Hawaii Ironman World Championships 2009
October 11th, 2009 | 13 Comments
I thought I’d write while it’s fresh in my mind. I finished in 8th place today. And I’m very happy. The end.
Sorry, my mind and body are actually a bit tired, so maybe now isn’t the best time. I’ll write again. but here it is for now, a brief overview.
I dropped off Andy Potts and anothers feet after about 700m, and relaxed into my own stroke and 1 other swimmer tagged onto my feet. So I exited 3rd, about 1:30 down but feeling good. I rode through town pretty well and hit the highway.
The rest of the field took about 25km to catch me and I sat near the front of the group pretty comfortably. By the time we hit the long climb into headwind up to Hawi a group had broken off the front and I found myself leading our pack up the hill. To think I was in front of these quality cyclists, setting the pace for them was pretty cool, and confidence building. Special needs was a nightmare and I had no chance of getting my bag and staying with the group, so I rode on and had a few bad spells because of poorer nutrition but still held on to get into town with Crowie’s group.
I took it easy the last 500m on the bike to stretch and settle my heart rate, so entered and exited the transition last in our group, but feeling good. I ran from about 15th place into 9th along Aliii drive, then 8th, then 9th after a toilet stop, then 10th with, then 9th (Terrenzo), then 8th (Faris) with just 1 mile left! Then Andy Potts was gaining on me and I had to sprint the last 800m! so I crossed the line completely spent, took 2 IV bags and a long lie down, pizza, and then was feeling pretty good.
I am looking forward to getting onto the big stage tomorrow and think it will hit me what I have accomplished then. I’ll update about the night and my thoughts post race soon.
3 Aussies blokes in the top 10! Awesome.
Cheers
Pete
Derek says: October 11th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Well done Pete. Fantastic performance and your still young
!!
Here’s to 2010 and an even higher finish.
PV says: October 12th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Fantastic result and you certainly have the potential to go better. You beat a lot of top class Ironmen yesterday.
AnnS says: October 12th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Hey PJ.
We were so excited for you as we watched through IronmanLive yesterday. You should be very proud of your efforts and to be part of the first time the Aussies have had 3 in the top 10 is something to be remembered.
Enjoy tonight’s award cweremony, you deserve it.
John S says: October 12th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Pete,
My “better half” has pretty much said it all! So I’ll just add that I am thrilled beyond words at the emphatic way you have vindicated the faith we’ve long had in you,with a string of sensational results this year. To cap it off with a Top 10 finish in the ultimate event is nothing short of a dream come true. By the time you read this, I hope you are nursing a good ol’ hangover from the Awards ceremony and after-party!
Looking forward to seeing soon after you get back.
JohnS
Geoff W says: October 13th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hey Pete,
Just to let you know that everyone in Goondiwindi is stoked about your race. Really well done on a top ten and we all believe that this is only a precursor to better things in future years.
From everyone at the Goondiwindi Tri Club
Jaakko says: October 14th, 2009 at 1:42 am
Great race Pete!
Congrats!
Uschi & Ulli says: October 14th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Congratulations Pete, you did a great job, best regards from Sydney
Uschi & Ulli
Tony Kofkin says: October 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
Pete i know that you have never doubted your ability but now the rest of the world know how much of a champion you actually are.Ironman results this season…..2nd in Port Macq,2nd in Roth and 8th in Kona and to top this off 1st in the Australian Long Course….your time has finally arrived!
Paul Lantinga says: November 3rd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Hey Pete – congrats on a great swim and a top ten finish! I wish I’d been there to see you in person.
Louise says: December 4th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
who is tony kofkin?
Tony Kofkin says: January 18th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Hi Louise…who is Louise?I am the CEO of LSDsports.com and i know Pete pretty well.I hope that this helps….but anyway Pete your a champ and well done on Team Abu Dharbi,what a great oppurtunity.
Tony@lsdsports.com
Chris Phelan says: April 26th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
is that the same guy who was recently a financial advisor?
Bruce says: June 30th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
He is the CEO of a corner sports store.