What made me think I could do an Ironman? I had never completed nor attempted any of the three disciplines individually at full Iron Man distance. Yet here I was about to do the 3 together in one day. My first Ironman and only my fourth triathlon. Little wonder my wife thought I was mad! The Cairns Ironman was a new event that suddenly brought the sport to my doorstep, quite … [Read more...]
Travel Fitness
As an international Ironman I take my fitness pretty seriously. I'm not saying I don't eat junk food and drink beer, I do, but I need to stay fit for swimming, running and cycling in triathlon and Ironman events. We travel full time and staying fit on the road can be challenging. Here are my posts on travel fitness and keeping , getting or staying fit.
Brasov International Marathon, Race Report
I didn't plan on doing the Brasov International Marathon in Transylvania. In fact I only signed up a week before after a few too many beers on a Sunday evening and noticing an ad on Facebook. I hadn't been sitting on a couch up until this point and I'm in training for Ironman Wales in September, but I'd never done a stand alone marathon before. The Brasov Marathon seemed … [Read more...]
Sunglasses for Triathlon- Best Choices
You'll need sunglasses for triathlon in nearly every instance. If you're competing in a hot sunny climate then they are a must but even on those colder northern hemisphere races, you'll want them for the bike. Having a bug or similar go into your eyes at 35 km per hour 10 km into your 180 km bike ride will ruin your day very quickly. I've tried and tested a few styles and … [Read more...]
Ironman Triathlon Insurance
You've picked your race, put in the training and now you're ready to head off to the race. While the odds are nothing will happen there is always the risk. Most travel insurances won't cover you for Ironman triathlon races or even half Ironman triathlon races so you need specialist ironman triathlon insurance that won't let you down if you go down. UPDATE: Further to the … [Read more...]
Ironman Malaysia Training Program, 1 Month Out
Ironman Malaysia training program. 1 month out. You probably know I'm racing Ironman Malaysia in November. I normally try and race at least once a year although last year I was lucky and managed to squeeze in a half Ironman in Phuket, Thailand after my full Ironman race in Wales. For those of you who may not know it Ironman involves a 3.8km open water swim, 180 km bike ride and … [Read more...]
Ironman Malaysia Training Program, 2 Months Out
This year I've signed up to race Ironman Malaysia in November. I normally try and race at least once a year although last year I was lucky and managed to squeeze in a half Ironman in Phuket, Thailand after my full Ironman race in Wales. For those of you who may not know it Ironman involves a 3.8km open water swim, 180 km bike ride and a 42.2 km run (marathon) to finish. A half … [Read more...]
How to Transport a Bike. A Cyclist’s Problem!
Sometimes the hardest part of a triathlon isn't the training or the diet but how to transport your bike to the race. There are numerous ways to transport your pride and joy and they all have pros and cons that you need to weigh up before choosing the right way for you. I've transported my bike all over the world by plane, bus, train and taxi. This is how to get your bike to a … [Read more...]
Laguna Phuket Triathlon & Ironman Phuket Thailand
Phuket, Thailand's iconic island destination now features two of Asia's biggest races. The premier race, Laguna Phuket Triathlon and Ironman Thailand, a new addition to the Ironman scene. 2016 saw me grab a late entry into the Phuket Ironman Thailand while on holiday with my family. We arrived on Phuket the day of the Laguna Phuket triathlon which is Asia's first and … [Read more...]
Backpacking After Surgery
Little under a month since my medical emergency in Thailand it was time to resume travel again. This is, of course, what I love about travel, new sights, smells and sounds that repeatedly hit you in a way only Asia can. This was going to be post-op backpacking so I needed to be a little gentle on myself. Backpacking after surgery opens up issues and complications I'd never even … [Read more...]
