Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne - Triathlon

Happy with the swim, about what I expected from prior IM's, but this being the first ocean swim I was a bit unsure. Turned out to be just like any other swim, just saltier!

Rolling start, self seeding with 5-6 people let go every few seconds. Started somewhere in Wave 3 (1:08-1:20), by the time Becky & I got there everyone had already moved up in other groups so we just fell in place.

Best start ever, no thrashing or beating going on. Super shallow so walked until it was deep enough to swim. Everyone was super polite, anytime someone came up behind me and hit my legs, or bumped up against my side they immediately moved. That would never happen in the States, they just mow you over! I tried to find people to draft, but ended up mostly swimming on my own. Which was ok, I was relaxed and swam easy pace the whole time.

Got off course once, following others on the sunny swim back in, we all had to be directed back on course by a guy on a jet ski. Also almost missed one buoy, was on the wrong side and had to be directed back around (with a couple others, I was not alone there!) the other side.

Overall good swim.

Nothing, just keep swimming throughout the year.

Took my time (clearly). We were not allowed to take wetsuits off until we got into the changing tent. Not sure why but I was concerned as I struggle getting it off over my feet. At other races the wetsuit strippers are my hero, and I always pick a strong muscular confident dude to help me. The woman helping me in the changing tent actually did quite well, it was off before I knew what was happening.

I had my tri bottoms & top under my wetsuit so no changing required. Wetsuit off, helmet, sunglasses, arm coolers, socks & shoes on, and I was on my way.

Pick up the pace a little

Loved the bike - super fast course. There was headwind, but also tailwind. First out and back was mostly cross wind, second out the headwind was pretty strong, but that meant some tailwind on the way back.

Stuck to the plan, kept watts right where they needed to be. Felt like an easy training ride, never felt like I was pushing too hard.

I did stop 3-4 times to pee, which cost me a little time, but I couldn't convince myself to go on the bike.

Nothing, except continue training to increase power on the bike with same effort.

Handed bike off to volunteer (love that!), entered changing tent, changed bottoms, sock & shoes, visor, race belt, nutrition. Stopped to pee one more time.

Started off feeling like a million bucks! Legs felt good (not like they had just ridden 112 miles), hip that was bothering me was ok, I was ready to run!

Plan was to run from aid station to aid station (about 1.5km between each station), and walk the aid stations. Was going great.....

for about 7-8 miles. Then my stomach started to protest. I held it off for a few more miles, but by ~11 miles it was pretty much done. Walked the rest.

15 miles is a long long way to walk, but I made the best of the situation. I cheered for the people out there (got strange looks, people were really quiet, not much talking and little to no words of encouragement from others racing??), and took in the scenery (first trip to Australia and it was beautiful).

All the spectators were awesome - so encouraging. I loved all the kids out there cheering and the "well done"s they kept saying.

As always, figure out why my stomach does not tolerate the run.

Feeling sick on the run, my legs were ready to run, but my stomach wanted no part of it.


I loved this race and would definitely do it again. We had a great trip and the race was a lot of fun. Very well organized, great swag - the usual medal but we also got a really nice beach towel instead of a hat which I never wear anyway. Highly recommend this race.