Ironman Boise 70.3 - 2014

Ironman Boise was a close nail biting race with Brent McMahon, Trevor Wurtele trading the lead till the line. Brent has been the "inform" athlete so far this season and crossed first with Wurtele on his heels and myself in 3rd.

It is nice to be back out there at it and being in the mix racing the race.

See below a short highlight clip from the event.
https://vimeo.com/98099466

Best
Luke

Ironman 70.3 Ballarat

Ironman Ballarat 70.3 is a new event on the calendar in 2014. It is also a place where I race quite a few of my very first triathlons as a kid so it is a pleasure to be the Ambassador for the next 3 years.

With a road trip down to Ballarat promoting the event with Australian Triathletemag we were able to jump on the bikes to check out the course which takes in marque parts of the town and makes for some amazing views.

Be sure to put it on the list of events to do at some stage as the town of Ballarat embraces sporting events from the Australian road cycling championships to the World masters rowing later in the year so you know it will put everything behind the 70.3 event to make all athletes feel special.

 Photo: Australian Triathletemag      

Ironman Australia - Race Highlights 2014.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shf0PvlO7Y8

Ironman Australia - To be or not to be......

                                                                                     "Power to the pedals" 90k in 90k to go.

                                                                                                  Tapping it out through 10km

                                                                                                  Port Macquarie - Flynns Beach

Ironman Australia was a mixed bag. Going in I knew that I was well underdone on the run with only 3 weeks of consistent running. Being optimistic about the day and knowing I had done more work on my swim and bike while being not being able to run I was excited to get out there and give it a go. Being defending champion also had an influence on making the start line as it is always nice heading back to a place of fond memories.

The day started well and I was eager to get to the front and push the pace making everyone else race at my pace. With Denis Chevrot (France) in the field and having done my research on him (4th IM Arizona, 5th IM Florida - strong swim/runner) I knew I would have some company during the swim and that I did as he comfortable held my feet to the shore. Denis and myself hit the shores in 44.24 with a 2 minute buffer on Paul Ambrose and close to 5 minutes on the main chase pack.

Starting the bike out hard for the first 15-20min I was able to put a gap between myself and Chevrot before settling down for the remainder of the cycle leg. Holding an even pace from start to finish it allowed me to build a strong buffer on the chasers and riding a 4hr 37min leg on what ended up being a strength and windy course. By the time I arrived back to transition I had close to 11 minutes on Ambrose in 2nd and 17 minutes on the chase group. (After downloading the power file it was great to see the benefits from the sold bike block I had done - good numbers with even pace and no decline in effort)

Starting out the run the body felt quite good and relaxed however this was the unknown. The heart rate was low and I was conscious of pace and for the first 1hr of the run things were looking and feeling good. Things were to change and quickly due to only having run on grass and dirt my hips, legs, and feet started to feel the pounding on concrete. My run gait started to change to compensate and my initial thoughts were hold form to not cause any risk to my knee. This was the point I made the decision to stop. The decision was made in order to not risk any damage. I knew in the back of my mind going in that 3 weeks of running may not be enough (lets be honest NOT enough) but I wanted to be there as defending champion and it is the Australian Ironman titles.

The body is recovering well and I am doing everything to ensure that full recovery takes place. Running is coming around 4 weeks ago I was not running at all, now I believe I am good to run (race 15-20k) but 42 was pushing it. With 3 more weeks till Honu 70.3 I am confident that things will be back at 95-100% and good to go full gas once in the US for the beginning of the summer season and with the US and major races in Australia all towards the end of the year it is still a long season ahead.

Love what you do and do what you love.
Luke
twitter@auzzieluke

Ironman Australia and Ballarat 70.3 2014

The bags are packed, bike is bubble wrapped and we are off to Ironman Australia that brought such good memories last year. Things have been a little different to start the year but with the knee scope done and recovery gone well as they say it is time to get back on the horse.

Although the recovery has taken time meaning prep has been not ideal however in saying that I have done everything possible in the time available to get to Ironman Australia and defend my title as Australian Champion. I am excited and eager to get out there.

Ironman Australia and rehab has taken up the majority of time in the first few months of the year but the time has also allowed me to work with Ironman Asia-Pacific and I am excited to be the Ambassador and face of the new Ballarat 70.3 event for the next 3 year.

With events growing fast it has been exciting to be a part of it all and this will allow me to work closely with Ironman Asia-Pacific and the Ballarat community. Exciting times.

In the mean time it is on the plane this morning up to Port Macquarie NSW to rack the bike, take a dip in the ocean and enjoy a run along the coast line.

 Best Luke

"Back on the horse"

Due to the incident during Ironman Western Australia late last year during the bike portion where an altercation with a media motorbike resulted in knee surgery early in the year. It is now nice to be bouncing back all be it later in the Australian summer than hoped, (missing Ironman Melbourne - home event) and gearing up for Ironman Australia in Port Macquarie.

Although the preparation has not been 100% due to rehab, I can say that I have been able to do as much training as possible that my body would allow me. That means I am heading into Ironman Australia (as defending champion) in the best position I can be under the circumstances, or cards dealt.

I am very much looking forward to getting back on the start line, feeling those nerves pre race and just "letting go" once the gun goes off.

We train to race and race because we love it.
Best
Luke :)

March Madness

The past month has been a little like the college basketball in the US, "March Madness" I was great to have the opportunity to ride with Jensen Button and also be a part of Ironman Melbourne where some amazing racing took place. The only downer was I was on the other side of the fence helping with the media side of things.

It has come time to get back on the horse and with the knee coming around post surgery I have signed up to Ironman Australia to head back and get the 2014 seasons going. Being the defending champion it is always nice to head back... to be able to defend on minimal training well we will have to wait and see how things end up in May. I have done as much training possible as my body would allow me to do.

Having some down time also has allowed me to hang out with sponsors more and do things that would not normally be possible or not have the time to do. We have headed away camping and just getting out doors doing other activities. I was also lucky enough through Oakley to attend a drive day with the Jack Daniels Racing Team (V8 Supercars) and thanks to Rick Kelly got to hang on and rip around a few "hot laps"

I look forward now to a few more weeks at home before heading to Ironman Australia early May then heading back to San Diego the home away from home for the summer.

Some easy miles with Jensen and the boys.