My first Ironman experience: I do not think it is possible to overestimate an event quite like the Ironman – this was the biggest lesson I had learnt throughout Sunday, 7 April. Lining up on the start line at Hobie beach, I overheard 2 guys talking about a shortened swim, I must have missed the memo as I thought this was all a sick joke, until I heard Paul Kaye announce a ‘new swim course’. This news was met with disappointment, what do I tell my mates? Does this mean I haven’t officially completed a FULL Ironman? A quick glance at the ocean post announcement, caused frustration and disappointment turn to reason, ‘there must be a valid reason for this’. Enter the swim: nerves fall away, and excitement rolls over, excitement is then replaced with panic after what felt like I was swimming over buildings and dumped back into the ‘flat’ swells of the water. These conditions took some getting used to (approximately 500m) and excitement and focus returned once again. After completing the 2.1kms (NOT 1.6kms) I exited the water in a time of 37:06 thinking to myself that it was probably best that the swim was shortened – but still… have I completed a full Ironman? Onto the bike we go – The first part of the bike was about getting my HR in check after the massive spike T1 always brings, it was a measured approach and I was grateful for the maturity I showed in this part of the race. The dreaded hills that I heard about pre-race were a breeze and only slight ‘ kickers, little did I know that these were not the hills that ‘they’ were talking about … heading to the 40-odd km mark I realised that we had entered hurt locker territory. Hills with gradients and distances that slowly sapped the valuable energy from the legs crept up on me like 4am alarm (it was more of a slap in the face). After surviving the turn around and cycling into a cone – I exited the valley of 1000 hills hoping to get some respite – no such thing happened. I was met with a headwind and stupid hill that never ended; this is apparently known as Heartbreak hill. 2nd lap on the bike I at least knew what I was in for – same story, had an easy peddle up to the valley of 1000 hills (which I am now referring to that section as) and then tried to get as aero as possible, waiting to get to the last easy 15kms into PE. These last 15 ‘easy’ kms were carnage. The wind had picked up and it was a long battle with the bike to get me to the sanity of Marine Drive. Bike leg: 6hr 10min Into transition, where I was prepared to cumulate an additional 10 minutes of a sanity check and a refuel session. Run started off easier than expected, the headwind going university direction took a bit of a knock on my splits, but I was okay – I had already experienced hell, and what it had to offer, on the bike. 15kms into the run and breathing issues ensued – I prepared my girlfriend and family for a late night of spectating on the tv and on the side of the road and proceeded to waddle off to the next water point. It was here where I understood how Chuck (Tom Hanks) felt when he saw a container ship out at sea to rescue him in Castaway. Only, my container ship, was in the form of a quarter of a marmite sandwich and a boiled potato. My energy levels picked up and so I developed a walk the water tables approach and made my way onto the red carpet. Marathon time: 3hr 48 min I was very chuffed with my 10 hr 49 min finish all things considered. My biggest goal to date was achieved, I am an Ironman!! ... Or having a shortened swim, am I?
