I'm ready and thank you!

As I am writing this, in 24 hours I will be in transition, setting up my fuel and clipping in my pedals on my bike to head down to the swim start. And for the first time I have a sense of calm about me that I’m not doubting a thing, yes I have a few phantom niggles that’s popped up none of them are going to hold me back from what I have come here to do.
 
When I think about tomorrow’s race I am excited and not once do I ask myself “Can I do it?” it’s more of a how much am I willing to hurt myself to achieve what I want to achieve.
 
Over the last 8 months my coach at Simon Cochrane has given me the most consistent training plan and has not smashed me to pieces so that I can train week after week without injury which I believe is the key to where I am. It's been an incredible journey and I never thought I would be at the fitness level I am at today and now the start line is within my grasp.

There is a lot I could write about right now but, I wanted to thank a few who have been there for me over the last eight months;

• My Family; Thank you like always for your continued support even from afar, family is key and your support makes it easier for me to stick at whatever I set my mind too which is invaluable in life and all I could ever ask for xoxo.
  
  
• Penny; Thank you for being so supportive throughout this journey, you’ve had the opportunity to see me at my best and in my worst states after racing/training and the fact that you get it is a plus. You have the ability to reassure me that I am ready and after sessions where I feel like I have failed, you have a way to make me pull my head in and realise that this is meant to be hard and it’s all about making me strong for this day. You’ve given me so much confidence within myself so thank you xoxo

 

• Simon (Coach) & Larissa; thank you for your support with my move to Hamilton and for being the best landlords around, thank you keeping me on my toes and making me mentally and physically strong.
  
  
• My sponsors/supporters; OSM, New Holland, RevBox, Cibo restaurant in Parnell, DHB, Apex Insurance, Pure Sports Nutrition and Asics thank you for your continued support and helping me throughout my training and races.
  
  
• The Wolf Pack; You guys keep the sport life hearted for me even though you are four Aussie’s… I’m proud to be your token kiwi. Good luck to Matho who is out there racing with me tomorrow, celebration drinks at the end of the day       buddy!
  
  
• Everyone else; Thank you to anyone who has supported me in some form or another, make sure if you are out there to cheer me along and keep me smiling because on that second/third lap I’m going to be hurting.

 
All the hard work has been done and despite my ambitions all I can aim to do is give the ironman distance the respect it deserves, stick to my race plan and at the end of the day, finishing is an amazing accomplishment on its own despite the result.
 
Thanks again to everyone, you are amazing and I’ll see you out there
 
Robo #135 IRONMAN NZL 2017