RUN

Returnees will know and newbies should be aware... the Taupo run is tough. It’s filled with undulations the entire course, especially the beginning, with only the lake front being flat. I try to run smaller strides on the up hills - baby steps - so I keep my momentum and cadence up. You can then stride out on the down hills. Don’t go out hard, hold back in the first lap and then you can build each lap with more speed. If you can run well over the final 21km, you’ll catch a lot of athletes. Don’t miss any of the aid stations either. I like to take my gels around 200m before each station and then I can concentrate on getting in my fluids (coke, water, electrolytes) at the station. Know beforehand how much you can tolerate as you don’t want to over consume and then be throwing everything up! Cool yourself down if it’s hot with iced water over your head. Alternatively, take your cap off, add a few ice cubes and get back to it. You can also try putting ice down your trisuit as well. The cooling effect will last a while and the cooler you can keep your core body temp in hot weather, the better you’ll run. Taupo can be cool or it can be very hot. I remember the 2000 NZ Ironman being one of the hottest days ever in Taupo with the mercury out on course reaching 32c!

Debrief

In my late 20’s and 30’s, I use to love having time off after each Ironman, usually two-three weeks of rest. If I do that now, I get injured as soon as I return so the key for aging athletes is to focus on an active recovery. Think super easy swims, 30-60min spins on your bike and very easy runs or long walks. It’s understandable to want to keep training like normal. Ironman is such a tough sport you don’t want to waste all that hard work, right? The problem is, a month later the fatigue will hit you physically and mentally. It’s called the Ironman blues so be very careful with your training and goals straight away. Enjoy some down time away from the sport but keep active. Most importantly, have some fun. You deserve it. You are an IRONMAN!” ironman.com/im-new-zealand

Braden Currie

Wanaka, 36

The Kiwi No.1 is hellbent on avenging a tough 2022 with the IM Worlds in Nice his priority. The PTO No.19 had targeted 70.3 Tasmania after his Tauranga Half masterclass but scratched after son Tarn broke both arms in a MTB crash. More in the tank to repeat his 7:56:48 win in 2021 perhaps. Will be hard to beat.

Els Visser

Utrecht/ Sankt Moritz, 32

Shipwreck survivor, qualified surgeon, Ironman champion. Is there anything the proud “Dutchie” can’t do? The 2018 IM Netherlands champion and PTO No.54 is coming off silver at IM Western Australia in Dec. and will be super determined to better her 2nd at Challenge Wanaka after that bike detour.

Mike Phillips

Christchurch, 32 Phillips overcame a seven min deficit to Jack Moody in the previous month’s IM 70.3 Taupo to edge Moody into 2nd at the Tauranga Half, the same podium step he filled at Challenge Wanaka. Runnerup to Currie at the last pro IMNZ in 2021 in 7:56:48, faster than the 8:01:10 that took him to victory in 2019.

Hannah Berry

Mt Maunganui, 36

Title defender after winning the last pro IMNZ in 2021 in 8:49:30. Edged Rebecca Clarke into 2nd at IM 70.3 Taupo but 3rd behind Clarke and Amelia Watkinson at her home Tauranga Half in Jan. The PTO No.63 has identified the run as her focus. Visser’s presence adds another potential plot twist in Taupo.

Sebastian Kienle

Germany, 38

How cool to have tri royalty begin his year-long retirement circumnavigation in NZ. The 2014 World champ will be determined to enhance his legend at the 2nd of his “bucketlist” starts after placing 3rd in Wanaka. Sixth in Kona last Oct. means the PTO No.25 should podium in Taupo but on what step?

Rebecca Clarke

Auckland, 34

Successful Tauranga Half defence in Jan. was a huge confidence shot, particularly Clarke’s 1:26:09 run around the ‘Mount’ base track. Will be fascinating to see if the PTO No.30 can kick on to her maiden IM title. Will come in hot after a wrong turn on the bike cost her a shot at Challenge Wanaka glory.