After a couple of hit outs at Half Ironman, IMNZ is now fast approaching. This is probably the first year I have actually been very, very serious about it. So much so that the windy, rainy weather has seen me consistently out on my bike - whereas in past years a little bit of rain usually meant a sleep in with a vague thought of "I will ride longer tomorrow....". This may have something to do with the fact I am more afraid of telling coach Keegan Williams I missed a session because of a little rain than I am of getting wet for 4hrs!
The start of the year saw me lining up at the Tauranga Half IM to race off some of the seasons eatings. Obviously my Christmas diet of lots of yummy home baking agreed with me, as I romped home 2nd in my age group, and with the fastest run split of the day - 3min faster than Ironman legend Jo Lawn (ok, I know she probably lapped me on the swim and bike, but this is the one thing I will always have!!). In all fairness, I love the run at Tauranga. It's pretty easy to block out how much your legs are hurting when you have such an awesomely supportive crowd, and you are looking out on the beautiful ocean.
Four weeks later I hit the New Plymouth Half IM, where I finished up 4th overall, 2sec behind 3rd place getter Fiona Eagles. Despite running hard to catch her, and making up the 6min she had on me off the bike, I just didn't get there! Definately walked away with a very important lesson just before IMNZ - even though you are racing for hours, every second still counts.
A few big training weeks later I am finally in my taper. There were a lot of tired, grumpy days in there, a few tears, but now the work is done I am pretty excited and looking forward to racing!!! I have spent a few days at my parents doing easy sessions and enjoying the down time; and spent a bit of quality time with my amazingly supportive fiance who doesn't make too much of a big deal that I spend more time with my bike than with him! I have even had some extra energy to throw into some much needed wedding planning :) If you ever need something to occupy yourself in your taper so you don't go too crazy, just plan a wedding. Honestly, it works!
So just under a week to go. I have a little bit of work to keep me occupied but I do feel a little sorry for my clients. I have had the time to get very inventive with their training sessions! Bike is heading in to the awesome team at Bob's Bikes for one more once over, and then its off to Taupo on Wed!
This time next week I will be an Ironman hopefully with a new PB!
