IM ARIZONA 2014 RACE REPORT

                                                


So....Home I came from Kona, after a week of no training it was Monday morning again and the 5.30am alarm went off. Time to hit the pool again! nothing like a 6k swim to kick start the body back into training. The only problem was getting out of bed that morning was a struggle.. Normally I am awake before the alarm goes of. My body whilst not fully recovered from Kona was feeling ok, My mind was the opposite. Although I was in for AZ I still had not fully made my mind up to travel. Still the disappointment of Kona lingered in my mind. I did go to the pool, and continued as if I was going to race. But to be honest I was just looking any excuse to just not go. I was tired..grumpy (always am) and motivation to put my body and mind through the IM ordeal was zero. 

On one of the mornings I got up to bike it was cold, dark and raining.. Sitting in my back kitchen feeling sorry for  myself I made my mind up I was not going. Ash walked in and asked what I was doing..I replied "I am not going to AZ" "I couldn't be bothered" Her reply was "By F**k your going, now get out that door and HTFU"  She hit me with a few facts..How I was as fit and strong as I had ever being.. How she never seen me train so hard. And was I going to let something I could do nothing about in Kona ruin my whole years training! 

Mission AZ was on! And after chatting with Alan, who deals only in facts, he reminded me that although I was not at pre Kona numbers there would still not be many Age groupers that could match me. And I still had 3 more weeks of training to improve on my fitness. 

I left for AZ on the Monday before the race.. As I knew ash would be glued to the laptop race day my last words to her leaving the house was.. " No matter what you see on the screen race day..no this! I will be giving it my absolute best from start to end.. Not one negative thought will cross my mind..no matter what happens" 

Got to AZ with no drama, and was delighted with the weather.. My swimming was going good and out on the bike course my numbers looked very good indeed.. Running just may have being a bit down but not very much. I think on my second to last run whilst doing some efforts I was hitting pace but felt heavy doing it.. Then on the last 2 something just clicked.. All off a sudden my legs felt light and I was running with ease..It just felt like the rubber band that was holding me back snapped and I was running free again... From that second I knew I was good to go! 

The night before the race I was nervous..but in very good spirits.. My brother sent me a video of my nephew and niece wishing me good luck... Great I thought..This is the ammunition I need.. And even though what was a very quite hotel all week.. A wedding changed that.. Even the noise didn't bother me.. I was in a very good mental place.. ( Still crapping myself though) I woke up 3.15am and spoke to Ash on the phone quickly.. I reminded her of my promise.. And she wished me luck! just as I was walking out the door she sent me a photo of Her and Emma.. This did make me a bit teary but again it was another positive mental image! I was ready:)

As I waited for the shuttle down to T1 I noticed something that was not present all week... The trees at the front of the hotel were blowing... Then I knew it would be a windy one.. Not like all week when wind was very calm.. Actually before I seen the trees blowing and judging by what I was doing during the week on the bike I was confident of biking 4.35 or below.. Again this was not bothering me as it would be windy for everyone.. Into T1 to get everything ready and the usual butterflies started, and the usual self doubt.. The only difference this time round I was very aware of my promise to Ash..and myself. All was good and I just wanted in the water.. 

THE SWIM:

The swim entrance is pretty narrow here and there was also 400m or so to swim to the start line.. As discussed with Alan I positioned myself dead centre and at the very front.. Last year I went far left and got pummelled. When the cannon went it was a relief.. I took of not at max effort but seemed to be pretty much out front.. Jesus I was thinking whats happening here! I am actually still at the front.. At that point as I breathe to my left I could see the wolf pack coming... Ah bolix I thought! This is normally the point I back of.. try and let the what I assume is the faster swimmers round.. Try and get on their feet..but this never works! I always let them swim over me and in turn get stuck behind slower swimmers... Today I decided just to hold on for another min or so..And then see where I was.. Good choice! For they didn't come round and my decision paid off as it was the most clear an clean swim I can remember.. I swam side by side with some guy for the entire swim.. I felt comfortable and was happy to see 1.01 on my watch when I stood up.. 

T2 went well and I was out on the bike in no time.. Right from the off the wind was up, my thoughts of a fast bike split were dashed..but again this didn't bother me as it was windy for everyone not just me.. I was very aware that I needed to be mindful and not go to hard to soon.. HR was a tad high but so was power.. I was doing all the passing as usual until 4 or 5 guys passed me some of which were in my AG.. I jumped and went with them, but looking at my power and only judging what they were pushing I didn't think it wise to continue so let them go.. steadied my HR and Pw and settled into a nice pace. And just as I thought as I started to climb the beeline for the first time I passed all of them:) For those who don't know the Bee line is the main climb on a very flat course..It is 10-11 mile long and whilst not very steep, its enough to soften your legs... Especially when you've 26 mile to run after it.. And with the strong head wind that was present today the race would be won by the smartest athlete.. The nice thing about the wind was that coming back down it was 40mph job.. There is nothing nicer than hearing the roar of a disc and 808 to raise your spirits.. ( Sad I Know) 1st lap I rode mostly on my own..at the beginning of the 2nd a guy passed me and I thought it wise to go with him.. He looked strong but judging by the size of his legs I knew he was only a biker! I have done all the reading and research about riding draft LEGAL! and the energy and watts than can be saved is a lot.. Even though I felt I was riding slower than i would be had I went it alone.. I knew I was making the right choice.. At the start of the 3rd lap i had a wheel sucker on me.. That I couldn't stand for and gave it some extra gas.. I got rid of the wheel sucker but also my big legged buddy.. I was very aware of the increasing wind and did ease of for the final lap.. HR came down and from then on I was in get ready for the run mode.. Even though I eased of..no one was coming round me! It was pretty hectic for the last time going up the climb as people were all over the shop with the wind.. People bumping into each other and some getting blown of by the wind.. Just stay safe were my thoughts.... Although I didn't find the bike easy.. Those mental images in my head of the video of the kids..and the pic of Ash and Emma made it easy riding... I was loving it!! One thing that did surprise me was the amount of fluid I was going through..I didn't find it that hot..but was going through the same amount as I did in kona.. between Energy drink and water I took on 11 bottles!! On top of that gels and those lovely mini snickers bars.. Again I was happy because when you are fit to take all this on with no trouble things are generally going well.. I can tell you though when I was approaching the dismount line i was happy to be getting out of that bloody wind.. Into T2 and it was just me in the tent.. Nice feeling that.. Although I had no idea where I was position wise i knew I  could not be doing that bad. I was just wishing I was like others who had there team mates out on the bike course giving them splits.. That way i would know where I was:) ( Isn't that right)

Out onto the run and feeling real good.. I thought getting of the bike my battle with the wind was over.. Nope! A strong head wind out bound but in all fairness my mind was in a good place.. and i didn't care. I had a plan and I was sticking to it.. The first 2 people I passed were a male and female pro.. I was running strong but it was still very early in the run.. At about 2-3 mile into the run I noticed the "TEAM" standing with laptops..i pads..i phones every gadget under the sun.. taking splits and passing them on.. I actually thought that would make me mad..but it had the opposite effect.. Now I don't know if they were giving splits again me but in my opinion its a solo race and that's the way it should be. Enough about that anyway..

I completed the first lap and my plan was to up the pace.. just like i planned to do the previous year! Last year when I tried I just didn't have it in the legs.. Today I did! I didn't run that much faster..but I was still running faster.. At mile 14 I think I was running behind a guy with 40-44 on his leg.. At this stage the run course was getting pretty full And I was not to sure if he was only starting his 1st lap..or if he was actually ahead of me. ( See theres the advantage of getting splits) Either way I was running faster and when I passed he said good job.."you are now in 1st" Two things crossed my mind.. One was " Ah bolix now I have got to keep running" 2nd was " How the feck did he know that" Or how did he know me!  So either way I was 1st in my AG or 1st AGer overall.. That meant Kona ticket was in my hands..And no way on earth was I letting it slip! The 2nd loop was going pretty quickly and bar me completely blowing up all would be good.. I eased up a bit with about 5mile to go as just to be sure the unthinkable did not happen.. My plan was to run sub 3 which was on plan.. but that changed to just get the job done..and save something in the tank in case someone got a late burst of energy.. Again it was not until after the race I realised I had a 12min cushion over 2nd place so I could have went for the sub 3.. ( Wish I had someone giving me splits) But it didn't matter I reached my goal and could not have being happier.. Job done ! KONABABY2015

That's my season over...done and dusted! Alan agreed to give me some time off which I am grabbing with both hands.. I owe that guy so much this year. It was my first year working with him and I am super excited about next year already.. Thank you Coach!

But special thanks must go to my wife.. The woman that steadies the ship when the waters get rough.. And believe me, living and putting up with me the waters get rough pretty often! THANK YOU HONEY xxx

I have nothing planned yet for next year apart from Kona so far, I will chat with Alan and together we will come up with the master plan:) But one thing for sure is I will race more.. For next year I am trying to get some sponsors on board.. Any one that can point me in the right direction please do. Also in the not so distant future I have some more exciting news, which I am looking forward to announcing.. but more about that later... Until then my friends its over and out from me..thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings:)

OWEN

KONA 2014 RACE REPORT

At long long last I have finally got/found some energy-mojo to sit down and write a race report for this years Kona. Normally I jot some words down soon after the race, I always like to do this as you still have the emotions and feelings, good or bad that come with a race. This year post Kona I was deflated..Not with my result, As any day you cross a finish line is a good day! But disappointed in me! Not my performance, but how I dealt with things that was thrown at me that I could do nothing about.

As I sit here now writing this I have raced again and qualified for Kona 2015.. That I am happy about, but it now gives me two pieces to write about, two races with completely different outcomes. I had planned to write this one on the plane to AZ.. but with the discovery of wifi on the plane I spent the time looking at FB and twitter! :)  Just being honest!

My objective of my next two blogs will be to show how one simple thing either can help you have a great race...Or ruin everything! I am not going to go into it but hopefully when you read both you will get what I am saying. So for now I am going to step back in time and AZ has not even happened yet.

KONA PRE- RACE:

I started of this season Jan 1st after a long break from what was a long 2013... I changed coaches this year from Mark White...... a good friend who I will be forever grateful. I felt I needed to challenge myself more this season and was happy when Alan Couzens said he would take me under his wing. After a long talk with Alan i told him I believed I could go top 10 in Kona.. It was decided that my build would be a long long one with not so much racing in between. The weeks and months flew by and I think/hope I surprised Alan with what I could handle.. There is no doubt that leading into Kona I was at Pro level fitness. Alan loves those numbers and everything he was telling me, and what I could see for myself was pointing more Top 5 than 10.

I left for the Big Island 2 days earlier than before as to give myself more time to adjust to the heat..and also to try and get my body clock back to normal. But alas I had not even got out of LA and that's where things (In my head) started to go down hill. In short British Airways lost my bike and they had no idea where it was. This put my head in a complete spin... There I was in the best shape of my life and no bike..no nothing as most of my stuff was in the box! I did take swim and run gear in my carry on as 4 out of the 5 years my box has gone missing. The only difference this time was they had no idea where it was.. I cannot explain how much this affected me mentally! I have never being so negative and defeated leading into a race. I did hire a bike and done a 2-3 hour ride.. all this done was tweak nearly every muscle I had from the waste down. ( shows the importance of a good bike fit) This took me down mentally even more. To add to all this Kona was the hottest I have experienced.. I normally love the heat and seem to thrive in it.. Ashling spent 2 days solid on the phone and she tracked my bike. It arrived 5 days late but at least now in my mind I was back on track.. ( Or at least I thought I was) On the rides I did I noticed my Power/HR numbers where not as they would be at home..I had no problem with this as I knew the heat was taking longer to adjust to.. On my running I was way slower than normal..Again I was confident all would be good before the race. But still in the back of my damm mind was those 5 days of the missing bike!

RACE MORNING:

As mentioned in previous blogs I have come up with a strategy for the night before big races and this helps me get a decent amount of sleep.. I woke feeling rested..but not excited!! Here I was with the honour of racing in the biggest race of them all and when you feel you HAVE to race..that is not good! That simply is not good enough when you bust your ass all year in all types of shite weather And here I was not giving a shit!

Into T1 to get bike ready.. And that took about 10 min, then it would be wait for the helicopter time.. This is when normally the butterflies start for me.. My plan this year was to start way left to try and avoid the macho man crap that always takes place.. BOOM the cannon went and it was just a great relief to be finally started... A bit of biff boff bosh but nothing to bad and quickly I was into a steady controlled pace.. I knew pre race the surf would be up but whilst i was not getting thrown around to much, looking down I just got the sense that someone was picking me up and dropping me down 20 foot to the left of right.. This was making me feel a bit sick..and I was thinking about swimming with my eyes closed as to take that weird sideways motions away! In keeping wide left though I swam most of the swim solo..this suited me fine! That was until I stood up and seen 1.13.. I wont write down my exact words here, but you can guess! Right there and then my plans of a top 5 went completely out the window.. I was deflated!

Onto the bike and in my mind everyone who I would be challenging was so far up the road that I would need to be Tony Martin..not Owen Martin to catch them. I knew coming into the race that I would be down time getting onto the bike..but if numbers were to be believed I would catch ALL before the end of the bike. I settled my mind by the time the out and back section was done and started to climb Palini before heading out onto the Queen K. And then thats were some idiot decided to go up the inside of me and the guy to my right.. There was contact and both me and the guy to the right let him have it with both barrels.. Firstly Palani is a no pass zone and its a pity the refs didn't see as as he would have got DQd.. Secondly if the refs had of seen it they probably would have DQd me for the language I used!  There he was going up a hill as if he was Froome himself.. This dude was going to win the race I thought...And all in the 1st 10 mile of the race... By the time I reached the top.. All of 1 min later I felt bad.. I was thinking I was putting out bad karma..and we all know when karma bites back its a bitch. Another 2-3 mile passed and low and behold here is Chris froome himself blowing smoke out of his arse going backwards!!! I guess he should of went up the hill at a pace he could actually do ( F**king plonker) But I decided I would clear the air and bring back good karma and get on with the race.. As i passed him i said sorry for the language and wished him luck... That made me feel good.. Onwards I went and a short time later that's were everything went pear shaped! Chained slipped when changing gears and jammed between the frame and crank.. Before this I was making good ground as usual on the bike.. had to stop and fix it and the 1st time it didnt take to long.. I can tell you watching all those people pass you that you just passed is not nice.. after the 3rd time you can only imagine what was going through my mind.. As far as i was corcerned all my training and efforts would be ruined.. all from an idiot trying to be a hero in front of crowds of people. After I fixed it the 3rd time i decided just not to change gears and ride fixie style.. Around this time I passed Paul Deen and he told me everyone had a crap swim and he and Martin swam 1.08.. And despite me stopping 3 times i was gaining time.. The wind was savage to put it nicely.. but this was playing into my hands i though.. my power was very good, Hr also.. I started to climb to Hawi and shortly before the turn I seen my old buddy going in the other direction.. this filled me with confidence as the gap was not that big and I still had nearly half the ride to go.. The tailwind on the way back down was great.. I am flying i thought.. The tailwind turned to head as expected and then the fatal blow came... On one of the uphills I changed gears and of the chain came for the 4th time.. this time i was pissed... I stepped of the bike and the wind just blew it out of my hands.. It took ages this time to fix and by the time i got going i had gone from being in a positive mood to completely disheartened.. All the thoughts of the missing bike box came back..everything that went wrong in the build up filled my mind.. I was hoping a race car would come so i could put my bike in and get a ride back to town.. For me my race was over! but in my mind i kept picturing a photo my brother sent me pre race of a poster my nephew and niece made for me.. plus thinking there was no way i wanted to let Ash down.. for I knew she would be more gutted for me than i would be..for me! That was enough to get back on a keep riding.. At this stage i was not riding easy but neither was i racing..My bike broke twice again after this but at that stage i didn't give a shit.. I was never as glad to be getting back to town.. I pulled up to the dismount line in a very casual manner.. I took my time getting of, kept my feet in the shoes..none of that fancy dismount stuff you see on the videos.. I walked though T2 having a chat here and there.. I was actually finding amusement at the strange looks I was getting from the helpers.. They were all looking at me having a nice stroll whilst everyone round me was in full flight to get out onto the run..I was in no hurry... My mind had switched to AZ.. And to be honest i even though about not even doing the run.. There was nothing wrong with me except for a extremely negative mindset!! I ran out of T2 and stopped to have a quick chat with Ash and tell her my plan of just running to every aid station and saving my legs for AZ.. Well I can not write down here her response to that idea... It went something like ( You will and you're F**k..You will run) Gota love Ash x

Still even at that my head was elsewhere... I was in complete feel sorry for myself mode! The run this year was not as hot because of allot of cloud cover.. But I found a pace around 7.15/20 felt comfortable at that and just decided to hold that..I did however get a great mental boost when running down into the energy lab.. Una ( Irish girl who lives there) had tricolors everywhere.. It was a sight to behold and did make me feel proud.. I decided to up the pace, but cramped in my belly when my HR went to 146/7 when HR was at 144/5 all was good.. So again i just settled and ran steady back to the finish line. Regardless of how crap i was feeling in the head the sound of Mike Reilly does give you a boost.. I made sure to enjoy the final mile..Because right there and then this was going to be my last Kona for sure.. 26 mile is a long time and gives you loads of time to think.. In my mind I was thinking all my years work was for nothing.. Wasted!! All because of 2 things I could do nothing about.. Idiots loosing my bike.. and a plonker who thought he was froome!! I crossed the line gutted but happy to finish.. It was why me time!! I enjoyed the banter in the athletes area..but still in my mind i was done with Kona! For me I was extremely grateful to have completed a race 5 times that most would give their left arm for.. The next few days over a few beers and lots of bad food my mindset changed.. My thinking was if I had of prepared badly for the race through lack of training, bad diet etc and got a bad race..Well so be it.. That i could take and would deserve.. But I trained great.. and all that fitness was still there.. The only thing that let me down was my head..feeling sorry for myself over stuff i had zero control over..

You can be as fit and strong as you like.. but if you're most powerful tool is weak don't bother even doing the training. This was a harsh way for me to learn a very valuable lesson.. But I have learned

Onwards to AZ i went!!

To be continued........  

IM AZ 2013 Race Report

Kona 2013 Race report

IRONMAN TEXAS 2013 RACE REPORT

Before I begin the report I will give a short outline on happenings leading into the race. Training this year was going better than any year, little or no injuries was a big help. Swimming was better than previous years, I started to train with power on the bike and was getting nice rewards for that.. And running was stronger this year simply because of the no injury situation. So all was going hunky dory! That was until 3 weeks out from race day... In short falling of a bike at 30mph is not really great race prep!! Thankfully no broken bones, but plenty of cuts and bruises. The wounds seemed to heal quickly, and I missed no biking, but was unable to swim for 2 weeks. And to be honest I did not mind that as I was getting sick of going up and down that bloody pool. Apart from a couple of my fingers when heading of to Texas I was pretty happy with how I recovered, and my mind was in a good place. So of to Texas I went with my lovely wife..and fellow competitor in tow.

Arriving In Texas I was confident of achieving my main goal, winning my AG.. Everything was pointing to nothing but a win..simple as that! Any one who knows me, knows I am not cocky.. But the numbers do not lie, and barring a disaster it was mine for the taking! 

Things at the race location were a bit different than other IM races, firstly swimming at race location was not allowed, we had to go to a local high school and practice there, on my first swim on arrival I could feel the 2 weeks I missed at home, I didnt feel bad, just sluggish! 

My first practice bike could not have went better, I was having to work to keep my power down, I felt good..strong as an Ox.. Then came my first run, both Ash and I went to race location, I was down for a 1.30 run with intervals, within 30sec of starting I have severe pain in my hip flexor region.. I just put it down to long flight and tiredness. And in true fashion I kept running.. I still had a week to the race and was not concerned at all.. After that I had a few brick sessions, and each run the pain was pretty unbearable... simply I was unable to run... I guess the bike smash did more damage than I first thought.. To say I was pissed would be an understatement. So three days out I decided not to race, Ash had different ideas ( thank god ). Off to A&E we both went to get a doc to give me some anti inflamatoties.. And this is were the story really goes down hill. I started taking what the Doc said..and right enough the pain in my hip went away..only to be replaced with a very sick feeling in my tummy.. In my mind I could put up with a bad tummy for a few days. All i wanted was the chance to race!

RACE MORNING:

Up at 3.30am and right from the off I knew something was not right, my stomach was in bits, and getting breakfast in was unusually hard for me. leaving the hotel at 4.45 I could not believe how damm hot and stuffy it was. Wheels pumped and then the 1 mile walk to the swim start, all the time getting more sick.. I didnt say much to Ash as I did not want to ruin her day.. but all I wanted was for someone to say, " just go home and get back into bed" At this stage in my mind I was defeated.. I was not confident of finishing the swim. But I made a deal with myself, as soon as I touched the water I was finishing, no matter what. A big kiss from Ash and into the water I went.

THE SWIM

As soon as my toes touched the water I questioned my decision to race, I felt weak..sick.. and not ready to race at all. As the swim start entry was pretty narrow everyone was in the water 10-15min before the gun. I made my way to the front and lined myself up with the buoys. Treading the water was difficult I was struggling to stay afloat. BOOM the canon went and we were off, or shall I say the rest of the field were off, I had nothing to give, only a very sick belly and the inability to kick.. So in short from the off I just wanted to call it a day, but I kept thinking Ash was behind and I knew if I quit she would see my bike still in T1, as we were only 3 spaces apart, And knowing her she would quit just to make sure I was alright. The first 3k was a struggle, then the final 800m was up a canal, this is were I was loosing strength big time, I found myself going under a lot and lowering the water level of the lake by drinking most of it.. As if I was not sick enough.. The water tasted clean, but looked stinking! If the swim had of being 2 or 300m longer I don't think I would have made it.. I was never as glad to see a swim exit in my life!! I stood up, looked at my watch 1.19.. And all I done was laugh! I didn't care as long  as I was out of that damn lake.. Kona crossed my mind.. That lasted 5sec as I simply did not give a shit.. I was sick..and as sick as a dog at that! running toward T1 I could feel the searing heat, and all I am thinking is " Oh shit, this bike is gona be fun" I took my time in the tent, simply because I thought " whats the point, Kona is gone"

THE BIKE

Pre race my biking had being going better than good, And I started of by clearing my head of the swim and concentrated on putting in a good bike split, Normally in the bike leg it takes me a short while to find my legs, and for my stomach to settle. There was no sign of this happening at all! During the week I was finding it real easy to hit power, but in true fashion my power meter decided to go on the blink a few days before the race.. This wound me up no end pre race.. but now I was thankful it was not working, simply because I knew I was not able to push any were near what I was doing pre race.. The sickness never left, and as the race progressed the worse I got. On the tri bars looking at my belly it was just getting bigger and bigger.. really bloated and left me feeling very full. My exact thoughts were " How the fuck am I putting on weight in the middle of a race WTF" The time on the bike just seemed to drag on and on, not many passed me, and those who did I always re passed them. This was making me think " Jesus maybe  I am not going that bad" The only person I was fooling was me! The bike course was nice, fairly rolling and with a good strong breeze. Which to me seemed like a head wind from start to end. On another day I believe I could have hit my target time, 4.40 if everything went good, 4.45 was well within my reach.. I think my time was 5.08! Rolling into T2 I have never being as glad to get of my bike ever! Into the tent, and again I took my time, I did notice that I was finding it difficult to get a full breath in, I just thought it was because it was so damn hot and stuffy! now I know it was because my belly was so bloated that it was effecting my diaphram, hence not being able to breath very well! But at the time I was just putting it down to racing a IM..Even on a good day its hard.

THE RUN

Out of the tent, and I simply could not believe how hot it was, I have raced Kona 3 times now, but this was different.. On a more positive note though I had no pain in my hip!! This gave me a tiny bit of confidence, this only lasted 1 mile!! I had run on the course pre race, before my hip went wonky, Pre race I was confident of running 2.50, it was flat apart from one tiny hill.. Now I was in the race and I knew it was going to be a battle of survival, after the first mile I wanted to walk. And in theses early miles when I had my wits about me I made my mind up, I was running it all...no matter how slow! As the raced progressed I noticed how everyone seemed to be walking, in all my 12 IM races I have never seen so many people walking, and while I still had my my wits about me I worked out that as long as I kept running, I was still moving faster than most.. Everyone had there race age on there calves, and I could see I was passing tons in my AG. Thats when I thought, " Jesus maybe Kona may still be on... Keep fucking running Owen" So I kept running, one foot in front of the other.. I cant exactly remember at what stage I started to see all types of funny shit.. One part of my brain was saying " Owen that cant be there" The other part was saying " It is..sure I can see it!!" At one stage I thought I was in Kona.. My exact thoughts were " How the fuck can I be in Kona..I have not even quailified" It was not a nice feeling, I knew there was something wrong, but I could not make any sense of it. All the while I am thinking " Just keep running" This may seem a bit mad, but there was a voice in my head saying " Just keep running Owen.. you will get Kona..but only if you keep running" And on my life this is true. 2 laps down, 1 to go! I was out of it... my mind was mush! Then came the boost I needed... Just as I passed the transition tent out came the hero of the day!! My wife.. In true Ash fashion, smiling and laughing! That little boost of seeing her gave me a great lift, and took me out of the haze I was in! Even if it was for a short time. The last lap continued as the 2 previous, I was out of it.. but all I wanted to do was keep running..no matter what! I honestly cant remember the last mile or so, what I do remember is looking up at the clock and seeing 10.10.. and thinking " Jesus its still early in the day" I crossed the line, thankfully there was people there to catch me, as I was heading south! Of to the medical tent..I was feeling so so sick.. My head did clear when they gave me a drip, so I lay there just thinking, ah well this is IM racing.. I will be fine in a few days! And my mind and thoughts turned to thinking of Ash out in that roasting hot day... So I waited... and waited, the time passed on which I thought she would finish, I started to get worried..but taking into consideration the weather I knew she would be a bit slower, as was every one that day. So there I was at the finish line worrying..I had no need to, as there she came.. smiling, laughing, lapping up the crowd! and why would she not.. Then I heard those great words!!! Mike Reilly blasting out... ASHLING MARTIN YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!! Class!

THE AFTERMATH

In the hours after the race i had forgotten all about Kona.. That was until some one txt me I finished 7th in AG.. Holy Batman I thought, i only need one roll down.. And I have never ever thought or said this before, but in my mind this time I deserved it.. My thoughts turned to the voice I kept hearing " Just keep running Owen" We got up early the next morning, went down to slot allocation.. and I got what I deserved..... KONA BABY!!!

SO WHAT HAPPENED..

After the race I just got worse and worse sickness wise, We flew home and I can tell you the flight home was a pretty painful one, severe back pain.. topped by me swelling up to the size of a baby elephant. I went to my doc the next day, he sent me to A&E.. They took bloods, lost my bloods.. and after 4 hrs on a A&E bed when they did find them, I knew something was not good when they started to hook me up to all types of devices, and in a hurry!  I knew i wouldn't be sleeping in my own bed that night, it turned out I wouldn't sleep in my own bed for 7 bloody days.... In short my kidneys were at 5% function... SUBOPTIMAL!! I started the race with bad kidney function, and with the stress and intensity  of the race, well that was the nail in the coffin for my kidneys! But thankfully I have no long term damage, and will make a full recovery... LUCKY BOY!!

WHATS NEXT??

In a few weeks I plan to race local, and then its of to that big Island again to mix it up with the best in the world, And for all of you who know me, I am not a big head... But now finally I believe I fully deserve to be there as an equal... I may not be the best in the world, but now I think I have proved to myself, once an for all.... I am as good as any of them!!! So for now

ALOHA:)

IM WORLD CHAMPS REPORT 2012

Pre Race Build Up 

I am sitting down to write this report a very happy man. This by far has being my most difficult season to date! More so on the mental side of things than physical. Having secured my Kona slot in Canada it was always going to be a very difficult task to arrive in Hawaii in peak form, I had 7 weeks to recover.. train.. and taper. Something which I never had to do before. I was certain about one thing though, I was not going to arrive in Kona with the ( if i don't race well i have an excuse)  get out clause! I took 1 week of after Canada then straight back into training.

I had no idea how my body would react, but was surprised at how I adapted back into training, swimming came back as did biking almost straight away.. running was different! My pace was the same, but my HR did not want to play ball at all.. A pure sign of fatigue! But the prize of racing on the big island was enough to keep me motivated. In my last week of training before leaving things were improving, but just not up to my standard. It was not bothering me at all.. I had got my prize and I was content with that.

I arrived on the big island Oct 1st giving me plenty of time to get used to the huge time difference and the heat. I nearly had a tear in my eye stepping of that plane, because of what I had to go through to get there. Its well known about my Frankfurt escapade.. I was down at such a low low place then! But here i was standing on the runway in Kona. And if you want to know what my exact thoughts were there and then here it is!

( F**k you, you did not defeat me)

I was really surprised at how quickly at how my body clock adjusted, I was sleeping great! Maybe this was down to the fact i placed no pressure on myself, I had no great expectations and was going with the flow. It was great to be getting up in the mornings and heading to the pier for a swim.. It really is a magical place to swim! The rest of the Irish crew arrived day by day.. Myself and Martin teamed up for some swimming and things were looking good, we done some long race pace work and data was showing we were swimming @ 1hr to 1.02 pace. Things were looking good! Everything except my running was good.. my HR would just not come down! As the race was getting closer more and more athletes were strutting there stuff on Alii. I just love the way everyone seemed to be running flat out.. all the time and not even breathing hard:) posers paradise or what!!

With this being my 3rd time here i felt no intimidation, and just got on with what ever training i had to do. Race day was coming fast and it was time for the parade of nations. Our team shirts looked the biz and i for one was extremely proud to wear it! Marching up Alii with a Tri color flying high and people from every nation giving the Irish nation special treatment is a dream!

Next up was the most important race of my life! The underpants run!! Liam said he was going to kick my ass and I just could not let that happen! We took of in our secret super fast jocks.. myself and Liam were shoulder to shoulder running at a blistering 10min/m pace! Martin was trying to catch us, but the pace was to high! Unfortunately we both blew up with Annette and Sarah out sprinting us to the line!!

Myself and Liam now have a pre race ritual were we check our bikes in together.. We got this done early on Fri morning, then it was back to the condo to try and relax, at this stage I had no nerves at all! Ash cooked a lovely dinner and then of to bed at 8... Ash was asleep in 2min then I realised I had a race to do... Que the nerves!!! I did get sleep just not a very restful one!

RACE MORNING

Up at 3.30am and I was having difficulty getting the porridge down, a cup of coffee some toast with nuttella and of I went to T1. First is body marking then into transition to get set up for the day ahead. I met Liam, Martin and Ivan we wished each other good luck.. then it was SHOWTIME!!

THE SWIM








Dig me beach is so so small and trying to get 2000 pumped up athletes on to it is a mission in itself.. I made my way onto it with 10min to go, I spoke to Rob for a second then made my way into the water. I was very aware of how badly I placed myself last year so swam out keeping much further to the left.. Hoping this would avoid the absolute mayhem that I had to endure in 2011. A few moment treading the water then all I heard was Mike Reilly shouting GO GO GO!! ( the canon failed to fire) So of I went with my great plan of avoiding all the boxing.. Yeah right! It sort of reminded me of a Monday night in Ridleys nighclub after Man Utd V Liverpool... Fecking free for all!! I just put up with it and relaxed.. All I wanted to do was swim quicker than my abysmal 1.16 last year. There seemed to be a large swell and I ended up swimming in a group that drifted of course twice.. How far we swam would not become apparent until today when I looked at my swim data.. My total distance swam was 4.3k.. WTF!!
On the final leg back to shore things settled a bit, and I was delighted to see 1.10 on the clock when I stood up! Overall I am happy with my swim, just a bit ticked of a swam almost 500m more than I needed!

Into T1 and all was good.. I got badly burned last year and decided I would completely cover up for the bike.. I choose to wear the new compressport tri top.. It was really hard to get on, and I knew I was taking a long time, on with the zoot arm coolers and i was good to go.. I have not looked at my T1 time but I am sure it was very slow.. better slow than burnt I say!

THE BIKE

I noticed before the swim that the flags were blowing a lot more than normal.. I knew it was going to be a windy day in the saddle, And I was proved right! There is a out and back section around the town to do before you hit the famous Queen K.. Its always crowded and full of people trying to win the race even before they get to Palani. I can never figure this out! Once onto the QK I just focused on finding a good pace and trying to conserve something for the run.. I was not looking at any data just using the force! And as usual i spent a lot of time passing people. About 20 or so mile out and I noticed the wind was really blowing a gale.. I had to be extra careful to keep a wide birth whilst passing as the gusts were blowing people toward the centre line.. My manta before this race was just to smile.. No matter how hard it got.. Just smile! And that I did, the wider I smiled, the easier it was to cut through the wind! The more it blew the more I smiled. If it was this windy out on course how bad would it be on the way up to hawi? Traditionally the most windy part of the course.. It was not that bad at all, And this is were I noticed all those hero's who pushed to hard in the 1st section dying a slow death.. I just kept smiling:) At the turn round we got a class tailwind, I spun out and had to be content to free wheel at 35/40 mph My max speed was 52.3mph:) I was not looking forward to the final stretch from home as I knew it was head wind all the way... I just kept passing huge groups all trying to shelter each other from Madame Pele's fury! I have never seen the penalty tents so full! I decide not to take the easy way out and just hold a steady pace. It was bloody hot into the bargain.. I went through nine bottles of fluid, 6 of my own mix and 3 i grabbed on course! I can tell you I was never as glad to see Kailua in the distance, it was by far the toughest conditions I have raced in! But coming in of the bike I felt hot.. but good! Looking today at my bike data i was 25watts down on my Canada average.. Maybe this was down the careful pacing and/or I still had fatigue in my legs from 7 weeks previous! I don't know, but I have no complaints at all!

T2 I had to get the bloody top of and my fusion one on, a helper came over and placed an ice cold wet towel on my shoulders when I was getting changed... HEAVEN!! I stood for maybe 30sec to let my temp come down.. I know I was losing time but like I said earlier I was not to bothered about losing some time in transitions.. slapped on the sun screen then it was out to do what I was really fearing most about this race THE RUN!

This run for me would turn out to be the most important IM run I have done to date. As I said earlier my running is the only aspect of my training that I felt that did not come back to what I wanted post Canada.. And in Canada I underestimated the run course and had to walk for small bits.. This did not please me as these days my running is my strength!

I did not for one second think I would run the 3.02 I ran last year.. My only goal was simply run the whole run.. And hope and pray that Canada would not come back and bite me in the ass!
The first mile went smooth..to smooth! I ran it in 6.30 and I thought i was going easy.. I reigned the horses in the slowed my pace.. I just race at a pace that was comfortable, I had a real fear of having to walk later in the race.. Ivan passed me at break neck pace around 4 mile in..I was running @ 6.55 pace and he passed me as if I was standing still.. A short time later I met Martin coming the other way..high 5s were exchanged and on I went.. The first 10 mile or so is on Alii, then its out on to the QK were if you have any demons or doubts this is were they will get you. I got to mile 13 and was feeling good.. I thought of increasing the pace, but decided that i would stick to plan and just run the run..Mike was running with me for a short while and that was good to take both our minds of the fact we were slowly cooking ourselves to death.. When ever I was running down into the Energy lab I met Martin Again.. He was looking real strong and i knew i would never catch him.. I was tempted to shout to him I AM GONA CATCH YA.. I thought better of it in case i exploded! There would be no re run of our battle last years race.. I can be nothing but happy for Martin.. Proof that hard work and dedication 9 times out of 10 will get you proper reward.. Good on ya buddy:) But its still 2/1 to me... and I cant wait for round 4!! Coming out of the lab I noticed Liam, a slight nod and it was back to the task at hand.. With 6 mile to go I was growing in confidence, knowing now there would be no walking today! I got into a bit of a battle with a Spanish dude with 4 mile to go, he simply did not like me running in front of him... And the fact that his coach was biking directly beside him was pissing me of a bit. With 2 mile to go I increased the pace to 6min/m on the last mile i was running sub 6.. At this stage I was simply over the moon, not for the fact that I would run sub 3.15 but the fact that I was not defeated and ran it all! I turned the final corner and headed for home.. That finishing chute which displays every nations flag.. I was in full sprint.. not to beat any one but just because i was running on air.. all the pain was gone.. no more tiredness! no more doubts.. And then there it was! The Tri Color flying proud among all those big nations... I took it of Ash and crossed the finish line shouting YOU WONT BEAT ME... and that the truth!
The catchers must of said.. great we have a mental one here!! I didn't care.

I got dunked in ice cold water.. pure heaven! I finished bang on 9.44 this was way better than what I expected! It was all over, I had done it.. going from the back of an ambulance in Frankfurt to crossing the finishing line in Kona aint to shabby at all.. This is why this race was my best ever in terms of performance. simple as that! Standing in the Athletes area post race with all of the Irish squad was special.. swapping war stories and watching Liam consume chocolate milk and donuts to beat the band! I don't know if it was the effects of the race, or the fact he finally got his finger out and asked Annette to marry him at the finish line! A BIG CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH!

POST RACE THOUGHTS AND PLANS

Well that's number 11 done and dusted... None of these races would have being possible without the support and love of my wife Ash! Thank you Babe x

I swore to myself, and actually really convinced myself after Canada if I got Hawaii I would take a break from IM.. Simply because I was so mentally tested after Frankfurt! And I believed that after Kona I would be so sick of it all I would need the break! Well exactly what I thought would be the straw that broke the camels back ( Kona this year) has had the completely opposite effect. I am Recharged fully! I have hunger and desire like i have never had... I don't know what the next race is... But there WILL be a race! I have finally learnt I am a lot tougher than I realised!

Finally a huge congrats to all Irish Athletes who raced in Kona... In comparison to other nations there we were small in number... sort of like Jack Russell's in a dog fight! Small... But with a mighty bite!! What about the wiley old fox.. Alan Ryan!! 3rd in the world.. I have nothing but admiration for this man.. Congrats to the Irish 1st timers out there, Sharon,Rob, and Mike, Kate. Jesus what a baptism of fire you guys got!

Until the next time.... Aloha!

IRONMAN FRANKFURT 2012

I have no idea on were to start with this race report for once, as most of you know I raced IM frankfurt at the weekend. And for the first time in my tri life I have a DNF after my name.

Even now looking at the letters DNF is making me wince!

This year Frankfurt was my A race, my planned ticket to Kona. Things leading up to the race went really well, my training was in my opinion perfect. After my very poor swim in Kona last year I worked hard on my swim, i improved my power output on the bike and was even running faster... way faster!

So as you can imagine i was in a really positive frame of mind, my thoughts were not only on getting to Kona, but winning my AG as well. I certainly believed I would place top 3. I had no reason not to think other wise.

I arrived in Frankfurt on the Wednesday pre race, all niggles had gone and i was feeling good.

The only thing concerning me was the weather, the forcast was for rain race day, I was hoping that was wrong, I think us Irish athletes have to train year round in bad weather, its not to much to ask for a little sun come race day.

RACE DAY

I arrived at the swim start in plenty of time, I was lucky enough to be selected to go off at 6.45am with the pro and top age groupers. All week i was itching to get going and now was my time, I didnt expect to break any swim records, i just wanted to swim to near enough my potential. I decided to start far left in direct line with the buoys as i tend to drift right whilst swimming. This was a gamble as i watched the 2011 swim start on U tube and this is were the boxing was. I didnt care, I can box as good as anyone.

The starter gun fired and I was of. A little shoving and pushing but nothing bad at all. After the first 200-300m everything settled and I was amazed I was swimming in a straight line:)
All the time when swimming I could see the dark clouds looming. All I am thinking was, please please please..no rain! So swim over and up that bloody sandy bank, which was harder than the swim itself!

T1 no probs onto the bike and off i went. As per normal I was doing all the passing. Normally my swim lets me down and most of the fast bikers in my AG have a good head start on me, so i spend my day chasing. Once the far side of the city one guy passed me so i went with him, we seemed pretty equal in power, heading up the first climb still picking of people a little drizzle started, which turned into a fully fledged monsson. The wind picked up to and the scene was set for a really horrible bike ride. I was in a group now or 5-6 I noticed how we had not passed anyone in a while, so by my reckoning we were pretty much well up the field. All was going to plan in my mind, despite the storm! Then my worst nightmare... Bang went my front wheel. I cant print my exact words, but you can guess what they were! My hands were numb with cold which made it very difficult to get the tub of. All the time I can see Kona going down the drain. Eventually I got it fixed, back on the road shivering with the cold. I put in real good effort, as my legs were still feeling strong. 1 lap of the bike done and this is were the beginning of the end started to unfold. I started to head up were my special needs would be. Everyone who knows me I am pretty much obsessive in my prep for pretty much everything I do. My race nutrition is as you can imagine one of the most important parts of racing IM. So there is no long story about this, someone made a mistake and there was nothing there for me.

A few more expletives, but there was no other way but forward. In IM no matter how many times you race it always throws a curve ball, After a few seconds I gathered my thoughts and went to plan B. I picked up the race supplied drink, its just horrible and was making me sick. All the time I am still pushing hard to make up for the punture. I was really pleased that mid way on the 2nd lap, firstly it stopped raining, but more importantly I had caught and passed 3 of my orignal group.

I was back in the game! But with not having my own nutrition I could feel the effects, I was not feeling bad, but if this had of being a training ride I would have being stopping at a shop!

I now was relying on the fact I had extra gels and high 5 mix in my T2 bag, I got of the bike side by side with one of my original buddys!! Happy days I was thinking... I caught 4 out of the group:)

So onto what is my strong point, the run.  I started to take on board gels earlier than planned as I knew  I was fairly well down on calories. But something was just not right. I was getting that red bull feeling, the one I normally get just before I explode. In my mind the whole time now was just keep running, I will get through this. I can remember mile 3 beeping on my watch, after that its all a blur. The next thing there is someone slapping my face telling me to stay awake.. another person shining bright lights in my eyes. I can tell you lying in the back of an ambulence watching the race continue was pretty upsetting... GOOD BYE KONA!

They took me to hospital for about 3hrs give me 2-3 IVs, done a load of tests and that was that.

What was really the nail in the coffin was the front door of the hospital was on the run course... F**k me! Here I was still in my race gear heading back towards the athletes area... right past the finish line. I could not  even bare to look at it!

I showered ate some food and said.. Thats me done with IM! which still may be the case.

The only chink of light to my day was the fact my wife was still on course, racing her first IM in the toughest of conditions.. It cheered me up to see her smiling her way round the run.. It gave me huge pleasure and pride to see her running up that chute, I even forgot my own woes for a while. So congrats to her, and all the Irish first timers out there. You guys really did earn that medal!
So whats nexts for me?? Apart from my wife I am lucky to have 3-4 really good friends, all of whom I sought advice from, each of them came back with the same answer, almost identical advice in fact... I thank them greatly for that, you know who you are!

Physically i am in ok shape, mentally I cant stand the thought of standing on another start line, not for a while at least.

But sure lets see what the future holds!

I read a poem today... maybe I should heed it!

Success is not achieved by winning all the time. Real success comes when we rise after we fall. Some mountains are higher than others. Some roads steeper than the next. There are hardships and setbacks but you cannot let them stop you. Even on the steepest road you must not turn back.