Great thread idea.
After competing in the local ACT series for a few years, my next goal is Ironman (or should I say "Iron Distance").
The whole Port Mac/Busselton entry process and the recent World Triathlon Corporation Access Program fiasco (see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tria ... man_Access) had left me somewhat jaded about the "Ironman" brand.
I was therefore jumping out of my skin when I read the announcement about the competing German mob (Challenge) kissing the QLD Premier Anna Bligh on the cheek and securing a race in Cairns for June next year. The swim off Yorkey's Knob and the ride up and down the coast road to Port Douglas should be sublime.
I have cleared it with my wife and I'll be perched in front of the computer with credit card on November 23 when entries open.($550).
I have devoured everything I can read on Ironman on the web and have raided the local library which has a good selection of books on ultra distance triathlon. I've run 3 marathons and have a few big swims under my belt but the training for this is on a different planet. I've chosen this program (
http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/traini ... 000649.php)and will pick it up at week 8 as of Monday. My goal will be to be finish in the top half of the 40-44 year age group which should be around 12 hours.
The only other bit of excitement is after 12 months of
eBay scouring and being very (very) patient, I have a garage full of boxes containing new (and mostly lightly used) parts for my first TT bike. (Planet X/Full Dura Ace/Zipp) Just waiting on the aero bars from
Wiggle and then can start building. I'm anxious to feel the difference between an 11 kilo steel non-aero racer (circa 1980) and a 7.2 kilo carbon fibre aero beastie.
Anyone else either entering Cairns or have some tips for an iron distance newbie?
