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y first IRONMAN South Africa , way back in 2005 , was nothing short of horrible . I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into . The event was new , and very few Saffas had done an IRONMAN race before . I was young and dumb . I thought I was bulletproof and that asking for advice would be a sign of weakness .
I rocked up for the official swim practice in a shorty surf suit . Bernard from Orca looked me up and down and said ‘ no ’! How rude , yet so honest . A few minutes later I was fitting a new wetsuit in some side alley . I still have that P-Flex to this day .
The path to tri
At school , I never quite understood team sports . I took up cross country instead , and enjoyed the thrill of being able to explore new routes , go further , higher and faster . Often , after a good run , I would take a detour across town on my BMX to see if I could make it home before dark . Failure would be dad ’ s belt or my bike being locked away . These innocent challenges excited me no end .
It was around about then that one of my sports teachers suggested I skip cricket and go for a cycle ride instead . He was on a fancy Alpina and I was on my dad ’ s Western Flyer . He didn ’ t say much but afterwards he handed me a Battery Centre Triathlon Flyer . Something was brewing that would change my sporting path .
Fast forward a few years and a cycling mate mentioned this new triathlon in Port Elizabeth and asked if I was interested in joining him at the event . I had done a few sprint and standard distance triathlons , nothing too serious , but I thought , why not ? I ’ d have three months to train ,
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The swim
• Spot regularly . The prevailing current will push you to the left on the way out and opposite on the way back .
• Take advantage of the practice swim sessions , especially if you are not used to ocean swimming . The swim is straight out towards the horizon and for many that will be daunting , so swimming that far out a couple of times will calm the nerves .
• Be wary of starting too fast . One minute in your red zone could ruin your race .
I rocked a road bike , with no aero bars and 23mm tyres , and had only water as hydration with just a few snacks in my cycle top
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so it seemed doable . Spouse A agreed , providing we made a holiday around the event .
It was only when I entered that I realised that this wasn ’ t a normal triathlon , but one that was a lot longer , and pricier . I clicked on the title sponsors option , which offered me a 50 % discount if I raced in SpecSavers kit . My inner Durban guy was happy with the bargain – despite the kit being a nasty little unisex sleeveless number .
Race day magic
On race day the vibe was something else . There was a hum as , through a series of bag drop-offs , bike checks and toilet stops , athletes lubed up and said goodbye to family . We tip-toed down the starting ramp , minding not to bump our toes , and lined up for the start . I slithered my way to where I felt comfortable between a mass of neoprenecladded athletes , so glad I was not in my shorty .
Then the African drummers started , and ‘ The Voice ’ welcomed us to the event . I couldn ’ t turn back now ! The national anthem was played , we turned to face the sea and , as the sun came up over the horizon , the countdown began . The starting cannon fired and it was go time . It was a mass start , with 2 000-odd ‘ seals ’ entering the water . I swam blindly , but I wasn ’ t last , and I didn ’ t feel afraid .
My T1 was slow – I was asked to leave after hanging about for nearly 25 minutes . I couldn ’ t stop eating , my socks wouldn ’ t fit properly , my cycle top was stuck around my neck and wouldn ’ t slide down , then just as I was ready to go , I needed another toilet stop . Shirt off , bib shorts down ( you know the drill ). How embarrassing !
I rocked a road bike , with no aero bars and
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PHOTOGRAPHS : CHRIS HITCHCOCK FOR IRONMAN . WANE PROFILE PIC : DAVID SULLIVAN |