Arrive in Phuket one day before the race and start to remember just how hard it's going to be racing in this heat. Up at the crack of dawn as I have to drop off my bike, etc. before 7am. Suppose that at least means I should be out of the sun before mid-day. Everything squared away I head to the start with some friends who've travelled here as well (Sims the Aussie under-18 swim champ, Bruno the Olympic rower.....boy am I in trouble!). Finally hook up with Peter Thompson after missing each other at months of training sessions, sure I was at every one ahem!
Some quick speeches and 750 people plunge into the gorgeous, warm Andaman sea together. I know how a tuna must feel now, but soon in clear water after being left behind by the shoal. Beach myself after 1.2k for the final 600m in a lagoon, dive into rancid green water...ooh! Onto the bike to discover a schoolboy error, have left water bottles at the hotel & it's over 80F. Whoops! Struggle through the hills to the 1st aid station at 20k where to my relief they have bottles of water and Gatorade.Glad I learned the Thai for thanks very mcuh. Already feeling dehydrated though and casualties line the sides of the road after crashing or succumbing to the heat. Off the bike and as usual I seem to have misplaced my legs, hopefully will find them behind a tree around the 2k mark. The heat is fierce now and humidity is over 80%. Passed a friend at 4k and feeling good until he catches up at the end of the 1st loop and crosses the finish line........my wife then tells me I look like "I'm going to die", thanks Aya! She may have a point though. No excuses, their was quite a bit of walking on the 2nd loop as the heat and lack of liquids in the 1st half of the race take their toll. Managed to finish strongly for the all important finishing photo before heading to the First Aid tent for something to rehydrate me.
Awards dinner that night quickly followed by a beach party until the early hours with the winner, an unknown Brazilian in his 1st big race! Even better my friend Thommo's shop The Bike Boutique are picking up the bar tab. Photographer from 220 is snapping away so I apologise for bringing shame on the club if any pics of my awful dancing are published.