Ironman is tough… Really tough. Shay said it best the day after IRONMAN Australia when he said they can be humbling… I have been humbled by this sport, as a Coach and an athlete, many many times. We say it a lot here at JET COACHING but it is a challenge to get to the start line. And it is a challenge to get to the finish line. It is also a challenge at every point in between. I have often said long course triathlon is a great metaphor for life itself.  It requires dedication, hard work, commitment, passion, mistakes, long days, patience and sacrifice over a long period of time. And even then, there are no guarantees! There is no perfect preparation and there is no perfect race day. Triathlon and Ironman is about making the best of the preparation, fitness, race strategy, course and conditions on the day. Without sounding too cliche; ‘the value is in the journey itself!’

 

So we start with a well done to the five JET boys who started and finished IRONMAN Australia on Sunday. I know I was inspired along with many others amongst the pack. With the above for context and front of mind let’s talk briefly about each athlete’s day and share the results. The good, the bad and the ugly!

 

Daniel ‘The Rookie’ Robson lead the way in his second IRONMAN. A great swim, a great bike, a great run to achieve his goal of going #Sub10. Daniel has a knack of executing big races well and Sunday was no different. After only 18months in the sport there is most certainly more to come from him. 1:03 – 5:21 – 3:26 = 9:56 finish time and enough for 10th place in the M25-29 AG.

 

Mr Consistent, Luke Host, was next… Crossing the line seconds behind Daniel after giving him a scare in the dying stages of the run leading to the best screenshot I have ever seen – a finish line embrace from the boys! Luke’s most well-rounded execution to date started with a 58min swim followed by a 5:19 bike split and a 3:34 run for a 9:59 finish time and 11th in the M35-39 AG. Well done Lukey, time for some down time.

 

Next up was Josh ‘One-Nut’ Robson who was coming fresh off his best 70.3 to date at Geelong 70.3 and brimming with confidence with both his preparation and, carefully refined, ability to execute on the big day. It wasn’t quite to be this time though when some unexpected issues with body reared their head in the second half of the run. Unfortunately his execution up to this point meant nothing and he battled to the finish line. 1:01 swim, 5:24 bike and then an uncharacteristic run/walk to bring him home in 10:32. He will be back better than ever.

 

The great man ME (Matt Ellis) was ‘chewed up and spat out’ (in his own words) by Port Mac and it’s IM course on Sunday. With as good a preparation as ever Coach and athlete were supremely confident that the race day outcome was going to be a good one… But it was a tough day for Matt – a solid swim and bike was followed by a painful run! The final 3hrs of the day were a mental and physical battle to the finish line – what should have been a sub11 became a sub12 in the end – kudos ME, we have all had the tough days and they suck! We’ll be back mate – this was not a true reflection which is what hurts the most. 1:02 – 5:59 – 4:32 = 11:45

 

Finally, it was the big man, Brett Jacobson, backing up after his debut IM in Bussleton who conquered the Port Mac course. Now, the Busso suits Brett. Port Mac not so much! So, despite a slower finish time this race was definitely a better performance for him. The run was hard after a tough bike ride which well and truly took its toll.  It was better executed than Busso in December and meant he could finish with a very respectable #Sub12. The splits: 1:13 – 5:54 (inc penalty) – 4:28 = 11:51. Love your work Brett, personal best swim and run to go with a great day!

 

The boys have now all ended their seasons and will enjoy a post season to recover, reset and reload. Then it will be on to bigger and better things. IRONMAN is a huge undertaking… and there is great value in that. So challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to fail, stay consistent, embrace the struggle and go big!

 

#BeYourBest

 

RESULTS

Luke – 9:59 and 11th in AG
Matt – 11:45
Brett – 11: 51
Daniel – 9:56 and 10th in AG
Josh – 10:32