The 2011 Ironman Cozumel race week is finally upon us! After a mammoth eight week build, two weeks of taper and thirty hours of travel (including a small propeller airplane that resembled a ‘70s pop star’s private transport), in less than five days we will be racing Ironman Cozumel.

After I arrived home from Japan, I went up to Peregian and had a two hour meeting with Kristian.  What came out of that meeting was not only the lessons learnt from the race but how we were going to be successful in Cozumel. Effectively we broke it down into two areas – physical and mental.  Preparing well in both areas allows us to handle anything on race day.

The physical side of training meant only one thing. Volume. Logging between 24-30 hours each week for the past eight weeks has left me in the best physical shape I could ask for.  From the morning swim sets with Michael King and his Surf Life Saving   Ironman athletes to the long mid week rides and big brick sets on the weekend- the training has been done.  Knowing that Cozumel is also very hot and humid, we have made sure that all training sessions have been as uncomfortable as possible.  Whether it has been the treadmill sessions without fans or air conditioning, the wind trainer sessions in the garage with the door closed or the long Sunday runs throughout the middle of the day – it has been a very sweaty preparation.  
 
The volume of the training has allowed the mental side to develop as well.  On an almost weekly basis I have had to dig deep in training to get through a particular session.  It has been a long time since I have nailed an Ironman and I simply forgot how much mental strength is involved.   

The only thing I can control on race day is me. As long as I stay within my own square metre and give 100%, I will cross that finish line knowing I have given my all.

The past ten weeks could not have happened without the love, help and support of a lot of people.  
 
To my sponsors – Sgti, Skinfit, Pinarello, Powerbar, Brooks, Trispecific, Allez Sport, Oakley, Trigger Point, Aussie Butt Cream, Trishave and Pro Bike Fit. You have all had a massive contribution to my preparation and ultimately my performance on Sunday. 
Without your commitment this could not happen, so thank you for your continued support.  
 
To my friends and family back home – thank you for everyone’s love and encouragement throughout this build. I will be thinking of you all at some point during the race.  
 
To my coach – Krisitan, it seems like an age since we sat in your garage coming up with the best way to tackle this race.  It is not very often you are a place where you feel ready to race an Ironman but thanks to your guidance and knowledge, we are there. Let’s get it done.

Finally to my wife. Lise, this will be Ironman number five that we have done together and more than any other, I simply would not be here without you. From cooking dinners and organising life to running our little household and picking up an extra shift at the hospital, you have sacrificed a lot to get us to this point. I dedicate Sunday’s effort to you and every morning you have had to wake
up on your own. I love you and can’t wait to share a Corona with you after the race!