“I should have done more kilometres of biking, running, and swimming.” “You need to learn to push yourself, and stop day dreaming.” “This is going to suck.”

Those were a few of my thoughts that plagued me in the weeks leading up to the race. I came to the conclusion that I would finish the race, but it might not be pretty.
As race day approached, the doubts and fear didn’t pass, but I tried to change the negative talk into a new and humorous motto “getting my money’s worth.” I decided that I would try to enjoy every aspect of the race. For example, the Aid Stations that this race had to offer just to ensure that I got my money’s worth.

THE DAY BEFORE THE RACE:
Registration, sponsors booths, stores, people, the event square was buzzing, and it was overwhelming. I wasn’t sure what to do, and I had a million questions. I attended the race briefing with the belief that all of my questions would be answered. However, I felt my anxiety level sky rocket. Now, my biggest fear was accidently breaking a rule and not being able to participate. Luckily with some help from friends and some slow breathing, it was all sorted.

RACE DAY:
Now, it was time to “get my money’s worth.” The Ironman athletes started their swim two hours before us 70.3s. Watching as these athletes come rushing out of the water and run up the beach was really motivating.

While looking at the swim course and waiting for the horns to go off, I thought “thank goodness that I’m only doing one lap.” The swim was great, the water was a little cool, clear, and relatively calm. I replayed a few songs in my head and made it out of the water in what seemed like an alright time to me.

Without question, I dawdled in T1, watching the other women, making sure that I wasn’t forgetting anything.

We were welcomed onto the bike course by both smiling volunteers and our first hill climb. I wasn’t in any hurry to blast up this hill, as I knew this was the first of many. To keep myself from staring at my bike computer, I tried to focus on the scenery (after all I needed to get my money’s worth) and look for my friends. There were a couple of times that I contemplated walking my bike but wondered if I would be disqualified. I came to the conclusion, that I was moving faster riding the bike than I would be if I walked my bike. It was during these moments that something would happen, and it would keep me going on up the hill or around the bend. While climbing the slow hill of pain, one of the Pros passed me and said “You’re doing great. Good job.” Further on in the race, I was questioning mine and everyone else’s sanity. Then I crested a quick hill of pain and looked down to see two huge craters in the ocean and a tiny town sitting at the water’s edge. This sight was enough to get me through the remainder of the bike course.

I was definitely thankful to be off the bike. Dawdled some more at T2 and slowly walked out to the first aid station to fill my fuel belt. I wasn’t in a hurry to start running. After walking some hills to start the run off, I picked up a set of sponges and knew that I would be set for the rest of the run. My game plan was to run until I needed a break, and it worked. Of course I stopped at each aid station, how could I resist? The volunteers really made my day. Their huge smiles, jokes, and ice buckets really helped keep my mood high, even as I trudged up a very long steep hill towards the finish. As I sprayed some numbing agent onto my legs at the last aid station, I knew that the end was near and felt great. It was almost over. As I ran down towards the finish line, I picked up my pace, I couldn’t be any happier to be finishing this race. I crossed the line with a huge smile on my face. I did it. I did a half Ironman. And all I wanted to do was dance, so I did.

GETTING MY MONEY’S WORTH:
1. Watching an Ironman unfold live right around me.
2. Positive attitude and cheers from volunteers and spectators
3. Post race massage.
4. Coming in 2nd in my age groups.
5. Getting a spot for the Vegas Championship
6. Sharing this experience with family and friends

I dawdled in T1, watching the other women, making sure that I wasn’t forgetting anything.

The Race

http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/04/07/36946-warrior-and-wife-place-1-in-30k-bike-race/

It was out and back, easy slow downhill on the way out and up hill on the way back. At the turn around I pick up my pace, kept it up the hills, and continued to increase my pace all the way to the finish.
For me it was a great race, a real confidence boaster; now I feel ready and am looking forward to this race season.”

by Erin Shaw

Erin Shaw with the girls from the Mokpo Running Club

I got up at 5a.m to get ready for the early morning start. At the transition we were announced that the water temperature is 22.5 Celsius and that the PRO athletes will have a non wetsuit swim.
Prior to the race my goal was to finish with as small deficit on the Iron Superstar
Pete Jacobs. But in the salty of Jervis Bay water I felt good and despite hitting some shallow reef after first 50 meters later moving to the front and actually leading the field in the second half .
At the end we exited with Pete and other 3 top racers to form a lead group.

On the 83km bike course I have tried to hit hard the first 10kms but had no luck to ride away the favorites. After that Adam Hollborow attacked and got up to 80sec gap half way through the rolling 83km course which is nicely sheltered with the trees from the wind.
The road was packed with 1200 keen age-groupers so the race atmosphere was ON.
At about 60km mark we our group swallowed Adam back. I was fired up coming first into T2 where I as well as Pete Jacobs was a little slowed down with the socks.
Thanks to Jason Shortis for letting me his Rolf Prima 85mm rims which helped me to coast the 41km/h average in the end.

20km Run: I have entered on 4th spot followed by Pete. The guys ran really fast at the beginning but after a few kilometers I have made my move to second and held it for the remainder while Pete showed everybody why he had the 2010 Hawaii IM best run split flying to reclaimed his Aussie Long Course Title last year stolen by Crowie.

I am more than happy for this result on a 29° C hot and humid day. And it was a great present I could give my loved wife Marcela to her birthday; which she celebrated on the same day!!!

Next race: Thailand- Samui Island 3-130-30 in late April.

Results:
1. Pete Jacobs 3:38:57
2. Jan Rehula 3:43:01
3. Matt Pellow 3:45:15

Pictures courtesy of my friend Delly Carr, the sport-photograph legend

www.sportsphotography.com.au
Ph: 61 2 99606625 / 0417204913
Director of 101010 Sports Photography Academy www.1010ten.com
WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY Member 2008-2011
NIKON Australia AMBASSADOR 2009-2011
WINNER – Best Action Photo Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

2nd place - Silver Medal

Congratulations to the 2010 Awardees:

Staci Gash
2010 Triathlete of the Year
Age Group Women

Kevin Carscadden
2010 Triathlete of the Year
Age Group Men

Jina Park
2010 Triathlete of the Year
Elite Age Group Women

Doug Thiessen
2010 Triathlete of the Year
Elite Age Group Men

John Linebaugh
Cyclist of the Year
2010

Setting out into water of a temperature just above freezing is either the sign of a crazy person or a true triathlete. At 9 am on May 11, about five hundred competitors ventured into the icy lake on Yonsei University Wonju Campus. Unfortunately, not all five hundred completed this Olympic distance race, but the members of Seoul Synergy did.

Seoul Synergy is a Cycling and Triathlon Club founded in 2002 by Michael R. Wright. This group supports fellow athletes from around the peninsula. At this time, the club consists of about thirty members from France, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Korea and the US. The definition of the word “synergy” embodies the team’s outlook on training and competing. Synergy is the working together of two things to produce something greater than the sum of just the individuals’ efforts.

Five members of Seoul Synergy competed in Wonju this past Sunday – Michael R. Wright, Bruno Lebeda, Louise and Allan West and John Linebaugh. After completing the triathlon, the dedicated five were overwhelmed by a great sense of accomplishment and exclamations of “Dang, I couldn’t feel my feet when we got out of the water!” “Who the @&%$ chose this lake?”, “I’m so glad I finished!” and “Way to go, Seoulsters!” Aside from the hypothermic water, the day was filled with energy and fun. Old and new friends were met, the scenery was beautiful, and the race organizers were supportive and friendly. And best yet, Seoulster Bruno Lebeda came in 7th overall with a fantastic time of 1 hour and 59 minutes placing him into an elite triathlete category!

This Olympic distance triathlon was one of the many here in Korea. For those who wish to get off the couch and out into the sunshine (smog permitting), competing in races around the peninsula is a great way to see this country. Many Koreans and foreigners get involved in these activities. And if you’re not a competitive athlete, you can simply support the participants.

To see finish time ‘click’ image