Coach asked our Ironman crew a few probing questions. As their answers filter through we'll list them below.
Jason Pye | Patrick McNeill | Kirra Rankin | David Morphett
Why Ironman ? – I watched the Hawaii Ironman on TV when I was about 22 and said that I wanted to do it before I was 30. At the time, I had no idea how hard it would be to actually do one. Cam Boland also had a big influence on my decision to do Ironman. I think his comment was “you will be able to do it easy; just train a bit”.
What are you looking forward to the most on race day ? – The feeling in the finishing chute. It is about 8 months of training that is released when you cross the line. It is very powerful stuff and quite hard to describe. I NEARLY cried last year I always find it interesting when people literally collapse over the line; they have just run 42 km’s and they can’t even walk another step. Ironman is really a battle of mind of matter in the latter parts of the race.
I am also looking forward to seeing what my mates (who are supporting on race day) will be like by the time I finish. I am predicting that I will be more coherent that most of them. It will be great to see Thomo get a finisher’s towel so that he will no longer be jealous of Reidy and I in the change rooms.
What scares you the most about race day ? – Flat tyres, cramping and portaloos. Portaloos on an Ironman run course could power a small country with the amount of gas in them.
Got a good luck charm or ritual ? – I’ve had a few: My lucky hat that I have only worn in racing (ain't so lucky anymore) and my lucky sweat band that my fiancé bought me. I also write stuff on my hand to keep me focussed.
Got a motto or mantra for the day ? – I’ve got three and I actually write them on my hand on race day. (1) Harden the Eff Up (HTFU); (2) ‘150/100’ and (3) Technique. The 150/100 is my HR and Cadence goals. I try to also focus on technique till about 30km’s into the run; then the HTFU motto comes out.
If the Gov gave us another $900 to spend on tri gear, what would you buy ? - $900 wouldn’t go too far! Probably a TT helmet and a Garmin.
If you were to beat someone, in a sprint finish for 1st place at Port, who would it be & why ? Carl Fellows (from Bilby’s). We do a lot of training on the bike and run together. There is a friendly rivalry that isn’t really spoken about much. My other rival was Dan Macpherson; but I have touched him up (in the metaphoric sense) in our last 3 races and he offers me no challenge anymore. Sorry Jo, Rach and others. He is a nice bloke, but he just isn’t that good anymore; too much time TV time and not enough training.
What are you going to do the day after ? – Probably wear nothing but my finisher’s t-shirt and medal and just walk around the streets high fiving everyone. Seriously though, I will probably have a massive lunch and drink some (read: a lot) beers. After that I will high five and hug as many people as possible (minus the t-shirt and medal of course).
If it's your debut -- will you get an Ironman tat ? If so where ? This is not Pysie's first IM
Any thing you'd like to add ? I always say to everyone that I discuss Ironman with that ‘ANYONE can do Ironman’. If you ever have the pleasure of going to watch the event, you will be blown away by the array of different people that finish the race. The training isn’t too much different from what you already do. Consistency is the key. The day is just a long training day with a towel and medal waiting at the end.
Why Ironman ? After having seen it on TV when I was young I was always intrigued by those crazy bastards who ran and rode around Hawaii all day. Started triathlon in late 2006 after getting sick of just running and grew to love the sport. I found it the most amazing race to do and the crowd that comes and supports on race day is awesome. At no other race could there be 10,000 people yelling at you from dawn to dusk to keep on going. You could have the worst race of your life, but as long as you drag yourself over the finish line it doesn't even matter. There is still a massive crowd cheering people to the finish at 11.30 at night, it is just the best race in Australia. I'd encourage everyone to try this race at least once, its bloody awesome.
What are you looking forward to the most on race day ? Hopefully racing a lot more successfully than last year and running over the finish line with a big pb.
What scares you the most about race day ? Nothing that really scares me because I've done everything that I've needed to improve on last years result. That doesn't mean that I won't be very nervous in the few days leading up to it though. Just the sheer distance of the race leads to nerves and you needing to re-assure yourself that you'll make it. Actually thinking about it, my credit card bill after 3 hours in the Ironman expo!!!
Got a good luck charm or ritual ? Nah, not really. I usually end up asking most aid stations on the last lap of the run if they have any beer.
Got a motto or mantra for the day ? A finisher's medal or an ambulance ride, anything else in an excuse!
Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.
If the Gov gave us another $900 to spend on tri gear, what would you buy ? Would probably bank it to recoup some of the $2000 I've spent on bike and running equipment in the past 3 weeks. Probably a bucket load of cold weather stuff so I can make it through one of these cold winters I am yet to experience.
If you were to beat someone, in a sprint finish for 1st place at Port, who would it be & why ? Patrick Vernay cause then I just won and the title comes back to an Aussie after 2 years. I'd get on TV then as well. Hopefully Thomo beats him.
What are you going to do the day after ? Eat some food in the morning and continue to re-hydrate, hopefully I can walk the 200m to the shops in under 20 mins this year. Go and watch the Hawaii rolldown ceremony and hope that 82 people ahead of me in my age group don't really feel like going this year and take my Hawaii spot. Then comes the celebration and pain relief of some beer that will probably take care of the rest of the day quite nicely. By the end of the meltdown party last year I was running again, so I can only stand and admire the amazing positive effects that beer can have on the body.
If it's your debut -- will you get an Ironman tat ? If so where ? I had said I was going to get one after last year, but I've changed my mind. Do tattoo's cost less than $900?
Any thing you'd like to add ? I'd just like to thank everyone in the club for welcoming me in my first season at the club, it has been such a help training for an event like this. And especially like to thank Benny for the training and advice in pushing my racing to a new level over the past 3 months. Cheers guys and good luck to everyone up at Port. Thanks to my girlfriend for putting up with me for the last 4 months of tiredness and crankiness, I'll hang out with you soon.
Why ironman ? Build Character, and sense of achievement. I love pushing my mind and body past "normality". I'd like to RACE Hawaii one day, when I'm Superhuman - maybe in 2-3 years. Plus Triathlon helps to pay off my mortgage - NOT.
What are you looking forward to the most on race day ? Going for "a bit of a swim, then jumping on my bike, and then going for a bit of a run". Seeing Coach after I've crossed the finished line
What scares you the most about race day ? Circumstances that are out of my control -Having to change a flat!
Got a good luck charm or ritual ? NAH - Just me. I can always rely on that.
Got a motto or mantra for the day ? Relax. It's only Sport
If the Gov gave us another $900 to spend on tri gear, what would you buy ? Race wheels that I don't have to borrow.
If you were to beat someone, in a sprint finish for 1st place at Port, who would it be & why ? Meg Chalker; so we can have a good LOUD laugh together afterwards and compare undies.
What are you going to do the day after ? Big Breakfast with the Tridents guys and mates who are driving down from Bris to watch, do an open water swim, pick Meg up from the Port airport - and start smashing the Alcopops with her. (Sorry Benny - needs to be done - it's been too long - sick of "good/responsible behaviour"....). Stay away from my favourite dance floor move - "Russian Jump Squats with the spilts" = will have to wait for D.O.M.S. to subside.
If its your debut -- will you get an Ironman tat ? If so where ? No. Not till Hawaii - and it will be a small LIMP PALM TREE on my ankle.
Any thing you'd like to add ? If you always do what you've always done, then you'll always get what you've always got". Hence the 2 x 36 hour rest periods during the week - and NO PELVIC STRESS FRACTURE - "Trust your Coach".
Why ironman ? I used to do a lot of single handed ocean sailing and Ironman is the closest thing I can find on land. Ironman is honest. Ironman does not try to be anything it’s not just like the sea. It can be the greatest day or the worst day and that all depends on the individual .... nothing in between and nothing else. Why Ironman ??? I don’t have to worry about drowning anymore !!! he he
What are you looking forward to the most on race day ? I stand on the beach just before the start with my eyes closed and feel the atmosphere, I am standing in the middle of 1000 of the most motivated and focused people in the country. I know what everyone of them has had to do to get their on that day and I know what everyone of them will have to do to finish. I look around at all the faces of the people who are competing and imagine their lives and their families and friends standing around to support them, my brothers in arms for the day ..... It’s the best day of the year.
What scares you the most about race day A DNF due to something out of my control ... I will be SOOOOOOOO pissed
Got a good luck charm or ritual ? I have a rock (a little one) and an anchor on a chain (we sailors are extremely superstitious) AND my special race hat which after I am seen in public with it will likely bring about my hasty ejection from the club !!!!
Got a motto or mantra for the day ? 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will 5% pleaser 50% pain and 100% reason to remember the name. I also end up at some point in time singing that stupid tub thumping song in my head and once I start I can’t get it out .... must be dehydration
If the Gov gave us another $900 to spend on tri gear, what would you buy ?A brand new 2xRudd wet suit might be good !
If you were to beat someone, in a sprint finish for 1st place at Port, who would it be & why ? Retlaw because he’s a burglar.
What are you going to do the day after ? A big breakfast at Settlement Point Restaurant and watch the cars going across on the ferry, drink lots of coffee, pick up the bike from transition, drag the festy wetsuit out of the plastic bag that it’s been stewing in for 24 hours and get ready to have many drinks at the after party.
If it’s your debut -- will you get an Ironman tat ? If so where ? I’m waiting for number 10 for the tat, I’m determined to do 10 consecutive.
Anything you'd like to add ? Far better is it to dare mighty things. to win glorious triumphs even though those triumphs are chequered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who live in a gray twilight and that know not victory nor defeat.