My First Ironman…. And no, I'm not talking about the 2008 Marvel Movie but like Tony Stark, the first thing I did when I was out of that dark place was a big greasy burger, or 3. Doing an Ironman was a calculated risk for me, on one hand I had nothing to lose, on the other it might have been a total flop! Halting any ambitions of another endeavour… Again, much like Marvels delve into the unknown. But boom, I’ve signed up for another, The big one, Kona! Stupid? Maybe, Lofty ambitions for it? Absolutely!

Anyway, to the race. The cannon blasted signalling it’s show time, already had a heart attack and I’m 3 seconds in, I feel great, adrenaline flowing and I take off like a projectile! I started fast as per the game plan and got a gap, 1km to swim in and I’m already buggered! “It's going to be a long day”, but if Dory can swim to Sydney, I can make it through 3.8km. I exit the water, to the noise of the home crowd erupting in support.

Deafening, “this is cool”!!!

No time to enjoy it, gotta go for a ride. Through transition I took my time, I thought that's what everybody did. I sit down, put on my socks, shoes, suit and stuff my pockets with a packed lunch worth a gels, then the chasers come through, no stopping, full ITU style, my 1min lead evaporated.

“Balls up”…I’m left wishing I had Tony Stark’s automatic Ironman suit for a tri-suit. How cool would that be? (mental note to speak HUUB about that idea)

Onto the bike, I step on the gas, in an attempt to shake the chasers. I get the gap opened to 1 minute at 45km, but the chasers reeling me in. I took this opportunity to relieve my overflowing bladder, “can you race with a catheter? Would that be easier? Must do research…”

First time for everything and nothing like peeing for the first time on the bike whilst descending at 60kph one handed. “Success, that’s much better”. The next 90km with the boys were filled with banter, bluffing and foxing. Draft buster watching us like a hawk. I realised I don't know what 12 metres looks like. “Play it safe and sit at 30”.

180km, 4 wees and 2 dropped bottles later, we came into town, feeling pretty good. I sit down in transition again, thinking there's no rush, Doesn't everyone? Apparently not! I put my shoes on, number on, Hydration belt on, more gels, sunglasses, drink bottle and I’m off, Braden, you ask? Yeah, bungee laces and gone. I got ITU finessed. 45 seconds down leaving transition. “Need to work on that Kyle”.

“Great, I've gotta run at least 2:40 to win this” I'm going to need some magic powers to do that at the moment. Or a piano to fall on Braden and Mike, he's run 2:40 here before as well. *big sigh*

I caught Mike 3kms in, maybe he isn't running 2:40 this year, I stick with him and hope. We are already 2 minutes down on Braden. Can't even see him. He’s superman today. Me? More like the hulk. 10kg heavier than him and boy I felt it. Mike then takes off in hot pursuit “have a good day Mike” no response from my legs when asking to go faster. “Damn” First half complete.

“Seriously, I have to do that again?” (bigger sigh), I plough on, lifeless, can't write much about it, don’t really remember much. But it probably went a bit like, more gels, more cokes, more red bulls, more suffering and more whining in my head about where in my life I went wrong to end up here.

Finish shoot in sight, Crowd bringing me home. “I've made it”!

*Psyche* hamstrings give up, *cramps solid*. “Come on bro you have like 50 metres to go”. I start hobbling, holding my hammy. Gracious,

“Yeah mate, way to finish looking good Kyle” I cross the finish line, happy days. an Ironman done, 8:08, fastest Taupo debut ever, Kona slot taken, and not damaged for life. there will be more Ironmans, I think that's a success.

I’m weary, dazed, dehydrated, and really want a burger and….

“The truth is...I am Ironman”

Lots of learning and lots more to come…in the coming weeks will share more reflections on the learnings and changes I will be making before my next Ironman distance effort. In the meantime, some recovery from the Kiwi summer season before heading to Europe and North America to take on the best in the world on the biggest stages!