Woke at 2.30 and preparations went smoothly until I realized my race watch was defunct. Switched to Anne's "girly" watch that attracted some unnecessary comments. Usual banter at transition with the film crew hanging around like a bad smell. At the swim warm-up I was nearly knocked unconscious by a Japanese swimmer who plowed right into me but was "velly solely".
SWIM
Wind made the conditions awkward with a lot of chop and strong R to L current but was ok although I got up on the sand like a beached whale.
T1
For some reason I put on my sun glasses in the tent as soon as I sat down. It was dark in the tent anyway but now I was virtually blind and put on my cycling gloves not only inside out but also on the wrong hands. Correcting that with wet hands was interesting but not funny, particularly as the bottom part of my wet suit was still on and the helpful, but very strong, volunteer had pulled me off the chair trying to get it off. Anyway I set a new world age group record for T1 of 12 mins, particularly with the film crew getting film of me undoing my tool kit as I tried to unrack my bike BIKE Windy and blustery in parts. Halfway through the bike my back cage with 2 bidons fell off! Then the tape on my L handlebar unravelled and I let fly with some choice words directed at my bike shop. I stuck with the HR plan however and the bike was ok but my kanakas got quite sore in the trisuit.
T2
Better than T1 but still pathetic as I was paraplegic getting off the bike. 9mins I think.
RUN
Walked the first K and then started to run. Calf began hurting at 3-4k and took some pain tabs. However was able to run to each aid station, then walked while I hydrated and put ice under my cap. The severe scalp pain from this kept my mind off my leg. Stuck to the HR plan. Very hot and the pounding took it's toll on the quads. Atmosphere was fantastic and great support from the family and spectators got me through.
MEDICAL TENT
When I finished for some stupid reason I had plate of Lasagne which prompted much chucking, and with 3K weight loss, with BP 70, I needed 3L IV fluids. However all OK, just some black toe nails and lots of DOMS. Achilles OK possibly due to heel lifts, flat run and God knows what!
I AM AN IRONMAN!
