Kona…..

The minute I walked off the plane I was whacked in the face by the hot windy humid air, I knew this island was a different kind of beast. After riding out past the volcanic rock with my best mate Bern on Sunday arvo I realised just how tough this race was going to be on race day, being blown around the road like I was an old tumble weed, perhaps I under estimated this race a little.

With a few complications and hurdles to cross throughout the week, I had to get my mind right and myself to that start line no matter what. Thank you Zac Turner for the treatment that ultimately got me back into the water. This race was more special to me than any other race I have done. I have over come so many obstacles in my life and one certainly being the challenges with my body which I will forever be grateful for, so many sacrifices were made for this race.

I knew one advantage I had over a lot of people was the will to suffer & hurt when things got tough. My mind wonders back to Cairns ironman at the 20km mark of the run when things really started to hurt, at this point my furthest consecutive run had only been 25 km so the pain was starting to hit.

As my brain felt like it was boiling from the heat, I remembered having a conversation with Braden Currie after I qualified for Kona after my very first IM, where he asked me if I willing to suffer. I can well and truly say, I did. Crossing that finish line like a bowling ball rolling down that stage with nothing more to give.

After an hour or so in the medical tent on an IV drip it all sunk in. I had completed the toughest one day race on this planet. It is true, we can accomplish anything we put our minds too. My number 1 Nat for always believing in me and letting me follow my dreams, I know this hasn’t been easy for you at times and that I may feel like I am non existent! Thank you for kicking me out of bed at 3.45am when my alarm goes off.

 

X – TEAM Tri coaching thank you for all the support and taking my phone calls when I told you I’ve broken down again, you really know how to get the best out of your athletes.