Ironman New Zealand 🇳🇿

Ironman New Zealand 🇳🇿 
Early to rise with dad dropping me off in the car, it was a little cold so I used my wetsuit for warmth. One of the few people to do so….had me concerned it was not a wetsuit swim. One of the advantages of going to the briefing would have been to find that out…oh well.
Thankfully my bike tyres were still inflated, which I was very happy about, so the checkin was brief and I was back out where dad and I walked to the swim start and then dad left to pick up mum.
Two canoes of Maori warriors paddled in from the dark and performed the Haka on the shore of Lake Taupo where the race would begin. It was a special site and shows the great journey and places Ironman has taken me. Following this I entered the water, it was cold, clearly I am used to the tropics. Swimming out to the start, the water was clear and once there it was treading water for about 5 minutes, shivering, before the mass swim start.
While a great spectacle, the start is annoying as I ran in to people before clearing some space and beginning some rhythm for the swim. Straight out and back, clear calm water it is just what I like. Really enjoyable swim. Amazing how I still manage to loose my way despite it being a straight line.
It would take me an 1hr 06mins to complete the swim, a record for me. Exiting the lake it was a long run, even up hill! If you can believe it, to reach the transition and it was onto the bike. 
The bike began fine, though I was a little surprised there was hills, I had not heard that. Pushing up them, it was the rough road that was the next challenge. The vibration from the road is tiring and does take it out of you. To add to that my handlebars slipped down while going down one of the hills. So searching for a mechanic became another priority. There was one near the end of the first lap of the two laps.
Coming back into town was fantastic as the cheers from the crowd and support pushed on, then seeing mum and dad on the side of the road was an enormous lift!
Back out again and the second lap was harder as I tired. Riding along I did strike up a small conversation with a few people, but most were not too keen to chat. Near the start of the second lap, there was a loud crack, it did seem to come from my bike, I was not sure where, so I hoped and continued on. From that moment there was a rattling, it sounded like a pebble in the wheels, there was nothing I could do. Later while packing up the bike I would learn that the screw holding the seat snapped and was left there rattling as the bike shook along the rough road.
Slower on the second lap, a 6hr 20min bike ride and it was into transition and onto the run. I was tired but it was great to be of the bike.
Three lap run course to go, onto the course and the first of the pros were coming in. The run was along the lake and again was surprisingly hilly but the support was fantastic, the route was lined with supporters almost the whole way. Great signs like, “all this for a free banana,” among others really described the feeling and emotions well and was really funny.
Past our motel the first time and a wave to mum and dad, who once again it great to see. Through the first lap and stopped for a chat with mum and dad on the way back, something to look forward too. Second lap acquainted me for the first time with the port a loo, but I continued running, walking the drink stops only, trying to swallow a combination that would make me feel better.
The last lap, at the top of the first hill, my date with the port a loo was longer and felt like absolute heaven. No doubt it did not help my time.
Exiting where I would have happily stayed for an hour, I did feel better and continued slogging through the last lap. Mum and dad were there supporting there and back.
Through the last lap, collecting the band, it was along the lake and riding the adrenaline home. My fifth Ironman completed. 5hr run made for a 12hr 40min Ironman. Elle and the boys were thinking and supporting all day, it was done.
Some food and a massage, dad had collected my bike and worked out everything. Mum was waiting as I exited the tent. Could not eat the burger I had planned, would have to do that tomorrow. It was a good day and I was done. 
Great day and the best support I have ever experienced.
Next Port Macquarie.
Location: Lake Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand

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