This experience boosted my training leading up to the Ironman event in early November. Ironman is a company that organizes long-distance triathlons, and Ironman 70.3 is a half-distance triathlon covering 70.3 miles over three disciplines. With seven shorter-distance triathlons (spring and Olympic) under my belt, I felt ready for this next challenge. My goals for the event were simple: finish strong and enjoy the journey.
On Sunday morning, my alarm sounded at 4:15am. I got ready, packed up the car, and drove to St. Kilda's Catani Gardens. After setting up my transition area, I made my way to the beach for a quick warm-up dip.
Standing at the water’s edge, I paused for a moment of gratitude, taking in the calm sunrise and feeling a surge of excitement for the day ahead. While I waited for my start time, I found my friend April who is just starting her tri journey. With her first race just a few weeks away, she was excited to see the event unfold—and to support me.
Swim: 1.9 km (1.2 mi)
My group began around 6:15am. The water was just cold enough to make it a "wetsuit mandatory" race, but the conditions couldn't have been more perfect—glass-like water on a windless morning.
Unlike most triathletes, swimming is my favorite leg of the race, and I felt calm throughout. In fact, I was almost disappointed when it was over! Triathlon distances are not proportional, skewed heavily towards cycling and running.
Bike: 90 km (56 mi)
The transition from swim to bike (T1) is always a struggle to peel off your wetsuit and put shoes on wet feet.
The bike course along scenic Beach Road was a fast, flat course that I know well. It was a real treat to ride it with the road closed to traffic and free of stop lights. The weather was ideal—not too hot, sunny, or windy.
I stayed on top of my nutrition with Clif bars and blocks, only slowing down through aid stations to grab electrolytes. This was probably the longest (and fastest) ride I’ve ever done without stopping.
Run: 21.1 km (13.1 mi)
After a quick T2, I was ready for the half marathon. Like the bike course, it was a two-lap, flat route along the bay.
I used to love running before my knee injury; now I find it hard on my body. Still, I kept a steady pace, stopping only at aid stations to hydrate and fuel, and once to pee.
Occasional glimpses of the city skyline filled me with gratitude as I pushed forward.
April and Tom were cheering me on at the iconic finish line.
Crossing the finish line was a moment of pure joy and relief. Though sore, sunburnt, and chafed, I was riding the high of adrenaline.
I am incredibly proud of my results, with a final time of 6 hours and 14 minutes. I excelled in the swim and T2, but what I’m most proud of is the steady, consistent pace I maintained throughout. I managed to avoid hitting the wall or "bonking," a testament to my abilities an an endurance athlete.
The Melbourne Ironman 70.3 was the crowning achievement of a spring filled with athletic challenges. Now, I’m looking forward to slowing down and shifting my focus to open water swimming.
