In November 2011 at 120+ kg I attempted a 160km cycle race around the great lake Taupo on minimal training. I struggled, got cramp, stopped many times and after 8 hours 16 minutes I crossed the line.
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My cycle on November 2011 in Lake Taupo
Fast forward 6 months to May 2012 after a holiday with my brother and weighing 116kg I was convinced to chase a dream I didn't know I had which was to complete an ironman and in the process find my fit self once again.

During my teen years I lived in Taupo and could remember watching the bikes zoom past and of course Terenzo Bozzone and his Nutri-Grain adverts thinking that would be amazing to be like T.
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Once I started to gain confidence in my journey I began to document it between April 20112 and August 2012
In December 2012 I completed my first Half ironman in 5.14.59 and 10 half ironman’s later in January 2015 I was completing half's in 4.30's and on the way to completing my first ironman.
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Finishing my first half ironman December 2012 5.14.59
In March 2015 I found myself lining up for my first ironman, a year earlier than I had thought but I felt after 10 70.3's it would be a great way to celebrate.

I crossed the line in 10.38.58 after a great swim of 1.01 and a first lap on the bike a lower back issue caused problems and I spent 60km on the bike in agony however, getting onto the run I embraced the race and sucked in the experience which I am thankful for to make my first ironman an memorable one.
12 months had passed since my ironman in 2015 and I have committed to race at Ironman NZL in 2016 with a new coach to push me to new levels.

​Professional kiwi ironman athlete Simon Cochrane - www.AthleticPeak.co.nz will be coaching me through NZL's 2015 winter leading into 2015/16 season.

With Simon leading me and feeding in his experience to my build I managed to;
  • Do an impressive 4.10 hour half ironman at the NZl champs
  • Place second at 70.3 Western Sydney
  • Place first at 70.3 Taupo
  • And place 7th in my age (29th overall including pro's in 9.48 and IRONMAN NZL
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From left: Allan Pitman, Simon Cochrane and Me at 2016 Ironman Port Mac pre race
Unfortunately the illusive Kona qualifying spot I have been chasing was within my reach yet just to far away