Specifics Event Reviews

Dec 11th was to be the day Steph Murray, Theresa Stevens and Jeff Aukuso were to take on their first half Ironman event. The race was to take place in Taupo home of the full Ironman.

Each took on the challenge to race in the individual event coming from entirely different back grounds.

Steph, two years prior didn't know how to swim a stroke and has come into this race completing the swim in under 45minutes.

Theresa had no sporting back ground. She came 6-8 months prior to the event saying she wanted to do a half iron man. Here she was on the day taking on Taupo in style.

Jeff Aukuso came with a very strong swimming back ground but in the year of training has turned in to a great triathlete.

It was going to be a great weekend with all ready to put their past years training to the test. The support crew was amazing, made up of Karen, Victoria, Steph's mother and farther, Bruce with the 'Go Bezz team' of around ten family and friends.

The day started at 4.30am with very little wind and looked to be an overcast but perfect day to spend 5 to 7 hours pushing the body to near breaking point. As day light broke we could start to see the size of the race with hundreds of people busy in transition getting the last bit of race preparation done. Wetsuits on and nerves a buzz. It was building up to be a great event.

We made our way to lake side where Bruce had 'GO BEZZ' t-shirts in support of his wife Theresa. He was one very proud husband; we all wore the tee shirts with a smile. It was a great idea.

The gun went off and away they went. The water turned to a giant washing machine. Two km later, in a very fast time of 26.40 Jeff come in 6th out of the water. Theresa next then Steph, doing a great swim in under 45min. With all safely out on the bike we headed off to support on them. All were flying with Jeff still going strong, a determined athlete. Steph and Theresa with big beaming smiles. Not sure if that was a good thing or not at the time but they were having fun.

After seeing all on the bike we were off to support Jeff on his run. He was still looking very strong and seemed to be having a great time. The wind had picked up, which helped cool things down a bit. It also rained. It wasn't long until Steph and Theresa had their running shoes on and out running.

It was a great sight to see all these people out there in the hundreds giving the best they can with friends and families cheering them on. All the 'GO BEZZ' supporters positioned themselves around the run course. We could see where all our guys were and how they were going.

Having supporter Victoria out there would have to be one of the best supporting efforts I have seen. She is great and we are all very appreciative of her dedication and commitment, especially given she not only supports us all but competes as well. We try and return the favour but in no way as good as she does for us all. An enormous effort and thanks must go out to her.

As the day wore on we could see things were getting harder and harder for all. That said they just kept going. With the finish line in sight Jeff finished his first half Iron Man in a great time of 5.23.41. Steph come in next with a time of 6.26.06. Then came Theresa with what I can say was a very emotional finish. Bulging with pride we were all there to watch her take on, as well as achieve her goals in a great time of 7.09.21

After prize giving and lots of stretching the day ended with every one getting together for a very nice dinner. Grateful thanks to Theresa's parents for hosting the dinner. Thanks also to Theresa and Steph for organizing the accommodation.

It was an amazing weekend. To watch these three athletes all achieve what they came to Taupo to do and the support from their family and friends was just the best.

Well done to everyone who took part and to those who supported.

Another very special and successful event. We are all very proud.

Shane Tindall

Specifics Training Group

View all photos from the day

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