Ironman New Zealand, Sat 5th March, 2011 Taupo
Report by Kristy Hallet
It rained all day on race day. Not just little drops but mostly big wet ones.
This was certainly a contrast to the sunny and warm Taupo we’d arrived in on Tuesday. Yet, amazingly everyone’s spirits were high the whole day. That’s one of the things I love about this sport – the ‘glass half full’ attitude.
To be honest, I’d felt my glass was brimming over since Tuesday in the plane. The feeling hit me. It’s hard to explain, but suddenly I was overwhelmed by how lucky I was to be going to NZ to race. This feeling was magnified given how hard it had been over the last few months to actually get to the start line. I definitely couldn’t have gotten to this point if it wasn’t for the love and support from my husband, friends and family. I am so grateful for their encouragement and belief in me. Thank you so much to Dan - my husband, my family, my fun training buddies from Fluid Movements/MTC and my friends, who understand when I have to leave social events early so I can get to bed to be up at 5am the next morning for training. Thanks to my Coaches Sean and Ben. I’d like to thank my sponsor Tony and Team LSDsports.com. Also Cam at LSDsports.com for making sure my bike was tip-top and superfast. Fab at Brunetti for the inside scoop on the race course and countless post training coffees, Luke Nichols Chiropractic and Massage and South Yarra Sports.
Race week went quickly with all the usual things to take care of and check-off. Before I knew it, it was race morning and I was in the fresh, clean water of Lake Taupo - a treat after training in Port Phillip Bay. The gun went and we started. For at least the first third of the swim it was crazy town. There was lots of jostling, continual hitting and higher than average attempts to use me as an anchor. Nasty business but I was happy I could swim clear and finish solidly. There is something very special about hearing the voice of Ironman, Mike Reilly, calling everyone out of the water – you’ve made it, 3.8k- tick!
The long run up to the transition area gave me time to settle after the swim and get the legs going a bit for the bike. It was pouring rain but this didn’t stop the supporters. They were cheering and clapping - and absolutely soaked! I hadn’t even ridden a kilometre and my feet were already sloshing in my bike shoes. I saw Dan cheering and waiting for me on the corner before heading-up the hill and out of town. There was a good headwind on the way out to the turnaround point in Reporoa but this also made for a good tail wind on the way back! I had a good ride, managing to catch, pass and put time into a lot of the girls that came out of the water before me. I only had one rough patch at about 165k but felt good again after the long climb back to Taupo. I reached the bike finish and was greeted by a row of about 10 smiling and cheering volunteers ready to take my bike for me – how awesome is it to be greeted like that?! Wow!
I felt amazing going into the run and ended-up running the first 5ks in 21 mins. Knowing how IM usually works, i.e. 1 min you feel like a million bucks and the next you’re down for the count, I thought I should ease up a bit. I’m glad I did, it was a long way to the turnaround point. We had a head wind coming back to Taupo also. Dan timed it perfectly and was out waiting for me at the 36k mark just when I was going through a bad patch (translation – I thought my legs were going to fall off). When I saw him, I knew I couldn’t stop no matter what. I reached the top of the last hill and finally the rain had eased enough for me to be able to see the last corner of the run course in Taupo, it was only 3ks away. I am so grateful to everyone for all the support they gave me in those last few kilometres. I saw the finish chute and started crying – I couldn’t help it. I was so happy. I’d given that run everything and more. I had a new PB and an amazing race in tough conditions. The icing on the cake was when I heard from Dan that I’d come second and gotten a spot to the World Champs in Kona! Aloha!
There were some amazing stories of courage and determination in our group that travelled to NZ – you guys are inspiring! Congratulations to everyone that raced and thanks for all the cheering and encouragement.
