First off, for those of you reading via e-mail, if you can, go directly to the blog as there are a number of pictures http://canoztri.blogspot.com
3:00am, my alarm went off, it was time to get ready. The only bad news is it was raining, not a good sign. I quietly made it out of the bedroom, where I grabbed my breakfast sat down and went through some e-mails, checked the weather; anything to keep my mind at rest. At 4:30 I woke up the family so we could make it down to transition to get ready to go.
As I arrived, I checked in for the swim and picked up my special needs bags, one for the run and one for the bike. Just a few extra things like gels an extra sandwich and a Red Bull in my run bag for emergency purposes. Body marking and then off to check on my bike. When I got to my bike, I started loading the many treats, sandwiches, extra repair gear I would need for the day. A quick run through of the bike, top up the tyres to the right pressure and then time to head to the squad tent. Everyone was there and our supporters were out in droves, which was awesome. To have our families and friends make the trip down to Port Macquarie to cheer us on was truly awesome. They would be the ones who would put a smile back on our faces when things were not so good. We watched the pros start their day (about 35 minutes before us) and we knew it was time to finish getting ready and head into the water.
A quick photo opp for the group before heading out... Doesn't it look like we should be in some sort of superhero movie???
The morning was quite cloudy and it looked like we would be getting wet sometime during the day, just what time, who knew. As we walked down, we wished each other luck and a congrats for getting to the start line... We entered the water waiting for the cannon to go off...
Then the start..can you spot me? I'm in black with an orange swim cap on.
My goal for the swim, was to be steady and stay relaxed. As I started, I got into a good rhythm and was swimming well. Lots of bumps both giving and receiving. Typically you would try and find some toes to follow, but with the water being so murky, you only knew you were on some toes when you hit them. About 500-600 meters in, I had settled into a good rhythm and was really feeling good. I was feeling no anxiety at all and was actually very calm - what was going on? Shouldn't I be nervous about the day or about the swim? Nope. The best part was when the chopper started hovering above the swimmers. This was awesome. I've never had that before and it was such a cool feeling I could feel goosebumps all over. I know it was most likely following the pros, but for a brief moment it was as if I was the pro....then out of no where...WHAM!!! I was reversed clothes lined. In all the murkiness, someone had hit the back of my neck with their elbow, enough to push me under and flip me onto my back. A somewhat half -hearted sorry from the guy and I got back into my swim. I felt as though I was going well, and at some points I had passed a number of yellow caps (about 12 or so) which made me feel great. I made the turn and was onto the second lap. I knew I would do well; all I had to do was keep my pace and keep relaxed. As the announcer's voice got louder and louder, I knew I was close to the swim finish. As I rounded the last buoy, I kept my pace and before I knew it, I was back on terra firma. I looked up at the clock...1:27:xx. I had beat my prediction of 1:30 which was awesome. So much so that if I were to take the time I swam here and cut it in half, then I swam 5 minutes faster than I did in Geelong back in February...AWESOME.
As I headed towards transition, a quick trip through mudville...
Then it was onto the bike. Just a mere 180km training ride, that's all I was thinking. Steady and smooth would get me back hopefully in decent shape for the run.. As I exited transition, the BTS fan support crew were there to send us off...okay I was the last one on the bike but, hey, I'm Canadian, I can't swim like a Kiwi, or an Ozzie. A quick thank you and it was time to settle into the ride.
The course was fairly technical, so if I could keep a 30km/hr average, then I could be done is 6 hours...Sounds reasonable doesn't it? The first portion of the course was hilly, lots of up and down and turning on tight roads in places. Once that was done, it was onto some flats for awhile and then more hills to the turn around point. On the way out, I saw most of the squad and I must say, I was really impressed how focused the front runners were and I knew maybe one day I would be there...maybe.
Shortly after the turn around, I was passed by the pro men...MAN they were flying...I was truly impressed with the speed at which they were going. My speedo was saying 37km/hr and it was as if I had a set of training wheels on.
As I headed back into town, the rain started. I would have to be careful on the road and play it smart. I would rather slow my ride down slightly and be safe rather than crash and possibly end my day. About half way back into town I passed Suz who was changing a flat. I really hated to see that, but I asked if she was okay. She said she was, which made me feel a bit better. Back into the aero bars and concentrate on the leg turnover. As I got back into town, it was time to climb Matthew Flinders Drive hill. Now it's not that big, say 200m, but it is very steep and with the rain, you had to stay seated so you wouldn't spin out (yes that's speaking from first hand knowledge). It was a miniature version of a tour de France mountain stage, with people lining the street with bells, horns and a ton of cheering. You had to manage the enthusiasm so you wouldn't burn yourself out too early. Up I went and kept the bike upright, barely, and it was on towards transition. As I went by the squad, I got out of the seat to keep the cadence high on the up hill. Made for a couple of great pictures.....
First lap was over and I was feeling good...other than the rain. Second lap, I took it really slow on the down turns and kept much of the same. Drink every 15 minutes, eat every 45 minutes. Second lap was good and I was catching up on some of the squad members. It was time for the last lap...I had to head out one more time (into the wind, again) and back with a bit of a tail wind. It should get me in just as I had planned...Scary, my plan was coming together. During the last lap, I managed to pass Jeff, Craig and Chris on the bike, which made me feel really good. I knew they had a pretty good lead on me coming out of the water and it showed me I was riding strong. It didn't matter though who or how many people I passed as it was MY race not theirs.
After losing one of my sandwiches somewhere on the course, I called out at the special needs area so I could pick up some more gels and another sandwich...and my bottle of coke. I picked them up, re-loaded, a quick pee break and then I was off. Man that bottle of coke tasted good. Finished my sandwich and back into the aero bars again. The rain had finally stopped, and I was starting to dry out. I was feeling good and hoping this feeling would hang around.
As I rolled into transition, I was met by 3 people, who held my bike and then took it away for me as I headed into the transition tent. I had done my bike in 6 hours, just as planned. Woo Hoo! A quick call out of my number and I had my run bag in hand... I took the time to try and dry my feet as best as possible, put some dry socks on and my running gear. Another quick pee stop and I was on my way...Only a mere marathon between me and my goal of hearing my name...
Now the run...I was worried about a few things...1st the fact that I had never ran, let alone run a marathon, after training for 7.5 hours before...What would I feel like? Had my leg injury fully healed? Could I do it???
I headed out onto the course and believe it or not, my legs felt really good. A bit of tightness in my hammies, but, hey, I'd been sitting on my ass for the last 6 hours on something only a couple of inches wide...you'd be tight too.
Out towards the first turn around (the run course was a 3 lap figure 8 style course) I started see other squad members. Every time I passed them, I tried to give words of encouragement, even if they didn't hear, I hoped it would help them keep going. It was working for me.... I was running okay but it was taking a bit longer than I thought it would until I got into my rhythm. In fact, it took about 5 or 6km before I was in my groove. Through the IM village, through the gauntlet of the BTS supporters and out for the second part of the first lap. This was where there were more supporters lining the run course and a few hills too. As I came up the hills, I was running well and I was passing a number of people. At the turn around I could see the family. I stopped, gave hugs and kisses to Alyssa, Colleen and Vaughn and I was back onto the run. I picked up my first scrunchie and I had done my first 14kms running and running well. (A scrunchie was provided for every lap.) Out onto the second lap where it seemed that I was slowly gaining ground on some of the squad members, but I knew this was a long race. Out to the turn around point again and I chose not to grab my special needs bag as I would most likely need it more at the 30km ish time. Looking back, I probably made a mistake by doing this. I took some more gels and some jelly beans and was out back towards the IM village. About a km later, I was in trouble. My stomach was bloating and if I were to keep running I would surely puke. Oh no...what was going on? I tried walking for a bit then started to run...Nope. Anything more than about 100m I was at the point of puking again. I had 2 options....1. stick my finger down my throat and puke, or 2. walk and run a bit and drink as much water as I could to flush out the stomach....I chose the latter.
I did alot of walking between 20-30kms and my chance at a 12 hour IM was gone..Oh well, I would enjoy as much of this as I could, and you know what? I did. Rather than let this get me down, I knew I could probably crawl the rest of the way and still make it in under the cutoff time. Slow and steady should get me home.
Running well in the hills.
Still running okay.
Focused but slowing down....
As I made it to the second turn of the 2nd lap I stopped again for hugs and kisses. These were the best part of the run. Each hug and kiss seemed to give me more strength and determination to keep going. As I went through the village again, I got my second scrunchie...I was on my last lap. I struggled to keep running but I had to keep moving. It was getting dark now so I knew I wouldn't be finishing in the light...oh well... But you know the best part? I got my glow sticks at the turn around. YA BABY!!! I called for my special needs bag and reached in for just one thing...my break glass in case of emergency item...Red Bull. My stomach was not the best still but I had to do something. I was sick of this stopping me from running. So I opened the can and said to myself, this will cure me or kill me. I took a couple of sips, nothing happened so I opened the throat and poured it in. A couple of massive and I mean massive belches and I was on my way. "Red Bull gives you wings" the ad says and you know what, they were right. I ran the rest of the way, only walking the big hill at the last portion of the run. I stop at the last turn around for more hugs and kisses and a quick chat to Alyssa. I told her that in less than 4km they would be calling my name as an Ironman. This brought a massive smile to her face and gave me even more energy. Well wishes from Colleen and she grabbed the kids and headed down to the finishing line.
From the turn around point you could see the lights of the finishing chute. I had to only run that far to finish my race. The music got louder and louder. I could hear them shouting "you are an Ironman!". I was close. As I went through the BTS gauntlet, I had the most overwhelming feeling come over me. Massive high 5's, some beer induced slurred cheers and I could see the arch.
I was there. I wanted to enjoy this moment and take it all in. I weaved back and forth through the chute giving high 5's to anyone who put their hand out. It was an immense feeling of pride, accomplishment and joy. A year of hard work had come down to this last 100m. Hearing the announcer call out "Richard Fairhead, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!". I had done it.
Now some may say, you could have gone faster. You could have pushed yourself harder...and you know what, they are 100% right. But from my perspective, when things didn't go well on the run for me, I didn't let it get me down; I stayed positive and enjoyed the entire race. I truly mean that. A trained, I arrived, I started and I finished.
What has Ironman taught me? Well a number of things actually. It showed me I can give the dedication needed for a large challenge. It showed me I can swim in open water and feel no anxiety. It proved to me I have what it takes to look inside myself and push me beyond my comfort zone. All of this will pay off in dividends in the coming years.
Now what? No more 12 sessions of training a week. No more 4am alarm bells...I'm going to enjoy family life for awhile. Support Colleen as she trains for her first Marathon and slowly get back into some light training...
What's my next goals? Well I've done pretty much what I wanted to do, but now I'm going to go back and try and break some PB's.
I want to go below 38 minutes in a 10km race.
I want to smash my half Ironman time of 5:36. I want to go closer to 5 hours
I want to run sub 3:30 in a marathon
I want to go sub 12 at an Ironman..... Yes another Ironman...not sure where or when, but I will toe the line again...someday.
Thanks for everything along the way and one day I do hope to start the blog up again, but not for awhile. Do take it easy out there and be safe.
Richard the Ironman.
