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Read about Phil's epic race at the Ironman Kona

Read about Phil's epic race at the Ironman Kona


Phil's epic race at the Ironman Kona

What a week, didn't really know what to expect but it's been awesome, the build up, watching some interviews, meeting some of the pro's, they all had time for you, asked where you were from, where you qualified, can't see many sports where you'd get given the time of day by the elite.

Phil at the Ironman Kona

October Welsh weather is exactly what you don't want leading into a race like this. On day one I knew I was going to be up against it even with the sauna sessions in Machynys and fan-less Cycle Specific sessions. Decided to put a heart rate cap of 160bpm for both bike and run, time didn't matter, just get round, take it all in and enjoy the experience.

My parents dropped me off at 4:45 and I got in the cue for body marking, when I realised I'd forgotten my chip! Major school boy error but I asked one of the 100's of volunteers and was told 'no problem sir' in an American accent 👍. Got weighed then in to put my bottles and food on the bike, met up with Gareth who was racked just behind me. We chilled out for what seemed like ages before bumping into John, Huw and Paul. All the Welshmen together we got into the water and positioned ourselves far left, as far out of the craziness as we could get.

Phil Tucker in his Customised Primal Kit

💥 The cannon goes off, I'm so glad I went left, hardly touched anyone for the whole swim. The volunteers were brilliant, T1 done and on to the bike. A few miles through town, some knee out motogp moments for the crowd then on to the highway for the long slog to the turn. The wind was much stronger than I'd experienced earlier in the week and it was as hot as expected, I ignored all the people passing me (and the blatant drafting) on the way out and stuck to my plan. Awesome to see the pro races coming the other way, first the helicopters, then police bikes and then the time car. Plan worked pretty well as I was passing people with ease on the way back, crazy bike course, tanking along at 30 plus mph one minute then all of a sudden struggling to do 12mph. Off the bike feeling good, handed my bike to a volunteer and ran around the pier thinking 'this is cool', everyone being treated like a pro.

Phil during the Ironman triathlon

T2 done and out onto the run course, the first 8 miles is out and back on Ali'i drive, the support is fantastic. 'Good Job', 'you look great', 'relax man, you got this!' etc. all in the American accent put a smile on my face and seeing Elvis on the turn made me laugh. So far the plan was working, no signs of the cramp I've been hampered by in the past either. Going up Palani Hill, 162bpm and I walked, as soon as it dropped to 150 I was running again. Aid stations were a mile apart and they were critical in keeping cool especially now I was in the highway. Sponge, water over my head, ice down my back, front and in my cap, Gatorade, coke, clif bloks and water, this was the routine for the whole of the marathon. The energy lab section didn't seem as bad as everyone made out, then back on the highway 5 miles from home. HR on 153, I felt good so I thought go! After a mile at 8min/mile pace I was reminded by the island who was boss, a stitch down my right side stopped me in my tracks. Jogged it in to finish in a time I didn't think was possible on Sunday.

Phil finished the race in his customised clothing

The whole experience has been everything I thought it would be and more, especially in sharing most of it with Gareth, we've had a great time. Gutted he got ill a few days ago and didn't have the race he was capable of, but he finished in one piece and that's all that matters.

The help I've had from NJS Dental, Healthy Life Activities, Amcanu, Cycle Specific, ByneaCC, Primal, Gary Howells, County Cycles and Melin has been invaluable.

The messages of support I've had from everyone, even from some people I don't know have been overwhelming, thank you all.

Phil did it - the Ironman Kona