So the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand was 3 weeks ago in Taupo. For those of you who did not hear about the event it was one cold, wet and rainy day.Preperation leading into the event had gone great, I thought my body was in shape for a break through Ironman performance and of course, third time lucky. But it was not to be my year.
Here is a quick recap of my day, for a more detailed version check out the latest couple videos below. Alternatively you can sign up to my you tube channel www.youtube.com/user/terenzobozzone or become a fan on twitter or facebook – www.twitter.com/terenzo1 or www.facebook.com/terenzobozzone
The rain did not let up all day, from arriving at the transition area at 5:30am to back down at the finish line close to midnight, it was a day for the record books. The gun went off at 6:45 for the professionals and we were off on the 3.8km swim in Lake Taupo. I had a good start and managed to get into a solid rhythm. Unfortunately I lost the big gun Brent Fosters feet at the 400meter mark, but we managed to form a small group of three of us that worked well to only lose 1 minute to the swimming machine we refer to as Fossy. Of course the big name for the event was Cameron Brown who was going for his 10th Ironman New Zealand title, coming out of the water I had a good 3 minute lead on him.
This was not too last long, Matthais Hecht and I knew we had to pace ourselves but also wanted to keep moving forward through the 180km bike ride. I thought we were riding well and at minimum holding even with Brownie but to our surprise when we hit the first turn around at 45km he and a group of 3 had already made up the 3 minute deficit. Oh well, I backed myself for the run so I just tried to relax and get through the bike. Slowly the body was starting to fail on me, and by 130km Brownie showed his class by riding away from us what looked like effortlessly. Now I couldn’t wait to get out of the rain, I was chilled to the bone and was not enjoying riding through the pouring rain, I guess I should have toughened up on those rainy training days!!
Soon the end of the bike came around and I was off onto the marathon run in 4th position with 5th not far back. Running out of trainsition and seeing the thousands of spectators and volunteers standing and cheering in the rain was amazing and gave me encouragement to hang tough and get through the race. I slowly clawed my way up into second and that was going to be as good as it got… this time around.
Sam Warriner took out the womans race with Mirinda Carfrae and Jo Lawn taking 2nd and 3rd.
I had a nice 2 weeks off before getting back into training and trying to find a little speed to sharpen up for the Half Ironman season ahead. First stop is the Kemah Olympic distance race in Galveston Texas followed by the 70.3 (half Ironman) US Championships also in Galveston which I am going into as defending champion, then on the 3rd weekend the New Orleans 70.3.
I am pleased to announce Clif Bar, a sports nutrition company based in northern California to the team. I have used and believed in their product for the past couple years and it is great to have formed this partnership. I am looking forward to being a part of Team Clif Bar.
Kelly and I are both looking forward to getting on the road again as the weather here in NZ is starting to turn and winter is well on its way.
Will keep you up to date as the races progress
