SAN DIEGO TRIATHLON - A HAT TRICK OF WINS

It had been nine years since I raced the San Diego International triathlon and been back in town fresh off my trip to Australia and the Philippines I  thought I may as well line up and see how it went. You never know how the body is going to feel after long haul travel, still in recovery from Ironman and the limited training I had in the past three weeks I was definitely stretching my body to perform again for the fourth time in a month.

I knew the plan had to be go from the gun and see what happend. I got off to a clear start in the swim and instantly gained ten meters on the rest of the field. I made my way out of the water with a lead of around 15 seconds on the chase pack so I got on the bike and tried to get out of sight as soon as possible. Luke Bell rode really well in the beginning and bridged across to me on the first long climb. He let me set the pace the whole way but I knew I wanted to try get time on him going onto the run so I worked the descent back to transition in the last few kilometers and I was able to gap him before starting the run.

There were some gun runners in the field like Chris Foster who were capable of running a minute or two quicker than me on their best day so I was going to have to run hard at the start to maintain the gap. Near the half way point of the run I could see Chris was about a minute back and I would have to keep my pace in order to hold him off. He had raced in St. Louis the day before so he had to be tiring as the race went on and I used this to keep myself pushing all the way to the line.

I was super happy to win my third straight race and claim my fourth win of the year. I am really enjoying my shorter distance racing this season and I am definitely excited about the possibility of racing the Hy-Vee 5i50 Championships in Des Moines, Iowa at the beginning of September (based on qualification).

It's great to be home in Cardiff and back into the training routine. I have decided to take a break from racing for now and focus on a good training block going into the second half of the season.

SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL 
1km SWIM - 30km BIKE - 10km RUN 
ELITE MEN RESULTS

1.     Luke McKenzie                   1:27:20
2.     Chris Foster                           1:28:25
3.     Luke Bell                              1:29:40

Copywrite. Peggy Peattie / /UT San Diego

Copywrite. Peggy Peattie / /UT San Diego

PHILIPPINES 5i50 WIN

I was very nervous coming to race the Philippines 5i50 so soon after Ironman Cairns and especially after not doing any training between the two. It was going to be a toss of the coin as to how I was going to feel. I had raced well over the Olympic distance post Ironman before so I knew it was possible but probably in less demanding circumstances with easier courses and less travel involved. 

After a day of on and off rain on Saturday we woke up to overcast but much less humid conditions on race morning. I started well in the swim but soon began to feel the lack of swimming in the past two weeks and in the end of was fighting to hold the feet of the leaders as we got close to T1. I was glad to get onto dry land and onto the bike and I hit the lead in the first kilometer and went about trying to build a lead on the three others with me. 

The Subic Bay bike course is very challenging and technical and not having totally been around the whole course prior to the race it made it tricky twisting and turning, climbing and descending through the jungle. I built up a solid lead coming into T2 although I didn't know exactly how far behind Ben Allen was as I started the 10km run. 

In the first few kilometers the legs weren't feeling good at all and I felt like I was back at 36km in Ironman Cairns! I thought I was in for a sufferfest but as each kilometer past I felt better and stronger and not realizing at the time I was extending my lead. I was sure Ben was coming at me in the end as I couldn't see far behind me but I crossed the finish line in 1.59.25 over 3 minutes ahead of Ben in a new course record time. 

I have to congratulate Fred and the whole Sunrise events crew for organizing a very successful, fun and challenging race. I really enjoyed my first time in the Philippines and I look forward to competing in more events here in the future. 

Now it's back to San Diego and back to training. I can't wait! 

CENTURY TUNA PHILIPPINES 5i50 RESULTS

1st – Luke Mckenzie               01:59:25
2nd – Ben Allen                      02:02:40
3rd – Michael Murphy             02:05:46

 Happy to claim my first 5i50 title in Subic Bay, Philippines

 Definitely one of the more bizarre awards I have been involved in spraying the Alaska Milk instead of the tradition Champagne! 

I was lucky to win a bunch of great things but I would have to say my giant cupcake would have to be my favorite! 

IRONMAN CAIRNS - A WIN ON HOME SOIL

Last year I competed in the Ironman 70.3 event in Cairns and I vowed to come back and race the Ironman in 2013. My training in San Diego had been the best preparation I had leading into an event in a long time and I was chomping at the bit to get stuck into the race. 

I didn't feel great in the swim with the warm water temperature and wetsuit legal swim. It was very uncomfortable for everyone I am sure but I couldn't wait to get through the 3.8km and rip the thing off. I exited the water in 2nd place just under 2 minutes down on Clayton Fettell and just ahead of Chris McCormack. 

In the early stages of the bike I looked to try and get across to the gap to Clayton while being sure not to push too hard, too early. I caught up with Clayto around the 25km mark after he had taken it pretty easy in the beginning. We held a good pace up to Port Douglas swapping the lead every 10 odd minutes and from reports we were pulling ahead on the chasers. As we were about to make the first turn-a-round Clayto pulled up beside me and told me he had received a drafting penalty. Seemed pretty unfair for a guy that had been leading the race and is a renowned cyclist that had spent countless hours off the front of most races. Although to tell you the truth when I was riding at the front I never once turned around to see where he was sitting. 

Now pushing back into the wind and solo (Clayto had to pull into the penalty tent) I got to see where the competition was on the road. I was surprised to see I had already gained over 5 minutes and I was feeling great so I really worked to consolidate the move. I was able to keep pushing throughout the next few hours and kept seeing my time gap blow out further urging me to really commit to coming off the bike with an almost insurmountable lead. 

I felt great in the first 10km of the run and held a good pace as I got to see where my competitors where for the first time in over two hours. Having already completed the Yorky's Knob section of the run course I knew I had at least 10 minutes on Clayton and around 18 minutes on Tim Berkel and Macca. Doing the math I knew if I held my pace I had it won but it's that old saying in the back of your head. "it's an ironman anything can happen". 

My legs were definitely paying for the bike effort once I rounded the 25km turn point. I still had 13 minutes on a flying Tim Berkel but I was really struggling to turn my legs over for about 8km. I stopped at a few aid stations to re-group and try to bring myself around. I knew once I got on the last 8km lap the adrenaline would get me home. I focused on getting one foot in front on the other and blocked out Tim bearing down on me. 

I saw a bunch of my close friends at the 38km mark and they were all super pumped but nervous I wasn't going to hang on. They were all shouting at me to push but I knew I just needed to keep my pace with several minutes still up my sleeve. I would like to acknowledge just how awesome Tim Berkel's run was on the day. Finishing the bike 21 minutes behind me he ran an astonishing 2.44 and really had me on my toes right down to the line. In my opinion it was one of the best runs in an Ironman we have seen in Australia considering how strong the head wind was blowing on the Captain Cook highway.

Coming into town for the last time the crowd was amazing. I would see someone I knew every 10m cheering for me and with about 500m to go Amanda stepped out onto the road and gave me a high 5. We have been separated for a few months now but we are still very close and it was fitting she was there to share the day with me. 

Crossing the finish line for my first Ironman title on Australian soil was such an incredible feeling. To have my mum, dad and sister all there to experience it with me was a dream come true. I absolutely love everything about Ironman Cairns and I already can't wait to return in 2014! 

Ironman Cairns 
Cairns, Australia
June 9, 2013

Results

Men

1. Luke McKenzie (AUS) 8:17:42
2. Tim Berkel (AUS) 8:22:16
3. Chris McCormack (AUS) 8:32:50
4. Jason Shortis (AUS) 8:38:21
5. Clayton Fettell (AUS) 8:41:42

Photo Credits: Adam Weathered (c)

ST. GEORGE 70.3, UTAH - US PRO CHAMPIONSHIPS

It's been a while since I've packed up the man van and gone on a good ol' road trip to a race. St. George had always appealed to me for it's renowned tough course and since this year the race was changed to the 70.3 distance and the US Pro Championships it was one I was keen to toe the line.

The bike course in St. George is stunning

I was lucky enough to have the company of the young up and coming Aussie Mitch Robins and one of my closest and dearest friends Jen Fletcher. Between the three of us the conversation and banter made the trip fly by and before we knew it we were in Utah.

My two road trip compadres Mitch and Jen

Friday was busy with sponsor commitments, registration, briefings and bike check in at Sand Hallow State Park, a good 20 minute drive out of St. George. I was keen to test my new 2014 Aquashere Phantom wetsuit but I wasn't prepared for the shock of the sub 60 degreee water I was swimming in. It literally took my breath away and I only managed a quick 10 minute swim before I turned to ice. I have to admit I left a little nervous about facing the swim the following morning on race day.

Saucony photo shoot in Snow Canyon

At this point I'll wind the clock back a few days and give some back story to my week. Training had been going well in San Diego with the good company of Clayton Fettell, Brett Carter and Mitch. I am really enjoying the move to my new home of Cardiff by the Sea and life is settling after turbulent times. I was feeling good about the coming weekends race and ready to battle against an extremely competitive field. Here is the best way to kill that mojo. I am riding home from dinner on Wednesday night (a short 5 minutes on my Scott townie) from Encinitas to Cardiff and it had just gone dark. I was looking forward to an early night and preparing for the drive to Utah in the morning when all of a sudden my front wheel hit a lip in the road and I came crashing down at about 30kmhr. Of course I tried to save myself but instead I rag dolled along the ground and ended up on my back - in the dark, in the middle of the road. #@%!! NOOO! I hadn't come off any bike in years and the last place I expected to crash was on the commute home from dinner! I got home a few minutes later to survey the damage. Skin off hands, elbow, knee and foot. I was actually pretty lucky and wasn't worried at all that it would affect my race. I patched myself up and was about to go to bed when I noticed I'd got some blood on my jeans. I was leaving for Utah in the morning so I thought I better throw them in the washing machine.

Result of riding home from dinner in the dark

The following morning I wake up and start to pack for the trip and I am looking for my passport. Where could it be? That's right I had a meeting about a visa application yesterday, followed by a massage then I went out to dinner. It's in my .... OH #@%!!! NOOO!!!! I opened up the drier to find my passport absolutely destroyed and in a million pieces all through the machine. It's safe to say I wasn't a happy camper!

This is what happens when you wash your passport! 

** Clearly I know I am an idiot for making these two very avoidable mistakes.

So back to St. George and it's race morning. It's time to turn the tides and forget about all the weeks bad luck. I was blessed to have my friends Rob and Hailey down from Oregon to support me and I wanted to make their trip worthwhile.

I had a terrible swim mostly due to the fact that I could hardly breath in the cold water and I felt a little panicked. I tried to stay calm and relaxed but all I wanted to do was get out of the freezing water. I knew everyone was in the same boat so it was a matter of getting it done.

It didn't take long for me to get to the front of the large group on the bike. Andy Potts and the Vassiliev brothers from Russia were about 1 minute ahead but we had them in our sights. TJ Tollakson and Greg Bennett pushed the pace early and strung the group out going into the back half of the course. Snow Canyon proved to be a decisive point in the bike course and we reeled in Greg, and TJ pulled a little further ahead. Sebastian Kienle had now joined the group and everyone kept a close eye on him in the closing 10 miles. I was impressed with his descent back to town and I fought hard to chase him constantly tucking into the aero position at over 50 miles an hour yet he was pulling away. 

Climbing Snow Canyon

The first 3 miles of the run is a long grind up hill with a very sharp pinch at about 2 miles. The top 10 were strung out at 10 second intervals and I could see the leaders around 1-1.5 minutes ahead on the long straights. I caught TJ after 4 miles and we traded positions constantly throughout the rest of the run and in the last mile caught Matt Reed. Turning into the finishing chute it was a three way battle for 6th, 7th and 8th. I tried with everything I had but my sprint wasn't there and I had to settle for 8th. I was very pleased with the result as I finally felt my old self again. Some new training direction is definitely paying off and I am enjoying my training and racing with a fresh outlook. 

Next up for me will be Ironman Cairns at home in Australia on June 9th. I had plans to race at Ironman Brazil but unfortunately the passport washing incident was bad timing and it was going to be too much stress to get a new passport and Brazil Visa in time. So for now I will stay in San Diego and train till the end of May before flying back to Oz for a few weeks. 

Ironman 70.3 St. George
St. George, Utah / May 4, 2013
1.2m swim / 56m bike / 13.1m run

Top men

1. Brent Mc Mahon (CAN) 3:51:10
2. Kevin Collington (USA) 3:53:37 *
3. Andy Potts (USA) 3:54:21
4. Ivan Vasiliev (RUS) 3:55:08
5. Denis Vasiliev (RUS) 3:55:59
6. Matt Reed (USA) 3:56:58
7. TJ Tollakson (USA) 3:57:00
8. Luke McKenzie (AUS) 3:57:03
9. Ivan Rana (ESP) 3:57:32
10. Trevor Wurtele (CAN) 3:57:55

IRONMAN LOS CABOS, OCEANSIDE IRONMAN 70.3 & UPDATE FROM THE USA

I traveled over to the USA on March 9th in advance of the inaugural Ironman Los Cobos in Mexico and for the first time in many years and countless races my wife Amanda wasn't by my side. Having a lot of commitments between her brand SOAS and helping a close friend of ours through a tough time meant she was missing this one and staying home in Australia. Racing an Ironman without my biggest supporter was going to make it that extra bit tougher.

All signs in training pointed to me having a really good race in Cabo. I had produced some very good consistent work over the summer in Noosa with coach Siri and I was full of confidence that I was ready to smash one out of the park. My only problem was that after a really good start to the swim and bike I didn't race my usual race. I played it conservative on the bike and unfortunately later having issues with my back again and not been able to push the pedals at even a coffee shop riding pace I was extremely frustrated. I lost minutes and spent time on the side of the road in an effort to keep myself in the game. I tried to recompose myself and get through the bike but with 35km to go and a tough climb I knew my day was done. I had trained for better than this. I was in better shape than this. I have dealt with my back and it flaring up in races for the past few years and at this point so early in the season I had to call it a day. I thought about how I tried to push through at Ironman Melbourne a year earlier and it really put a big dent in the start of my season. I thought about the recent Ironman races I had struggled through just to get across the line in the past 24 months. No pay cheques, measly points towards Kona and a trashed body with another Ironman in the legs. I was calling this one a day and look ahead to the next battle.

Back in the USA in San Diego a few days later it was time to refocus and get on with things with a whole season of racing ahead. When times get tough I always turn to a quote; Get knocked down seven times, get up eight. So I put all my energy into getting ready to race Oceanside Ironman 70.3 just a short drive up the road from where we are living in San Diego.

I definitely went into the race extra nervous because I had toed the line in Oceanside twice in my career and hadn't had good races at all. I have always struggled to race in cold conditions and Oceanside was typically on the colder side for my liking. It was a hoodoo race I really wanted to get the better of this time around.

Oceanside Ironman 70.3 always attracts a competitive field but this year it may have taken the cake. Many of the best 70.3 athletes in the world were there to kick start their season and you were going to have to bring your A game for a result. I had a very average swim after a slower than usual start but soon bridged up to the leaders on the bike. At this point Andi Boecherer had launched himself on a solo mission but all the other main contenders were there and preparing for an all out running race. Once we hit the pavement at Oceanside pier the pace was on! I couldn't believe the speed that Jesse Thomas, Andy Potts and some of the other guys took off at. I stuck to my guns on a pace I knew I could maintain and had to have the faith I could reel some of them back in. Slowly and surely I did and I built my run perfectly to finish strong and pass three guys in the last 2 miles for a solid 9th place. I guess having recently trained more specifically for Ironman Los Cabos I didn't have the higher end speed to match everyone in each discipline over 70.3 but my pacing and steady approach came through. 9th place isn't anything to write home about but when you have had a rough patch of racing you have to take the positives from a day that went your way and you got the job done. It's a step forward and motivation to want more in the next one.

Speaking of next race I am looking at the US Ironman 70.3 Pro Championships in St. George Utah as my next race leading into Ironman Brazil. I have decided to not plan too far ahead beyond that with regards to Kona qualification but obviously that is the objective for the season. The main objective really is to just get back to having some consistency and fighting for the results I know I am capable.

Thanks to my team who were on hand to support me on the weekend. Having Amanda there (making a huge trip for only 5 days to be there) was very important to me. Also Brit and Steph who have had me in their home here in San Diego and always do everything they can to support me whether it is in the race or during my training. I love all three of you guys!

Accenture Ironman 70.3 California
Oceanside, CA, USA
March 30, 3013

RESULTS

ELITE MEN

Name	Country	Swim	Bike	Run	Finish	Div. Rank	Overall
POTTS, Andy	USA	0:20:47	2:15:10	1:10:31	3:49:45	1	1
THOMAS, Jesse	USA	0:22:13	2:14:12	1:10:35	3:49:55	2	2
BOECHERER, Andi	GER	0:21:16	2:11:11	1:16:25	3:51:56	3	3
SCHILDKNE, Ronnie	SWI	0:22:47	2:13:17	1:12:47	3:52:09	4	4
MARSH, Brandon	USA	0:20:58	2:15:26	1:13:00	3:52:32	5	5
MCMAHON, Brent	CAN	0:21:12	2:19:25	1:10:28	3:53:54	6	6
JONES, Jordan	USA	0:22:16	2:13:38	1:14:45	3:54:04	7	7
VAN LIERDE, Frederik	BEL	0:21:22	2:14:36	1:16:13	3:55:30	8	8
MCKENZIE, Luke	AUS	0:21:29	2:14:48	1:15:58	3:55:39	9	9
ODONNELL, Timothy	USA	0:20:56	2:15:22	1:16:25	3:55:43	10	10

Thanks for the pix TRI RIG , Nil Nilsen, TRI LOUNGE and Katie Araujo

LUKE McKENZIE SIGNS WITH SAUCONY

01-12-2013

(Santa Monica, CA) - Tomorrow is the opening race of the 2013 Ironman race calendar and for LUKE McKENZIE it is the beginning of a new era. He has officially signed a long term deal with the iconic running and triathlon brand SAUCONY. The 2013 Pucon Ironman 70.3 in Chile will be his first race in the SAUCONY Team colors. 

"I am super excited to be joining the SAUCONY team. Over the years I have watched so many champions wear the SAUCONY brand with pride! I remember Greg Welch jumping across the Kona finish line in 1994 and wanting to have that moment for myself", said McKenzie. "Joining the team of superb triathletes such as Linsey Corbin, Meredith Kessler, Dede Grisbauer, Heather & Trevor Wurtele, Catriona Morrison and Luke Bell makes this relationship so much more special. I am really looking forward to building my year and performing at my best in the Hawaii Ironman World Championships in Kona with an amazing team behind me." 

ABM Sports Management director Amanda Balding said,  "Meeting with Jessica Cohen and visiting the SAUCONY headquarters in Boston, MA cemented the deal for Luke. We fell in love with the family owed feel and their pursuit of their mission to create the perfect running shoe. SAUCONY's design team has a hands on development approach and the high tech running lab was exactly what we were looking for to help Luke move forward in his career." 

Jessica Cohen of SAUCONY highlighted, "We are thrilled to welcome Luke to the SAUCONY family. We believe in his long term goals and are excited to be part of his journey." 

SAUCONY - At Saucony, we exist for runners. Runners inspire us, bring us new ideas, force us to be better. They drive our design and engineering. They keep us competitive. They keep us hungry. They keep us honest.Whether it's in a conference room or out on a lunchtime run, we're constantly talking about and arguing about our sport, runners and the products that fuel them. We love our products and we run in everything we make.This focus and passion fuels us as we strive to create the best running shoes and apparel on the planet. We leave work each day knowing we've done everything to make runners' lives just a little bit better. At Saucony, a good day is when we get to run. A great day is when we inspire someone else to run.

FOR MORE ON SAUCONY VISIT: www.saucony.com

LUKE McKENZIE - Luke is a Professional Triathlete from Australia residing in Noosa Heads during the Australian summer. Luke spends most of his racing season in the USA basing in Santa Monica, California. Luke specializes at the Ironman and Half Ironman 70.3 distances and is a 5 x Ironman Champion. A strong all round athlete, Luke is sure to be battling for the lead wherever he races around the world.

FOR MORE ON LUKE McKENZIE VISIT: www.lukemckenzie.com

AN ADVENTURE TO CHILE

Having heard so much about this race from friends Amanda and I have always wanted to travel to Chile and race the Pucon Ironman 70.3. We were booked to come to the race last year but traveling to our friends wedding in LA a few weeks prior and a lingering injury of mine put those plans on hold. So when Amanda and I were invited to come this year we jumped at the opportunity.

The 11 hour flight from Auckland, New Zealand wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and it seemed like we were landing in Santiago in no time. A few hours layover and we were flying to Temuco in the south and then it was a bus ride to the small tourist village of Pucon. We started our Saturday at 4.30am when we woke up for the Tauranga Half in Mt Maunganui, New Zealand and we finally checked into our hotel in Pucon at 8.45pm (the same day). It was the longest day of our lives. We opened the door to our room to reveal an amazing view of one of Chile's most actives Volcanos; Volcan Villarrica.

The next morning it was no surprise we slept in. We slept so long in fact that we missed breakfast and almost lunch! We had major jet lag and with a little bit of rain hanging about we got out for a late afternoon run. It was all we could muster in our zombie like state.

The following day it was evident we needed to work on this major time zone change as we still didn't get up before 11am. At least today we had the energy to get out on the bikes for a few hours and explore the bike course and beyond. I had to keep pinching myself. We were riding through the Andes towards the Argentinian border surrounding by towering mountains and snow capped volcanos.

We set into a good training grove during the middle of the week and the sleep patterns got a little better but my usual 5am wake up was never going to do achieved here in Chile. We explored town and scouted out the best restaurants from Empanada stands right through to the steakhouses that roar to life each night around 9pm. Yes, eating dinner here has been pushed right back to 10pm some nights!

On Thursday after we finished our morning training Amanda and I ventured out of town to the Termas Geometricas which is a hot springs located along a fast following creek on the side of Villarrica volcano. The 17km bumpy drive in our absolutely piece of junk rental car was definitely worth potential disaster when we arrived and plunged into the springs. They ranged from a very chilly 5c degrees up to a scorching 45c degrees. We spent a very relaxing 3 hours at the springs before we made the daunting journey back down the mountain and back to civilization. I am pretty sure the gear box on the car is now officially dead!

Friday the athletes really started to pour into town and what was a pretty quiet village turned into tri-mecca. Pucon hosts one of the more entertaining pasta parties we have been to with a lot of audience interaction including a best 6 pack competition. My favourite was the kids Gangnam style dance off. It was hilarious and the crowd really enjoyed the evening.

Saturday (today). The day before the race has been hectic with a bit of training and lots of media commitments. The Chileans are very interested in the sport of triathlon and Amanda and I must be a bit of a novelty to some reporters wanting the scoop on why two Aussies would travel all this way to compete in their event.

We are really looking forward to tomorrows race. The mens field is especially talented with several guys that could contend for the win on their given day. It will be interesting to see who has the early season form and who has been taking some down time. I am definitely nervous going into the race because although I've done some good training in the past month it's been somewhat interrupted with travel and a staph infection so my guess is as good as any ones as to how I will go. I'm just going out there to do the best I can on the day with what I have and enjoy my experience here. After all ... it's not every day we get to visit and race in Chile!

 First glimps of the Andes as we fly from Santiago to Temuco

Welcome to Pucon. View from our hotel room of Villarrica

 Started the day in New Zealand and ended the day in Chile. It was one loooong Saturday!

 Downtown Pucon are filled with lots of Al fresco restaurants 

 Lago Villarrica where we will be swimming on Sunday

 The water is warmer than I was expecting it to be. That's a bonus!

 Not a bad view for lunch!

Views from the bike course

 Amanda enjoying the scenery out on the bike course

Chilean wine is amazing 

Clearly Amanda is a fan!

 The sunset on Volcan Villarrica at 10pm. 

 Linsey Corbin gave us the heads up to scout out this Empanada shop

 Termas Geometricas (hot springs) 

The hot springs was a great afternoon of relaxing post training. 

 Amanda's view of the Pucon bike course

 Villarrica is one of Chile's most active volcano's. On a few occasions we have seen smoke coming out of it during the day. 

NEW YEAR IN NEW ZEALAND

We traveled to Auckland on boxing day for our good friends Terenzo & Kelly were due to be married. The next morning we hopped on a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island and settled into our cozy hilltop bungalow. Because we had a day to kill on the island before the ceremony we did some training (riding around the island was a mission with the steep hills) before spending the afternoon at some of the amazing wineries. Cable Bay was our favourite with a good drop of red, tasty food and 180 degree views over the Tamaki Strait and the city of Auckland in the distance. 

The wedding the following day was set high on a hill in the elegant Lavender Hill Estate and it was great to catch up with a lot of the kiwi triathletes. I hadn't seen a few of them like Kieren Doe, Richard Bailey and Nathan Richmond for years so the reception was great fun. 

After a slow start the next morning we headed to a cool little beach house on Palm Beach for a BBQ with the wedding guests and everyone lazed around on the beach and soaked up the sun. I sent a few hours doing some training with Terenzo's groomsman Sam Mayhew doing some swimming, board paddling and kayaking. I had a blast doing a different kind of workout from the regular swim, bike, run but it wouldn't be for another few days I would regret my over eagerness on the paddle board!

Amanda sliding into Cable Bay

Wine tasting at Cable Bay 

 Good wine and views

 Dinner overlooking Omeroa Bay

 Sunset from our bungalow nigh on the hill overlooking the Tamaki Strait 

 Ready to hit Terenzo & Kellys wedding

 Fun day post wedding at Palm Beach on Waiheke

 Sad to say goodbye to Waiheke Island after a fun filled three days!

Unfortunately out time on Waihiki was up and it was time to head back to the mainland and onto Mt Maunganui where we would train for the week leading into the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman. Amanda and been here for a quick visit several years ago post Ironman New Zealand but it was . We had scored phenomenal weather and our week of training in Mt Maunganaui was off to a great start. Running around the mount is an absolute must do where in Mt Manganui and I was hooked on runs up, down and around for the first few days. I was also enjoying open water swims in Pilot Bay and the ride along the coast to Papamoa until one day I woke up with a very sore, swollen and throbbing right knee. I took the day off training hoping it would go away but the following day it was obvious something wasn't right and I had picked up an infection.

Turns out my board paddling on Waiheke Island had come back to haunt me. I noticed that day at the beach that I grazed my knees on the knee pads (I'm guessing the skin wasn't use to the abrasion?). After a few days of swimming in the open water and in the local indoor pool I guess the graze on my right knee somehow picked up an infection? I went to the doctors and he confirmed I had a Staph infection. This was NOT what I needed to hear two days before my first race of the season. I was ordered to rest and not do anything on it and consider not starting the race. In my head I was really keen to race as it was a race I had been looking forward to competing in for years. It was going to be a tough decision.

After talking to Amanda and my coach Siri we decided the night before the race that I would do the swim and see how I felt. Still not really able to run with the swelling in my knee and the inflamed glands in my groin I did the swim and proceeded to go horribly off course towards the end of the first lap. I still managed to be just in front of Cam Brown and James Bowstead starting the bike but it only took 10km to know that I shouldn't be racing. I reluctantly pulled to the side of the road and called it a day. The truth was I was still another 2 or 3 days away from been able to push my body again. Since we were traveling to Chile to compete in the Pucon Ironman 70.3 the following weekend it was important I look after myself and get rid of the infection. Soooo .... what did we learn here? 1) No over eagerness to do different training in the days before a race and 2) Don't start a race when fighting an infection.

Amanda and I do really have to thank the organizers of the Port of Tauranga Half. It really is a great event and I am super keen to return in the future to race this event.

Here is a few pix I snapped during our time in Mt Maunganui ...

 Main Beach 

Morning run up the Mount looking back over Main Beach 

 I absolutely loved the running trails around the Mount

The result of my board paddling. A Staph infection in my right knee. NOT happy!