Ironman 70.3 Rwanda 2024
August 4th, 2024
Gisenyi, Rwanda
Half Ironman
Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills and One Epic Race
Rwanda? The 'Land of a Thousand Hills'! In fact, our plane seemed to be doing a rollercoaster impression as we touched down in Kigali. The drive to Lake Kivu was like a scene from Jurassic Park – lush, green, and utterly breathtaking. And the lake itself? A stunning sapphire set in a diamond ring of mountains.
The Rwandan people? Seriously the nicest, most rule-abiding folks you'll ever meet. Overtaking a truck uphill at 40kph? Forget it. Rules are rules, and they're proud of their clean, safe country. And some of the fittest cyclists I have seen as bikes are used to commute produce and people here.
Basecamp was the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel – perfect location for race registration and soaking up the pre-race vibe. It was like a triathlon family reunion, with athletes from all over bonding over pre-race jitters and shared excitement.
Gorillas and the stinging-nettles
On the fly thinking, led to ideas like a bit of last minute altitude training to go see the Gorillas at 3000m above sea level in the Volcanoes National Park, two days before the race
was bucket list stuff, thank you Candice Giles for making the call. And I hope all those stings you sustained to get to see these majestically beautiful mammals have subsided.
Pre-race warm ups
Lake Kivu was a serene, sprawling expanse of warm water, more akin to the ocean than a freshwater lake. It was clear from the outset that my wetsuit would be nothing more than a cumbersome accessory. The bike course, however, was a different story entirely. It was a roller coaster of epic proportions, with hills that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The final sting was saved for the run, where I mistakenly conquered the "wrong" hill during training, only to be greeted by the real beast on race day. However I did manage to sneak a toe into the DRC!
A Sentimental Farewell
Racking my trusty steed for what might be its final race was a bittersweet moment, echoed by, Gordon Graham the voice of Ironman Rwanda. This bike, my constant companion for over two decades, has been through more races than I can count. From ITU distances and four World Championships, we've shared countless victories, defeats, and everything in between. On a side note, during the actual race it creaked and groaned in protest, causing more than a few anxious glances from my fellow competitors. A silent apology to them for the false alarm of them thinking it was their bikes , but she stood strong and got me to Transition 2.
A Serene Start
Race morning dawned with an uncharacteristic sense of calm. While Candice and I were the early birds claiming our territory in the swim pen, I couldn't help but feeling we had pulled German tourist maneuver by placing our towel on a a prime sun lounger at 4am, this was not a South African Ironman start!.
The lake shimmered under the morning light, its surface broken only by gentle swells. The unique start, involving a dash across a platform before plunging into the water, added an element of surprise. Despite the adrenaline, I managed to find a relaxed rhythm and, according to my Garmin, a surprisingly straight course.
Swim time: 32min41sec
Breezy Transition
Transition one was a breeze, thanks to the strategic bike rack placement, almost by the mount line. Using my normal ventilated bike helmet not only saved me time in transition but saved my turning into a fish -bowl on the bike course.
Transition 1 time: 2min32sec
Conquering the Hills
With the clock ticking, I mounted my trusty steed, eager to tackle the undulating course. Maintaining a 30km/h average was the goal, but the Rwandan hills had other plans. Each lap was a battle against gravity, my muscles screaming in protest with every ascent. Yet, there was a strange satisfaction in knowing what lay ahead, a masochistic joy in pushing through the pain. The repetitive nature of the course meant frequent encounters with Candice, ensuring there was no time for slacking. Every pedal stroke was a testament to endurance and mental fortitude.
Bike Time: 2hr 54min
The Looming Run
As I approached the transition zone, a mix of anticipation and dread washed over me. The thought of tackling the run course, especially the infamous hill, filled me with trepidation. Yet, the satisfaction of a smooth transition, aided by my new fueling strategy, provided a momentary respite. I'd opted to carry all my gels for the run, and declined the one I should have taken in transition, a decision that would later come back to bite me. For now, however, the focus was on what lay ahead: the daunting task of transforming pedal power into foot speed.
Transition 2 time: 1min52sec
The Run: A Hilly Battle
The run began with an overzealous burst of energy, a habit I need to curb. The first lap, including its infamous hill, was manageable. But the second lap was a different story. My pace faltered on the flats, forcing me into a walk. Oddly, the hills seemed less daunting during these slower moments. The final lap was a test of willpower as I alternated between jogging and walking, clinging to the finish line as a beacon of hope.
Crossing that finish line was pure elation. The realization of winning my age group, coupled with the hope of securing an overall top-ten finish, sent a surge of adrenaline through me. The celebrations might have been slightly over the top, but the immense pride in my achievement, with all the effort I had put into my training to be here, Candice and family sacrificing and giving so much so that I could be here, and the momentum of the Empower 5 challenge fueled my exuberance.
Run time: 1hr53min
Overall time: 5hr25min
A Moment to Cherish
The culmination of months of training crystallized into a single, life-affirming moment: winning my age group. The subsequent slot allocation meeting was a whirlwind of excitement as I secured a place in the World 70.3 Championships in Marbella Spain in 2025. Sharing this triumph with newfound friends, including my closest competitors, made the experience even more special.
The awards ceremony was a surreal affair. Standing on the top step, with Candice's beaming support, is a memory etched in my mind forever. It's a testament to countless hours of dedication, unwavering belief, and the incredible support system, from Candice and the kids, to Sue my mother-in-law looking after the kids, whilst away, my Coach Mike King, and the rest of my family and friends, supporting and motivating me, that I've built around me.
The Road Ahead
With Rwanda conquered, the focus shifts to Morocco. Eleven weeks stand between me and the next challenge. While the victory in Rwanda is sweet, it's no reason to rest on laurels. The real work begins now. With renewed vigor, I'll be dedicating myself to training and refining my strategy.
But beyond personal goals, Empower 5 remains the driving force. It’s more than just a race series; it's a platform to uplift and empower teachers. By supporting this initiative, you're not just cheering for an athlete; you're investing in the future of education and our country. Let's create a ripple effect of positive change together. This is how I am bettering South Africa, come and help! Find out more at: https://www.techtacademy.com/empower5
Comentários