Monday, December 8, 2008

Mick's an Ironman!



Interview with an athlete - Michael Elliott Ironman
Total time: 12.27.15
Category place: 50
Overall place: 568

Take us through your race:

Swim (3.8km 1.06.37): Went well. It was busy and on the way out and I was hemmed in to the pier. There was a lot of argy bargy around the cans but it was a nice swim.

Ride
180km 6.00.12 (including transition)
Was good, had trouble getting my heart rate down but I managed to get it down (under 130) on the third lap. Very flat course, held up well on he bike, I thought I would have more trouble with a stiff back but I was ok. Noticed it getting hotter so I drank a lot of fluids. The wind pick up towards the end of the last lap but it wasn't a problem, no worse that what we trained in.

Run
42.2 km 5.20.25 (including transition)
In one word "painful". The second lap hurt and the third lap was excruciating. The run was difficult because I couldn't take in any food, so I stuck to flat cola water. The first lap was hot but it did cool down a bit towards the finish. Across the whole course the spectator support was great, much appreciated.

Most challenging part of Ironman WA 2008?

The run. Because I couldn't eat I didn't have any energy. It was hot and I felt like vomiting.

What did you enjoy the most?
The swim.

What would you change for next time?
Not too much, I think my body had to experience the pain. I got through it in about the time I thought I would.

What are your next race goals?
Hussikson long course in February 2008 and Canberra marathon in April 2008. December is my month off!

Are you going to do another Ironman?!
Probably, one day...

View video on YouTube.


View photos on Picasa.
Ironman WA 2008

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Lead up to Busselton WA Ironman 2008



It's the eve of Ironman WA and Mick describes himself as "calm and collected, confident in the work he's done"!

So far we've:
Arrived in WA safely with equipment in tact
Visited Cape Naturalist and Swings and Rounabouts wineries
Had a steak and chips at Albies - our old favourite!
Had a lovely lunch at The Goose to celebrate T's birthday and catch up with the other STG ironmen and supporters.
Enjoyed a Beachlands BBQ pre race dinner with Gill and Paul

Good luck to all competitors ;-)

Ironman WA 2008 lead up