Ironman Cairns - Triathlon

Managed to get in the water a few mins before the start, unlike many others still standing on the pier after the gun went off. Started as well as you can swim in a washing machine, arms, legs and bodies everywhere. Managed to find some clear space eventually. I'm amazed at how people can compete at an Ironman level and yet can't navigate or swim freestyle continuously. I got kicked in the chest a few times by breaststrokers or swam over in front of by people who simply couldn't navigate.
Despite that, I swam comfortably, breaking down the swim 1 buoy at a time. First lap went rather well while the 2nd lap got a bit choppy as the wind had picked up by then, something to look forward to on the bike.

Never my strong leg I probably need to hit the pool twice a week, not just the once.

I mostly walked from the swim exit to the change tent, I was in no rush as this was going to be a long day. Got changed, walked to my bike and continued to walk out of transition to the bike mount.

Nothing, kept calm and relaxed.

Felt right at home on the cycle course, was being careful not to push too hard going out as I was being mindful of the wind coming back. As predicted the wind had really picked up for the last 50km ride back to T2, so figured I'd settle for an avg 30km/hr out and about a 27.5km/hr back. That was all going to plan until the 150km mark when my bar end shifter came loose and came out, leaving me with no gears except the front chain ring. Not wanting to wait for a mobile mechanic, I decided to suck it up and crank the hills coming back. Not the easiest thing to do in a howling headwind. Managed to limp back to T2 in about 2hrs, avg roughly 25km/hr. That'll do!

I rode pretty well, happy with the ride even with my mechanical issues. Definitely think I could manage sub 6hrs at Busselton.

Glad to get off, gave my bike to the catcher and walked my way through to the change tent. Took my time, went to the loo for the first time, grabbed a banana and some electrolyte then walked out of transition.

Nothing, once again felt relaxed for the run

Stuck to my plan, run from aid station to aid station then walk 2 mins through the station. Every aid station I would grab a banana, electrolyte and cool myself down with a splash of water. I felt like I found my legs from about 10km to 28km. At 28km I had to stop and strap on some bandaids as I could feel blisters starting to come on. I literally had to strap them on with strapping tape as my feet were wet and nothing would stick. Then as any Ironman will know, that last 10km or so, is HARD! I could hear all those voices that had wished me well inside my head, so for that, I thank you all as it helped me dig deep, push through the pain and keep on going. I walked when I felt like I needed to walk, but ran as much as I could.

I stuck to my race plan and will most likely use this strategy for future Ironman races.

Went straight to the massage tent then grabbed a massive feed. Running past all those cafes and pizza places sure made me hungry!


Conditions weren't ideal but didn't let it get to me. Maybe if my gears had of been working for the last 30km, I could have taken maybe 15 mins off the bike and maybe 30 mins off the run but shit happens. I gave 100% and I can't expect any more than that.


The 6 weeks before Ironman weren't ideal for me, I could only manage minimum training due to other family commitments but I knew that when signing up. I broke down the day aid station by aid station, thought lots of positive thoughts and dug deep.

The volunteers were AWESOME! The crowd were AWESOME! I was so happy coming down that finish line, I was fist pumping and laughing all the way down the chute. I love this course and plan on racing again next year, I think I have finally found my race distance.

Oh, and as the commentator said " Sean Hayes, you are an Ironman!".
Shit yeah I am !