Specifics Event Reviews

Saturday 1st March 2008 was the day my good friend and client Shane Timperley was waiting for. A 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run, the Taupo Ironman! It came along faster than expected.Shane was put though a 24 week build up program for this event with the help of his swim squad training partner's, thank you Nicky, Sorrel, Kathy, Mark & Damon for your encouragement and support for the past year to help get him to the start line.

Shane had an impressive race season consisting of the Wairarapa bike rides, around Taupo ride, which he completed as a time trial with a run off the bike just for fun and a half Ironman in Tauranga. It was all for this one day.

It started before the sun rose; it was still but overcast. There was as great vibe from all the supporters' as they turned up in their hundreds to watch these amazing athletes do what they all came here to achieve, be it for personal achievement or to qualify for the world champs in Kona, Hawaii.

The day started with a bang. 1100 athletes took off for the 3.8km swim in the beautiful Lake Taupo, which till then was calm and still. It was like the lake had erupted into a huge wash of white water as the swimmers went out to find their spot amongst the chaos.

Shane came out of the water in a time of 1:03.41 just behind Dee Trendle who completed the swim in 53.10 mins.

Watching the athletes run into T1 you wouldn't think they'd just swum for that length of time, as they speed off on their bikes to take on the 180km. The bike leg was out to Reparoa and back twice, with crowds of supporters waiting and cheering along the way. We were waiting for Shane on my Harley, which was the only vehicle with a motor big enough to keep up with him and get some awesome photos.

Then it started to rain and the wind picked up, which would make it a bit more like home for those from Wellington. Even with the change in weather we still kept seeing the athletes with high spirits. Shane did a great ride on the bike which was the longest leg of the Ironman, taking it out in 5:44.38. He was on track to move on to what is the hardest part of the Ironman for most people, the run!

By this time everyone was giving the athletes their all from the side line, braving the weather with great enthusiasm, cheering on anyone and everyone.

Shane had a great support crew consisting of Karen, Estelle, Jo, Greg, Nicky, Sorrel, Kathy, Mark & Damon. We all went out at different parts of the run to encourage Shane and his fellow athletes, supporting them in their aspirations of completing Ironman.

It was so inspiring to see the athletes on the run, having to take on their demons head first.

Talking to past and present Ironman they mention the flood of emotions going though them. The 42.2km run is not for the weak of heart, it is a marathon! For some having the run last makes it the longest day of highs and lows anyone could imagine you could put your mind and body though. As Shane said "The second lap of the run as you go past the finish line and have to head back out for another 21kms is gut wrenching and the last 6kms felt like a life time to complete."

Shane did conquer his demons in style (good on ya mate) completing the run in 5:10.56 hours. He ran down to the finish line for his first Ironman (and not his last, but I'll talk to him about that later) in a time of 12:09.55 hours!

This has to be as a personal trainer, coach and mate to Shane the most humbling experience I've been part of in the sporting scene. Watching all these athletes come together after training for months on end, being out there for hours in the pool, on the bike and out running km after km. To go over the finish line to the sound of "YOU ARE AN IRON MAN!!!!!"

Well done Shane, Dee (who finished 12:20.59 hours) and to all the hundreds of other athletes and to the supporters, and the event organizers.

What a great day. See you there next year.

Contact me if you are interested in training for next years Ironman.

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