I started the 2013/14 season with three goals and some trepidation as to how to achieve them. Now, as we celebrate the end of the season, I can look back and reflect on how it has unfolded. Back surgery Up until now, I haven’t talked about the back surgery I had in May last year. … Continued
Race Day There was a strong wind warning and a forecast for rain on race day, so I didn’t sleep well the night before. Believe it or not, I was actually hoping the event would be called off – not a good mindset for race day. When I looked out the window there wasn’t much … Continued
Overcoming barriers and expectation to get the job done It’s hard to know where to start when writing about my Cairns experience as I had mixed feelings about competing, but three days later I look back with great memories and a sense of achievement. Yet again Ironman has been a learning experience, a lesson in … Continued
There’s plenty to remember in the week leading up to race day, from preparing and packing your bike to making sure you have what you need for the run. 16+ hours is a long time to cater for everything your body needs: clothing, food, hydration and medication are my main priorities. Weather conditions normally play … Continued
It seemed to take forever for Melbourne Ironman to get here and before you know it Melbourne is done and Cairns is just 2 weeks away. Our training has been less demanding since Melbourne, mainly so we can get to Cairns in as good a condition as possible. Leanne and I sometimes feel we’re underdone … Continued
No doubt we’ll look like a couple of old cars ready for the scrap heap come Cairns Ironman on June 8. Leanne and I have been struggling with injury since Melbourne, knees, feet and ITB’s are keeping our local physio and massage therapist busy. The trouble with races this close together for us amatures is … Continued
Asthma and COPD are lung diseases. They both are defined by reduced airflow through the airways to the lungs. Asthma is generally diagnosed in young people and triggered by allergic reactions. In conjunction with your Doctor, asthma can be well controlled by taking the correct medication at periods prescribed by your Doctor. COPD has similar … Continued
So far the biggest hurdle we’ve struck heading into Cairns is our head space, while Leanne has a slight tear to her left meniscus, it’s taken me a little longer than I’d thought to get my breathing back under control. Therefore we haven’t trained on as well as what we’d like & motivation has been … Continued
In September 2011 Turia Pitt sustained burns to 65% of her body while participating in a 100 k ultra marathon, an event I participated in the year before. After watching her story on 60 Minutes and hearing her on radio 4bc in Brisbane, I was taken aback by the courage and determination Turia has shown … Continued
A week after Melbourne & I’m ready to get back into training, very different to my post Port Macquarie Ironman mindset where I had decided to take out a restraining order on my bike . Mentally I feel good & ready to tackle Cairns Ironman , physically I’m feeling quite fresh . It’s taken me … Continued
After 16 hours & 35 minutes I finished Melbourne Ironman 2014 in one piece. I was hoping that we’d have a pleasant day with not to much wind, we ended up with 14c overcast & windy, but that’s Melbourne. The water was icy cold when I first hopped in but managed to keep breathing under … Continued