Ironman New Zealand Race report March 2013 - Sarah Walker
I was privileged to coach two female athletes (Chris & Sarah H.) to the start line of this years IM NZ and thought it would be a good idea to run along side them, and complete the race myself. (It wasn't my sharpest decision, in terms of my seasons race plan and training, but what the hell - life is too short).
It's a very short race report - have a look at the pictures.
It was was a good swim, flat and good temp. The bike was hot, with minimal wind, a slightly cloudy, overcast sky and a ton of humidity. Coming off the last leg of the bike and hitting the run, there were loads of people with stomach cramps and nausea so taking in fluid and fuel wasn't on the agenda for at least the first leg for most people (including myself). The changes to the run course are fabulous for spectators and athlete support, but the course is now hillier and more sheltered so there is not much cooling wind and it is a tougher run. I have never shoved so much ice in my pants to try to cool down!
I did my usual thing - cheered the crowd, gassed to the competitive age group guys who were pooped and were walking their way round (always satisfying - even if I'm just shuffling past!), thanked the supporters at the aid stations, heckled people I knew who were watching the race. (I did get a wave and smile from Cam Brown as he watched the age groupers from his usual spot in front of his condo - but didn't heckle him though!).
The best thing about the entire race was being able to stop to give support, reassurance and plenty of hugs to the girls I had trained over the last year. From a coaching perspective there was nothing like it - hugs, tears, laughter and immense satisfaction all-round as I greeted them at the finish line.
It's a very short race report - have a look at the pictures.
It was was a good swim, flat and good temp. The bike was hot, with minimal wind, a slightly cloudy, overcast sky and a ton of humidity. Coming off the last leg of the bike and hitting the run, there were loads of people with stomach cramps and nausea so taking in fluid and fuel wasn't on the agenda for at least the first leg for most people (including myself). The changes to the run course are fabulous for spectators and athlete support, but the course is now hillier and more sheltered so there is not much cooling wind and it is a tougher run. I have never shoved so much ice in my pants to try to cool down!
I did my usual thing - cheered the crowd, gassed to the competitive age group guys who were pooped and were walking their way round (always satisfying - even if I'm just shuffling past!), thanked the supporters at the aid stations, heckled people I knew who were watching the race. (I did get a wave and smile from Cam Brown as he watched the age groupers from his usual spot in front of his condo - but didn't heckle him though!).
The best thing about the entire race was being able to stop to give support, reassurance and plenty of hugs to the girls I had trained over the last year. From a coaching perspective there was nothing like it - hugs, tears, laughter and immense satisfaction all-round as I greeted them at the finish line.