Bevan McKinnon reports on Challenge Wanaka Ironman
Jan 2011
Challenge Wanaka was a breakthrough result for me as I was able to place 3rd in a strong international professional field, only losing 2nd place at 41km of the marathon!! My day unfolded as follows.
I woke at 4:30am to the sound of the forecasted wind arriving earlier than the prediction of late afternoon. Walking to transition confirmed that the weather would play a huge role in the day, but I wasn’t too concerned as a tough bike ride would suit me.
The Swim 3.2km
I was happy to find the water quite tepid as this was a change from the previous days. After a quick warm up I felt great and next minute we were off. I realised pretty early on that my swim taper had worked well as, although it was rough, I felt totally comfortable and my swim fitness was strong. Even losing my cap and having my goggles break and fall off after the first 1500m didn’t deter me - I swam strongly to exit the water in 6th position
The Bike 180km
Onto the bike and the first 40 km out to Treble Cone and back (the most undulating portion of the bike course) we settled into two distinct groups. My bike fitness has been great this year and I was confident that I could ride with the athletes around me so we settled in and ground our way into the winds. When we turned at Lake Hawea I crossed the bridge riding at a 45 degree angle as the cross winds were so strong.
The next section from approx 70km-110km went by in a flash as we rode at 45-55 km p/hr and sometimes touched 60km p/hr as the tailwind pushed us along. The crucial point of the race was about to begin - from lake Dunstan into the head wind. I was starting to feel really strong at this stage and found that even though our speed had dropped from 50 km p/hr to 20km p/hr and less, I felt ok.
At the 150km aid station I decided to make my move when Keegan and Richard screamed out for coke. I felt it showed they needed a “lift” so I put the hammer down and within 1 min had made a 500m gap and was rapidly closing on Ogden. I could tell I was riding considerably faster than the guys behind me as I was able to drop them quickly and without riding above my predetermined Ironman heart rate zone.
The Run 42km
Entering bike to run transition I received splits which showed I was gradually closing down on the leader and had close to a 4 minute lead on the guys behind me. A 4 min lead wasn’t enough in my mind, especially with the effect that the wind was having on the run course. This race was just about going at the best speed the conditions would allow and before I knew it I was at the 21km turn-a-round and my first chance to check time gaps. I was thrilled to see that I had made up some time on 1st but that quickly changed once I saw Courtney and Keegan only 60 seconds down on me.
At this point I was also starting to feel the wear and tear of 7.5 hrs racing and was sure it wouldn’t be long before I got passed. At this point the “conversations” you have with yourself are crucial and as the km’s ticked by and no one ran past me I started to seriously consider what was happening. Unbeknown to me, Keegan had “blown up” in the chase.
It was at the 40km point that Courtney caught and passed me on a hill. This would normally have meant the end for me but I dug deep on the downhill and bridged back up to him. The instantaneous decision I made was to run straight past him and try to make a gap which he wouldn’t have expected so I spent the next 400m running at 3mins 45 sec p/km pace which nearly killed me! He lifted his pace as well and I was unable to get more than 20 metres ahead which he was able to regain on the last small hill and when he passed me again it was for the final time.
I finished 3rd in 9hrs 7 mins, 12 sec’s behind 2nd place and under 4mins from 1st. A great result and my first Ironman podium finish.
I’d like to thank my sponsors who have all helped in getting me into the condition to race well. I truly enjoy the relationship, support and strongly endorse the products and services they supply.
Here’s to the next good result.
Cheers,
Bevan