GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR IRONMAN COMPETITORS
No road is long with good company
Rob "Helmet" Lutz
Race no: 856
Age: 39
Ironman virgin and all round nice guy (except for Death by Helmet run sessions!).
It was channel Nine's "Wide World of Sports" that first alerted me to the crazy world of Ironman. (This was about 16 years ago when I was just morphing from a couch potato to a regular runner). Back then I thought "one day I'd love to do that" and it was filed for sometime in the future.
So after years of running and my approaching 40th Birthday (Ironman was filed under things to do before I turn 40) KB1 and I bit the bullet and bought bikes in 2006, making the acquaintance of Ice and hearing rumours of a new Tri Club launching soon.
So, running - "Check", cycling - "Check", swimming - "Bugger"! I never was a strong swimmer and preferred to lie around in the water rather than make an attempt to cover any distance! So with Canberra Half booked in last December and Nepean (last November) as my first triathlon and warm-up to Canberra I received some gentle persuasion from KB1 (ask Ice) to do something about my swimming. Enter crash course on stroke correction with Nemo and a smashing in the pool 3 times a week with Ice to clock up my validation race....Hey!
Rolling straight on from Canberra into Ironman training with the rest of the Balance contingent (thanks guys) has me ready for Port with a great deal of excitement.
So, running - "Check", cycling - "Check", swimming - "Bugger"! I never was a strong swimmer and preferred to lie around in the water rather than make an attempt to cover any distance! So with Canberra Half booked in last December and Nepean (last November) as my first triathlon and warm-up to Canberra I received some gentle persuasion from KB1 (ask Ice) to do something about my swimming. Enter crash course on stroke correction with Nemo and a smashing in the pool 3 times a week with Ice to clock up my validation race....Hey!
Rolling straight on from Canberra into Ironman training with the rest of the Balance contingent (thanks guys) has me ready for Port with a great deal of excitement.
Stuff about my Ironman prep:
On average about 20hrs of training per week
In the last 6 months I've lost 4kg
Body fat is down to 12%
Food is my friend and constant companion
I've gone from swimming 100m to 4km
Had a blast running with Balance Knights on Monday's & Tuesday's (go girls)
Couldn't have asked for better training buddies (bring on Port.....and Busso)
On average about 20hrs of training per week
In the last 6 months I've lost 4kg
Body fat is down to 12%
Food is my friend and constant companion
I've gone from swimming 100m to 4km
Had a blast running with Balance Knights on Monday's & Tuesday's (go girls)
Couldn't have asked for better training buddies (bring on Port.....and Busso)
Rob
Born in the USA
Bek Fallon
Bek Fallon
Race no: 476
Age: 32
Ironman virgin
I have never completed an Ironman before. Swimming is my passion. The swim squad I was a part of 10 years ago suggested triathlons. I started training with them and loved it. At that time in rural Missouri, not many farmers & other locals had heard of the sport so I was winning trophies every event. Yeah! I then moved to Sydney a few years later and went from place 1 to 100 in my age group. :) Oh, well. In the midst of having children, work and trying new sports I completed two half-ironmans and decided it was time to reach my ultimate goal- the Ironman. I am just aiming to finish in best possible condition.
Training Machine
Sascha Jerrentrup
Race no: 729
Age: 34
Ironman virgin & Powerbar fuelled German precision racing machine.
Previous ironmen: 0
Goals: 1 - arriving at the finishline dignified before cut-off time.
Race strategy: warm up in the swim, take it easy on the bike, and try not to walk too much in the run.
Nutrition: there's only one answer - powerbar.
Others: smile when passing the official photographers
Sascha
"Aunty" Karin Kaehne
Race no: 751
Age: 41
"An old lady who likes to run a bit. " (Don't blame me because you did say it! KB)
Aunty Karin is one tough cookie - I know no one who is as focused and dedicated to their training than my favourite AK. She comes from a strong running background and only crossed over to "dark side" of triaithlon only several years ago. No challenge is too big for this girl.
Aunty had her Ironman debut last year at Port IM and has since also raced at Bussellton in December of 2007.
She has put in the hard yards and deserves another strong performance this year.
Go Aunty. When I grow up I want to be just like you.
KB
Koppo
Race no: 788
Age: 34
Koppo is our most experienced ironman, our most devoted year-on-year ironman and our most underprepared ironman for Ironman Oz 2008!
This year will be Koppo's 9th Ironman Oz. Koppo has also raced Ironman in WA and overseas. He is a dead set legend.
Koppo is all heart and brute strength and won't let a little thing like training get in the way of yet another Ironman notch on bis race belt.
Vanilla Ice Ice Baby
Dallas "Ice" Locke
Dallas "Ice" Locke
Race no: 847
Age: 50
Ironman veteran and all round top bloke!
Out of the depths of the Triathlon wilderness we see the return of our Ice. His last noted performance was with an ice sculpture at Yepoon. This year he returns with a more focused vigour and some solid training under his belt.
Despite a minor injury and a tussel with illness late in training (he really has been doing sectret training) Ice will be ready to fire on the big day. No doubt Ice will be proud when his training partner and pool buoy Helmet also crosses the line for his first Ironman.
Race no: 1361
Age: 47
Ironman virgin
My ironman training has caused an over use injury in my achilles tendon, so I've been visiting the pysio.
At the physiotherapists they call me a numbers man and it's become an on-going joke (because I spend a lot of time there).
If they tell me to do a set of 3 reps of 15 of an exercise, I do 6 reps of 25 (so I can really kill the injury).
I think it may be connected to my predisposition of "going out too hard".... it appears the ironman training regime has (almost!) gotten the better of me.
Not so........Nick will be there. The injury is under control even if his nutrition is not. Yet.
Noel Hoare
Race no: 665
Age: 51
When asked to produce a "short" bio for this special edition Noel, not surprisingly, produced the longest contribution. Thankfully his words are always entertaining!
"Quick" History.
I completed Ironman Oz 2006 at Port Macquarie. I had a long day finishing in 14hr 10min and change. Lousy swim (1:36) followed by a loooong recovery in T1. Then a long ride (7:17 incl. T1). But I was happy in the knowledge that I'd make the cut-off. I had a great run until the 27k mark where my achillis tendon decided to play up. I finished the run in 5:15 (incl T2). I thought I'd be able to make about 13 hrs, but during the "race" I quickly gave up all thoughts of a specific finishing time, focusing on finishing and hoping my ankle would hold out.
Running down the finish chute was an amazing experience that just had to be repeated! I managed to avoid the Medical Tent (it was like a scene from MASH) and hobbled back to the hotel ready for some serious over-eating the next day.
Fast forward to IM WA 2007
Fast forward to IM WA 2007Two words - "giant squid". I DNF'd in the swim after being violently ill. Out of the water I recovered relatively quickly but never felt worse watching everyone carrying on racing (especially Sho'tis, Winky and Shoes, who realistically, should have pulled out of the race in sympathy).
Actually, the worst, worst part was failing to time my ice cream eating with them riding past - and I tried many times..... Two weeks later I scraped through Canberra HIM with 15 mins to spare to validate for Port this year.
So, what have I learned?
Don't DNF without clearing your head and making a realistic assessment of the situation - you'll hate yourself no matter how irrational it may seem, there's plenty of time for rest and recovery during the race.
So, what have I learned?
Don't DNF without clearing your head and making a realistic assessment of the situation - you'll hate yourself no matter how irrational it may seem, there's plenty of time for rest and recovery during the race.
What's the plan this time?
Survive the swim - going on past performance whereby increasing my swim training led to a poorer swim result, I've cut back on swim sessions and am already feeling the benefits (through additional sleep) - this plan may come back to bite me on the day........ Hopefully I'll match my previous swim time. Expecting a better bike leg, but can't control the weather - so it will be better relative to other competitors. Like to go 6:30'ish ("tell him he's dreaming son").
On the run - absolutely no walking, the new course has taken alot of the hill "challenges" away and, once I get over the boring aspect of the run to Settlement Point and back (mental training required here), I would hope to knock out a 4:30 run. So there it is approx. 12:45 overall - but really only looking to beat my previous time.
Of course everything will change on the day - especially if the cheer squad isn't up to scratch!
Cheers
Noel
Of course everything will change on the day - especially if the cheer squad isn't up to scratch!
Cheers
Noel
Stu "Shoes" Thompson
Race no:1378
Age: 37
Ironman achievements : I've never forgotten my shoes at an Ironman race (they are mandatory in race transition bags these days, which you have to put in on the Saturday, its kinda helpful).
I've been around the block a few too many times, so I'm getting close to the stoopid stoopid stoopid category.
Goals: to Swim just off Noel's shoulder to protect him from from any nasty sea creatures. If you want the explanation you have to ask Noel.
Hopes: to get to the point where I think I can't keep going and then to go some more. Or alternatively blow in spectacular fashion to provide plenty of entertainment.
Prayers: for no mechanical problems. After that it's down to me and my shoes. However, iIf I do have some mechanical issues, I pray Winky's 2nd best mate (Mr Shimano) will be nearby. If want the explanation you have to ask Winky.
Aspirations: to be healthy enough on Monday to enjoy a few well earned ales, take on the bucket challenge (at least getting further than 1/2 way) and tell some tall stories with everyone. If you want the explanation meet you at the pub Monday and Shot 'is will explain.
Matty "Coolio" Clarke
Race no: 281
Age: 28
Ironman virgin & recently voted Balance Bachelor of the Year.
Who the hell am I? Coolio. Why the hell am i doing this? Well, this time last year, I made the trek to Port Macquarie after becoming affiliated with Balance.
I had never raced, and really had no idea what all the fuss seemed to be about...enter Australian Ironman. Wow, this thing was huge, and my decision was made (seems this happens to most of us).
So, here I am. Four half ironman races later. Hundreds of km's in the feet, thousands on the wheels and I am looking forward to experiencing my first Ironman.
To those racing, it has been a pleasure being able to form friendships in my journey, and look forward to sharing your Ironman experience with you. To those who have been great supporters in both training and socially, thankyou, its this that makes it all so much fun.
Coolio
So, here I am. Four half ironman races later. Hundreds of km's in the feet, thousands on the wheels and I am looking forward to experiencing my first Ironman.
To those racing, it has been a pleasure being able to form friendships in my journey, and look forward to sharing your Ironman experience with you. To those who have been great supporters in both training and socially, thankyou, its this that makes it all so much fun.
Coolio
Race no: 169
Age: 31
After making friends with our neighbour Stu (now “Shoes”), Shot’is and I were encouraged to try a triathlon. To my surprise we were hooked straight away. Two and a half years later I find myself doing my 3rd Ironman and trying to set a new family record.
Despite what Koppo says Winky is one classy chick. She may be as strong as the boys on the bike but she is an absolutely gorgeous GIRL. She is always ready with a smile and will grin her way around the course on Sunday. Go Winky!
