News :

Kona

Two athletes on the start line this year. You know them well. Darren Alchin racing his third IMWC… two now at Kona after the first one at Nice. Jonah Newton with less experience at the World level but still knows his way around an Ironman.

Both athletes had outstanding races. They both went to the well and used every last bit of courage and determination they had on their way to their finishes.

Jonah was 4th out of the water, had to let the uber-bikers go and then be patient to unload his run weapon which he did, running through a lot of the field with a 3:02 mara to finish 10th in 8:58:36. What a debut !

Darren knew what he wanted and almost got it too. The most important part of Daz’s race but was his resilience on the run. When he entered the Energy Lab it would have been easy to cruise it in. He doesn’t work like that but. It just isnt in his DNA. So a 3:58 marathon it was which brought him over the line in 11:14:54.

Kona is a very special race. You can feel the history. The stories of athletes blowing up on the Queen K or even closer to town. We even got to witness it again this year. Read this race on face value and you miss the point. To keep going in the heat and wind when every bit of you says no is why you come here.

I look forward to many more HPT athletes experiencing this in years to come.

Billigence Illawarra

Pathways racing is back and Zane Galea was ready to throw his hat in the ring again to see where things sit. We are taking the patience path in run training while we rebuild some leg strength foundations but that doesnt preclude us from getting some good race experience in.

Zane raced really strong. With heats and a final it was a chance to make mistakes and refine next time. I am really happy Zane was able to adapt well in this format. Final result was 2nd U23 in the A Final.

Melbourne Marathon

Sammy and Josh Revell both toed the line in this race. Sammy just wanting a good solid marathon hitout and Josh wanting to support Sammy within his Miler prep. It was a mixed prep for Sammy with a few niggles but I am stoked to say she managed a great race with strong even pacing, finishing in 3:55:40 right next to her wingman Joshie.

Port Macquarie Ironman This Week

No rest in this game. I touch down on Tuesday and get to head up to Port on Friday for one of HPT’s biggest Ironman campaigns ever.

There is a team dinner on Friday night at 6:30 (organised via Group Chat). Let me know if you are keen and havent added your name to the list

We also have a team get together and photo shoot at Rydges Hotel in their bar area at 3pm on Saturday arvo. This is low-key stand around and have a softie and a chat before the main game the next day. Drop your bike in and then head straight to this. Team Photo will take place around 4:15pm

A final tip for the athletes. This is a tough event and you will get asked the question at some stage whether you will push on with the discomfort. This is why you signed up. Answer this call the way you know you can. With grit and passion.