BEGIN HERE

Hi,

Just thought I’d start a blog to record my last month of training for Ironman Austria on July the 4th 2010.

I’ve competed in triathlons for almost two years now mainly doing sprints and just the one Olympic distance so this is quite a big step up.
Like most people who enter a triathlon they’re left wanting more…. How can you shave a few extra minutes off here and there? You finally convince yourself you need all the trick gear to compete and your trusty old racing bike gets replaced with an expensive TT bike accompanied with (gay)aero helmet, wet-suit, tri-suit, elastic laces and Uncle Tom Cobbly and all. Ok, you still don’t win (well I don’t) but you at least look the part.
The holy grail for most triathletes is the Ironman distance race which includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and finishing off with a full marathon run. Once you get your head around the enormity of the task you then start to look at expected times! The arrogance of not being satisfied to do it in the allocated 17 hours but to do it in a reasonable time is the variable that sends you into panic training………this is where I’m at! Despite training reasonably well over the winter the reality of the task has started to hit home now the calendar shows just one more month remaining!! Looking at the text book training manuals I don’t seem to be doing anywhere near enough miles in the pool, on the bike, or on the run!!
Hopefully this blog will encourage me to put in a last gasp effort with my training. Nearly all training bibles speak of a 2-3 week tapering period where you ease up on the training as the big day nears. Unfortunately I’ve got to ignore this excepted piece of advice as I need all the days I can get. So my tapering period will have to begin as I board the plane for Austria, 3 days prior!

I’ll try to update my progress daily, Steve

Wed 2nd June

Wed 2nd June

Went for a 55 mile ride out with Dunk today and managed a fairly decent pace. Seeing as we weren’t drafting each other there was no energy saving let-ups. I suppose this has to be done as it lends itself more to what conditions will be like in Austria. It gave me a chance to try my new Garmin 310Xt…..what a bit of kit that is!! Despite all it’s bells and whistles it didn’t quite get us up to 19mph average. During the ride there was talk of going for a 6 mile run immediately after. During the final stretch home this soon got whittled down to a 3 mile run and eventually dismissed altogether. I can’t remember what the excuse was for talking ourselves out of it, but I bought it.

Thurs 3rd June/ Fri 4th

Went for a 11 mile run before night shift down the river and across some fields to North Kelsey. I got lost and had to ask directions. I ended up coming back for at least a mile through a field of 5ft high yellow triffids. Fortunately I could rely on my SAS training to get me out of there………Or was it a Ray Mears programme?! Cutting a long story short my ‘virtual partner’(the little guy on my Garmin that I set for 8 minute miles pace) hammered me!!!!! Already the relationship with my Garmin is showing signs of turbulence!

Friday 4th June

Quick turnaround at work today but managed to make an old school-friend’s funeral.
Same age as me. Sad day, makes you stop and think and think and think.

Sat 5th June

Sat 5th June

Afternoon shift today so biked to Leisure centre on the way to work. I was a bit disappointed to see there were no lanes roped off in the pool. I did ask the lifeguard to rope one off but apparently they’re not allowed! ‘
But there’s only 10 people in the whole bloody pool!’ Moaned a Victor Meldrew voice from within.
Sometimes, I don’t think people realize I’m training for Ironman Austria!! I bet Chrissie Wellington doesn’t have this problem?! Still, I did manage to get 96 lengths in in 40 minutes before little Tommy decided to practice his bombing. Biked a further 15 miles to work in glorious sunshine. Not so at midnight for the 20 miles home though, bloody thunderstorm.

Sun 6th June

Sun 6th June

As anyone who’s trained for, or is training for an Ironman will tell you, it is, no doubt, a selfish undertaking. When your wife is talking of decorating rooms you can’t help but drift away… thinking……… How exactly will a new conservatory suite help me bike 112 miles? I am aware of this and I do seem to be putting a few jobs on the back-burner. But as an extra reminder to how much DIY work I haven’t been doing I got up today to find the conservatory stripped bare! I don’t think we’d been burgled unless the considerate thief decided to fill the skirting boards up with wood filler? Oh, and the lawns have been cut! I must try harder.

I thought a 10 mile run to Waddingham and back would be the best way of reflecting on how I was going to juggle all these balls. Oh, a lack of sleep being another ‘ball’. It’s a viscous circle because I have to train to realize my goal but with ‘training long’ comes tiredness(or is this just an age thing). Trying to steal the odd lay in on my days off just gets me further behind in my list of jobs. The run felt a little bit flat today and I certainly didn’t pull up any trees as my time was a couple of minutes down on previous runs. Having said this I did manage to even the score with my ‘Virtual Partner’ just getting under 1 hour 20 by a minute. I can see this rivalry between me and the Garmin is going to end in tears.

Monday 7th June

Went to the leisure centre at dinner for a swim but arrived late and didn't get much time before the school kids were in. Managed a mile in just under 25 minutes before retiring to the sauna.
Got a text from Binchy and Clarky to join them at 18:30 for open water swimming in the River Ancholme.I was a bit worried about a couple of holes in my wet-suit but felt reassured when their wet-suits resembled patchwork quilts from similar war wounds. Pete and Stenno were also there so it turned into a bit of a thrash-fest as all 5 of us swam the 2.4 k distance. I was stopped in my tracks at one point as I headbutted a bit of floating driftwood. Feeling concussed, bruised and about to go into shock I tried to explain to my fellow Ironmen what had happened. I didn't seem to get a lot of sympathy as Clarky smiled before saying 'Come on then, off we go' and swum off!!
Enjoyed the swim though and getting use to the chafing of the wet-suit is all good practice for Austria.
But a good day of exercise was slightly marred when I turned down Binchy's offer of an 06:00 ride out the following day. My 'Old Pecuiliar'ales and a DVD were waiting at home. This is where myself and the rest of the Ironman fraternity seem to have differing opinions on the consumption of beer. They say you shouldn't have it and I say you should!!! How can so many people be wrong.LOL!

Tuesday 8th June

Reluctantly went for a ride in the rain today to my mum’s in Gainsborough averaging just over 20mph. Got sodden wet through!
Didn’t fare so well on the way back due to more rain and a head wind. I was at least disciplined enough to stick the trainers on and go for a 5 mile run as soon as I got in though. I must do a few more of these brick sessions in the next week or so as it’s the aches and pains when you set off running(off the bike) that can give you negative thoughts before you even begin to make a dent into the 26 miles.
I need to get out on the TT bike too to experience a long ride in the more uncomfortable aero position, not in the wet though. Trouble is, time’s ticking by!
I weighed myself today and the scales show this is the lightest I’ve been (13st 5lb) since I was about 18! I’ve lost over 2 stone in a year and a half!! Not sure if I’m happy about this or not but carrying an extra 2 stone around the 140 mile distance wouldn’t have helped my cause.

Thursday 10th

Got up at 04:45 to bike to work. It's not the 20 mile journey that's a problem it's the getting up at stupid o'clock that tires me! Weather was lousy again with rain and a headwind. I did manage a smile however through Ulceby when I was confronted by a deer. We just stared at each other for twenty or so seconds. I stopped, reached for my phone to take a snap and it bolted, missed it!
There was a great tailwind on the way home and I was back in under 55 minutes which included a 5 minute tirade of abuse and gesturing at a lorry driver who I'd caught up at some traffic lights a few minutes later. Roadworks had made it a single file lane but he still forced his juggernaut past me expecting me to ride into the cones!!

Wednesday 9th
Deliberated whether to do the 10 mile time trial tonight or go for a long run. Although the long run would have benefited me more I couldn't resist the temptation of the time-trial. Ended up getting 2nd sandwiched between Yorkie and Clarky averaging just over 25.5 mph. I should have taken my trainers and followed Clarky and some of the girls' example by going running afterwards, but sadly, I sat in the pub listening to the Lincsquad committee meeting wondering why I was the only one drinking beer. Dedication!. Strangely, my chain fell off a couple of times on the way home, that would have been game over if it was in the time-trial an hour earlier.
Had to re-evaluate my expected finishing time for the Ironman when I discovered at last year's race the temperature was 35 degrees during the run!!! It's 31 degrees there now! That would add another 30-45 minutes at least onto my expected run time.

Friday 11th June

107 mile bike ride today and I certainly know about it! I've done a few long rides in the past but these have always included some quick nosh(can you still say this?)at a cafe stop! So I suppose they were like 2 x 50 milers in the same day. The fact I did it on my own also added to the misery as long rides seem to go a lot quicker when you can have a natter to your mates. I must say I did 'bonk'(another word that can cause a titter[and another])at about the 90 mile mark which coincided with me running out of water. I promised myself I would do a short run as soon as I got in. My knees absolutely wrecked so my short run wasn't even half a mile. I couldn't have the neighbours hearing me screaming like a girl so I yet again talked myself out of it!
I tried to order a bike box to rent for my bike during the trip. They're all booked out, probably going where I'm going. I'd better get ringing around sharpish or I'll be going nowhere!

Saturday 12th June

I didn’t do a great deal today with me being in bed from my nightshift. I was going to go swimming but the lane swimming clashed with the England game so I gave it a miss. I’ll bike the 20 miles to work tonight though so I at least do something. My knees are still aching from the attempted run following my long ride yesterday, bit of a concern really. Well, it’s 3 weeks tomorrow before the Klaxon sounds the start of the race. I think I could do with another fortnight’s training to be completely confident but apparently most people going into an Ironman have the same ‘I haven’t done enough training’ worries. I suppose this is to be expected as with most athletic events you would at least attempt to do the distances you are expected to do in the race so that mentally you know you can do it. This should never be attempted with an Ironman as your body would take too long to recover. Even running the marathon distance in training is not advised as you wouldn’t fully recovery for several days and this would be seen as valuable sessions missed

Sun 12th & Mon 13th June

Malc,Myself, Al and Andy (three of the other lads attempting Ironman Austria)

Sunday 13th
Biked 20 miles back from work following a night-shift. Not too sure I’ll do this again as I was spent. A journey that usually takes me 55 minutes took 1hour and 15mins in the miserable rain and headwind. I didn’t enjoy it and just wanted to get home and into bed.
Went swimming with Lincsquad before my night-shift.
I’m a little disappointed with the ‘Just giving’ site as I’ve tried to access the site several times over the weekend to see who’s made a kind donation but on each occasion it says ‘Site undergoing maintenance’ or words to that effect. What frickin good is that!!!!!!! Now everybody will say…. ‘Well I tried to donate but the site was closed for maintenance’

Monday 14th

Quick turnaround but before work I managed to get 100 lengths in at the pool in just over 40 minutes. I still haven’t actually swam the 2.4 mile distance (150 lengths) that I’m expected to do yet. I’m sort of taking the approach if I can swim 100 lengths then I can swim 200 or 300 lengths. This cocky approach may come back to bite me but it’s bloody boring enough without doing another 50 lengths!

Tuesday15th June

I got a steady 13 mile run in before work this morning. It’s as if I’ve resigned myself to the fact I’ll be running the 26.2 mile on the day at a very slow pace so my training pace has already started to get accustomed to it! Either that or I’m getting sadly worse. 1hr 47 mins my garmin showed!
I’ve got to say my calves are caning again so I’ll be having a rest from running for a few days at least. With such little time remaining I may only be able to squeeze one or two more long runs in at the most. I think an 18 miler would be a good confidence builder but I don’t want to leave myself too shot and not recover in time. We’ll see.
Still weight seems to be dropping off me I was only 13st 3lbs this morning. I may even get under 13 before the day. I’m surprised at my weight loss really, OK, I know I’m exercising to an extreme but I’m also eating like a pig and it’s definitely not all health food. I soon polished off a full pizza and a medium kebab before demolishing a bar of chocolate after my long ride on Friday. It’s great! I will cut out the junk food and beer a couple of days before though just to show my commitment to the cause.

Wednesday 16th

I wasn't going to write anything today as I've only done 41 minutes of exercise and that was my 100 length pool swim. I had a change of heart though when I got a bit of encouragement from some fellow Lincsquadders who told me they are actually reading this blog, and there was me thinking it was just my mum and grandma who were following it.
There may have been an offer to do some open-water swimming tonight but I think I conveniently forgot about it! With it being my two days off I also made a deal with myself not to have any beers tonight with it being just a fortnight to departure. Ok the deal sort of changed a bit due to the glorious sunshine so I comprimised on just half my normal quota. I won't divulge how many pints(crates)that is but I should be up, bright-eyed and bushy tailed just before dinner-time tomorrow!!
That will be it now for beer until the big day(afterwards hopefully),yep definitely on the wagon until then!!!! Except, obviously Friday night when England are playing!
Two steps forward, one back.

Thursday 17th June

What a cracking sunny day. I went out on the TT bike to get a little more accustomed to the riding position and was pleasantly suprised not to be walking hunched over with a cricked neck! I did set the handlebars up a bit from my time-trial position to hopefully not restrict my internal organs when in the aero position. It seemed to work anyway as I got 80 miles in with no aches and pains. No pains that is except for a personal one that I certainly don't want to share with you lot but it seems I may have the beginning of an age related problem that's commonly known in the trade as the 'Farmer Giles'..Man I'm still whincing.
I've got to say it wasn't exactly 80 miles without stopping though as I biked to Browny's in Owston Ferry, had some snap, and then he joined me for a 30 mile stint before I biked back home. It was good to see the average up at 21.5 and 22.5mph for the journey there and back this is a good couple of mile an hour faster than my racer time, all for the same amount of effort. TT bikes do make a difference.
Right then, let's get some treatment.......

Friday/Sat 18th-19th June

Biked to and from work on the P3 today and without pulling up any trees smashed my best times. Did the 20 mile back in under 55 minutes which included a stop at the shop for my boxing mag.
That’s when the Ironman training was put on hold as friends came round for the England game. Several beers, pizza and those silly nibbles that you just can’t stop picking at has left me slightly de-railed from my recent good work especially with me doing no exercise tomorow either.
Still, it was all worth the sacrifice to see that cracking display of football from our country’s finest!

Saturday June 19th

A big (early) Father’s day English breakfast this morning is hardly the athletes’ meal of choice. It had to be done though as a shift change has meant I’m on a quick turn-around tomorrow morning. So not the best preparation this weekend but I’ll call today a ‘rest’ day seeing as I’ve done some kind of exercise each day for over a fortnight now.
Looked at some of the Lincsquad guys’ results from today’s Dambuster and it’s got me all excited for a fortnight tomorrow. Another fellow Lincsquadder has come to the rescue with my bike box dilemma(or lack of) phew, I was cutting that mighty fine, cheers Dan.

The 2.4 mile swim starts in the lake and ends in the canal.

Sunday 20th June

Ran 10k down the river bank after work and was pleased to see it was a season's best time. Went swimming with Lincsquad at 20:00 although I didn't really push myself, too busy listening to people's stories of the Dambuster tri.

Monday 21st June

Suddenly got nervous about today's bike ride in the Peaks when I found out late Sunday that it was just myself and the Clarkster-meister going. Not that I mind locking horns with the younger, fitter, lighter, faster GB age grouper but hill climbing really is playing to his strengths. I'd considered feigning injury as not to embarrass myself but thought the big hills in Austria wouldn't seem quite so bad after today's climbs. The usual early Lincsquad start had us all togged up and raring to go from Langsett at 08:30. For some bizarre reason the standard 50 mile course wasn't going to be long enough for the two budding Ironmen. An improvised 10 mile loop was stuck onto the start which took in a couple of long ascents before tackling the route for real! It wasn't long before the nightmare hill Holme Moss was in sight. I rather unselfishly let Steve C grab the glory on this one and met him at the top where he was tucking into a picnic, in wait. I thought I'd adopt the same strategy throughout the day and let him have similar such victories up Snakes Pass and Strines Moor(little Switzerland) I didn't want to knock his confidence. The annoying thing was I couldn't lose him on the flat either, every time I gave it big licks he was there on my wheel!!
Seriously, today was the best day of my life!.......... No, sorry it wasn't, that was the birth of my kids and of course my wedding day. What I meant to say was it was a pleasure to ride today despite the punishment. The weather was brilliant and the scenery(the reservoirs) was breathtaking(ok slightly cliched). I'm sure even Austria will be pushed to compete with today's display of English countryside. A point Steve and I made whilst having a 'Shawshank Redemption' moment as we lay waste deep in Langsett reservoir cooling off with an ice bath(minus the ice).
A healthy jacket potato and tuna (without the demon mayo) for me as I watched Clarky gorge himself on a massive plate of chips,several eggs and half a pig of ham, oh and a pint, yes, a pint of coffee!!! Or have I got that mixed up?
Foot note Just to add that the Shawshank Redemption scene to which I refer is where Freeman and Robbins are having a cool beer on the top of the roof feeling momentarily free! Very important that the gang raping scene hasn't been assumed.

Tuesday 22nd june

Haven't done anything today except slept. I think the mess about with shifts at the weekend has caught up with me. I seemed to have picked up an annoying stabbing chest pain like a torn muscle which seems to tear if I start running. I had the same thing several months back but on the other side of my chest. It took a couple of weeks to heal last time so I'm hoping this soon clears up!
Looking for a bit of inspiration I thought putting the old Team Hoyt clip off You tube should help. If you haven't seen it then click on it. My Ironman efforts somewhat pale into insignificance after watching this.

Wednesday the 23rd June

Quick turnaround today plus one of the lads wants me to come in early and ‘relieve’ him so he can get home in time for the England game, so not much time for training.
I did manage to get in the river for a quick 20 minute swim albeit more to test my chest pain out than anything else. Never felt a dickie bird whilst swimming yet walking to and from the river it wrecked!!! Attempted to get in at the Doctors but I was reminded that you have to give about 3 days notice before getting an appointment!! I’ll try again tomorrow! In the mean time I’ve been told to take some nurofen plus. Worth a punt I suppose.

Thursday 24th June

Went swimming before work yesterday and did 2 miles in 50 minutes, all chest pain free. I then walked to the sauna and had to clutch my chest again. Strange!! Biked 20 miles to work and then back again after my shift another 20 miles. I tried to access the 'Just giving' site from work and yet again, in fact everytime I've tried I can't get on!! I've spoke with 'Just Giving' and they assure me the problem lies with my company's security settings. Charming! I wondered why nobody from work(apart from my area) had sponsored me!! What a waste of time that was!

Friday 25th June

The time I'd biked back from work last night and got showered etc meant I'd only be getting 4 hours sleep before getting up to meet Andy V and Clarky for a ride in the wolds. I opted for the 'late start' of 08:30 with Phil B(another Ironman in training)instead. The plan was to do an 80 mile ride and then a 10 mile run but I'd got myself booked in at the Doctors in the afternoon to diagnose my pains. Let's be honest the run was never going to happen. If I'm being critical with my training then the actual running off the bike is where I've not been disciplined. I've taken the approach that it's going to hurt on the day anyway and although I can see the benefits of experiencing this pain. I also think would a boxer get in the ring with Tyson the week before he was meant to fight, let him knock him out just so he was use to the beating! I suspect it'll hurt just as much everytime Tyson knocks you out. Now then, where was I...
We ended up doing 79 miles in total which included our very own Red Arrow display up near Fillingham somwhere. The aerial spectacle was a good excuse to take on gels and flapjacks and the pace slowed compared to the previous 50 miles. This was the only respite in what was a good training session especially coming from Gringley into Gainsborough where we barely dipped under 28 mph.
Respect to Phil, who, when I left was donning his trainers and going for a run.....he obviously thought my 'Tyson' analogy was a load of cobblers!!
Oh nearly forgot, Doctor says I've a month to live!

No he didn't, that wasn't funny. He seems to think I've trapped my nerve receptors that travel around from my spine and go inbetween my ribs. Didn't give a cure but I've got some pain numbing patches to apply. Fingers crossed.

Saturday 26th June

Obviously this Ironman training is good for my health, but take today for example. My phone broke so I had to go into Scunny for a new one. This meant I didn't do the training I was planning on doing. Having said this Angie, myself and the kids took the dog for a walk down the river bank before tea. I took my wet-suit and swam from Hibaldstow bridge to Cadney bridge and back amassing almost 2 miles. Ange went for a run whilst the boys filmed me with my new phone.
Back to my opening sentence, I'm now typing this feeling like I haven't done anywhere near enough exercise today!!!. At one time of day I'd have been well happy with 2 miles swimming. It seems the more you do, the more you feel guilty when you're resting!!! It is becoming obsessive!!!

Today's swim in Ancholme (trying new phone)

">

Monday 28th June

Wasn't sure whether to do something today or not because according to some it's just rest this week. I figured a steady bike to Browny's house 25 miles away on my TT bike wouldn't qualify as hard training. The 25 mile ride back was a lovely backwind so I couldn't help but sit at 28 mph for long periods. Pasta dinner when I got back to start off the carb-loading week. Weather forecast in Klagenfurt is indicating 31 degrees!!! Bugger!!

Thanks again to those who've sponsored me it does help when I get an E-mail to say someone's given a donation. I think your messages of encouragement are great, thanks.

Sunday 27th June.

I contemplated running today, in truth, I didn't dare go as I was still nervous about the chest pains. I knew if the chest pains kicked in I would be mightily depressed and would be flying out expecting to walk the 26 miles rather then run.
Angie said, well you might aswell know one way or the other and if it is still bad you've got a few more options to get it sorted.
I took her advice and went for a 5k run with her biking next to me (armed with a defibrilator, lol). To describe the pain it's like a hook inside my ribs which I could feel instantly as I set off. Over the last week this hook has pulled at my ribs and made it unbearable to do anything except clutch my chest. I can say with huge relief that the pulling of the hook didn't happen enough to stop me and if anything the pain eased the more I got into the run. Man, was I elated! The pain still hasn't gone away but at least I know I can run through it. I still have the magic patches to apply from the Doctor too.
I might call that my last run now as I'm fairly positive (in my mind anyway) that I can run my way around the course. I'm still way short of running mileage in the bank but I'm sure I can just slow the pace down to stretch it out to the full marathon distance. I'm certainly fit enough it's just if the body can hold out!

5 days before race. Tuesday 29th

Started to get my things together for the flight on Thursday. I fetched the Bikebox from good old Dan and Andy Veitch allowed me to borrow his aero helmet on the proviso I carry a big 'Homecrafts' placard around with me. No he didn't! Although if he reads this he will probably see it as an opportunity missed.
I got in the pool for 45 mins at dinner but I was just getting wet really, I didn't have a training plan in mind so I just went through the motions. I did speak to a few of the guys who I share a lane with at the dinnertime sessions. These 3 guys must think I'm an ignorant sod because the last 6 months I've just churned up and down the pool choosing to tumble-turn at the ends and not really stopping for idle chatter. The three, bless em, always pull out of the way for me so not to interfere with my training. They wait until I pass and then follow me for a while so as not to disturb me for another 6-8 lengths. Not that they'll ever read this, but thanks guys.
I suppose I'll write something tomorrow but that will be my last post before the race as I haven't got a lap-top to take with me.
I'll try to remember a bit of the pre-race nerves and experiences and I'll also write an epic piece on the actual race before bringing this blog to an end.

Wednesday June 30th

Well, almost packed. There seems to be some confusion with bike box and suitcase weight limits. Tucker has read that we can only take 32Kgs in total that's including bike-box and suitcase!! I hope they're leniant as I have over 50kg!!
I did go for a gentle 6 mile run today just so my legs don't forget what to do!! I must admit plodding at just over 8 minute miles does feel very comfortable, almost too slow, although I'm sure I'd quite happily settle for that pace on Sunday, in fact I easy would.
Just read a few 'all the best' texts, e-mails etc and feel really up for it! Thanks to everyone who's followed this blog and given me your support.
I'm now armed with thoughts, proverbs, ditty's, Rocky songs and many more words of advice to keep my spirits up when I'm feeling low. I can taste that cool pint of lager at the finish line and the other 12 to follow it! By the looks of it I should exceed my £500 target for the 'Magic Moments' charity too. So there's some more encouragement to keep going.How can I let them down!
That's me for at least a week now. All the training and hard work's done so hopefully on my return I'll be able to call myself an...... 'Ironman'.
I'll put you in the picture when I get back, cheers Steve.

Thurs, Fri and Saturday before race day.

Ok, i've just had chance to get on here to update my blog. Well I am now an official Ironman but If I can risk not boring you to death I'll come to the race a bit later. I think it's important for me to be able to look back at the few days lead up to the race.
At Stanstead airport Tucker, Al, Malc and myself met up with 2 more (athletes)lads who lived not far from us. Andy, a member of Barracuda Tri was, like Tucker and I, doing his first Ironman. Tony from Grimsby Tri was like Malc and Al had a few Ironman events under his belt. Both lads had races and friends in common with us all so our quartet became a sextet, or whatever it's called but basically our gang became 6 for the remainder of the trip.
As boring as it was now becoming we all ordered pasta from the airport restaurant. This was our last meal until 23:00 that night when we all had to go a bit naughty and have pizzas as that's all they were serving.
The complex was superb it was very much Center Parcs(but real) with villas in the forests and a huge lake. We headed into Klagenfurt early Friday morning for the expo and to soak up the Ironman village atmosphere. There were thousands of the fittest people I had ever seen, on the best bikes I'd ever seen, wearing all the best gear I'd ever seen. The village was buzzing, everyone buying gear they'd forgotton (or like Al had confiscated at the airport) in a last minute panic.
What was most noticeable was the stifling heat of 30 degrees. We soon dived into the most scenic lake I'd ever seen and cooled off whilst trying to imagine the route we'll have to take.
The Friday night was pasta party time. I've attended one of these before at the Great North Run and it was a pretty drab affair offering a small bowl of raviolli. This was nothing of the sort. We were introduced to the pros and a procession of all 50 odd countries participating. Gymnasts put on a display as we tucked into bowls upon bowls of pasta. Just the job, the only downside was the free beer teasing us as partners of the athletes took advantage of the small beer queues.
The Saturday saw us go for a steady ride whilst checking out our bikes after assembling them from their boxes. A bus trip also took us for a lap around the bike course which turned out to be a wasted couple of hours as the driver went the wrong way missing out the big climbs which was the only reason we'd decided to go!!
More pasta that night before setting the alarm clock for 04:00 for the big day. Pre race nerves and trying to imagine the race meant I didn't get to sleep until 01:00-ish but I'd expected this. That's it then, the big day awaits after almost a year's worth of training and preparation...bring it on.

After the race, the 6 of us with age group and Hawaii slot winner Janet

Race Day

My pre race goals….
Plan A, to complete in 10 hrs 59 mins and 59 secs.
Plan B. if I’m trying to achieve Plan A but suffering big time then just 'simply' finish the course!

03:55 and three alarms all going off simultaneously was to be the start of a very long day. The restaurant had actually opened for breakfast for the athletes (that’s what they called us) but Tucker and I chose to stick with our tried and tested cereals, oats with bananas, nuts and berries being mine.
The bus got us to the transition area where we’d racked our bikes and transition bags (the previous night) with an hour and a half to spare. I pumped more air into the tubs and fitted three full water bottles of energy drink and water before donning the wet-suit. I’d never used the bike /run/street wear bag method before so my mind was working overtime to ensure I had all that I needed in the relevant bags. With a few nervous visits to the busy porta-loos we eventually took our positions at the lake side

Race Day: The 2.4 mile lake swim

Goal... to swim under an hour and with a bit of luck about 57 mins.

It’s generally considered that the left hand pier was for the more competent, faster swimmers leaving the right hand pier for those who wanted to pick a more favorable spot before joining the ‘washing machine’.
The pros were already in the water some 15 metres in front giving them a chance to escape the 2600 ensuing thrash paddlers when the cannon sounded.
The cannon’s boom indicated it was 07:00 and more importantly the race had started. It was every man and woman for them self as they charged into the water elbows and fists flailing. Jumping on people’s backs seemed the only way forward as the initial water wasn’t deep enough to swim in. This will calm down after 400 meters, or so I thought, and then I’ll be able to start getting nearer to the front. Sighting was a waste of time as the buoy was just a tiny balloon in the distance so you had to trust that the person in front was heading the right way. But they weren’t, and I watched frustratingly as swimmers zig-zagged whilst cutting me up as they over-corrected their mistakes. Unless they were going straight and it was me that was zig-zagging….now there’s a thought!! I felt two arms wrapped around my leg for what seemed an age. I can only think that someone wanted a free tow or wanted to drown me. Were they trying to nick my timing chip? I wasted lots of energy trying to kick the perpetrators off and then made the mistake of trying to get revenge wasting more valuable energy. I soon realized you had to put up with the toe touching after all I don’t suppose it’s intentional but it’s bloody annoying. I got my cap whipped off which turned out to be a blessing, giving me a cooler bonce in the 24 degree water.
I have to say I didn’t enjoy the swim especially when it bottle-necked into a canaI for 800m and there was almost gridlock as you waited for the swimmers whilst jostling for positions. I imagined the swim to be a little hectic but I thought it would soon calm down so you could concentrate on your stroke, maybe even draft off a slightly faster swimmer. I think my positioning in the group was all wrong, a learning I’ll have to put down to experience. I likened it to( and I’ve done this myself) the Great North Run where you position yourself at the start under a banner indicating 1 hr 20 mins even though you’re more likely to finish in 1 hr 35. After just 5 miles some people are walking in front of you and you realize either they can’t read the timing banners or they were just stealing a few cheeky positions!!! Well in this case of an Ironman swim it’s like all 50 thousand runners (including the Rhinos and Shreks) have decided to stand with the elites under the 5 min mile banner!!!
Things of note during the swim was I noticed a guy in front of me at the 2.2 mile stage with his legs bound together doing a butterfly kick, surely he hadn’t done butterfly all this while? On closer inspection I realized he only had the use of one arm too………amazing!!
A woman doctor, as it happened, from our bus, had it slightly worse than me as she had to re-set her broken nose during transition when she got the full force of a leg kick on her hooter. She looked like a panda at the end of it, proudly sporting two black eyes….so it could have been much worse.
One guy just made the swim cut-off time of 2 hrs 20 mins by a matter of seconds, he was encouraged and pulled up the ramp by the marshalls. The guy who was only several seconds behind him wasn’t so lucky as they pulled him out of the water but then shut the gate to transition in front of him….game over!!

Swim time…1-01- 37 secs …………3-4 mins behind schedule!!
Position at this time of race....34th out of 554 males in my age group...223rd overall.

With medal and T-shirt

The 112 mile bike ride

The 112 mile bike ride

Predicted time..5hrs 30 mins

Transition 1 was very slow, discarding the wet-suit and slipping on my cycling shirt whilst wet was no easy feat, packing my towel in the bag would have helped! Socks, number belt, Vaseline for the saddle area, helmet, sunglasses and a quick application of sun cream!!!! Yes sun cream…I was in a race for Pete’s sake not a day at the beach!!!! Needless to say this pampering added up to 8 minutes. The race winner took less than 3.5 minutes for both his transitions, I bet his missus didn’t make him apply sun cream? This was a big loss of time and I’ve got to sort this out for any future events.
Being an Ironman rookie I erred on the side of comfort. I listened to everybody’s personal problems during their Ironman rides and took the appropriate action, serum, antidote to prevent me suffering the same fate. I went way overboard with my nutrition. You hear so many stories about getting stomach cramps, salt depletion, needing the toilet and the worst case to me would be blowing up/bonking as your body starts to deplete. My nutrition was more suited for an expedition to the South Pole as I armed myself with 15 energy gels, 2 flapjacks, 2 energy bars, a pack of mini cheddars, 2 bananas, a big packet of jelly beans, a ham and cheese bun and some peanuts. 3 bottles of energy drink and water to wash it down. Done! I ended up bringing most of this back with me frustrated that I’ve bought an expensive bike that weighs about 8 kg but added about 3 kg to my cycling shirt in food and water that I didn’t use!
The course was proper ‘Sound of music’ country. The alpine mountains surrounding the lakes were breathtaking; I should have taken my camera. The roads were very smooth with some long descents where you can hit 45 mph quite easily. Even on the flat I was pushing 28-30mph with no big problems. There were of course some up-hills to follow the descents but seeing as the bus didn’t take us up them the previous day I didn’t know when to expect them or how long they’d go on for. I was pleasantly surprised on the first lap to realize I’d got up the major hill without really realizing it. The Tour-de France type crowd choking the roads in their thousands helped you ignore the suffering and put on a brave face or at least until you got out of their sight. At the top of the major climb, the Rupertberg was a DJ mimicking your ‘Out of the saddle’ pedal strokes to the beat of the music.
Aid stations were a plenty around the course and I grabbed a bottle at every opportunity to squeeze into and replenish my front water bottle. This is why the 1.5 kgs of water in my back water bottles were just there for a jolly around the Alps and not there for a purpose. I’m still miffed at this! If I’d have jettisoned the extra weight it could have saved me valuable minutes over the 112 miles.
I went through the halfway stage at just under 2.5 hours so my immediate thoughts were, am I going too fast, will I meltdown on the last lap? I didn’t want to slow the pace and conserve energy though as I felt pretty good and after all my run pace is hardly record breaking so would it make any difference!?! I managed to sustain the pace and went up the same hills yet again albeit a little slower as now I knew what to expect. The fast descent from the Rupertberg couldn’t be fully utilized as my chain fell off and needed a stop to put back on.
One observation I took from this Ironman was the drafting laws weren’t being fully adhered to. Groups of riders would ride close together, not as obvious as sitting directly on your back wheel but certainly enough to get a benefit, possibly a couple of metres back when it’s meant to be no less than 9 metres! I’d noticed, unless it was just coincidence that at least 3 of the strong female riders (probably pros or potential Hawaii qualifiers) riding near me seemed to be chaperoned by a couple of blokes riding with them. The same blokes were running with them also. I witnessed two of these girls in floods of tears around the run course with these chaps consoling them as their dreams of an Hawaii slot would have to wait for another day, probably blown up in the heat.
A freak storm from nowhere slowed me down a little towards the end. The wind was strong enough to catch my deep rimmed wheels and blow me a couple of feet sideward. Thank goodness I can’t afford a rear carbon disc or I’d have had even more heart in the mouth moments. I was now drenched and the brakes on the carbon wheels were not stopping me so I had to take it a little gingerly for the last mile or so. I knew by this time I was going to be well within my predicted time of 5hrs 30 mins so the sub 11 hour time was most definitely on.
My finishing time for the bike was 5 hrs and 2 minutes something. I then obviously got thinking why didn’t I try that little bit harder for the sub 5 hr time? I’ve got to be pleased with that really, it now gave me a lot more time to play with for the marathon if things suddenly went disastrously wrong. News had spread through the camp that despite the closed roads some woman had driven onto the course and knocked people over, I witnessed a few ambulances but didn’t see the incident.
I stuck my bike in transition and headed toward the changing tent, I just hoped my legs would remember to start running and forget that they’ve been biking for the last 5 hours………

Predicted time 5:30…actual time 5:02 ish
Position at this time of race....41st out of 554 males in my age group...284th overall

With Dave Orlowski who finished 3rd in the original Ironman in 1978

The Full Marathon Run

The (26.2m)Run.

I racked my trusty steed thinking to myself, good lass you didn’t give me any major problems and especially no puncture headaches unlike a few I saw around the course wrestling with their tubs. I galloped toward the T2 changing tent…Hey that wasn’t too bad, I can stand, I can run!

T2 was also slow at 7.5 minutes as I did the customary pamperings. I was glad for the spare pair of running socks I’d packed though as my feet were sodden wet through. There was still lots of male nudity in the tent (oh, didn’t I mention that in T1) with women marshals in attendance which I found very odd seeing as you get disqualified in England for exposing yourself at these events. (Twelve times I’ve been disqualified back at home , I never learn!!.....bum bum.)
This was it, time to start the bit I’d been dreading for the last year or so. I reset my Garmin and tested the legs, they felt ok, well, not half as bad as I’ve experienced during some sprint triathlons.
The route out of transition took ages and was lined with spectators cheering me on. My Garmin beeped after the first mile and showed my pace as doing a 7:38 mile. Whoops, I think this was a little fast considering the task in hand so I slowed the pace to 8:15 minute miles. The storm disappeared as mysteriously as it had appeared and the sun was back with a vengeance. What a contrast, but by all accounts the weather conditions were similar last year with even hailstone at one point in the race followed by a heat wave.!! At the first aid station two wet sponges on my head were priority then some water which was a little confusing as they served it in coke cups aswell as serving coke in coke cups!
The course meandered around the lake we’d just swum in and the whole area was packed with holidaymakers and supporters many swimming, sunbathing, book reading, beer-supping and pedalo-ing whilst shouting their encouragement. The fact your race number has your name and country on it is a great idea, a personal shout out ‘Bravo Steve, super’ does you the world of good.
My pace was steadily slowing all the while, more due to the heat than through choice. By halfway my Garmin was now indicating 9 minute miles and the first 13 miles done in 1 hr 55 minutes. Ok this was within my expected time but I was now into unknown territory, remember, I’d only run up to 15 miles in training, 11 more miles seemed an eternity. The amount of water I’d been taking on board finally caught up with me and I was now looking for crowd-less spots between the towns where I could answer natures call. Initially I was being passed quite often as the good runners (or crap swimmer/ bikers as I like to call them) sped by. The more miles under my belt the more people I seemed to pass usually those having difficulty or some simply resigned to walking. Last year’s winner Bella Bayliss was one of these and her race ended prematurely, alone by the roadside.
I’d taken a few energy gels along with water as well as the life saving wet sponges at the aid stations. My socks were yet again sodden wet through as the water ran down my legs into my squelchy shoes. There were times when I contemplated walking but I know once you start to walk you have hell of a time trying to convince the legs to start running again. I had no problem in walking as this was always the back up plan if things turned ugly but I kept thinking to myself well I’m hardly at death’s door and I’ve got no serious injury or blisters, so I can’t really justify reverting to the back-up plan already, unless I’m left with no choice. I plodded on, albeit slowly.
Looking back now I can’t really remember where the miles were lost but I now found myself having 23 miles clocked up on the watch. I’d seen Al on his first lap hobbling after just 5 miles with massive blisters! I felt for him as I knew he’d be 6.5 hours at least in that baking sun. I saw them all, Malc and the two Andys and all were still running. Tony didn’t seem too far behind me and I knew he was capable of a sub 3:30 marathon so whether it was him breathing down my neck or the fact I was only 3 miles from the finish, either one I found my pace increasing to 8:30 min/miles. By my calculations at my current pace I should get under 4 hours comfortably for the marathon, I went for it. My calves were starting to protest and that stabbing pain that had blighted my early season's running was threatening a return! Luckily I was in the fortunate position with only 3 miles remaining were I could ignore it. I would have been in big trouble if I’d had these 10 miles earlier! My Garmin carried on counting up…24, 25, 26 and finally 26.2 miles……….. What the flip!!!!! It was obvious that I was still nowhere near the finish line, what’s happening? Why is this course more than 26.2 miles long?
I could hear the loud speakers in the distance yet it seemed a million miles away, had I gone the wrong way, yet again?
I came in over the line feeling a little dejected as I thought I’d finished almost a mile and half ago my Garmin showed 27.6 miles. I’d obviously cocked it up whilst re-setting it somehow but I still don’t know how! Forget that, the finishing clock showed 10:24:04!!!!!! Almost 36 minutes faster than I’d hoped for. I did a bit of a camp ‘YYEESSSS’ whilst doing some random arm gesturing upon the finish line and this was evident in my finishing photo. There was no family or friends to greet me so despite achieving my year long dream there was no emotional tears like you see so many do at the finish line. This said………………. I was now an Ironman!!

I’d slipped from 41st in my age group after the bike to 76th proving that running isn’t my bag but the fact I didn’t stop or walk helped me beat my predicted run time by 10 minutes.

Running time 4:04:27….goal 4:15.

Total time 10:24:04: Position in the race 397th out of 2600: 76th out of 554 in my age group.