Hi Everyone,
So last weekend didn't really go to plan down in
Taupo. I was really looking forward to Nutri-Grain Ironman NZ this year as it
has been a while since my last full distance Ironman and this year for the
first time in my Ironman career the weather down in Taupo for the race was
going to be magical.
There had been something going on in my body
through the build up and I couldn't quite place what it was. I had been
struggling with headaches after hard training days and had not been recovering
at my usual speed, I thought I had a handle on it but on reflection I realize
I actually didn't.
Throughout the race on Saturday I was
slightly off pace in the swim while Marko Albert and Bevan Doherty took it out
in close to course record time. I was out the water 1min40sec behind them,
which wasn't bad considering how off course I was going the whole second half.
Running up to transition was a pretty amazing
feeling. The 600meter run was lined 4 people deep the whole way cheering me on.
The amount of energy I received from them was overwhelming. Then off onto the
bike flying solo. I had no intention of bridging the gap immediately. I knew
from past experiences that even pacing was the best way to pace the bike and I
knew what my pace was. 120km riding in the middle of the lead group and the
chase group which included Cam Brown. Finally the chasers caught up and I hung
with them until the 150km mark where it all really went pear shaped. A
headache like I have never experienced before came on and I could not for the
life of me keep pushing. My power dropped from the mid 200's down to under
200watts and keeping my eyes open was difficult.
By the end of the bike I was actually feeling
very distressed. I am used to pushing my body but this was different as the
both body and brain were completely at odds with doing anything remotely like
running... So as it transpired I had to stop and pretty much collapse on the
side of the road. I have never felt so awful in my life.
Bevan and Marko had very impressive days to take
1st and 2nd with Brownie coming in 3rd respectively.
We are now 5 days after the race and my headache
still persists. I saw a Neuro specialist yesterday and she diagnosed me with
having a concussion caused by the bike crash into the car door back in January.
Unfortunately the only way for this to heal is with rest.
I am still hopeful to start my 70.3 campaign in
the middle of April.
Thanks to everyone for all the support and I am
sorry I couldn't help put on a show down in Taupo that would have been one for
the books.
