No, it's not going to be 3rd time lucky
You see, in my eyes, I got my slot for Kona in 2011, and I'd already achieved my dream. To race in Hawaii. I didn't have my ideal race that year - if anyone wants to read my race report, it's in 3 parts - starting with the link below
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| Happy in 2015 |
But I definitely didn't leave with any regrets - I'd done everything I thought I could do to have a good race, I'd finished and I was happy.
In 2015, I came with one goal - a sub 4 hour run. And despite some G.I. issues, I achieved that goal. In fact, I finished in 2015 pretty happy that if I never bettered that result here in Kona, I would be fine with that.
So really on Saturday, I've got nothing to lose. By that, I don't mean either I don't care how my race goes, or that I'll throw caution to the wind and go out super hard! But I mean that I'm not that attached to a particular result, be it time based or placing based.
But we all need some kind of a carrot!
You don't CHOOSE to train for hours on the bike in the kind of winter we had in Melbourne this year, unless there is some kind of motivation to do that. And I guess that makes it sound like my main goal is around the bike result.
Far from it.
I certainly do have some goals for the bike, and I'll talk about them shortly. But the main goal is to execute the ride to my potential, but in doing that, to set myself up to have the best run I am capable of.
But what is that?
First the swim
I had some pretty clear goals for the swim through my prep. One was (given reasonable conditions) to beat my time of 2015, which was 1:07:23. I also had the goal of being the top Aussie in my age group in the swim. But I think there are a few Aussie fish in my category, so we'll see about that one. I was 15th in my age group for the swim last time - maybe top 10 is realistic?
But since all my real goals are process/ execution based, rather than results- based, my main goal for the swim is to "get on feet, stay on feet" (which will actually be a mantra through the swim).
The bike
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| My awesome bike |
Now this gets interesting. Again, the main goal is execution-based. But I what about time goals? Well it has to be said that 6:33:32 should be beatable, even in bad conditions? I certainly don't think I'd get close to the 5:57:18 that I clocked in 2011. So maybe something in the middle of the two? 6:15 is exactly in the middle, so maybe that could be my "ideal" goal. Certainly my Dimond bike and awesome Wheelscience race wheels will give me the confidence in the cross winds from Hawi.
But in terms of process, the goal is to absolutely nail my nutrition and hydration on the bike. To not overdo the first 20-30km, and to stay strong mentally on the return from Kawaihae, no matter what the wind does (my nemesis section previously).
And the run
So last time, it was "all about the run". Really, I just want to put all three legs together well on Saturday. But a marathon is a marathon, and you need some kind of a carrot to make you want to suffer when the time comes (and if it's like Ironman NZ, that was approximately 3km into the run!!) So, originally I had the same goal as 2015 - go sub 4 hours. I think that is feasible. I haven't done quite as much run training, or intensity work as I did for that race, but I'm hoping I will be off the bike in better shape, and won't lose 7 minutes (and precious fluid) in the portaloos! So maybe I can beat the 3.56 of 2015.
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| Boston Q times |
There is one more carrot, if it looks like I'm going even better than that. My best friend, Kristen lives in Boston, and is trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon 2019. I have been made aware that the Kona marathon is a qualifier, if you meet the time required. That is 3:45 for my age group. It's a huge ask, and as I said, only IF things are going brilliantly. But hey, what a great carrot to keep me pushing?
Again though, the process-based goal for the run is hydration, cooling at aid stations, and staying mentally strong on the tough bit out on the Queen K where they stop the supporters following the athletes (about 3.5km along the Queen K - an 11.2 km section that gets pretty tough mentally).
Plus transitions
Usually I pride myself on my fast transitions. I certainly won't dawdle this year, but I'm going to make sure I gather myself, particularly in T2, and get some cold fluid on board.
Now thanks
This is an individual sport, but we don't get to the start line without an enormous amount of emotional, physical and financial (!) support from other people.
Peter - my rock. You know I would give you my place here in a flash if I could. But I can't. So every part of my being will exude gratitude for your unwavering support of my endeavours. You work so hard to enable us to travel the world, and the effort you have put into building Wheelscience just so we can live this life, is testament to the passion that WILL get you to race here yourself one day.
My family - who, although may think I'm just crazy pursuing this sport year after year, unconditionally support me and follow my races. A special mention to my sister, Emma, who has been there this week for my Mum after her major surgery. Emma has 3 kids and a full time job, but not ONCE has she passed judgement on the fact that I am pursuing my dream, while she has taken on so much. Emma - several G&Ts are coming your way when I get there next week!
Xavier, my coach - I told you in 2015 that my health and enjoyment of the sport had to come before any PBs or trophies. You delivered the first bit, but I've also managed the second. I'm not looking forward to a rest after this race (although I will of course take one!) Instead I'm looking forward to continuing the wonderful consistency we have achieved in the past 2 years, and relishing the future.
Johnny, my swim coach - What can I say? You turned me into a swimmer Johnny! And you continue to give me belief that I can keep improving, with your irrepressible energy and enthusiasm.
My tri family - We have continued to be members of our original club, MELBOURNE TRI CLUB. We have made friends for life through that club, and together with the club members, and our old coach Sean, we have made so many amazing memories.
We are also members of TRIFITNESS. Johnny coaches swim sessions for these guys, but Matty, Kane and Jimmy have wholeheartedly welcomed us to the group, and those Wednesday morning rides kept me sane through winter!
Physiohealth - Cory and Justin - I haven't needed to see you (other than for my cracked rib) for the last 2 years, but I know that you follow our races, and we will always be grateful for all you have done for us.
Hammer nutrition - It's an incredible feeling to never have to be concerned about how your nutrition will go in an Ironman. Thanks to Hammer, I am on Ironman number 10, and other than a stupid mistake with my pre race meal last time in Kona, I have never had any gut issues.
Melbourne University Veterinary School - I have an incredible boss, Peter and great colleagues, who have never been anything but supportive of my racing, and my choice to have a flexible contract. I can't begin to say how much that means to me.
Peter - my rock. You know I would give you my place here in a flash if I could. But I can't. So every part of my being will exude gratitude for your unwavering support of my endeavours. You work so hard to enable us to travel the world, and the effort you have put into building Wheelscience just so we can live this life, is testament to the passion that WILL get you to race here yourself one day.
My family - who, although may think I'm just crazy pursuing this sport year after year, unconditionally support me and follow my races. A special mention to my sister, Emma, who has been there this week for my Mum after her major surgery. Emma has 3 kids and a full time job, but not ONCE has she passed judgement on the fact that I am pursuing my dream, while she has taken on so much. Emma - several G&Ts are coming your way when I get there next week!
Xavier, my coach - I told you in 2015 that my health and enjoyment of the sport had to come before any PBs or trophies. You delivered the first bit, but I've also managed the second. I'm not looking forward to a rest after this race (although I will of course take one!) Instead I'm looking forward to continuing the wonderful consistency we have achieved in the past 2 years, and relishing the future.
Johnny, my swim coach - What can I say? You turned me into a swimmer Johnny! And you continue to give me belief that I can keep improving, with your irrepressible energy and enthusiasm.
My tri family - We have continued to be members of our original club, MELBOURNE TRI CLUB. We have made friends for life through that club, and together with the club members, and our old coach Sean, we have made so many amazing memories.
We are also members of TRIFITNESS. Johnny coaches swim sessions for these guys, but Matty, Kane and Jimmy have wholeheartedly welcomed us to the group, and those Wednesday morning rides kept me sane through winter!
Physiohealth - Cory and Justin - I haven't needed to see you (other than for my cracked rib) for the last 2 years, but I know that you follow our races, and we will always be grateful for all you have done for us.
Hammer nutrition - It's an incredible feeling to never have to be concerned about how your nutrition will go in an Ironman. Thanks to Hammer, I am on Ironman number 10, and other than a stupid mistake with my pre race meal last time in Kona, I have never had any gut issues.
Melbourne University Veterinary School - I have an incredible boss, Peter and great colleagues, who have never been anything but supportive of my racing, and my choice to have a flexible contract. I can't begin to say how much that means to me.
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