Well, 2013 is done and dusted and it is exciting to look back and say it was one of the best and most consistent years I have had in my Pro Triathlon Career!
The season began early with a victory at the Albany 1/2 Ironman and although a little underdone I followed it up 2 weeks later with a 6th at Challenge Wanaka Iron Distance race.
It was then a great chance for a solid block of training in Perth during Feb and March and it paid off with a 3rd place at Challenge Taiwan Iron Distance. At my first attempt at a double I was able to back up a week later placing 2nd at Busselton 70.3
It was then time for the USA campaign and I relocated to Boise Idaho and began with another 2nd place at Muncie 70.3. A week later I was on the start line for Lake Stevens and although there was still some fatigue in the legs had a solid run to continue my streak on the podiums and finished 3rd!
August was the big one and it was all about Ironman Louisville! To come away with my third Ironman title was the highlight of the year and has given me confidence in my training and future goals!
A late decision and I was on the start line of the Las Vegas 70.3 World Championships 2 weeks later. However, a gum infection 2 days before the race made it very difficult for me to perform to my true potential. (and yes, I am sure an Ironman 2 weeks before would have also contributed to that!) But it was my one and only chance to experience the 70.3 World Champs in Las Vegas and appreciate what everyone had been talking about! I did the love the course and how challenging it was.
Back to Boise for some R and R then I stepped outside the box and ran my first Ultra Marathon in the Boise foothills! It was amazing!! Starting in the dark with head torches and the comradery of all involved! Constantly climbing up and down! (nearly 6000 feet of elevation gain)32 miles later (52Km) and 5 hours of running…..man I was sore! I hurt more than I did after an Ironman! But was ecstatic with 3rd place and can’t wait to do more in the future!
Homeward bound to Australia and the first stop was Taiwan 70.3. Unfortunately the swim was cancelled due to an impending Typhoon. I had never competed in a Duathlon before, wow…they are tough! The first 6km was all out, followed by our 90km Bike ride, but then we had to run the usual 21km at the end! It was a long sore flight home but another successful trip with a 2nd place.
The year unfortunately did not end as I would have liked after having to call it a day recently at Ironman Western Australia with a chest infection. However, looking back it is hard not to be grateful after having such a successful 2013. This leaves me very excited about 2014!
I could not have achieved any of this with out the amazing support I have from family, friends and sponsors!
Novatron for sticking by me through thick and thin!
CEEPO I have never felt more comfortable on my Katana and riding strong, with it’s Rolf Prima Wheels and Challenge Tyres. Decked out with SRAM, using my Quarq to constantly track my power. My Profile Design aero bars allow me to find the best position that suits me with my “Bullet’ Hydration System. No saddle sores for me on my ISM! Tri Town Boise and Churchill Cycles Perth keeping everything mechanical under control! BlueSeventy and SwimSmooth – finally I am swimming faster!! YAH! GU and Upbeat Beetroot Juice covering everything nutritional! %110 Play Harder, Rock Tape, Super Ruth Chang and Mark Eden for all things recovery! Computrainer for working me hard! Ryders Eyewear….super stylish! And Swish Design for my website!
Mum, Dad and Guy!! Life is a journey….not a destination….but we have seen some incredible places along the way! Lets all do it again next year! 🙂
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!
Hope you all get to enjoy some downtime over the festive season! I know I will be!
