Ironman Cairns 2014 A Brief - Debrief...

For the last few weeks I have been working on my Ironman Cairns debrief...

I haven't had much time to dedicate to the task however when I do start typing the post I find there is so much I want to talk about so it is getting quite long...

I have now decided to write this "brief" version and then break up the War and Peace novel into a post for each leg of the race. At least that way I will get something out before the end of the year.... LOL!

Swim (3.8km):

- Actual Distance 4.37km (Garmin)

- Time: 1hr 18mins 14secs from the start to 20m up the beach to the timing grid including stopping to give my beautiful wife and kids a kiss.
I was really surprised with my swim time. I expected 1hr 20-25mins to allow for course correction and currents. Even though it was very dirty and choppy forcing me to breath and spot a majority of the time on the same side I was comfortable and relaxed.

Swim to Bike transition:

- 8mins 31secs

Ride (180km):

- 8hrs 39mins 32secs

- 20.79kph

It didn't feel like it took as long as it did. Once out of transition and on the road north to Port Douglas, I caught up with Sharn and Craig within maybe 5 minutes. Greg, one of our S4S team mates mentioned we didn't have to adhere to the drafting rule as long as we stayed out of everyone's way I was relieved. That was the thing I was worried about.
There were 3 flat tires during the bike leg which ultimately slowed the average speed down to just over 20kph. We arrived in T2 - Cairns within 8 minutes of being disqualified.
It was nail-biting stuff for friends, family, spectators, Sharni-army and fans!

Bike to Run transition:

- 9mins 50secs

Run (42.2km):

- 6hrs 8mins 19secs

- 8.43kph

Once we got to Cairns then it was a case of keeping on moving and finishing was in the bag!
At one stage, unknown to all but Luke, one of the other S4S teammates, we had to make a certain checkpoint by 8:30pm. He didn't want to worry everyone by mentioning it so merely picked up the pace to ensure we were safe from the sag-wagon. It explains where he got his little spurt of energy...

The Finishers Shoot:
Wow! What an experience!
On every lap of the run the crowds showing their support was incredible but that Finishers Shoot was just something else!

I'll talk about it more in the next few blog posts.

Cheers,
Pat

One more sleep. This is it.

Well... it is 9:30pm on the Saturday night before Ironman Cairns 2014 starts. I think I will be getting close to finishing 24 hours from now, depending on whether I can meet up with Sharn and Craig. I am still not sure how that is going to pan out. If they are ahead, it should be pretty easy. I should be able to see them if they are still swimming when I exit the water so I can wait up for them.

The weather forecast is for 19-23° C, 20-30mm of rain and up to 25kph south easterly winds. Those weather conditions are going to add some extra challenge.

Stay tuned. I am heading to bed.

Be fast. Be safe.
Cheers,
Pat