It all started 4 years ago with my first triathlon 5150 Bela Bela. Ironman was never ever in my mind to do as I thought who can do a 3.8km swim, 180.2km bike and then run a marathon afterwards, this must only be for the pro’s. No normal human can go through this? So I started with a few Olympic distance events not that I was good at all, battled probably the first 2 years to brake 3 hours on an Olympic distance. I eventually got the courage together to enter my first 70.3 East London. I could not do this by myself and who better to do my first one with, my wife. She was not keen at first but also agreed to enter (well I just entered her and let her know afterwards). So training was going on but not much to write home about. In December of 2015 I rode between Christmas and New year in the Cradle to get a few long rides in and I saw a group of people in pink and blue coming past me. Boy they flew and I pedaled so hard just to catch up with them and started to chat to a guy named Richard Gaugeler. We chatted from Lion and Rhino park to the first stretch on the caves rode where he had to do Intervals. But in that time he mentioned how awesome this group of people is and how they encourage one another and push each other to their limits.
In April last year the big event was entered and I told Lucie I would like to come as close to 11 hours as possible, for a first Ironman, it was a case of go big or go home. Training was increased and the suffering started. Early mornings and late afternoons was the order of the day. Day in and day out. 6 Months into training and I realised there is 4 months left, never felt I was ready yet. Luc’s words there is still time you will be fine. Lesson 1 always trust the coach. I said to my wife it also never feels like I am not ready but I will just follow TP and see what happens. 3 Months out after 70.3 East London I popped Luc a message telling her I know 11 hours is not going to happen what is plan B? Her reply, Weanie it is your first one don’t go for time just enjoy it. Finally race week has arrived training done bags packed and off we go. Had a few warm ups from the Wednesday it felt good, but I never knew what was really lying ahead. 99% of the trifactri members said, the first one is always the best, after that, one can start chasing time. Race morning has arrived. Like any other race almost no sleep the night before. Got to bed around 21:30 and was awake at 24:00 ready to race. Try and force yourself to sleep is no fun at all. Around 3 called it quits and got up ready for the big day ahead. Early breakfast and off to transition for final checks. It felt good getting Desi in transition just to calm the nerves, she told me all will be fine once you hit the water, problem is getting through the part and try to calm down before hitting the water. Exiting transition and who is there, my wife and Lucie, shouting my name or my nickname that Grant gave me. Everyone at Ironman knows my name, Weanie. Small group huddled up and we got ready, everyone telling me to smile but inside the butterflies are all over. We are ready heading down. Felt really emotional walking to the start as I realised what I was about to do, put my body through pain for the next 11h30 so I hoped. Robyn and myself agreed we would start together as this worked so well at 70.3 and it really helps having a familiar face next to you. We really calmed each other down telling each other we can do this. One discipline at a time. Final good byes to my wife, Luc with last words of encouragement and before we knew we were standing in front ready to go.
Beforehand the team members said 30km is normally where everyone starts to suffer and suffer I did. Last time down admiralty way and I knew finish line was in sight. Pace picked up and I thought to myself just enjoy the last 5km. Red Carpet was ahead lights flashing, Gordan Graham got a high five and the next words “Werner Zietsman your are an Ironman” was announced. I was done 226km, I finished, never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be an Ironman.
A few shout outs, My wife Mariana for sticking it out with me for the last 10 months of hard training, Lucie I could not have done this without you. I really appreciate all the work that you have put in, through the ups and downs, Robyn my starting buddy thanks for keeping my nerves in tact, Jono and Rory for the long runs on Sunday mornings, Neil R for the pool sessions at Little falls, My hill buddies on Wednesday’s. Rich J for pimping my bike out on short notice really appreciate it. The list can go on and on. Trifactri team you guys are amazing real inspiration to me!! Going back next year, PE see you soon - Ziets (Weanie)
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Authors:Where Trifactri athletes get to tell their side of the Swim, Bike and Run Archives
May 2018
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