Ironman Melbourne: 9 days to go - a message for competitors

This is a message for all the men and women who will be racing at Ironman Melbourne next weekend:

You must rest your body! 

There is just over eight days until you will be lining up for a challenge that will test your body and your mind. You have trained for months and now there is no need to over do it.

I can see that my Ironman is in need of good sleep, healthy food and a calm mind. So, my post message of STOP is to say now you are allowed to taper and rest. 

Sure, tapering doesn't mean stopping altogether - this post on the Active website has some great advice on effective tapering and points out two common mistakes people make when tapering  -(i) not tapering for long enough and (ii) going at too high intensity when tapering. So take note.

Now I am no expert by any means but I do believe in listening to your body, so if you feel tired as many do at this point, take what rest you can.

Remember too -  avoid planning too many activities in the lead up days to the race, don't overdo it once you get to the race location by feeling you have to swim, ride and run over the whole course length,  and make sure you take care of your body inside and out so it is in top condition for race day.

Thats all I need to say tonight xx

IRONMAN CHALLENGE DAY 10/11: Essentials B4 you leave

Now we are entering the final two weeks before Ironman Melbourne - the lists need to be made. 

Here's a simple check list of mine for this week to make sure bookings are in place and we don't miss out.  Hope its a good little reminder for you too!

• Flights and extra baggage
• Accommodation 
• Transport to accommodation and back and/or car hire
• Bus tickets for travel to and from Frankston
• Bike transport for Ironman's bike to check in
• Bike hire (in St Kilda)
• Welcome and Awards dinner tickets (for partners/family/friends)

Did I forget anything?

Packing lists is a whole other ball game - will leave another post for that one!

IM CHALLENGE Day 4 - Inspirational Ironman Video

I happily tell anyone that if they want to be inspired to exercise, to set some lifetime goals or follow a dream then they just need to watch a few Ironman World Championship videos.

Here is a 10 minute video from IM Arizona last November that does the job too!

Get inspired, feel the tingles and let the excitement about being part of Ironman Melbourne begin.

If you can't view the embedded video please view here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrsqgPgekW4&feature=player_embedded

IRONMAN CHALLENGE DAY3 - 2012 Melbourne Ironman Snap Shots

A few location and memorabilia snapshots 

from the inaugural Ironman Melbourne 2012

My Ironman Challenge

I'm back! I know it's been a while...I never got around to adding a Hawaii overview. I didn't post when over at Ironman WA. I haven't written about being a 'newbie' (yes, I am now swimming , biking and running!)  - but there is no joy in looking back at what stories could have been told. Best to always look ahead!

So, I have returned with a challenge.

Yesterday it was exactly four weeks until the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships in Melbourne. Yes, we are returning! We have come full circle and are returning to where my Ironman clocked his bike PB and nabbed a Hawaii spot - and I just love visiting Melbourne!

Today,  I begin my Ironman Challenge....no swimming, biking or running involved. 

The challenge to myself is to post on this blog every day for the next four weeks, finishing up with a Melbourne Ironman report the day after the race - March 25.

My topic for every post will be Ironman triathlon - with a focus on the upcoming Melbourne race. It might be a long post or a short one, it may be an image, video, quote or links but come back every day (or subscribe) and I will be talking all things IRONMAN !

Would love your input, ideas and feedback too.

Will be back tomorrow (actually later today since I have taken so long to write this!) with post #1.