The transition tent.
I remember watching Dave Scott and Mark Allen battling it out at Kona in the 80s on channel 9s wide world of sports thinking that is just crazy.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would one day be racking a bike the day before a full Iron man event.
I have been pretty active all my life and have done a number of marathons and did have a go a a few short sprint triathlons a long time ago on a $100 bicycle. I really struggled with the swimming and when I had 2 flat tires in a race one day, I gave up and did the work/family thing instead for 20 years.
So then one day years later at parkrun I hear some other runners talking about our local triathlon club and with some more time on my hands I decide to see what they where about.
Of course nowadays the training, support, diets and the bikes are so much more accessible and it was not long before I was showing up at the clubs local pool and cycling groups. It was not pretty, falling off bike with clipped on shoes and struggling to keep up the pace in the beginner squad swim lane.
My plan was just to do a short sprint tri then an Olympic distance race and if all everything went well a half Iron Man then see what happens.
Without a big base of training it was always about just making the distance and trying to feel comfortable in the swim and on the bike.
I got through the half iron man in 6 hours 44 minutes nothing flash, right at the back of my age group but other than swallowing to much water on swim was pretty comfortable.
After a couple of days off I thought I've come this far might as well do a bit more training and have a go at the big one.
I was following a club program mainly based on time. I did all the hours recommend but was really down on distance and speed compared to others.
Getting excited seeing the finishing shute.
Making sure I had everything I needed.
Our club had a large amount of participants.
Club photo before the start.
3.8km Swim leg done, tri club supporters and photographer.
The Bike leg 2 X 90km out and back. Struggled with cramps in the back half so I could not push too hard. I remember cycling back into town totally amazed that I had just made 180km and just couldn't wait to get off the bike.
There was a lot of walking and plodding on the run leg but it was such an amazing experience to finally finish.
My son snapped this photo and helped me back to our accommodation.
All the garmin and strava stats.
Tri Club team finishers photo.
You're a bad man @new.things !LOL
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but now I'm clean.
Credit: lofone
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Crazy stuff i remember waiting at the finish line cheering you on
I was glad you were able to come down, then are going to have a go at one !LOL
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Elongate could be really drawn out.
Credit: mrhuman88
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!LUV seeing photos from back then! Hmm, but I think you're a slower learner; who would do Ironman more than once??? !LOL
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This changes everything.
Credit: marshmellowman
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(2/4) gave you LUV.
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