What's the first question you get asked when folks first find out you do triathlon?
Have you been to the Hawaiian Ironman?
Well, I have and you what the first question they asked after finding it was the first time I was going there after trying to qualify for 4 years was?
How are you going to feel after finishing Ironman Hawaii?
The answer now is easy - I feel empty, but satisfied. Why such mixed emotions? To be honest, as a race this was possibly my worst ever but as an experience this was up there with the best I have ever had. I met so many amazing people from so many different walks of life and countries. Hawaii, as a place, is simple stunning ...magical. It feels almost like a mystical home. Life moves so slowly there, people seem to be so easy going and their bodies tick to a different clock there compared to the rest of the world, especially the clock that we from Dubai beat to on a daily basis.
It was great to see so many stars from the Ironman and ITU world. Crowie, Macca, Norman Stadler, Dave Scott, Mark Allen, Chrissie Wellington, Mirinda Carfrae, Jan Frodeno, Gomez, Tim Don, Simon Whitfield, Emma Snowsill, all world champions or gold medalists. It was simply amazing to be rubbing shoulders with them down on the legendary sands of Dig Me beach.
The race itself is hard, that's it ... hard. It's hot, it's windy and it's never ending and unforgiving. There were a number of times where I could simply have just sat down by the side of the road, relaxed, chilled and watched the day go by. I was not in a happy place for the majority of the day, in fact from when the canon went off, but it was the world championships, the Ironman World Championships. I had chased this dream for at least 4 years to be where I was right now. Sarah and I had made many sacrifices to get to the start line. I did not want to waste the opportunity or be disrespectful by not finishing. I aimed to finish in the day light.
The swim was one of the hardest I have done to be fair and the bit I was most nervous about. It seemed to go on and on, you know what it is like. It was physical too, it was just so difficult to get a rhythm. For the first four hundred meters I do not think I put my face in the water and equally there was one or two athletes that had their fair tries at trying to either borrow my goggles, speed suit or timing chip, which was nice, but again we all know what it is like. The biggest bonus of the swim is the view you get. The ocean was so stunning and clear. It was a real honour to be able to swim that far out into the Pacific Ocean, you would never do that on your own. A couple of guys I spoke to said they saw dolphins, I didn't but it would not surprise me. The ocean is so full of life, it is so different to the Arabian Gulf, it is like the Disney film Finding Nemo.
The bike course was the first race I had done where it was one single lap. I was not too sure how I felt about this, it was the unknown and you always hear about the infamous trade winds of Hawaii. At first it was not too bad and I was almost enjoying being passed by countless drafters, until about 20km from Hawi. I saw Crowie and the pros through. Then boom! There she was ... Hawaii reminding us we were there and the winds could blow, ouch, it was hard, but it was the same for everyone. Once at the turn around in Hawi, the wind was with us for a stretch and it was great, 65kmph, flying for a while. We hit the turn onto the Queen Ka and I was thinking I was almost home, nah, there was still legs in this ride. There was at least another 50km and the wind had turned. This was going to be a hard one all the way home. Suck it up this is why we're here.
The run was ok. It was hot, but nothing I really noticed until my back started to hurt due to the sunburn. The hardest part was the mid section out on the Queen Ka at 21km in. It seemed to be so far and mentally I was really struggling. I was going from aid station to aid station, just surviving. I met up with Flanners at the bottom of the Natural Energy Lab and chatted to him for about 10 minutes. I thought he looked good as he had all day, but he told me otherwise. We both decided we were going to cross the line together and celebrate, that was until we saw Aya and we both thought there was no way we wanted to get chicked by her as we would never hear the end of it.
The rest of the race was just as hard, run, puke, run, aid station, walk, run, puke, run, aid station, run, there was a type of rhythm going and in any normal race it wouldn't have been that enjoyable, but this was Kona, Ironman Hawaii, so it really was a case of sucking it up and enjoying it, as these opportunities do not come knocking everyday. Finishing was great, as always, you get a surge of energy from somewhere that you wished you had throughout the run. Going down the chute and over the line to Mike Reilly's chorus of ...."Edward Hawkins, a teacher from the UK, now living in Dubai. You're an Ironman" , was great and something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was great to take the Union Jack over the line, something I have never done before. I'm proud to be British and I am proud to have had this opportunity, like Jay says it'll be one to tell the kids and grandkids about.
This isn't the Oscars and even if it was, I didn't win anything in Hawaii except my dream but there are a few people who need to be acknowledged for their help and support over the last 4 years in getting me to Hawaii. As always thank you to T2A. Guys when it looked like I was not going to be able to go the Hawaii, you all clubbed round and offered. I was so humbled. Once Sarah and I sat in our apartment in tears due to the kindness of you all. Jason has built an amazing team here and much credit goes to him for that, but it is you who day in day out are T2A. We welcome new members into the team and see old ones move on and then welcome some back. As a group we are without a doubt and race results aside, the best triathlon group in the Middle East. You are all infectious and we all work off each other to improve, develop and get faster. I take my hat off to you all from the fastest to the slowest you are all equal in my eyes.
An extra special mention must go to my training buddies, Ben and Neil especially, cheers lads. Not long for you now Benny, you know where I am mate. Goowie, Mr National, simple mate ... thank you, you were brill! Jason, two years ago we sat having a coffee and Hawaii was the goal, we reached that and publicly thank you coach and friend. Thank you to my sponsors (Adrian at Probike, Richard at Sport in Life Dubai, Toby at Bike Fit Asia, Mike at Newton UK and Julie at Blue Seventy UK) as it have would been so much harder to have got where I did without you. Thank you to work and the guys in the PE Dept for being understanding especially Simon Gray. I really appreciate your work and without you I would not be able to do what I have done, so thank you. Equally, I have worked for a boss in the past that does not appreciate what you do outside of the office and I can tell you now it makes a huge difference, thank you Jason, Mark and Jonathan.
Mine and Sarah's (my) family in the UK, all those times we had get togethers planned during holidays only for me to 'pop' out for a short 2 hour run or ride, thank you!
Lastly, and most importantly, thanks Sarah, we did it didn't we babe, love you ;-)
To be honest this is actually a pretty crap race report. Why? Because I can't explain my feelings well enough, I can't put them in to words. My main feelings in retrospect about the race is that I'm so disappointed with the performance, as I didn't perform. I was sick a number of times and all day long I felt tired, no strength and deeply fatigued. It was five Ironmans in 18 months done, it's got to take it's toll. However, as an experience the day, it was amazing and I loved every minute. Did the performance detract from the experience, possibly, maybe, but not to the point that I am going to dwell upon it. At the end of the day I really am an Ironman, a Hawaiian Ironman finisher in Kona.
On a side note, I understand that the WTC are in the process of changing the rules regarding the lottery system and they are looking into rewarding those who have completed 12 or more WTC Ironman races. An interesting move and one that on face value seems to reward the athlete that is loyal to the WTC. What do I think? Let them do it, if it works it works, it certainly means money in the bank for them. Interestingly, would I have taken a slot if I had qualified through the old lottery system or the new proposed one. The answer is simple, no. It's not for me and I urge you to take time and think why do you compete in the sport of triathlon and moreover Ironman. Is it for the easy success? If it is then walk on by and get your goal of a lottery slot in Hawaii. You will go there and have the best time ever. I'm pretty sure however, that in a couple of years I'll see you taking part in a different pastime away from the office. If something is worth working towards, it's got to be worth doing properly. No disrespect to the guys who qualified to race Hawaii in a 70.3 this time round, but I truly believe to race in Hawaii you should qualify in an Ironman distance race. Jonny Brownlee does not rock up at the Olympics for a medal, having only done a sprint event. Equally with that thought in mind, if you want to do Hawaii, I urge you to work at it. Please don't take the easy option and just settle for a lottery slot to collect your ticket. Train, put the effort in, put the time in, make the many sacrifices and qualify. Now, I'm hearing you say, what if I can't do that? Well, my answer to that is simple, that's life. I know there are many things in life that you can do that I can't and I possibly will never able to do. It's simple, it's a hard lesson in life, but it's true. However, how will you ever know if you didn't try first, don't just settle for the easy option. Put it out there, make a statement, put your balls on the line and if it doesn't work out then learn from it. That's how we develop as people, that's how we grow. It's all a life experience, you only get one shot at it. As i said before many know I disagree with the WTC for offering Hawaii slots in a 70.3 race, but putting it on the line is exactly what Neil and Marshie did. They put it out there and went for it. Look where it got them and you've got to respect them for it.
Don't ever go for the easy option, it's not an easy sport, take pride in what you've done and what you going to do. That way you can hold your head up high, when you get to where you want to be. You'll be able to walk as tall as everyone else because you have earned the right, you've not ultimately been given it by someone else. It will taste so much sweeter.
If you have a dream, go for it and never give up. Its better to regret something you did rather than something you didn't.
Where do I go from here? I don't know really there are many things I'd like to do and I'm going to have a crack at them. A sub 3 hour marathon, a 1 hour 20 half marathon, a sub 9.30 ironman, the Norseman sounds good too! I will continue to represent my sponsors in the best way I can. Hell, even have a crack at going for an ITU age group title one day maybe, all the above are possibilities.
However, you know what really does sound appealing to me and that is to be a Dad. That's got to be the best prize of all, hasn't it?
Ed Hawkins
T2A
Thanks to:
www.probike.ae
www.blueseventy.com
www.guenergy.com
www.2xu.com
www.bikefitasia.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Summer 2011 - Naturally Run Better?!
Well, the Summer has been and almost gone. In the space of 7 weeks Sarah and I have been to South Korea (well I did that), the UK, a Take That concert at Wembley (well Sarah did that!), Paris to see my best mate ride from London to Paris, North Wales to see the Evans Clan, London and then back to the UAE and Dubai.
Training for Kona was a little difficult to be honest for a number of reasons in the UK. The main one being around people who want to train and encourage you to train by their example too. Don't get me wrong back in the UK our friends and family are super encouraging as to what I am trying to achieve, but and it's a big 'but' it has really displayed to me that in order to get the best out of your training you need to surround yourself with like minded people who are also trying achieve similar goals. Its really motivating and something I will never take for granted.
Another reason for a drop off in my training was the general public and their use of the local swimming pool. OML I'd forgotten how many times the 'fast' wasn't really the fast lane. This is fine and I can understand that we are all of different standards and we all started somewhere, but tbf people need to honest with what they can achieve and if someone is faster than they believe they are its far more complimentary to be asked to more up a group than it is to move down one to slow lane. Also what a shame no Masters swim groups in the Grimsby area where we were based, surely they are missing a trick there? Or maybe there just isnt the call for it.
I was super lucky to borrow a bike Paul Thompson Double UK/Triple European Ironman Champion (well it was actually his brothers Les Thompson) while I was back in Grimsby so I able to get some biking in around the Lincolnshire Wolds and it was great to ride in cool weather, stopping for coffee etc. In fact I only got caught in rain once, the first time in two years!
My running has been good and I was able to get in around 100km a week at a very steady state pace. This was good as it will all add to a good base and another plus was it kept my weight down, which in the past has increased in the UK, I feel due to the increase in carb based foods, the temperature (a slowing of metabolic rate) and a lack of good honest training.
So all in all I feel quite good now we've headed back to the desert. It was great to spend some time with my family. It was decent time too, not sat in front TV which everyone seems to do back home (only because TV here is pants!). My Dad and I built a greenhouse. It was bloody brilliant and I really enjoyed it, just like old times when I was a kid and it was great to share a beer with my Dad while their and our dogs played in the garden. Magic stuff, in this day and age you don't get much chance to do that sort of thing, as we're normally so busy, I loved it.
Sarah has also been busy she has once again done herself proud, sorting all of the flights and the condo for Kona. We are about 500m from Lava java the famous cafe that everyone goes to when they race Hawaii. Well done Sarah again!
I have been quite lucky too with regards to sponsors over the Summer. I've picked up GU and 2XU in Dubai via www.sportinlife.ae and I must say a big thanks to Richard there. GU is great, I've been using for a few years and they are now really pushing the research to develop some great products for endurance especially the roctane series. Mike Trees at TCL sports in the UK has also offered me deals with regards to Newton Running shoes and 2XU, so a huge thanks to him also. Newton are in my opinion the best trainers in the world. They promote a 'natural' running style and if you'd like any more info please shot me an email. Please believe the hype around these trainers and don't believe the disbelievers, as they really are so good that Mike offers a 29 day return policy if you're not happy with the shoes. There arent too many suppliers/retailers that offer that trust!
I'm also now a Newton Natural Running Coach, so I've got a couple of things I'm looking into doing here in the UAE. Maybe a website, maybe some free running sessions, maybe some technique sessions with Jason at our camps we do just to get the name out there - Naturally Run Better.
Let me know what you think as I'm always open to feedback and if you have any idea too, thanks.
So there you do go just the run into Kona, Hawaii and the Ironman World Championships now.
Bring it on as Bev on IMtalk would say like donkey kong.
Be safe,
Ed and Sarah
Friday, July 8, 2011
Hawaii here I come!!!
Race report - Ironman South Korea, 3/7/2011
Race reports are funny things I think. I always enjoy reading them when other people write them, but I always struggle to write them myself (maybe it's because I'm just a PE teacher). So, here's my effort, sorry if it's crap, but as per normal I'm writing from the heart. Oh and sorry if it's long and I waffle on, I didn't know I knew so many words, let alone how to put them together like this.
I am now sat on the plane on my way home from South Korea, yes South Korea. I never thought I would ever have gone to South Korea. In the space of 7 months I have been to the UK, South Africa, South Korea and then to the UK again. I understand that for some of the people on the team this sort of traveling is the norm, but for Sarah and I, teachers, this is mind blowing and I never want to take it granted. I enjoy traveling, but I haven't really had, what I would consider, too much opportunity compared to many others, so to have visited to South Korea with my wetsuit, bike and running shoes is just amazing.
My flights early on with Air China had been cancelled, so Sarah had rearranged for me to fly with Korean Air. This was a master stroke from her, as it meant that I would be travelling with Capt Carl, Noel and Marshie. We only had one stop off too, which was a real bonus, as I had two stops with Air China and if I am honest, I wasn't really looking forward to traveling on my own, as it's always more fun with friends and I was worried about losing my bike or bags if I had more than one stop too.
After being raped in the backside by Korean Air in Dubai for traveling with a bike (top tip always try and agree a price with the airline before you travel if you can for your bike) we boarded for Seoul. The journey to the resort Seogwipo, where the Ironman was held, was pretty uneventful, apart from sleeping, chatting to the guys and watching movies, all the normal things you get up to whilst flying.
We arrived in the early evening, got to our rooms, explored the wonder of the 'electric toilet' and then we popped out for something to eat. We chose a traditional Korean restaurant, which if I'm honest I wasn't too convinced with. However, it turned out to be a great choice by Carl, Noel and Marshie, as the food was good and it was a great experience if a little worrying one, as I wasn't too sure what the meat was we were eating. Later that evening, my room mate Benny arrived and I was pretty happy to be getting some shut eye, as I was feeling quite tired by this time, even if we did both commence our epic iPad game sessions that evening!
In the morning we woke to rain, yes rain. It was amazing, as I haven't see or felt it since Christmas. It was still quite warm and humid, but it was just so good to feel the rain again. We chatted as a group and decided that we would register, expo it and swim today, as we didn't really fancy the idea of riding in the rain for a number of reasons. The group quite rightly didn't like the idea, because the roads were greasy, but to be honest I just didn't want to get my bike dirty. Later that day, we registered and popped to the expo to spend some cash. The Bike Boutique were in charge of the main stand, where we met Alex Bok who is the manager of the business side of things for TBB. He seemed a nice guy and he was very welcoming to the team who had been and raced in Phuket. The swim practice was interesting to say the least, it was like a very choppy JBR day. We walked down to the beach underneath the hotel, this was not where the official start was going to be, as it was the open sea, but it was near to the hotel, so we were happy. After about 20minutes or so of fighting with the waves, or should I say swimming, we went back to the hotel to relax. Some of the group including myself weren't hugely happy at the thought of the swim being like that, but I kept telling myself it'll be the same for everyone racing.
The next two days were spent getting ready for the race. A small ride on the bikes, which resulted in one of the more sweatiest sessions I've had at such low temperatures due to the humidity. Getting the bike and bags packed and in T1, a recce of the bike course (via a very slow bus, where the wheels on the bus go round and round) and a small run on the course. All the normal things you do on taper pre race week.
As the race day rolled around, I was becoming nervous. It seems that there had been lots of athletes switch across from when IMChina was cancelled to Korea and while the race had been awarded an extra 25 Hawaii slots making it 75 in total, the most an Asian race has ever had, it also meant that the standard had also been raised, as it had in China last year. I was a little worried. I got a good nights sleep the penultimate night, however, the night before was no go. Sleep didn't really happen and instead the iPad got a bit of a smashing, either Facebook, Twitter, emails or this driving game that Benny and I had downloaded. All good fun and it took our minds off the race ahead the next day.
I woke about 3am and I did all the normal things I do on race morning. Breakie was made up of Frosties (they're grrrrrrreat!), Starbucks cold coffee (!?) and orange juice. Everything was pretty standard to be fair, apart from one thing, I really struggled to have a good number two!! It's one of my nightmares racing and needed to go. A wee is fine, as you all know (well, Didge and Janey do), I'll pee myself any day of the week especially in my wetsuit when training and racing. The thought of pooing on the course isn't something I really like to do, hence I was a little worried.
My lucky number is 8. I believe in fate and without sounding silly if you add my race numbers together 233 - it totals 8. I like the number 8, my sporting hero,Ian Wright, the Arsenal footballer always played in the number 8 and it's also like 0 that like me has lost weight and can now wear smaller jeans ;-) (think about it!) It's also regarded a lucky number in the Far East .... so things were looking good.
Carl, Noel, Suz, Marshie and I took the bus to the start and got ourselves ready early. I like getting to the start early doors, as it means if anything has gone tits up you've got time to sort it. I checked the bike, everything was fine and then I sat ready to get myself sorted and ready to race. Poor Marshie was having a mare with his bike and I really felt for him. This is also my complete nightmare on the morning of a race and I have to say I was so impressed with the way in which he dealt with the situation. I know I would not be as calm or forgiving, what a T2A legend!
I felt a bit over this race at the start to be honest. You guys all know how I wear my heart on the sleeve. You see how I'm feeling whether I'm happy, sad, tired or on form etc. I was finding it difficult to really get up for it, I really felt I had a devil on my back and I wanted rid of him big stylie! I also had a headache, bang goes the pain killers down my throat and I crossed my fingers that it would disappear, fortunately they did the job- it must have just been nerves.
The swim was two laps out and back in the sea. To my relief it was calm, not like the other day, think JBR on those beautiful days when you know you're going to get beasted by Coach, but at least you know that the sea is on your side as it's as calm as a pond. I started way across to the left hand side away from the pros and away from, in my experience, is normally the fighting area.The gun or fireworks went off and we were on, as I always say 'like donkey kong!'
The first lap of the swim was a breeze, nice long strokes and I felt like I was moving pretty well. I got out and saw Benny and Noel in the crowd shouting. My garmin had cocked up, so I wasn't too sure what my time was for the first lap, but I had Benny shouting 28mins.....oh my god, that went well, I thought. I ran round and onto the second lap. In South Africa I read in the race magazine that as an age grouper you always tend to swim 2minutes slower on your second half of an Ironman swim and I did that there. Potentially in Korea then I was looking at a 58min swim for an ironman and I'd take that any day of the week, as it would be the pb I was looking for. But it turns out I was faster. It felt faster, but I've been in the same position before where I'd got out of the swim only to be disappointed with my time so I wasn't going to get excited until I saw the clock when I got out the water. The second lap I pretty much swam on my own apart from the very beginning and the final 200m, it felt fast. Exiting the second lap I ran into T1, got my stuff and headed out for my bike. Benny was stood with Noel and Jordo, he was shouting something out at me and I assumed it was to do with my swim time. After two or three shouts from him I understood what he was saying..56mins for the swim Ed! 56mins swim mate! Wow I was blown away, not 2mins slower as I thought might happen, but 2mins faster?! I knew I was swimming well in training, but I have always wondered about putting it together in a race, I'd never done it before. This time I had and it had set me up for the day ahead (in fact in turns out I did a 55.40 swim on a course that I thought was short, but was pretty accurate on Benny's Garmin).
I got out on the bike and I had one word on my mind, control, control, control. All day long I had to control my efforts, control my power. I sat the whole of the first lap under 200watts and I can tell you it was hard to just sit there while watching others who I felt and knew were no way near as strong on the bike were riding away from me. I wasn't really enjoying it, but it was nice to see different things other than the 'White Walls of Longtoot.' There were some long climbs on the course, which due to the areas where we ride we hadn't really had too much of a chance to train on, so limiting my power output on the bike made it even more important for later on in the race. The first lap I was again pretty much alone as I watched many guys ride past me. "Control" I kept telling myself, "control." On the first turn around point of the second lap I hit a stone in the road (a great tip if you don't want to hit something don't look at it as you generally end up moving in that direction on the bike if you're looking at it, that is unless your name is Craig Jordan, then probably not looking where you going anyhow and either adjusting your brakes or actually aiming for bushes/road work signs, hey mate?). On the Crowie camp back in November the same thing happened and it resulted in a flat, damn, I couldn't believe it, I thought I'd got a flat! I quickly stopped and checked the tyre, spinning the wheel, listening, nothing, mmmmm maybe not, I'd chance it and carry on before I started the rigmarole of changing it. I carried on nice and steady, no sign of the flat, thank you to the Ironman gods!
On the second lap I started to ride a little more like I know I can and I upped my power by 10watts and I completely smashed the downhills, my top speed on the bike computer was 85kmph. I'd noticed on the bike that there some big packs forming and there was a fair bit of legal drafting taking place, with 50km to go on the second lap I found myself in between two packs that had formed. I made the decision to join one of the packs and work with a group. I dropped the hammer in order to catch up with the pack in front. After about 15mins or so I was with them, but sat at 7m as I didn't want to get a penalty. Once with this pack, I hoped my watts would drop, as too my heart rate and if I was able to stay with them then it would nice and easy for the last 45km home to T2. This is exactly what happened and I rode with the group dropping off the bike into T2 feeling pretty fresh and actually really looking forward to the marathon. My Garmin was still screwed, so I dumped it in my run bag and decided to run on feel, 'Coach would be so proud', I thought to myself.
Heading out onto run I could instantly feel the heat way more than I did on the bike. There was no wind as I was heading out to the World Cup stadium and because of this I took the first kms of the run steady. Control was what I kept telling myself on the bike, slow and steady was what I was going to tell myself on the run. I had decided to run with a Camelbak, because in past races I have become bloated and struggled to keep fluid down, because at the aid stations I tried to consume too much too quickly. A Camelbak allowed me to sip away throughout the run so hopefully I wasn't going to bloat and start to feel sick again. I was over taken by a couple of athletes on my way out on the first lap, but I was also overtaking a number, however most of the athletes I was overtaking were 70.3 ones with a green number and it was starting to frustrate me. I held my pace and kept saying my mantra, slow and steady, slow and steady. I saw Benny, who was on his way to the finish, he looked like he was flying and very comfortable. Next up was Jordo, who also looked very much in control and was smashing it, get running from the both of them and even better biking from Craig I thought to myself. I hit the World Cup stadium and the turn around. Back the way we came and into the wind....ah, that was better, there was a bit of a head wind and it did make a different, not much, but a difference. For the first time in an Ironman race, I wasn't holding out for the aid stations thanks to my camelbak. The aid stations were good to see as it meant that I was getting closer to the finish line and I enjoyed the coke (magical, wonderful stuff) and the ice down my pants (the Korean old ladies thought that was 'fery fery phunny, wuff you wong time, 15 dollar!!!! So the aid stations weren't the be all and end all in the race whereas they had been in past. I saw Milan and Aja a couple of times. Aja was having a monster race, really tearing up the run course and Milan was looking really strong too. Then there was Marshie, poor bloke, what with all his problems at the start he then told me that his Di2 had packed in and he'd ridden for 175km with one gear, what else could go wring for the guy! Well, as it turned out he also got really burnt! All I can say is again, respect Marshie, plain and simple respect to you, I know I could not have done that.
I was hoping to see Benny as I came onto the second run lap, so I could find out where I was in my age group from Ironmanlive.com after he had finished his race. However, due to the course not being like what we thought it was I thought that I'd missed him. But then came the cavalry, 10minutes into starting the second lap I heard a bike coming up from behind me, BOOM.....here's Benny! Great, some news from either ironmanlive.com or from coach via text/email/chat room. Ok, mmmmm maybe not, the bloody website was down and there were no live timing splits, so Benny told me he didn't know anything, but I was looking strong and to keep going at the pace I was working to. Running blind without a garmin, running blind without timings, well done WTC, hey good job! Still it was probably doing me favour, I just had to get on with it and enjoy the day, it was the same for everyone. I kept on trucking, slow and steady I kept telling myself, slow and steady then I hit the turn around again for the second and last time. At this moment, I was in a pretty dark place and I was struggling to be honest. For the first time in an Ironman I took in some gels on the run and as if by magic within 10mins I'd perked up and I felt so much better. It was back on and I was running well, picking the pace up to 13kmph in places. I had about 5km to go and one aid station left. I had to just keep putting one foot in front of the other, keep the turn over going and I'd be done, my 7th Ironman finish, but there were still a few hills to climb first. These hills seemed as though they were going on forever and I really started to doubt where the last aid station was. Just as I started to wonder whether I'd able to either carry on at the pace I was running at or even carry on for that matter.... I saw the last aid station. Approaching it I remembered what Macca had done in Kona last year, where he had missed it in order to smash the last few kms in order to grab the win. While I obviously wasn't in that position, I knew I wanted to finish strongly and I had a renewed spring in my step knowing I was so close to the finish, so I grabbed a coke without stopping, threw it down my face and top, missing my mouth completely (even if it is big) and picked up my pace again. Suddenly, there in front of me was the left turn down to the finish area. Looking ahead I could see a group of runners making their way to the finish also, one of them was in my age group, however I didn't know if they were on their first or second lap. I could hear Benny shouting encouragement and I knew I had to go for it. All I could do was to throw my Camelbak, '400m' he said, '400 bloody metres' I replied! I had a wee sense of humour failure, 400m wasn't that far obviously,but still I wasn't too happy as I was really moving and my thighs were cramping up. I'd already traveled 225.6km, but 400m seemed just a little too far, what a dickhead Hawkins step back into reality! Turning into the finish area I was sprinting as fast as I could (not as fast Marshie's sprint finish, mind that was awesome), right up on my forefoot, Newton Running would have been well proud. I felt like Usain Bolt. Crossing the line, arms up in the air, I'd done it again, another Ironman finish in the bag!
Once I'd got my finishers medal, tee shirt, drink etc I walked across to where Benny and Noel were sat down. I was mostly happy with the performance I'd given. I'd raced hard, but more importantly for the first time I felt I'd raced intelligently. There was nothing more I could do, it was now in the hands of the Ironman gods, however as there was no live public timing splits, there was no way of finding out how I had done. Benny and Jordo had qualified for Vegas and I was over the moon for them. It was awesome. Benny went and got some local Cass beer and I was on it, ka boom! Oh, how it tasted good, I loved every minute of that beer it had been over 3 months since I'd had a beer I really loved that first one. Aja was next in, she'd smashed it, winning her Age Group, 3rd Age Group chick overall and in turn qualifying for Kona, amazing and good for her, as I said she'd really torn up that course. Next up, Milan was in and straight into the medical tent, he was in a bad place, but as right as rain after an IV drip. Then Suz finished, who also had a stormer of a race......... but Carl was still out there and we were all getting a little worried, as he should have been home some time ago. News filtered through that Carl had struggled during the run due to a lack of energy, but he only had 2km to go. He had kept on trucking all the way home to the finish. Let me tell you, he is a warrior and a real star of T2A. He has his own story to tell, but let me say just how easy would it have been for him, one of the best 55-59 age group athletes in the world to have dropped out, but no - this guy just kept on going, he was amazing and in that single race he epitomised everything that we as Ironman Age Group athletes stand for. He is such an awesome role model for all in the team and to everyone he meets. It is people like Carl who inspire me to train, to race and I hope that when I get to Carl's age I am as active as he is. He is simply an inspiration to all. Thank you Carl.
By now it was getting late and I still didn't know how I had done, so I popped up to the race office by the finish area to have a word. I spoke to the Head of WTC Asia, Murphy and he pulled me into the office to have a look at the unofficial results with the Race Director. As they opened them up on the laptop screen, it seemed to take forever for the excel spreadsheet to boot up. Firstly, the programme was there, then the results. They scrolled down towards my age group...it all took forever....18-24 males, come on!......25-29 males, come on!.....30-34 males, come on!........35-39 males, right here we go.......
There it was:
Edward Hawkins -
Swim - 55:40
Bike - 5.17.43
Run - 3.55.35
Total - 10.16.38
Age Group place: ?????
Murphy asked, "How many Hawaii slots in your age group, Ed?"
"9", I said.
"Yep, 9", confirmed the Race Director!
"Well you can go and have another beer Ed ...... you are definitely going to Kona, you came 8th in you age group."
OMG, OMG, OMG OMG! Stay calm, stay calm, I walked over to Benny and Suz not knowing what to say, at first I was quite chilled, but then suddenly ..... Kona, Kona, Kona, Kona just came out! I was off to bloody Hawaii!!!!
Unbelievable, just unbelievable.
As I said I believe in fate. My race number added up to 8, I came 8th in my Age Group and the Hawaii Ironman will be my 8th race, it takes place on the 8th October (which also comes from the old Roman latin word, 'octo' meaning 8 and October was their 8th month in their calendar, rather then their tenth as we now know it ), 8....8....8......8 it must have been fate, pure and simple!
Well, from this race what have I taken from it that in turn I hope that maybe you will learn from it too? That's easy.......planning, preparation, patience and pleasure!
Plan your race down to the very smallest detail, but remember if things don't go your way be prepared to be flexible and have a back up plan. Be patient, Ironman racing is a long old day and you have to be prepared for that. Embrace it, pace yourself early on, as so many people go hell for leather and blow 'BIG' style either in the second half of the bike or in the last 15km of the run, because they didn't eat enough on the bike or because they pushed the pace too early. You won't have to force it. Enjoy the race, you're doing it for fun, you're not a pro, none of us are going to be, so remember to take time out and enjoy the people around you, the location and the fact that you are so fit compared to the general population. We forget this as we surround ourselves with people who think it's also normal to get up and ride 150km on a Friday morning at 4am, run 20km after work or swim 4km in the pool before breakie! Well, I'm sorry to break this news to everyone, but IT IS NOT NORMAL, so enjoy that fact you're amazing for doing what you're doing and where you've come from in terms of starting out in this crazy sport. Enjoy the moment, it's special and priceless!
Marshall sit down at the back and stop taking the piss out of me please ;-)
Where could I have improved on this performance......? Well that's simple, while I'm happy to have qualified for Hawaii, I still have never nailed an Ironman run in my opinion. I'm owed a sub 3.20 marathon at some point off a controlled bike leg. Maybe it's a nutrition aspect - not enough gels going in to my body therefore I still struggle at 20/25km into run or is it just self belief in my abilities? I'm not sure, but you can bet it's something I'll strive to correct? I'd still love to go sub 9.30 one day (sub 60 swim, 5.05 bike and then a 3.20 run making sub a 9.30 ironman, fast course anyone? I've heard Austria is pretty fast, hey Marino?).
Right so onto the Oscar style thank yous......
Thank you to my sponsors, Naomi and Guy (who had a stormer of a race in the 70.3 coming second pro) at www.blueseventy.com, Adrian at www.probike.ae and Toby at www.asiabikefit.com. Without your help over the past months I wouldn't have got to the start line, let alone race as well or as comfortably as I did.
Thank you to my colleagues, you have supported me at work, covered for me when I've not been there and also listened to me go on and on about Kona and Ironman. I know, I'm boring.
Thank you to my bosses at work. Without their support and understanding I would not be able travel, train and then race. It simply wouldn't work or happen without your support.
Thank you to all the team. I understand that the team has been there for me, to support me, to help when things have been difficult and when results in the past haven't gone my way. You my team have been my cradle to catch me and pick me up when it's been hard. Sessions like 2.30 on a Friday morning and I've got 200km to ride down in Longtoot with a run off it or we've another lap of those pissing boats to do at JBR and I've swallowed so much bloody sea water I feel like a desalination plant, or a Coach dirt on Saturday evening and we had to smash the last 5km at sub 4min per km. Ouch! I thank you all for that. I also understand, so I've been told, that at times I'm 'not very approachable' and if this is the case and I'm a moody git, then I'm truly sorry, I don't mean to be and thank you all for putting up with me. Maybe I need more sleep, maybe I just need to be nicer to people, but thank you again for all your patience.
In particular there have been a number guys who have been there for me when I've had specific sessions, either in the pool, in the sea, on the bike or on the many, many runs I have done over the past two years, you know who you are and I thank you. I simply could not have qualified last Sunday without you and your efforts over the last months. I'm so glad that I can repay the faith you have shown in me by getting to Hawaii.
Jason is my coach and my triathlon master. I hear at times from within the team occasional moans about him with reference to this and that and this can be fully understandable and more importantly justifiable. However, I'm not entirely sure that the team fully understands just how much he cares that we all do well in our races and in our lives outside of triathlon. Almost three years ago, when I found that Sarah and I might be moving to Dubai I emailed Jason with a load of questions just after the first Crowie camp and he emailed back a slightly odd email where he used my original text and answered the questions underneath in red so he didn't have to write a full email. Mmmmm I thought, fair enough, slightly economic with the use of the keyboard, but I noticed what he wrote was to the point and made a lot of sense to me. Jason knows his stuff, it maybe old school, he may not go on about power etc and there can be times when he gets it wrong (Jay's race time in South Africa), but 99% of the time the Aussie bastard is always right. How many times have we received an email on a Sunday morning where he calls a result 20km into a race only for that person to hit the time or be a couple of minutes either side? The answer is, all the time. That's not luck, that's knowing your athletes and what they can do and are capable of. Thank you Jason, while we haven't always agreed I trust you completely and I thank you for the faith you have shown in me and your guidance. I will always value our friendship.
I wasn't sure if I was going to write a race report for this one, but I have now for a number of reasons. I understand that people learn loads from them and it's good to see how things went etc for different athletes. When I read other team members race reports I'm always interested to see where I can learn new ways of doing things and then in turn maybe race better or more importantly faster. But for some reason this race seemed way more personal than any race I've ever done before and I wasn't sure if I wanted to share that with everyone. There's possibly number of reasons for this. Firstly, maybe because I hit the goal that I've been shooting for for awhile. Secondly, maybe because I felt it was it's pretty obvious how I was going to feel about the result of this race and I didn't want to insult anyone by going on about it. Thirdly, maybe because I simply want to keep some of my feelings secret about the race, because for once I wanted to keep those feelings to myself and Sarah. However, lastly and probably the real reason why I thought about not writing race report was that I'm so gutted for Carl and Noeline. I'm so happy to do so well and get to Kona. While Jason is my coach, Carl is my mentor. I look up to him, I respect him. I've only ever wanted to race Kona, but I only ever thought I'd be doing it with Carl along side me, doing it on my own didn't fit into the equation. I can not say how disappointed I am for him not to reach his goal and in October come race morning I will be thinking of him and everything he and Noeline have done for Sarah and I since our time in Dubai. On Saturday 8th October in Kona, I will be racing for Carl Luitingh as well as myself. Carl and Noel you are more than just friends to Sarah and I.
Lastly, I must thank my Sarah, the other half of Team Hawkins. Thank you babe, I love you xxx
In reading this race report I hope that my actions each day may inspire someone to become more active, maybe not triathlon or Ironman racing ..... it's not for everyone, but some form of exercise that they enjoy. I really hope that the children that I teach, the parents I speak to and other people that I meet on a day to day basis see what I do, question it and then in turn question their lives, their actions. Are they healthy? Are they fit? Do they take part in active physical recreation? Are there some very simple changes they could make to their lives in order to be more healthy and in terms have a better quality of life for themselves and their loved ones?
I really hope that my example inspires people to do that.
Right next stop Kona, Hawaii and the Ironman World Championships 2011.
Game on donkey kong, I'm all over it!
Cheers guys, thank you and be safe,
Ed
Race reports are funny things I think. I always enjoy reading them when other people write them, but I always struggle to write them myself (maybe it's because I'm just a PE teacher). So, here's my effort, sorry if it's crap, but as per normal I'm writing from the heart. Oh and sorry if it's long and I waffle on, I didn't know I knew so many words, let alone how to put them together like this.
I am now sat on the plane on my way home from South Korea, yes South Korea. I never thought I would ever have gone to South Korea. In the space of 7 months I have been to the UK, South Africa, South Korea and then to the UK again. I understand that for some of the people on the team this sort of traveling is the norm, but for Sarah and I, teachers, this is mind blowing and I never want to take it granted. I enjoy traveling, but I haven't really had, what I would consider, too much opportunity compared to many others, so to have visited to South Korea with my wetsuit, bike and running shoes is just amazing.
My flights early on with Air China had been cancelled, so Sarah had rearranged for me to fly with Korean Air. This was a master stroke from her, as it meant that I would be travelling with Capt Carl, Noel and Marshie. We only had one stop off too, which was a real bonus, as I had two stops with Air China and if I am honest, I wasn't really looking forward to traveling on my own, as it's always more fun with friends and I was worried about losing my bike or bags if I had more than one stop too.
After being raped in the backside by Korean Air in Dubai for traveling with a bike (top tip always try and agree a price with the airline before you travel if you can for your bike) we boarded for Seoul. The journey to the resort Seogwipo, where the Ironman was held, was pretty uneventful, apart from sleeping, chatting to the guys and watching movies, all the normal things you get up to whilst flying.
We arrived in the early evening, got to our rooms, explored the wonder of the 'electric toilet' and then we popped out for something to eat. We chose a traditional Korean restaurant, which if I'm honest I wasn't too convinced with. However, it turned out to be a great choice by Carl, Noel and Marshie, as the food was good and it was a great experience if a little worrying one, as I wasn't too sure what the meat was we were eating. Later that evening, my room mate Benny arrived and I was pretty happy to be getting some shut eye, as I was feeling quite tired by this time, even if we did both commence our epic iPad game sessions that evening!
In the morning we woke to rain, yes rain. It was amazing, as I haven't see or felt it since Christmas. It was still quite warm and humid, but it was just so good to feel the rain again. We chatted as a group and decided that we would register, expo it and swim today, as we didn't really fancy the idea of riding in the rain for a number of reasons. The group quite rightly didn't like the idea, because the roads were greasy, but to be honest I just didn't want to get my bike dirty. Later that day, we registered and popped to the expo to spend some cash. The Bike Boutique were in charge of the main stand, where we met Alex Bok who is the manager of the business side of things for TBB. He seemed a nice guy and he was very welcoming to the team who had been and raced in Phuket. The swim practice was interesting to say the least, it was like a very choppy JBR day. We walked down to the beach underneath the hotel, this was not where the official start was going to be, as it was the open sea, but it was near to the hotel, so we were happy. After about 20minutes or so of fighting with the waves, or should I say swimming, we went back to the hotel to relax. Some of the group including myself weren't hugely happy at the thought of the swim being like that, but I kept telling myself it'll be the same for everyone racing.
The next two days were spent getting ready for the race. A small ride on the bikes, which resulted in one of the more sweatiest sessions I've had at such low temperatures due to the humidity. Getting the bike and bags packed and in T1, a recce of the bike course (via a very slow bus, where the wheels on the bus go round and round) and a small run on the course. All the normal things you do on taper pre race week.
As the race day rolled around, I was becoming nervous. It seems that there had been lots of athletes switch across from when IMChina was cancelled to Korea and while the race had been awarded an extra 25 Hawaii slots making it 75 in total, the most an Asian race has ever had, it also meant that the standard had also been raised, as it had in China last year. I was a little worried. I got a good nights sleep the penultimate night, however, the night before was no go. Sleep didn't really happen and instead the iPad got a bit of a smashing, either Facebook, Twitter, emails or this driving game that Benny and I had downloaded. All good fun and it took our minds off the race ahead the next day.
I woke about 3am and I did all the normal things I do on race morning. Breakie was made up of Frosties (they're grrrrrrreat!), Starbucks cold coffee (!?) and orange juice. Everything was pretty standard to be fair, apart from one thing, I really struggled to have a good number two!! It's one of my nightmares racing and needed to go. A wee is fine, as you all know (well, Didge and Janey do), I'll pee myself any day of the week especially in my wetsuit when training and racing. The thought of pooing on the course isn't something I really like to do, hence I was a little worried.
My lucky number is 8. I believe in fate and without sounding silly if you add my race numbers together 233 - it totals 8. I like the number 8, my sporting hero,Ian Wright, the Arsenal footballer always played in the number 8 and it's also like 0 that like me has lost weight and can now wear smaller jeans ;-) (think about it!) It's also regarded a lucky number in the Far East .... so things were looking good.
Carl, Noel, Suz, Marshie and I took the bus to the start and got ourselves ready early. I like getting to the start early doors, as it means if anything has gone tits up you've got time to sort it. I checked the bike, everything was fine and then I sat ready to get myself sorted and ready to race. Poor Marshie was having a mare with his bike and I really felt for him. This is also my complete nightmare on the morning of a race and I have to say I was so impressed with the way in which he dealt with the situation. I know I would not be as calm or forgiving, what a T2A legend!
I felt a bit over this race at the start to be honest. You guys all know how I wear my heart on the sleeve. You see how I'm feeling whether I'm happy, sad, tired or on form etc. I was finding it difficult to really get up for it, I really felt I had a devil on my back and I wanted rid of him big stylie! I also had a headache, bang goes the pain killers down my throat and I crossed my fingers that it would disappear, fortunately they did the job- it must have just been nerves.
The swim was two laps out and back in the sea. To my relief it was calm, not like the other day, think JBR on those beautiful days when you know you're going to get beasted by Coach, but at least you know that the sea is on your side as it's as calm as a pond. I started way across to the left hand side away from the pros and away from, in my experience, is normally the fighting area.The gun or fireworks went off and we were on, as I always say 'like donkey kong!'
The first lap of the swim was a breeze, nice long strokes and I felt like I was moving pretty well. I got out and saw Benny and Noel in the crowd shouting. My garmin had cocked up, so I wasn't too sure what my time was for the first lap, but I had Benny shouting 28mins.....oh my god, that went well, I thought. I ran round and onto the second lap. In South Africa I read in the race magazine that as an age grouper you always tend to swim 2minutes slower on your second half of an Ironman swim and I did that there. Potentially in Korea then I was looking at a 58min swim for an ironman and I'd take that any day of the week, as it would be the pb I was looking for. But it turns out I was faster. It felt faster, but I've been in the same position before where I'd got out of the swim only to be disappointed with my time so I wasn't going to get excited until I saw the clock when I got out the water. The second lap I pretty much swam on my own apart from the very beginning and the final 200m, it felt fast. Exiting the second lap I ran into T1, got my stuff and headed out for my bike. Benny was stood with Noel and Jordo, he was shouting something out at me and I assumed it was to do with my swim time. After two or three shouts from him I understood what he was saying..56mins for the swim Ed! 56mins swim mate! Wow I was blown away, not 2mins slower as I thought might happen, but 2mins faster?! I knew I was swimming well in training, but I have always wondered about putting it together in a race, I'd never done it before. This time I had and it had set me up for the day ahead (in fact in turns out I did a 55.40 swim on a course that I thought was short, but was pretty accurate on Benny's Garmin).
I got out on the bike and I had one word on my mind, control, control, control. All day long I had to control my efforts, control my power. I sat the whole of the first lap under 200watts and I can tell you it was hard to just sit there while watching others who I felt and knew were no way near as strong on the bike were riding away from me. I wasn't really enjoying it, but it was nice to see different things other than the 'White Walls of Longtoot.' There were some long climbs on the course, which due to the areas where we ride we hadn't really had too much of a chance to train on, so limiting my power output on the bike made it even more important for later on in the race. The first lap I was again pretty much alone as I watched many guys ride past me. "Control" I kept telling myself, "control." On the first turn around point of the second lap I hit a stone in the road (a great tip if you don't want to hit something don't look at it as you generally end up moving in that direction on the bike if you're looking at it, that is unless your name is Craig Jordan, then probably not looking where you going anyhow and either adjusting your brakes or actually aiming for bushes/road work signs, hey mate?). On the Crowie camp back in November the same thing happened and it resulted in a flat, damn, I couldn't believe it, I thought I'd got a flat! I quickly stopped and checked the tyre, spinning the wheel, listening, nothing, mmmmm maybe not, I'd chance it and carry on before I started the rigmarole of changing it. I carried on nice and steady, no sign of the flat, thank you to the Ironman gods!
On the second lap I started to ride a little more like I know I can and I upped my power by 10watts and I completely smashed the downhills, my top speed on the bike computer was 85kmph. I'd noticed on the bike that there some big packs forming and there was a fair bit of legal drafting taking place, with 50km to go on the second lap I found myself in between two packs that had formed. I made the decision to join one of the packs and work with a group. I dropped the hammer in order to catch up with the pack in front. After about 15mins or so I was with them, but sat at 7m as I didn't want to get a penalty. Once with this pack, I hoped my watts would drop, as too my heart rate and if I was able to stay with them then it would nice and easy for the last 45km home to T2. This is exactly what happened and I rode with the group dropping off the bike into T2 feeling pretty fresh and actually really looking forward to the marathon. My Garmin was still screwed, so I dumped it in my run bag and decided to run on feel, 'Coach would be so proud', I thought to myself.
Heading out onto run I could instantly feel the heat way more than I did on the bike. There was no wind as I was heading out to the World Cup stadium and because of this I took the first kms of the run steady. Control was what I kept telling myself on the bike, slow and steady was what I was going to tell myself on the run. I had decided to run with a Camelbak, because in past races I have become bloated and struggled to keep fluid down, because at the aid stations I tried to consume too much too quickly. A Camelbak allowed me to sip away throughout the run so hopefully I wasn't going to bloat and start to feel sick again. I was over taken by a couple of athletes on my way out on the first lap, but I was also overtaking a number, however most of the athletes I was overtaking were 70.3 ones with a green number and it was starting to frustrate me. I held my pace and kept saying my mantra, slow and steady, slow and steady. I saw Benny, who was on his way to the finish, he looked like he was flying and very comfortable. Next up was Jordo, who also looked very much in control and was smashing it, get running from the both of them and even better biking from Craig I thought to myself. I hit the World Cup stadium and the turn around. Back the way we came and into the wind....ah, that was better, there was a bit of a head wind and it did make a different, not much, but a difference. For the first time in an Ironman race, I wasn't holding out for the aid stations thanks to my camelbak. The aid stations were good to see as it meant that I was getting closer to the finish line and I enjoyed the coke (magical, wonderful stuff) and the ice down my pants (the Korean old ladies thought that was 'fery fery phunny, wuff you wong time, 15 dollar!!!! So the aid stations weren't the be all and end all in the race whereas they had been in past. I saw Milan and Aja a couple of times. Aja was having a monster race, really tearing up the run course and Milan was looking really strong too. Then there was Marshie, poor bloke, what with all his problems at the start he then told me that his Di2 had packed in and he'd ridden for 175km with one gear, what else could go wring for the guy! Well, as it turned out he also got really burnt! All I can say is again, respect Marshie, plain and simple respect to you, I know I could not have done that.
I was hoping to see Benny as I came onto the second run lap, so I could find out where I was in my age group from Ironmanlive.com after he had finished his race. However, due to the course not being like what we thought it was I thought that I'd missed him. But then came the cavalry, 10minutes into starting the second lap I heard a bike coming up from behind me, BOOM.....here's Benny! Great, some news from either ironmanlive.com or from coach via text/email/chat room. Ok, mmmmm maybe not, the bloody website was down and there were no live timing splits, so Benny told me he didn't know anything, but I was looking strong and to keep going at the pace I was working to. Running blind without a garmin, running blind without timings, well done WTC, hey good job! Still it was probably doing me favour, I just had to get on with it and enjoy the day, it was the same for everyone. I kept on trucking, slow and steady I kept telling myself, slow and steady then I hit the turn around again for the second and last time. At this moment, I was in a pretty dark place and I was struggling to be honest. For the first time in an Ironman I took in some gels on the run and as if by magic within 10mins I'd perked up and I felt so much better. It was back on and I was running well, picking the pace up to 13kmph in places. I had about 5km to go and one aid station left. I had to just keep putting one foot in front of the other, keep the turn over going and I'd be done, my 7th Ironman finish, but there were still a few hills to climb first. These hills seemed as though they were going on forever and I really started to doubt where the last aid station was. Just as I started to wonder whether I'd able to either carry on at the pace I was running at or even carry on for that matter.... I saw the last aid station. Approaching it I remembered what Macca had done in Kona last year, where he had missed it in order to smash the last few kms in order to grab the win. While I obviously wasn't in that position, I knew I wanted to finish strongly and I had a renewed spring in my step knowing I was so close to the finish, so I grabbed a coke without stopping, threw it down my face and top, missing my mouth completely (even if it is big) and picked up my pace again. Suddenly, there in front of me was the left turn down to the finish area. Looking ahead I could see a group of runners making their way to the finish also, one of them was in my age group, however I didn't know if they were on their first or second lap. I could hear Benny shouting encouragement and I knew I had to go for it. All I could do was to throw my Camelbak, '400m' he said, '400 bloody metres' I replied! I had a wee sense of humour failure, 400m wasn't that far obviously,but still I wasn't too happy as I was really moving and my thighs were cramping up. I'd already traveled 225.6km, but 400m seemed just a little too far, what a dickhead Hawkins step back into reality! Turning into the finish area I was sprinting as fast as I could (not as fast Marshie's sprint finish, mind that was awesome), right up on my forefoot, Newton Running would have been well proud. I felt like Usain Bolt. Crossing the line, arms up in the air, I'd done it again, another Ironman finish in the bag!
Once I'd got my finishers medal, tee shirt, drink etc I walked across to where Benny and Noel were sat down. I was mostly happy with the performance I'd given. I'd raced hard, but more importantly for the first time I felt I'd raced intelligently. There was nothing more I could do, it was now in the hands of the Ironman gods, however as there was no live public timing splits, there was no way of finding out how I had done. Benny and Jordo had qualified for Vegas and I was over the moon for them. It was awesome. Benny went and got some local Cass beer and I was on it, ka boom! Oh, how it tasted good, I loved every minute of that beer it had been over 3 months since I'd had a beer I really loved that first one. Aja was next in, she'd smashed it, winning her Age Group, 3rd Age Group chick overall and in turn qualifying for Kona, amazing and good for her, as I said she'd really torn up that course. Next up, Milan was in and straight into the medical tent, he was in a bad place, but as right as rain after an IV drip. Then Suz finished, who also had a stormer of a race......... but Carl was still out there and we were all getting a little worried, as he should have been home some time ago. News filtered through that Carl had struggled during the run due to a lack of energy, but he only had 2km to go. He had kept on trucking all the way home to the finish. Let me tell you, he is a warrior and a real star of T2A. He has his own story to tell, but let me say just how easy would it have been for him, one of the best 55-59 age group athletes in the world to have dropped out, but no - this guy just kept on going, he was amazing and in that single race he epitomised everything that we as Ironman Age Group athletes stand for. He is such an awesome role model for all in the team and to everyone he meets. It is people like Carl who inspire me to train, to race and I hope that when I get to Carl's age I am as active as he is. He is simply an inspiration to all. Thank you Carl.
By now it was getting late and I still didn't know how I had done, so I popped up to the race office by the finish area to have a word. I spoke to the Head of WTC Asia, Murphy and he pulled me into the office to have a look at the unofficial results with the Race Director. As they opened them up on the laptop screen, it seemed to take forever for the excel spreadsheet to boot up. Firstly, the programme was there, then the results. They scrolled down towards my age group...it all took forever....18-24 males, come on!......25-29 males, come on!.....30-34 males, come on!........35-39 males, right here we go.......
There it was:
Edward Hawkins -
Swim - 55:40
Bike - 5.17.43
Run - 3.55.35
Total - 10.16.38
Age Group place: ?????
Murphy asked, "How many Hawaii slots in your age group, Ed?"
"9", I said.
"Yep, 9", confirmed the Race Director!
"Well you can go and have another beer Ed ...... you are definitely going to Kona, you came 8th in you age group."
OMG, OMG, OMG OMG! Stay calm, stay calm, I walked over to Benny and Suz not knowing what to say, at first I was quite chilled, but then suddenly ..... Kona, Kona, Kona, Kona just came out! I was off to bloody Hawaii!!!!
Unbelievable, just unbelievable.
As I said I believe in fate. My race number added up to 8, I came 8th in my Age Group and the Hawaii Ironman will be my 8th race, it takes place on the 8th October (which also comes from the old Roman latin word, 'octo' meaning 8 and October was their 8th month in their calendar, rather then their tenth as we now know it ), 8....8....8......8 it must have been fate, pure and simple!
Well, from this race what have I taken from it that in turn I hope that maybe you will learn from it too? That's easy.......planning, preparation, patience and pleasure!
Plan your race down to the very smallest detail, but remember if things don't go your way be prepared to be flexible and have a back up plan. Be patient, Ironman racing is a long old day and you have to be prepared for that. Embrace it, pace yourself early on, as so many people go hell for leather and blow 'BIG' style either in the second half of the bike or in the last 15km of the run, because they didn't eat enough on the bike or because they pushed the pace too early. You won't have to force it. Enjoy the race, you're doing it for fun, you're not a pro, none of us are going to be, so remember to take time out and enjoy the people around you, the location and the fact that you are so fit compared to the general population. We forget this as we surround ourselves with people who think it's also normal to get up and ride 150km on a Friday morning at 4am, run 20km after work or swim 4km in the pool before breakie! Well, I'm sorry to break this news to everyone, but IT IS NOT NORMAL, so enjoy that fact you're amazing for doing what you're doing and where you've come from in terms of starting out in this crazy sport. Enjoy the moment, it's special and priceless!
Marshall sit down at the back and stop taking the piss out of me please ;-)
Where could I have improved on this performance......? Well that's simple, while I'm happy to have qualified for Hawaii, I still have never nailed an Ironman run in my opinion. I'm owed a sub 3.20 marathon at some point off a controlled bike leg. Maybe it's a nutrition aspect - not enough gels going in to my body therefore I still struggle at 20/25km into run or is it just self belief in my abilities? I'm not sure, but you can bet it's something I'll strive to correct? I'd still love to go sub 9.30 one day (sub 60 swim, 5.05 bike and then a 3.20 run making sub a 9.30 ironman, fast course anyone? I've heard Austria is pretty fast, hey Marino?).
Right so onto the Oscar style thank yous......
Thank you to my sponsors, Naomi and Guy (who had a stormer of a race in the 70.3 coming second pro) at www.blueseventy.com, Adrian at www.probike.ae and Toby at www.asiabikefit.com. Without your help over the past months I wouldn't have got to the start line, let alone race as well or as comfortably as I did.
Thank you to my colleagues, you have supported me at work, covered for me when I've not been there and also listened to me go on and on about Kona and Ironman. I know, I'm boring.
Thank you to my bosses at work. Without their support and understanding I would not be able travel, train and then race. It simply wouldn't work or happen without your support.
Thank you to all the team. I understand that the team has been there for me, to support me, to help when things have been difficult and when results in the past haven't gone my way. You my team have been my cradle to catch me and pick me up when it's been hard. Sessions like 2.30 on a Friday morning and I've got 200km to ride down in Longtoot with a run off it or we've another lap of those pissing boats to do at JBR and I've swallowed so much bloody sea water I feel like a desalination plant, or a Coach dirt on Saturday evening and we had to smash the last 5km at sub 4min per km. Ouch! I thank you all for that. I also understand, so I've been told, that at times I'm 'not very approachable' and if this is the case and I'm a moody git, then I'm truly sorry, I don't mean to be and thank you all for putting up with me. Maybe I need more sleep, maybe I just need to be nicer to people, but thank you again for all your patience.
In particular there have been a number guys who have been there for me when I've had specific sessions, either in the pool, in the sea, on the bike or on the many, many runs I have done over the past two years, you know who you are and I thank you. I simply could not have qualified last Sunday without you and your efforts over the last months. I'm so glad that I can repay the faith you have shown in me by getting to Hawaii.
Jason is my coach and my triathlon master. I hear at times from within the team occasional moans about him with reference to this and that and this can be fully understandable and more importantly justifiable. However, I'm not entirely sure that the team fully understands just how much he cares that we all do well in our races and in our lives outside of triathlon. Almost three years ago, when I found that Sarah and I might be moving to Dubai I emailed Jason with a load of questions just after the first Crowie camp and he emailed back a slightly odd email where he used my original text and answered the questions underneath in red so he didn't have to write a full email. Mmmmm I thought, fair enough, slightly economic with the use of the keyboard, but I noticed what he wrote was to the point and made a lot of sense to me. Jason knows his stuff, it maybe old school, he may not go on about power etc and there can be times when he gets it wrong (Jay's race time in South Africa), but 99% of the time the Aussie bastard is always right. How many times have we received an email on a Sunday morning where he calls a result 20km into a race only for that person to hit the time or be a couple of minutes either side? The answer is, all the time. That's not luck, that's knowing your athletes and what they can do and are capable of. Thank you Jason, while we haven't always agreed I trust you completely and I thank you for the faith you have shown in me and your guidance. I will always value our friendship.
I wasn't sure if I was going to write a race report for this one, but I have now for a number of reasons. I understand that people learn loads from them and it's good to see how things went etc for different athletes. When I read other team members race reports I'm always interested to see where I can learn new ways of doing things and then in turn maybe race better or more importantly faster. But for some reason this race seemed way more personal than any race I've ever done before and I wasn't sure if I wanted to share that with everyone. There's possibly number of reasons for this. Firstly, maybe because I hit the goal that I've been shooting for for awhile. Secondly, maybe because I felt it was it's pretty obvious how I was going to feel about the result of this race and I didn't want to insult anyone by going on about it. Thirdly, maybe because I simply want to keep some of my feelings secret about the race, because for once I wanted to keep those feelings to myself and Sarah. However, lastly and probably the real reason why I thought about not writing race report was that I'm so gutted for Carl and Noeline. I'm so happy to do so well and get to Kona. While Jason is my coach, Carl is my mentor. I look up to him, I respect him. I've only ever wanted to race Kona, but I only ever thought I'd be doing it with Carl along side me, doing it on my own didn't fit into the equation. I can not say how disappointed I am for him not to reach his goal and in October come race morning I will be thinking of him and everything he and Noeline have done for Sarah and I since our time in Dubai. On Saturday 8th October in Kona, I will be racing for Carl Luitingh as well as myself. Carl and Noel you are more than just friends to Sarah and I.
Lastly, I must thank my Sarah, the other half of Team Hawkins. Thank you babe, I love you xxx
In reading this race report I hope that my actions each day may inspire someone to become more active, maybe not triathlon or Ironman racing ..... it's not for everyone, but some form of exercise that they enjoy. I really hope that the children that I teach, the parents I speak to and other people that I meet on a day to day basis see what I do, question it and then in turn question their lives, their actions. Are they healthy? Are they fit? Do they take part in active physical recreation? Are there some very simple changes they could make to their lives in order to be more healthy and in terms have a better quality of life for themselves and their loved ones?
I really hope that my example inspires people to do that.
Right next stop Kona, Hawaii and the Ironman World Championships 2011.
Game on donkey kong, I'm all over it!
Cheers guys, thank you and be safe,
Ed
Thursday, June 23, 2011
IMKorea
Its been a little while since I've been on here. Once again its work and training getting in the way. How has my training gone for IMKorea? Thats a good question, the answer would pretty good to be honest. I've struggled to get my weight down to the weight that I wanted to and the same weight that I was in Abu Dhabi. I've come around to accepting that this might be a good thing, as I think its stopped me from getting ill and other infections over the last months. I defo want to get down further for next year.
On this coming Tuesday I fly out to Korea. had a little drama as my flights with Air China were cancelled, slight panic until Sarah sorted it and got me some flights with Korean airways. Phew! I've been training for this Ironman as if I was racing a 70.3 less miles, but more intensive. I've enjoyed it, but its been hard as its just got hotter and hotter out here in the desert. Im really looking forward to smashing it in Korea, but Im looking to race this one very different to races Ive done in the past. Firstly, Im going to smash the swim as hard as I can, its not going to kill or ruin my race and in training all my times are pointing towards a 57mins swim, so thats it Im looking to go for it. The bike...Im going to ease this one, less power as I dont want to kill the legs. So Im looking to go around 5.10/15, then onto the run where I am looking to go around at 5.15/30mpkm pace for the full mara. That would bring me in just over the 10hours mark which isnt my fastest but should hopefully get me to kona.
Cheers for now, be safe.
Ed
On this coming Tuesday I fly out to Korea. had a little drama as my flights with Air China were cancelled, slight panic until Sarah sorted it and got me some flights with Korean airways. Phew! I've been training for this Ironman as if I was racing a 70.3 less miles, but more intensive. I've enjoyed it, but its been hard as its just got hotter and hotter out here in the desert. Im really looking forward to smashing it in Korea, but Im looking to race this one very different to races Ive done in the past. Firstly, Im going to smash the swim as hard as I can, its not going to kill or ruin my race and in training all my times are pointing towards a 57mins swim, so thats it Im looking to go for it. The bike...Im going to ease this one, less power as I dont want to kill the legs. So Im looking to go around 5.10/15, then onto the run where I am looking to go around at 5.15/30mpkm pace for the full mara. That would bring me in just over the 10hours mark which isnt my fastest but should hopefully get me to kona.
Cheers for now, be safe.
Ed
Friday, May 13, 2011
It's getting hot again!
Yes it's getting hot again out here in desert. What an odd couple of weeks it's been, I'm back into ironman training after south Africa and I have to say that I'm hating it, well iwas hating it, but I seem now to be back in the zone. As the temperature has risen outside things at work have got a little busy too and I'm trying to keep my head down and get on with things.
Training has been going well, apart from last week which was when I hit my brick wall and simply hated everything to do with ironman. It could last for long and after a couple of great session I was back in the grove and enjoying(ish) again ;-)
Elsewhere, things have gone mad in the ironman world, for example Crowie pulled out of IMOz due a chest infection?! Then IMChina had it's swim cancelled due to works happening in the lake and then the WTC made the decision that they were going to cancel the whole thing. Which meant that 25 of the slots for kona were given to IMKorea, great 75 in total, but on the flip side it also means that a load of other athletes will now be making the journey to Jeju Island on 3rd July to race, mmmmm not sure how I feel, but if I want to be on the start in kona come october and race the best I've got to beat the no easy slots here, lottery or something similar, I believe in qualifying fair and square, otherwise I'm sure it wouldn't mean as much to me.
Right that's it for now, I'll keep updating on my training as it's only 7 weeks till race in south Korea, not long.
Be safe,
Ed
Training has been going well, apart from last week which was when I hit my brick wall and simply hated everything to do with ironman. It could last for long and after a couple of great session I was back in the grove and enjoying(ish) again ;-)
Elsewhere, things have gone mad in the ironman world, for example Crowie pulled out of IMOz due a chest infection?! Then IMChina had it's swim cancelled due to works happening in the lake and then the WTC made the decision that they were going to cancel the whole thing. Which meant that 25 of the slots for kona were given to IMKorea, great 75 in total, but on the flip side it also means that a load of other athletes will now be making the journey to Jeju Island on 3rd July to race, mmmmm not sure how I feel, but if I want to be on the start in kona come october and race the best I've got to beat the no easy slots here, lottery or something similar, I believe in qualifying fair and square, otherwise I'm sure it wouldn't mean as much to me.
Right that's it for now, I'll keep updating on my training as it's only 7 weeks till race in south Korea, not long.
Be safe,
Ed
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ironman Korea
Just a quick post IMSA to say I've entered IMKorea 3/7/11, flights booked, all sorted, I'm chasing the dream, the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships.
Train safe,
Ed and Sarah
Friday, April 15, 2011
IMSA - Race Report
Ok, so while its fresh in mind I thought I would write my race report from Sunday. Coming into this race I’d been on great form, the plan was an hour swim, 5.05hours on the bike and then a 3.20/30 marathon. All my times in training suggest that this was a real goer and that I was being realistic for Coach Pain and I.
We arrived in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday afternoon, and on the Thursday we registered, got everything we needed to so that then we could relax and prep for the race. Carl and Noel who had also travelled from Dubai and had arrived at the same time as us, so we had so we had some company, which was great. During the rest of the week more of the team from Dubai started to arrive (with bikes after they had been left Joburg!).
Going into this race I’d found it much of hanging around people a little difficult, I’ve never made it a secret of my wish to qualify for Kona. I’m also not someone who when asked will give a lesser time, so as just to look better with their final result. I shoot from the hip and say it the way it is, however this had created a fair expectation (quite rightly) with teammates friends in South Africa, Dubai and around the world. The same is said for Carl (in the 55-59 age group), so there was fair amount of pressure going into this race.
The weather had been something of much debate throughout the week. There had been some huge winds (Ghantootish - 40kph) a couple of days before hand and the sea had been rough too. There was even some talk of making the race run, bike, run, because conditions were so rough out in the sea. I wasn’t too worried about this, we had trained in much worse in Dubai and to be honest while it would have made the day less pleasurable it would, I feel played into my hands more. However, on the day there was a slight easterly wind and the sea was fine.
We racked everything on the Saturday, had an early tea and got the best night’s night I have ever had before a race. I felt very relaxed, as I felt for the first ever no stone had been left unturned and I was in the best shape and form of my life, I was in fact excited, I couldn’t wait to get going.
Morning came and we made our way down the transition early before all the crowds got there. We got everything sorted and then waited. Just before the start we set up on the start there was pod of dolphins swimming across the bay about 50m out to sea. It was awesome to see and a sight I will never forget. I kind of thought it was a message that the day was going to be good, but then there were 2000 other people and I guess they did too! I did my quick warm up, made my way up to start, ready to kick off.
Boom! The canon went. That was it, complete and utter confusion and chaos. This was one of the most physical swims I have ever done. I was dunked, swam over and punched. Now I‘m used to it, we train in JBR sea swims and I have done races before where it’s been rough, but for reason this seemed worse. I’m big believer in giving some of that medicine back and I did. I got out of the first lap in 30 minutes, which was ok, but I was a little disappointed. I ran up the beach, around the crowd and then back into the sea. The second lap was pretty much the same as the first, apart from that there weren’t as many drafts to go around. Getting out for the second time I was on 1.02, again I was a little disappointed, but I knew at that point I had to make a choice on the bike, to roll the dice, to either go for it and try to hang on in the run or to be steady and possibly still end up hanging in on the run anyway.
T1 was ok, but there weren’t many helpers. So I did the bag packing and all that on my tod. I grabbed my bike, made my way to the mount line, flying leaped, mounted and I was off. The first part of the lap was up a hill and in the practice lap I had done earlier in the week this seemed quite easy, however it suddenly seemed about a 10% harder climb, ouch. I was feeling tired and I was struggling to get into my rhythm, which is something I never normally have a problem with. I started to feel a bit better towards the end of my first lap, however the roads, while I had heard from good authority that they were rough, they were so rough, very rough. It was like riding on big sand paper. There were some bumps and patches were they had tired to improve the surface, but it was just the surface, so harsh. There was one stretch of beautiful road and it was bliss, heaven, I loved it. The rest of the route was hard work. Then again this is Ironman, you’re not going to get it free. Towards the end of the second lap the bike starting making all sorts of funny noises, it sounded like Neil’s bike on a good day, I knew it was taking a battering from the road (it was also quite annoying). As well, as the bike getting a pounding I was starting to feel a little ill. Most of what I put into my stomach was bouncing back up a blue colour. This was worrying me if I couldn’t keep anything down then I was going to really struggle on the marathon. My feet were also starting to hurt, which I can only think came from the surface again.
The highlight of the bike course for me was riding along side (and overtaking) Natasha Badmman, the 6 times Ironman World Champion. She is a real inspiration. She quickly spoke to her as I went past, stating it was a real honour to be riding with her, she thanked me and wished me luck. The rest of the bike was just hard, bumpy and not the most enjoyable ride I’ve ever done. T2 was fine, a quick pee, trainers, headsweat, fuelbelt on and then off out for a little run of 42km.
From the start again I didn’t feel right, the plan was to go at 4.30 for as long as I could then reassess from there, but from the beginning my feet were really hurting, probably from the road surface on the bike. I was quickly overtaken by Natasha B, where she thanked me for my words of encouragement on the bike and in doing so she did the same to m on the run. This is what Ironman is all about I feel it so often brings the very best out in people and I stand by what I’ve in the past, it’s made me the person I am today.
I was still being sick, however now instead of it being blue it had changed its colour to a brown (coke) foam. My pace dropped around the back of the university and I was really starting to struggle. I wasn’t sure if I was going finish, as I couldn’t keep coke/water down and I was feeling sick pretty much throughout the run. My feet were still hurting but by now on the second lap I had got used to it, but as I was still being sick and cramping, at this point I knew I had reassess my goals – finishing was the only goal I had in my mind now. I started to run walk and I knew that my dream this time had pretty much slipped away, however I was now simply focused on finishing. The crowds down the main street of PE were great and they really got behind you. The aid stations seemed to come by nice and quickly, but out by the university by the back of the coarse things were different and very quiet, aid stations seemed to take forever to get to and it was a real a struggle just to keep going.
I started to third lap knowing that it would be a matter of time before I would finish. The Kona slot had gone, as had my hoped time of a PB finish, I was now simply looking to finish this race. As I came down towards the main street for the last time I picked my pace up (4.45mpkm!), still with coke foam projecting from my stomach, I headed to the finish chute where I saw one other person turn off to finish. He was about 100m in front of me, game on. Getting strength from somewhere (not sure where) I pushed myself towards him, turning into the finishing chute I just overtook him, he turned out to be a Pro who had a worse day at the office than me. Running down the chute I remember high fiving a couple of kids, going up the ramp, hearing that I had finished and then it all went a little dark. I heard someone shouting to get me out of the finish area, I tried to stand up but really couldn’t. Then six nice South Africa Army guys picked me up and ended up in the Medi Tent being stripped, cooled, HR taken and all that. The day wasn’t complete, the bed in the Medi Tent collapsed on me, which looking back was funny.
A couple of days after the race how do I feel? Well, second amateur Brit overall, 10th in my age group with a time of 10:07, I’m gutted, upset and disappointed to be fair. You ask yourself many questions during an Ironman race, you doubt yourself many times, you go to so many dark places, that when you reach the finish line you feel like you made it. You go through those places in training, you sacrifice so much to even get to the start line of a race like Ironman, time, money, food, beer, time with love ones. To name a few and all you can hope for is that at the end of the day the pieces of the puzzle come together it will come together on race day. This is now my sixth Ironman race in four years. Four years ago I never thought I would even be anywhere near the level I am now. To be even thinking about challenging to get to Kona is a dream, but maybe that’s part of my problem and other age groupers out there in the a similar position to me. For dreams to happen you have to believe. You have to have people who believe in you and you have to believe in yourself. Maybe on this occasion half of that equation was there and the other wasn’t. Maybe I didn’t believe enough in myself. It was a tall ask to come to SA with only 30 slots available and qualify for Kona, but it’s now one that after the race I believe I can do. I truly do believe, it will happen, I will take Sarah to Hawaii one October and I will race on the big island of Hawaii. On a side congrats to the guys who also travelled to PE to race from T2A to race, those of you who were 5 timers and Ironman virgins well done to all. Well done to Chrissie Wellington (who broke the world record again and recorded the fastest running spilt of the day, men and women) and Raynard Tissink (overall winner and record holder). Also all the guys who we caught up with while being over there Toby, Megs and the Cunnama family, Rob and Ash it was great to see you and hopefully we'll do it again soon.
All that is left to say is a massive thank you to all the people who got me to the start line, Adrian at www.ProBike.ae, Toby Jones at ww.bikefitasia.com, the team at www.blueseventy.com, my coach Jason Metters and all the team/training partners at www.tri2aspire.com. Lastly, and most importantly, Sarah without you I couldn’t even get to the start line, let alone finish an Ironman. Thank you, all of you.
Train safe,
Ed
Monday, April 4, 2011
Cape Town, South Africa
We've arrived and I have to say I never thought i would ever visit a place like this, wow, its beautiful. I also never thought Ironman would take to places like this, when I first started training 4 years ago, it just blows your mind.
Tomorrow is going to fun as we're training in this really cool pool which situated right by the sea, it looks so cool and it's 50m which is just cool in itself. I'm really looking forward to it. We saw some local kids there today going swimming were so excited it was great. On their way past us they shouting and running, saying 'hello,how are you? etc' it was brilliant, the beauty of traveling.
Right we're off for some food its tea here and while I'm being careful in what I eat I'm still enjoying the odd pizza and glass of wine. not long now.
Be safe as always,
Ed and Sarah
:-)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Leaving on a jet plane
Here we are the start of our trip to Ironman South Africa. All checked in and ready to roll, breakie eaten and almost time to board. I have to say not impressed with terminal 3 in Dubai it's a bit pants to be honest, anyhow fingers cross all goes well. See you in SA.
Be safe,
Ed n Sarah
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Be safe,
Ed n Sarah
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, March 25, 2011
Not long now.....I'm fit, the fittest I've ever been!
This year I seem to have spent the time I have spent on here apologising for not up dating my blog, I've really struggled to understand why this is the case. I was thinking about it this morning while on one of last long rides with a friend of mine. The conclusion I came to was that work has been busy, but the main thing is that my training has been so much more demanding that last year and as a result I'm so much fitter and faster than this time last year.
I'm weighing in at 75kgs that 5 kgs lighter than I was when I raced Ironman China and Challenge Roth last year. I'm riding faster too and running better than I ever have, in the recent Dubai marathon I ran 30km in 2 hours 5 minutes and I recently smashed the international short course event (1500m swim, 100km bike and a 10km run) in Abu Dhabi, where I came 6th overall out of 700 racing in an international event where I was not racing only using it as a training day, coming in at Ironman pace.
With the continued support of www.blueseventy.com my swimming has continued to improve, so much so that I came out my wave in Abu Dhabi in first place. I also now have a bike that fits me better than any bike has ever fitted me, thanks to Toby Jones of www.bikefitasia.com and Adria n Holman of www.probike.ae without these guys I would be not anywhere near as fast or as comfortable on the bike or as fresh on the run, as I start the Ironman marathon.
Without Jason 'Coach Pain' Metters, my coach at www.tri2aspire.com, who has guided me for the last 19 months through my weekly training, local and international races, getting each of my three disciplines to level where I can be competitive within my age group in any Ironman event throughout the world, I would be no where near as fast or as fit as I am today. There's also my training partners who I've trained with over the last year Turnip, Ben, Carl, Sellar and many others you know who you are. Lastly, Sarah, my wife and key member of Team Hawkins without her well....I'm not going there.
These points mentioned mean I'm faster than last year when we hit the start line in Port Elizabeth on 10th April. However there are a few things that worry me, the road surface, the wind, mechanical issues and the lottery that is entering at Ironman event, where some you can turn and finish in just over 10hours only to get a slot and then the next year a 9.05 athlete wins your age group by someone who should really be pro! These worries are all out of my control, so I really can not dwell on them, as I can not change them, however they are questions I wonder about while lay in my pit at night from time to time.
On Monday I go into taper time, a period I always look forward to, but a time once I'm in the middle of I hate. This is for two reasons, firstly I like it because it's about this time of training I'm knackered and I'm looking forward to the rest. Secondly, I hate it, because I start to feel I'm getting lardy fat and that I'm not really training (I know I am but I've got so much more time on my hands it's just plain odd). All very odd feelings. It'll be interesting to see how this taper goes, I'm very much more aware of what I'm doing this year and therefore things such as diet, rest and effort are going to be monitored very carefully over the next two weeks, I am going to be fit, strong and above all fresh when I arrive on the start line two weeks on Sunday in PE.
We're fit, fitter than I have ever been. We are now classed as elite age grouper material, we're searching for the ultimate prize in age group racing in triathlon, a slot to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, USA. It's there in our grasp, my body is there, fit and ready to challenge for this prize, but it will be my mind that gets me there, the race for the slot will only start with 10 miles of the marathon to go....then it's game on donkey kong!
Lastly, this last couple of months we have witnessed some terrible natural disasters throughout the world, our thoughts go out to those effects in the Christchurch, New Zealand and Japanese earthquakes/Tsunami. We wish them all well.
Taper safe,
Ed and Sarah
Saturday, February 5, 2011
IMSA, Vegas and Hawaii
I'm well into my training for Ironman South Africa, hence the fact that I've been crap at keeping up to date with my blog. At the moment I'm logging about 24/5 hours a week training and I have to say that while I'm enjoying it, I'm also hating it. I have never trained so hard in my life, every session is pressurized, which is good but it takes it toll. The other week I read 30km of the Dubai marathon, I bagged that in 2hours 5mins, 4.10pkm and then yesterday I smashed 180km on the bike in 4hours 55mins, however the down side is I am starting to fatigued, I've lost almost 6kgs since Christmas and I've got to keep an eye on that as I don't want to be going to low to quickly as my power will really suffer. I've got myself a bike fit thanks to Toby at bikefitasia.com and my new race kit has been delivered its very cool and I'm looking to forward to wearing in my coming races locally before we head out to South Africa.
I've also heard as of this weekend I've been selected for the Great Britain team to head out to Las Vegas this coming November, which is great news if Hawaii doesn't go my way, but I'm not even thinking about, as I will qualify this year. Right, so back to the training, well sleeping I'm to bed as I've got work in the morning and 12 400ms on 6.15.
Nite nite.
Be safe, train hard as always.
Ed and Sarah
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Ok as Yoda would say.....Bad Man, I am!
Firstly I'm sorry for not posting on here more often, but I just can believe how busy I've been for the last 4months, work has been a mare to be honest, but t pays the bills and keeps me in runners and toys. So its got to be done :-(
I promise I'm going to keep up with this blog, it's new year res! Anyhow HAPPY NEW YEAR and I hope you all had a good Xmas. We flew back to the UK saw Jack and family and put on too much weight, esp as there was so much snow around. It took us longer to get off the M25 than it did for us to fly back from Dubai.
Tomorrow I've got a bike fit with Toby from Bike Fit Asia, I'm looking forward to it. I'll also review the year we've had over the weekend.
Take care
Ed and Sarah
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