some sleep ready for the morning’s session.

A swim in Margaret Rivers 25m pool made for an interesting set of twists and turns which by the end I think I got the hang of! A little tough when you do not tumble turn. Maybe I should learn! A short 45min run after and that completed my sessions for the day. The following day and predicted 'winter' conditions saw Kate and I complete a 3hr wind trainer session in the garage hooked up to net flicks with the movies of my choice! This was followed with a run of the bike with Guy advising us it’s not going to rain.  Soon after we returned a little wet!

Sunday Andy competed in the XAdventure race and Kate and I took the opportunity to get our long run in along the off road run course and extended this back onto the paths along the beach. Approximately 5km in I rolled my ankle of a rock, which I simply did not see!! It didn’t seem too bad and I continued my run.

After the race we drove straight home and by the time I reached home my ankle was so sore! I couldn’t get out the car and walk inside. Straight to see my sister for some physio advise and she said it is most likely a Grade 1 Ligament tear! Oh no. So some tape, rest, ice, compression and elevation and I was propped up on the couch for the rest of the night and next day.

An easy wind trainer set, swim sessions of pull only and come Thursday i was off to see Ruth to see if I pass her tests to see if i can race Saturday.  With only minimal discomfort she convinced me I was fine to race and I need to change my mental state! It was not the ankle that caused me to fail the 'left foot hopping zig zag' test but just my inability to do so! So after a laugh about my lack of co-ordination I left feeling comfortable and happy to race Saturday. So Friday saw a short wind trainer set and a short run, then off to work and then off to Pemberton arriving at rainbow Chalets around 9.30pm!

A late race start is always welcome as this allows a rare sleep in! Off to register for my first open race at 7.30am. Seeing my name on the list under the other professional names was a little intimidating even for a low key race. I fluffed around in transition for a bit before getting out and waiting around.

Renae Baker was kind enough to give me some encouraging words before the race start and I had Kate Bevilaqua find me before the race start and I followed her around in the water to do my warm up. Then we were lining up on the beach waiting to start!

The gun went and I entered at the rear of the pack and hung onto the fast toes until the first can. Unfortunately I feel off the pack rather quick. I feel my swimming has come along way with the help of Kate and Guy, but I need to be able to convert this to open water swimming, something I hope I can learn as I become too complacent in the water and don’t know how hard to push!

So reaching T1 2.30min down of the 3-4^th placed girls I took my time and eventually exited, onto the lonely 2 lap 60km course. I wasn’t too depressed when I saw the leading females head back as I wasn’t too far from the turnaround knowing I had lost so much time in the swim.

Unfortunately for me I overshot the turn around, (only slightly!) as I cant turn! Another skill I need to work on! And off I went to complete the first lap. The wind now was a head wind and so I pushed to get to the turn off to get back to the more sheltered part of the course! By the time I turned to complete the first lap the course was much more full and I found it less lonely! Another lonely lap but at least I could be tempted to draft!

Into T2 and now onto the run! At this stage I was pleased with my race and just happy to finish my first open race. The ankle seemed fine and didn’t cause any real trouble on the ride or run. The 3 lap course made it easy to count down the short 4km laps and made the run seem fairly quick. A tough little course found me a little fatigued and a week off my feet, I think this hard fast run really woke me up!

The final descend, ascend and then descend down the grass to the finish line and I was pleased to have finished! I was eager to find out the result of the women’s race as I watched Renee Baker and Kate Bevilaqua race side by side for the entire run and was informed it was a sprint to the finish line!

I do love racing and love the support I receive from strangers, friends, other athletes but especially Andy. Its great to share support out on course with fellow athletes and friends who provide you with the encouragement to continue.

Andy and I headed to the presentations and dinner and caught up with fellow GKE athletes to celebrate.

It was a nice reward to have finished 5^th Female overall, and collect the 5^th Prize which I think Andy has already claimed!

I have lots to take away from this race and I know the areas I need to work on. My swim is the obvious one but small things like transitions, turning on the bike and again just mentally being in a better place and having the confidence to execute a race as I intend so the hard work and training pays off! 

A big thanks to Kate for all her support leading into the race and during! Continually giving me words of encouragement and advice throughout the day. I lack the mental confidence so to have this whilst racing my coach is very much appreciated.

Thanks to Andy who entered me in the open category, giving me that push I needed!

Next time I hope im 100% ready to go!

Challenge Melbourne 2015

I entered Challenge Melbourne approximately 8 months ago to give myself something to focus on after the Ironman World Championships. After Kona I found it hard to get back into a routine and it wasn't until December when Andy told me there were only 8 weeks until race day did I get back into it.
So exactly 8 weeks I had to get fit so I hit some training and hit it hard!

We arrived in Melbourne on Thursday to fit in a sneaky trip to watch the men's Semi final match at the Australian Open. What a good start to our trip!
The Friday and Saturday were relatively easy days but lots of visiting as we met David Biwer from Newline and was spoilt, dinner with Karl Hardy and Heidi, pre race nail appointment, we met Darryl and his family Saturday for some lunch and Andy even did a spot of shopping before catching up with Andrea.


I had been keeping an eye on BOM for the past week and knew the weather in Melbourne was significantly cooler than the 40 degree heat wave we were having in Perth yet didn't really think too much of it. 
Come Saturday night once we had left the restaurant I was not looking forward to the race. We stepped outside and the rain had settled in for the night and it was cold!!


The alarm went off race morning at 4.50am but I stayed in bed leaving it until last minute to get everything together and leave the room to make it to transition!
It was cold, dark and wet and I wasn't too excited to race!


My coach had sent me an email the night before the race and the finishing line was 'Time to start 2015 with a BANG!'. What a bang it was!

Off to transition with my bike and set up in the dark and the wet!
As I put on my wetty it started to rain. Andy and I headed to the start on the beach were we stood and stared at the unpleasant water conditions.
The pro's start was a little delayed but finally the sent the male pro's off, then the females. The first AG was next followed by my wave. I stood on the beach as my wave was called and was fairly calm. A little scared but positive thoughts. As we all charged into the on coming waves I dived under a few to make my way out. Then I had a true appreciation for how bad the conditions were. It was horrible. Dark, the water was mercy. It was so rough and the waves didn't stop. They felt humungous. I tried to get out but the waves wouldn't allow for any form. I then started to panic. I don't like the ocean on the best of days. I did some breast stroke and looked around. I contemplated putting up my hand but couldn't see a boat or help anywhere so I kept swimming!
The swim didn't feel like ages but I sure was relieved as I made it out of the water and made the long run to transition. 

Swim: 32.46

Andy thought it was a good idea to leave my windbreaker in transition just incase and put it on with out a doubt! It was soaking and I was shaking trying to zip it up but I kept the wind off my body.
The bike was wet, windy and cold - yet I was quite comfortable with my wind breaker on.
There were small sections on the bike when the conditions eased just for a little, but then it hit again and you could see the weather rolling in off the coast.
It was great there was a 3 lap bike to get some encouragement and support from Andy. Whilst the conditions were far from favorable I quite enjoyed the bike as I have never raced in anything like this before!

Bike: 2.38.56

I was looking forward to the run.  I had had some fast form leading into Challenge Melbourne, even though this had all been over much short distances. As this is also a three lap course I could break the race down and mentally 'get it done'.
Conditions had cleared a little and was great to pass Andy for some always welcome support. He enjoyed some tweeting from my account and I could see the smirk on his face from his 'hilarious' tweet from 'me'! 
I was happy with my first two laps, but time to build into the third. At this point the course had become much more congested and it is quite a tight course! Andy encouraged me to channel my inner Rinny which wasn't hard to do as i just wanted to finish.

Run: 1.32.19

Melbourne. I thought they had four seasons in one day! Why did I only get one! Winter!!!

Andy was there right at the finish and it was the first time I really felt relieved to have finished!! I cried to him about the swim!! It had really knocked me about! I don't think I had ever felt so uncomfortable.


Almost straight to transition to collect my bike and soaking gear then back to the accommodation to shower and pack! I think we added an extra 10kg's to the luggage as everything was soaking!

Back to race start for presentations but they had already started them early and we missed them.

I was pleased and very surprised to have finished third in my age group Female 25-29, 5th Female age grouper and 12th Female overall.

Finish Time: 4.50.34

Straight to the airport (after a stop for a cheeseburger and fries) and ready for the flight home. (Business class I might add!!)
By 8.00pm I was sitting on the lounge  at home with Andy when he said "this morning you did a half distance race in Melbourne, now you are at home on the couch!". 
It was a weird feeling but so good to be at home.

From this race I learnt a lot. I learnt I need to prepare mentally for races and that I need to let go of the bad during the race. So, ill work on that in the next one!


A huge thank you to Andy who stood in the rain and the cold (he managed to squeeze into my jumper and wear it while I was racing) from start to finish. This was the first race with out my parents watching so to have him stay in those conditions was awesome!! Also photo credit - Thanks Andy :-)
He also booked the business class flights, which weren't too shabby either! Turning left on the plane, I think that was the high light of our trip!

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.