Path to Ironman

Intermission

2013-03-09T03:00:00.000+11:00

So as this is written I am now on my honeymoon.

A great break from everything and a great opportunity to enjoy the world with my new wife Natalie. My best friend and my greatest support in everything I do and wish to achieve.

I will miss two races while we are away, however will be back for the last race of the series.

After that will be some planning around the next few months as things will be getting a little more intense and serious.

I will be heading to Shepparton in November to introduce myself to the world of Ironman in the half Ironman event.
A lot of work to be done in the next few months however I am exited and looking forward to the challenge.

So now I must go, but I will leave a photo of my wedding present to myself. I am very happy man indeed.

pathtoironman :)

Back on Track

2013-03-05T03:00:00.000+11:00

The next race on the calendar was Race 3 back at Elwood. This day presented much better conditions the Race 2 and would be the perfect day for a race.

My highlight for the day was the swim. This was the race were I finally felt at complete ease in the water. With the elements and obstacles I had finally found a peace and connection with the water. I felt I could swim all day and felt relaxed and comfortable. I wasn't anticipating the end, rather appreciating the beauty of open water swimming. I was coming along and more of a complete triathlete.

For the second race in a row I pulled a nice steady bike leg but a touch slower than the last. The conditions were better on the roads with less wind but didn't quite have the legs to push through.

I came into the run and repeated the same course as the previous race in Elwood. I was looking forward to finish and would eventually lose time on the previous race result but was happy to coast along relaxed and content that I had that achievement in the water.

Next up was the Olympic distance race in Sandringham.

However it was time to put my love on hold for my other love, Nat. With only a few weeks left until the wedding it was time to get everything organised and put the last final efforts into creating a beautiful day.

Until next time...

~keep chasing your dreams

pathtoironman :)

The Washing Machine

2013-03-02T03:00:00.000+11:00

The second race of the Gatorade series took us to Elwood. A few days prior I was keenly watching the weather as there was reports of bad weather on the horizon. Friday afternoon reports confirmed this and event organisers cancelled the swim leg and changed it to a run.

Unfortunately somebody believed it a good idea to reinstate the run on Saturday afternoon despite the forecast not really changing. This left many people that had already arrived in town, without their swim gear and causing lots of frustration and anger.

Come race morning it was terrible. We arrived and it was clear the wrong decision had been made. There was a briefing and event organisers gave the option of swimming, or waiting at the swim exit until your wave had finished and stating at the run. My wave started 47 minutes after the elite race so I watched and evaluated. What followed was not encouraging.

I stood there with Nat as we watched boat load after boat load of swimmers being pulled from the water. They actually had to bring in a third rescue craft. It was unfortunate to watch and made my decision rather easy. As shameful as it was, I opted to avoid the conditions and would commence my race from the run.

I was excited at the idea of being a little fresher going into T1 and having a good crack at the bike and run. This bike leg would eventually be a lot kinder than the previous race. Kinder to the degree of nearly 30 minutes.

I came into the last leg fresh and made good ground passing others. With around 2 km to go I steadied and sat on the heels of another competitor. He paced for a while and then I pushed for a little. You could definitely feel mutual respect was there as we urged each other along nearing the finish. We came to a point in the course and the marshals told us were 300 m from the finish. The pace picked up as we looked for a little more to finish off. We both put the foot down and put on a good show as we sprinted the last few hundred metres.

This is the reason I love the sport. The respect, emotions and connections you give the sport and each other make every pain from training and race, worth it.

pathtoironman :)

Bridging the Gap

2013-02-26T03:00:00.000+11:00

Hope it has been a great start to the year for everybody.

I am a little bit behind with the posting but will post a few to bring everybody up to speed with everything.

First up for the season was the Gatorade series race 1 at St Kilda.

I was not expecting great results going into this. I wanted to ease into the series and get a feel for it in the first race. It was a great day and perfect conditions for the beginning of the series.

To make the day even better it was birthday.

The race started well and I sat nicely in the swim taking it easy. Sitting back off the heels of most and casually going about my business still getting comfortable to ocean swimming.

Coming into transition I felt good and was ready to put in a steady bike leg.
That was where it started to unravel. A little into the 20 km course the bike began to feel a little unsteady on the handling. I had never previously had issues, even on training rides.
Before long I was just about going backwards as my back tyre deflated. I pulled over and frantically pumped up the tyre, in the moment a very difficult thing to do. What felt like half hour and hour was probably only a short period of time. When I thought everything was ok I set back off.
Then around 2 km down the road I was ignorant to the fact I had left the pump attached to the tyre and in one smooth pedal stroke I caught the pump and snapped it clean off at the valve.
Again pulling over, I assessed. Another flat and a broken pump. A kind spectator ran over to help me but with no working pumps around he could offer no support.
I decided to push on for a bit more. Being halfway in to the ride I did not want to give up. I had to stop once more to see if I could do anything but i was left to finish the ride with a flat. A very painful ride feeling every bump on the road. Thankfully I made it to T2 and was onto the run.

I could only laugh inside and not get too bothered. Afterall it was my birthday and I was about to finish my first full triathlon, record breaking or not.

I crossed the line and bathed in the beautiful atmosphere that I have now come to love. To cap off a great day and birthday, I was able to get a snap with Erin Densham and Brendan Sexton.

pathtoironman :)

Thought for the day

2012-10-18T00:00:00.000+11:00

"There comes a moment in your life when you stop doubting your abilities, and start believing in yourself."

"A moment where you find a strength to push you through the greatest of psychological barriers."

"A moment when you find an inner peace."

"That moment is now"

~ Tristan Leigh Sharpe ~

Pain is Temporary, Pride is forever.

2012-10-17T02:00:00.000+11:00

"There are people who have no bodies, only heads. And many athletes have no heads, only bodies. A champion is a man who has trained his body and his mind, who has learned to conquer pain for his own purposes. A great athlete is at peace with himself and at peace with the world; he has fulfilled himself. He envies nobody."

~Coach Sam Dee~

Sunday will always be a very difficult day to forget. It was a journey that started three years ago and peaked on the anniversary of my fathers passing. This is my story.

It was a day full of the highest emotion and pride. A day that was long and full of so many thoughts and feelings, yet there is no single word that could describe it and give it justice. The feeling is something you wish to share, yet it is very difficult. I will do my best.

I have spent years running casually, with the Melbourne Marathon in mind as a potential event to compete in one day. I say “compete”, as although there is no competing for the win, you are competing against all the darkest demons your body and especially mind can throw at you.

This year was the year I felt was the time to have a go.

Training was right on target. Pushing the extra mileage each week to take me to the 42km goal for race day. However I got sick a few weeks out. It was a nasty little chest infection that reduced my training to a dizzy mess after 5km. Not the kind of confidence I needed.
I had to rest for the last few weeks leading into the run and knew once I reached the 30 km, I was in uncharted territory and anything could happen. I needed something special to get me through that last 12 km if my body couldn’t handle it.
After all, any long distance runner will tell you 90% of the struggle is in the mind.

When the Friday before event day arrived I was beginning to feel a little edgy. This is when the mind starts to play games and it starts its 48-hour penetration of self-doubt. I was nearly losing the struggle but gripped onto every little bit of positivity I had and went about my weekend.

Saturday was an early rising and a visit to the memorial park to visit Dad. Still mind games running amok I sat there trying to find some peace and confidence. That little bit “extra” I was going to need.

I finished work on the Saturday and headed home. I had some food and chatted to Nat for a bit. I was feeling like I couldn't run 5 km. My mind and body were working against me. She again tried to restore some of my confidence and then it was time for some sleep.

Event morning came and the normal routine of nutrition. I was trying to keep very cool and keep the nerves at bay. I was feeling a bit better the day had arrived though. It was time to get to the ‘G’

I got some stretches out of the way and got to the line with a few minutes to spare. Just the way I like it, not much waiting around burning nervous energy. Before I knew it we were off!

Over 6000 participants crossed the starting line all on their own journey and with a different purpose, all on a perfect Melbourne spring morning.

Strangely my longest event prior had been a half marathon and lots of things are felt; yet in this I really have nothing to say about the first 21 km.

It was a nice easy run down St. Kilda Road and around Albert Park. I found a very good easy pace and tried to sit on it to ensure I had something in the tank when I needed it.

I had made the 22 km mark and was not feeling any effects of being sick so was starting to feel a little more confidence. Though shortly after I felt a nice pop in my shoes, hoping it was just a blister I carried on though a little discomfort. Every time I would reach a first aid station, I would ask myself whether to get it checked but didn’t want to risk stopping and being held up for treatment and then not being able to get moving again. I was moving forward and that’s all I needed. One step at a time was bringing the finish closer.

The course was reasonably flat here but it was heading towards a turn around and all the other participants were already heading back. Usually this wouldn’t bother me, but knowing I had to still go all that way and then back again and then another 13 km. Ouch. Every time, you look up for the turn around all you can see is runners going the same way. No turn around in sight. Oh wait there it is. Only 17 km to go. This is when the mind games started.

It was reasonably flat but had the feeling of a slow gruelling incline back towards St. Kilda.

It was nice to see kids line the roads for high fives and handing out snakes and jelly babies through the course. Also the random strangers setting up their own drink stations for the runners. A big credit for all these people for their support, particularly around the back half of the course near St Kilda.

Finally I had gotten through the first bit of the pain, and had reached 30 km. A flat coast back along St. Kilda Road and run through the gardens and I’m nearly there. Got to stay positive!
Unfortunately this seemed to mark the beginning of the end for a lot of participants. Some, including myself slowed to a walk through the next 5km. Some couldn’t handle the pain any longer and the gutters began to become littered with sore and sick runners, keeping the medics very busy. I hung in there but this is where I needed something 'extra'. The legs become very heavy and you begin to wonder if you will even make it. Even walking was painful. I think I felt a few more blisters pop.

I battered my way to 35 km and slowed to a walk again. I pulled my phone off my arm and messaged Nat - 35 km bleh!

She responded back and told me where she was. It was only a few km to her, and then a few more to the finish. Then she responded with a message my Mum had sent her. It got to me and I held back the tears. I wasn’t sad, I somehow knew I was going to get there, but it was going to hurt.

I picked up my stride. All of a sudden I was the only one running as we reached the gardens and the long climb to the 39 km mark. I started thinking of things and trying to push the pain out. The aching dead legs, the sore battered feet, the nausea, the sunburn.

I reached the 39 km marker. I knew Nat was just up ahead. I found strength and tried to keep pushing. When she caught my eye, she was waving and had a water bottle for me. I ran over to her and got pretty overwhelmed. I sucked back some water and air as she said some stuff to me. Then it was time to bring it home. She offered to walk with me for a bit but I declined.

The last 2 or so km were a feeling like no other. I could have had a broken leg, yet I would probably not have felt it. I fought every pain and took in every feeling running down along towards the MCG and onto the ground. To pass thousands of random people yelling for you and cheering you and telling you good effort as you hit the 42 km mark of a marathon is something you cant explain with words. It is isn't about distance. It is about overcoming the war, the shared struggle. It feels good, but not as good as the feeling of crossing that line and realising you have done it.

That is a feeling I will hold and cherish forever......

See you on the track - follow your dreams

pathtoironman :)

Mid Year Race Reports

2012-08-22T18:04:00.001+10:00

Here we are again, 8 weeks or so since the last update and it has been a roller coaster ride.

With the good we take the bad, and the last 8 weeks have been filled with a lot of good but some bad, which is too much bad for my liking.

After some busy weeks gearing up for The Age Run Melbourne, I was well prepared and it was drawing closer. Though for various reasons, I had to unfortunately and regretfully withdrawal.

The main reason being I pulled a muscle in my back the morning before and could hardly walk.

This whole situation still burns me and annoys me quite a lot. Being the first event I haven't committed to since starting and letting down myself and my sponsors behind the Heart Foundation cause.

Very frustrating and embarrassing! This led to a few sessions of physiotherapy and a couple of weeks of soul searching.

What resulted was the ideal of me trying to harness this frustration into focus and motivation for the next 6-12 months. I asked a lot of questions of myself and had to look at it positively.

Once I began training again, I quietly went about my sessions at the pool and on the track. Something unusual was happening though. I was dropping time everywhere. Short runs, long runs and long swims. I was shaving minutes of PB's. It felt good and I felt I was taking it pretty easy. Cant complain, but I was definitely feeling a lot fresher from another break.

So there was 5 weeks from The Age half marathon until the Sandy Point Half Marathon.

I was intent on making amends.

Event day came around and it was a very fresh morning down on the Brighton foreshore. I was there and ready to happily cruise through the course. It appeared flat but has quite a few gently sloping hills.

As usual I waited and got off with the last third of the pack. I wasn't going to win but always enjoy doing a negative 10km split and passing hundreds of people that have gone out too hard. It was around 10 km down to Beaumaris then 11 km back to the finish.

I eased into the run at a good pace and generally sat in with others. Once the turn around came I felt great and decided to take it up a notch. The crowd had significantly spread, so some were looking for faster runners to pace them back up to the groups ahead. I took advantage of this and got some fast heels to sit on. Didn't feel an ounce of pain or worry throughout the whole run until the last 2 km. Only because it seemed like 6 km not 2 km. But eventually the line was crossed.

Last years Age Run half Marathon recorded a 2:05 for me. I'm still unsure on the accuracy of this?

However going into this I was happy to go sub 2 hrs with the pace I was going to sit on. I cruised over the line in a comfortable 1:53 so was delighted with the result and hopefully can keep pushing to the 1:45 mark.

Loved this course and smaller crowd and will keep going back for this each year.

Now to continue on with fresh body and mind. Next stop is the Melbourne Marathon in 8 weeks. Triathlon calendar is also out and just putting together some more races to take me through until next march. Hopefully smooth sailing ahead. However challenges and setbacks are not always a hindrance. They can provide more motivation to achieving your goals. :)

Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.

~William Arthur Ward~

Sandy Point Half

Start to Finish events

Melbourne Marathon

pathtoironman :)

Reflection

2012-06-20T18:40:00.001+10:00

I'M BACK!.. Again.

So last time I mentioned things were busy and I had a pretty busy training and work schedule.

Unfortunately I got a case of the 'Man Flu' and decided to take some time out from training knowing that work would occupy a lot of my time and energy for the 3-4 weeks.

I was feeling a tad run down and needed to relax a little and enjoy some of the finer things in life, like good food and drink... but not too much.

In hindsight it was probably a good idea. After all I wasn't feeling great and haven't eased down on the training since the end of summer. Also with what will be my first event of my season coming up, it was better to get the break done now rather than later in the year in the middle of events.

So now we are around 3 and a half weeks away from The Age Run Melbourne (TARM). I had put in a lot of km training for the run before my break and was feeling very good. As expected, putting on the runners and picking it back up after a month off was going to hurt a little. The run felt good but definitely tired and felt a little sore earlier than usual. It still felt good to blow out the cobwebs. Then it was off to the pool for a swim and much need spa.

Since then it has been business as usual and back into the rhythm. A short run, a medium run and a long run a week. Plus also basketball once per week provides some great sprint/burst training. I also received a kind call from the heart foundation to check on my progress and thank me for continued support through fund raising for them. They also mentioned they had my photos from last years event on a board in their office. Very flattering. Its good to be supporting a cause close to the heart and for a fund who appreciate it.

As mentioned previously TARM will be my first run for the year. From there I will go on to another half marathon and then the Melbourne Marathon.

Looking particularly forward to the marathon as it will be my first 42.195km attempt. The distance may seem a little daunting but I entered early so I can't back out now. Seriously though I am very eager to do this event. What a challenge!

The drafts are also being drawn up for the next Melbourne Triathlon season, so will be good to get that locked down and keep the motivation flowing.

Next week I'll be heading Brighton for some nice winter bay swimming. Kind of looking forward to it. Not sure why as the weather is hovering from 6-15 degrees at the moment. Water is going to be freezing!

For now it's off for an early night as tomorrow is an early rise for a nice long run. I'll leave you with some photos of one of my favourite places to run in Melbourne. It is around Princes Park in Carlton. Might see you there!

pathtoironman :)

Run Run Run!

2012-05-02T12:11:00.001+10:00

Hello to all,

Where have you all been!

Between work and my new training plan it has been a hectic few weeks.

In my last post I mentioned I was running in The Age Run Melbourne in July.

Just give you a brief run through of where this is heading.

I am one week into my training for the end of year Gatorade series.

However I have adjusted the running to be a little more aggressive and it is in line with a marathon distance training plan. Some may disagree with the approach though running is where I started and I still have a few things to cross off my bucket list.

The marathon being one of them!

Sure I could wait until next year when my ironman training is in full flight and it would be more appropriate but I'm not going to sit on my hands and watch them go by. I enjoy them too much and it will benefit my training in the long run.

I have two half marathon events locked in for lead ups. There is one in July and one in August.

Hopefully this will prepare me ideally for the Melbourne Marathon in October.

A lot of km will go into the legs and so far I am loving the challenge.

It has been about a year since I was covering 30+ km per week.

It's led to a tough two weeks (the blisters on my feet will vouch for the that) but I feel I'm getting back into the rhythm and breathing patterns nicely. I've missed my long runs.

It's a good feeling knowing I can pick it straight back up with a nice easy 16km run. A great confidence booster!

I do 4 sessions a week but Sunday morning is my long run.

So far the weather has been kind and really sets the tone for a nice Sunday. A nice feed and hot shower after it and the rest of the day with the fiancee. A good way to end the week.

So now I will slowly increase my load for the next 23 weeks to hopefully complete my first marathon.

It will be hard but like everything else... crossing the line will be worth every minute of training and every second of pain.

"Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made."
~ Patti Sue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

ironmanintraining

The Age Run Melbourne

Sandy Point Half

Melbourne Marathon

Age Run Melbourne 2012

2012-04-25T21:47:00.001+10:00

A quick update...

So it is that time of year again.
The Age Run Melbourne is coming up on July 15.
Again I will be participating in the half marathon.
My first lead up event to this years Melbourne Marathon.

I will also again be raising funds for the Heart Foundation of Victoria.
A great cause that will receive 100% of donations I receive.

Hopefully I will see you at the start or finish line.

ironmanintraining :)

Check out my fundraising page and cause by clicking here <----

Age Run Melbourne

A fair assessment

2012-04-25T21:32:00.002+10:00

The days after the triathlon I was appreciating a rest from training and the opportunity to sit down and really think about the next step.
All while proudly recalling and soaking in the events of the past 13 months in my mind.
It was nice to remember the feelings and emotions that came with the achievements, and describing it to friends and family trying to encourage them to join in on the fun and find out for themselves.
It can be difficult to explain the feelings that come with participating in one of these events.

Something you wish you could share, but everybody has his or her own goals and path to follow.

I knew I needed to work on several things before the next race. There were 3 races left in the series but it was beginning to look like I couldn't make them due to other commitments. A little disappointing but yet again, I had a test run and now was keen to tweak my training to improve for next time.

I had to look for the positives and took aim at structuring a program to get me prime for next season starting in November. Not wanting to stay idle and lose momentum or progression, I needed to look ahead and plan.
This would keep me motivated and encourage me to keep putting in the hard yards and long training sessions.

For me everything is about motivation.
I don't lack it, but I think the key is to always have something to look towards. This commitment will require you to continuously do something to get to that point.
It's a simple theory, but very effective.

People who are not motivated possibly have no reason to be motivated.
No goals perhaps?

Most people may come home from work and do not feel like doing anything physical.
I like to put myself in a position where I have no choice.
First key is to go home and don't sit down.
Don't stop moving.
Get changed and get out for a run or ride.
Before you know it you are finished and can enjoy the rest of the evening a little more content knowing today was a day you took a step in the right direction.
Develop a mentality of each time I do this,

I improve my life and my body.

I get closer to my goal.

Deciding to Tri

2012-04-22T23:45:00.001+10:00

After spending day after day, week after week in the pool building up my confidence and experience, I decided it was time to give my progress a test. I was comfortable enough in my swimming abilities and ready to give it all a go.

Triathlon season was 2 weeks away but looking at the calendar, I was unavailable most of the days they were on. There goes the series entry for this year, though that was an ambitious thought for the first year and only really a passing thought.

I decided to cut my teeth in the Melbourne Triathlon at Sandringham.
It was part of the Gatorade Series but I would test the waters in the Active Feet race. A shorter distance held before the main race.

It was race 4 of 7 for the series, so I entered and could possibly make the other 3 races if all went to plan.

Only a 250m swim, 8km bike and a 2.5 km run to finish. Easy stuff. I looked up split times from last year and made sure my splits were on target. They were good. All giving me much needed confidence for the race.
I wasn't overly concerned if I was last but this wasn't like runs I had completed. This was an actual race. I wanted to be a little bit competitive.

Still having around 10 weeks until the event, I kept at the training and preparation and kept busy through the Christmas season.

Race weekend came around and we headed down to the village on the Saturday to pick up the race gear and check out the vibe. It was a neat set up and good to have a look around the transition area.
I learnt this would be an important part of future events as new courses presented new challenges and surprises. This one had a painful looking steep run from the beach to T1. Something I definitely wasn't expecting. I took some mental notes and we left for the day.
We headed home for a day of relaxing, then later topped up the carbs and had an early night.

After a peaceful sleep, it was a 4am rise on race morning. A quick snack of banana and honey on English muffins and we were just about ready to head off. We packed the last of the gear into the car and set off to Sandringham.

It was a warm morning and the sun had not yet touched the sky when we arrived. I left Natalie as I went to get numbering done, checked my bike in and set up my gear for transition. I was all set up and ready to go.

We headed down to the beach for the start and Nat wished me luck as I set off for a dip to acclimatise to the water. It was freezing but I slowly got used to it and eventually appreciated the freshness.

The race waves began and I waited patiently for my group. We got called up and lined up along the beach. I stood at the back not wanting to get caught up in any rough play but would regret that decision. I was happy to sit back and run my own race and use it to find my weaknesses. Unfortunately I spent the first 50 metres getting splashed and kicked in the head anyway. I pulled back a bit and waited for the group to get ahead a bit. There was another group of us pushing along behind the main group and we turned the last buoy and headed for shore.

The first few steps out of the bay were very interesting. I could not quite coordinate my footing as I felt the effects of the "T1 Tango". The blood hadn't quite run to my legs yet and the first few steps resembled a funny sideways dance. A few seconds later I found my feet and made the quick dash across the sand and up the steep hill towards transition.

As I reached by bike I took a quick sip of Gatorade and strapped on the bike shoes. I grabbed my bike and headed down the chute to the mounting line. It was chaos with people standing everywhere trying to get on their bikes. I ran a bit further up and jumped on. I clipped in the pedals and started pumping the legs. Natalie caught my eye on the side of the road and I blew her a kiss before pushing on to find my rhythm.

It was a good feeling as I cruised along the flat flowing course towards the turnaround point. It was nice to be able to ride a good stretch with minimal hills, like the ones I have become accustomed to training on.
I reached the turnaround and started heading back. The course was on a little more of an ascent and required some pushing and grit. The dismount line was coming into view and I unclipped. I crossed the line and slid off the bike, grabbing the bike I jogged back to transition.

Another quick sip of Gatorade and a change of shoes and I was out onto the run course. Again a nice flat out and back course. I could feel a little fatigue in my legs but found some heels to follow and concentrated on my breathing. It was the longest 2.5 km of my life as I trotted along. I just kept my head on the heels in front and kept moving towards the end.

Usually with the previous runs, I have always had a little something to spend at the end, and usually sprint home the last 200 metres. Though as I reached the chute towards the line I was exhausted and happily cruised passed Nat cheering me on and over the finish.
It was a great feeling and I put my hands on my knees to take it in. However in my head I was already thinking about what I needed to improve on before the next event.
I went and got some post race refreshments and we sat down enjoying the atmosphere and watching the elite event.

Then it was home for a steamy shower and a nice big feed.
Maybe even a nap. I think I had deserved one.

ironmanintraining :)

Getting my feet wet

2012-04-19T21:11:00.002+10:00

So here I was running and cycling away and only missing one discipline, the swim.

I think it was not long after watching Craig "Crowie" Alexander win his third Championship at Kona that I thought, well I can do two out of three comfortably, why don't I give triathlon a try. It definitely ignited something inside of me. A new goal!

I remember walking into a room and saying to Natalie, "I'm going swimming in the morning". She was surprised. I was surprised. I had to be at work by 730am, which usually meant getting up at 6am to get ready. That was a task in itself though I was adamant I was going swimming so off we went to pick up some essentials.

The first morning was great and I sprang out of bed and hit the local pool at 5am.

It was so refreshing and felt good to see how my fitness from the other two disciplines would transfer to the pool. A nice hot shower afterwards and the long journey to work followed though it was different. It even made the peak hour traffic more tolerable and seemed to do wonders for patience. It was such a great way to start the morning.

It was so great that after work that day I went back to the pool and joined up.

Since then I have spent 3-4 mornings a week in the pool honing my skills. Recently moving to the outdoor pool for the nice icy wake up every morning. Don't knock it until you have tried it!

Also recently becoming a member at Brighton sea baths, I visit to test my new wetsuits and strengthen my ocean water swimming. A Great way to spend a Sunday morning, followed by a strong coffee and a bite in the restaurant and cafe overlooking the baths. Highly recommended!

Aquarena

Brighton Sea Baths

ironmanintraining :)

ITU Sydney 2012

2012-04-18T17:26:00.005+10:00

So fast forward to the present for a moment and on the weekend we found ourselves in Sydney.

My fiancée Natalie and I journeyed up there for the weekend to see how it's done, ITU style.

Turned out the perfect day for the men and women's elite events. A forecasted 25 degrees.

The woman’s race launched at 7:36am and the result did not disappoint local fans. Erin Densham rode her solid form to a win ahead of Helen Jenkins and Andrea Hewitt in third.

Much to my disappointment I did not get to see Paula Findlay, but there was plenty of excitement and the series is certain to be a tight contest.   

Apart from an early push on the swim leg by Mariko Adachi, the group was hard to split until the run leg. Slowly the competitors fell away to leave a lead group of 6. Densham paced the group and slowly dropped Adachi, Laura Bennett, Ainhoa Murua and eventually Andrea Hewitt.

Hewitt hung on for third as Densham made her move and dropped Jenkins to win on home soil and stake her claim for an Olympic spot.

The men’s race was up for grabs with the Brownlees and Javier Gomez missing from the line up.

The Russian athletes started strong and were out to make a statement. Not only were series points up for grabs, most athletes were competing for spots on their nations Olympic team. Having only until May 31st to prove themselves, competition was fierce.

Ivan Vasiliev broke away with James Elvery hot on his heels as they built a one-minute lead.

They were slowly pulled back in by the chase group, but maintained a good buffer on the chase until the second last lap of the run.

Richard Murray and Laurent Vidal passed and were left to work towards the finish and looked to have timed their races well, though starting his run at the 6km mark was Steffen Justus, who came home too strong and took the series opener.

First of the Australians home was Chris McCormack in 34th, as he pushes for Olympic selection in a return to Olympic distance triathlons.

Overall a great event and will be a permanent fixture on the calendar. May also have to join in the fun and compete in the age group race in future years.

For more detailed race reports visit ITU

ironmanintraining :)

Training Wheels

2012-04-12T13:06:00.001+10:00

Not long after the The Age Run in July I invested in my first bike.

The rest is history.

I spent the next 2 months exploring Melbourne along the tracks and trails. Slowly building endurance and enjoying the hidden gems tucked away in the parks and gardens.

Day by day trying to go further and quicker. It was another fatigue and pain to acclimatise to and I slowly got used to the climbs and speedy straights. The legs were feeling strong.

Next thing I knew, I had a collection of cycling knicks and jerseys (including my favourite team livestrong set) and a whole bunch of gadgets.

I was definitely looking the part.

It was only around 3 months of pushing the limits of my bike that I was looking for more speed, comfort and aero. I couldn't resist and purchased myself an early Christmas present.

It was only an entry level road bike but still a valuable upgrade.

Again I spent months on end riding and pushing the limits strengthening my legs and cardio.

It was providing new experiences as I would spend days on the trails in the sun, often stopping off halfway for lunch.

What a great way to spend the day!

I got my fiancée a bike for her birthday and she accompanied me when she could.

My bike dealer was getting a bit of business! Ha!

Again slowly picking up a few gadgets for the new bike, I began trying new things. The most entertaining being the clipless pedals that resulted in two falls in 5 minutes as I got used to them. Hey no pain, no gain right?

Currently clogging the house are three bikes, a wind trainer, a bike stand and an exercise bike.

Not sure where I'm going to fit this speed concept I'm looking at getting towards the end of the year!

ironmanintraining :)

Happy Hump Day

2012-04-11T08:10:00.001+10:00

"When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life"

~Greg Anderson

Raising the Bar

2012-04-10T18:55:00.000+10:00

The next run would prove to be a great challenge like the others however it had added meaning.
It was The Age Run Melbourne Half Marathon. A scenic 21.1 km journey around the Botanical Gardens and Kings Domain in inner Melbourne.

This was the first run I could nominate the charity of my choice to raise funds for. It was a quick and easy decision.

Having lost my father nearly 2 years prior, I chose to raise funds for the Heart Foundation of Victoria.

This Foundation was great and very appreciative and sent some gear to wear for the day. They also sent a nice pack of goodies after the run to say thank you.

The run itself was great. A nice flat course with plenty of entertainment along the way and plenty of support from the sidelines.
It never once felt like the 21 km it was. More like a nice easy cruise through the parks on a fresh Melbourne Winter's morning.

Maybe it had something to do with spending day after day, into the dark of night, running laps of Princes Park in Carlton. Maybe I was just well prepared!

Definitely a run to circle on the calendar for each year.
Again after crossing the line, it was nice to take it all in, take on board some refreshments and enjoy the atmosphere with my fiancée.

Coming away from the run, I felt more satisfaction than the other runs prior.
I think it was a feeling I had been looking for since I began running.
First it was the feeling of hitting the trails in the clean air and cleansing the mind. Now I was at another level and the feeling was pretty surreal. Finally I was left wanting more not needing more.

I can attribute the loss of my father to the drive and motivation of what I do today. It is probably the foundation of why I started running and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I definitely look at life differently.

Now through this event I had the opportunity to raise awareness and money for a foundation that could help people like him and their families.

Look at life positively and stay away from negativity!
Thrive for your goals and appreciate life!
Never stop dreaming and never make excuses!
Life is what you make of it so make the most of it!

The Age Run Melbourne

Heart Foundation

ironmanintraining :)

Learning to walk

2012-04-08T22:15:00.000+10:00

Next stop... Run for the Kids

This run would raise the bar ever so slightly to a touch over 14 km.

The course was not as flat and runner friendly as the first and would prove to be a nice challenge.
It was a bigger event with closures of major Melbourne roads.
It was also a hot day with clear skies.

The run began at Kings Domain and took in the sights of the Domain Tunnel and Bolte Bridge.
It was a very eerie feeling running through the tunnel and hearing only the pants and pounding feet of fellow runners.
Another interesting sight was seeing around thirty guys using the wall of the on-ramp as a toilet. It was only around 3 km in, so not sure if that was a personal statement about the tolls or anything. Ha!
The Bolte provided a nice view for those willing to stop but I just wanted to get to the part of descending.

It was a mostly uphill course and I really couldn't wait to reach the last 2 km. I kept digging deep and concentrated on a nice steady rhythm. I think prior to this my longest run had been 12km.
Once the course reached the Docklands there was plenty to motivate the runners through the last 4-5 km. Bands lined the street as well as cheerleaders and dancers. People were everywhere yelling and cheering.

This run was also for charity. All runners were raising funds for The Good Friday Appeal.

As runners reached the last 1-2km, the course moved around Southbank and back up onto Flinders Street, where lining the road was hundreds of kids waiting and watching, high-fiving you as you ran passed.

This is one moment I don't think I can forget. It was nice to know that doing something you enjoyed so much could help raise money for them and you could be their heroes for 15 minutes.

It was nice to cross the line and take it all in. I headed straight for the Gatorade and Fruit (I am getting used to all these treats after these runs). Though not much time was spent resting. I had to get to work!

I spent the rest of the day wondering what could be the next challenge.

Half Marathon????

Run for the Kids

It's a nice day for a swim...

2012-04-08T17:46:00.004+10:00

courtesy of missnat84 @instagram http://instagr.am/p/JI9sJ2ICgI/

enjoy your weekend

ironmanintraining :)

You have to crawl before you can walk

2012-04-07T16:41:00.001+10:00

How did we get here?
Well, let me take you back and give some insight into how we got here.
Where is here?

Here is on the path to Ironmnan!

Around 2010 I began boxing. I was enjoying it and it was providing a great high intensity workout. Something that I needed at the time.
Each day I was there I would spend a portion of the time on the treadmill.  As time progressed I started to feel really good and my distances and times improved.
Boxing slowly took a backseat as I found myself visiting just to use the treadmill.
This continued for a few months and then a fun run caught my eye.

Never having participated in one, I decided to raise the bar and join up. It was the Melbourne City2Bay. A 10km fun run that I would elect to raise funds for "Kids with Cancer" in.

The run went great and it was an amazing feeling to cross the line in front of my Mum.
It was also a special feeling to see so many people participating and the pain on their faces, albeit battling on and determined to finish.
A lot of them had something to prove, a lot of them had something in their hearts and minds pushing them to the line.
Most were running for charities to raise money for a fund close to their hearts.

No records were broken on that day but I had set a benchmark, a personal best, and now all I wanted to do was improve and better that.

I came away looking forward to getting home and finding another event to run in.

Next Stop - Run for the Kids

ironmanintraining :)

Out and About

2012-04-06T16:40:00.001+10:00

HAPPY EASTER!!

Under my current training plan (which i will discuss in detail in coming weeks ) I have 3-4 bike sessions a week. Most of these are now done indoors on a stationary bike and a wind trainer.

However getting in the saddle after a long day at work can be very beneficial and de-stressing.

The falling sun and fresh air can do wonders for your mind and body.

When I do get out, i love to explore the trails of Melbourne and take my camera along for the ride.

There is a lot to see and discover and the general beauty will lessen the pain of your training.

Some great discoveries have been:

The Collingwood Farm & Farm Cafe

http://www.farm.org.au/Home.htm

http://farmcafe.com.au/

Mia Mia Gallery and Cafe - Westerfolds Park

http://www.miamiagallery.com/?page_id=1121

Both of these prove to be great rest places to stop by for a snack and coffee on a long ride.

They also have some great things to see.

hopefully i will find some more great places to share with you soon

ironmanintraining :)

Rise and Shine

2012-04-04T06:35:00.001+10:00

This is how my days start. Up at 5am and straight to the pool before work for a km or 2.

Sometimes.... Actually all the time I like to pretend I didn't hear the alarm and sneak in that extra 1.5 hrs sleep.
Never happens though.

So much can be achieved while everybody is still asleep and it definitely shapes your day. The world doesn't stop for anybody.

Have a Great day

Ironmanintraining :)

Off the beaten track

2012-04-03T18:01:00.001+10:00

What a lovely way to finish off a long day.
A nice steady run through the park after a hard ride.

Make the most of your day :) You won't get another chance to relive it!

ironmanintraining :)

Where it Happens

2012-04-03T12:45:00.001+10:00

Until now, a majority of the swim training has been completed at the local pool.

The beautiful Brighton sea baths will now become a second, third, and fourth home as I increase my open water swim training and it becomes somewhat of a home ground.

Alas today I cannot go for a dip as I'm working and only enjoying the view on my lunch break.
Though Next time I'll take you inside and let you in on the training.

Until then

Ironmanintraining :)

Ironman 2012 Snapshot

2012-04-02T18:33:00.001+10:00

Here are a few pics to give you an idea of what the end goal is all about

- until next time

ironmanintraining :)