<p>Wow!! What an incredible day. Ironman Australia Champion 2019! That feeling stepping onto the finish carpet, and running down the chute, is one of the most incredible highs you feel.</p>

<p>It feels like it was an age ago now, and it was a fair few weeks to be honest, but as I’m about to head into Ironman Australia, I thought I should finally capture some thoughts about my Motatapu adventures.</p>

<p>My last blog was back in October, and so this is way way over due. I’ve been meaning to write a few blogs since then, what I got up to in the off season.</p>

<p>Kona, The Ironman World Championships. The most hyped and talked about race of the year. The sole focus for many triathletes over their year or even their careers. For me it’s never been that, which sounds a little crazy when it’s considered the pinnacle of our sport. However, in saying that, at the same time, [&hellip;]</p>

<p>2016, Challenge Roth, 4th place and I was over the moon and so happy with the result. 2018, Challenge Roth, 4th place and my feelings could not have been further from that. That’s not to say now, a few days on, I’m not proud (in parts) of what I achieved in Roth in 2018. I take away [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Winning a race is special. It’s an incredible moment, that you try to re live as much as you can. Stepping into the finish chute, the finish line ahead, as the first athlete, is truly magical! On Sunday 6th May, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to do that for the third time in [&hellip;]</p>

<p>It’s about this time of year, that I’m normally coming off the back of the dirty double, two full iron distance races in two weeks. However, 2018 was a little different. Challenge Wanaka this year was a half distance race, rather than the full, so I was to race the half and then head as [&hellip;]</p>

<p>I posted a post race thought on Facebook after I finished racing Kona, The Ironman World Championships. I’ve been blown away not just by the amazing messages I’ve received since I posted, but also by all the incredible messages of support, encouragement and show in confidence in me, I received before the race. Thank you. [&hellip;]</p>

<p>So, where’s Sid now? Well actually on route back to Girona, and by the time this gets posted, I’ll be back in Spain, for the last few weeks and training block in Europe. I have to say I’ve loved being back in Europe. One thing that has been particularly awesome about being over here for [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Where do you start? This race, is just simply awesome!!&nbsp; In this race report, or blog, or epic novel (first warning sign), I want to try and convey as much as I can the flavor and atmosphere at Roth, as well as my own race experience and the difference a year makes*. I’ve been trying [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Hola! Buenos Dias! I’m in Europe (Spain to be exact) and it’s fab! I’d forgotten how fantastic Europe was. I have so many childhood memories flooding back to me with the early morning smell of croissants, and the cobbled streets and town squares lined with cafes and restaurants, the ice cream, the sunshine, the weather. [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Wow! Where do I start? How do you try to capture and explain the emotions and feelings as I stepped onto the finish carpet and made my way down to raise the tape and claim the title as Ironman Australia Champion 2017. I’m getting goosebumps just as I write this. If I could relive those [&hellip;]</p>

<p>As I write this now, a week ago I was about to board a plane to Melbourne. Just a few hours earlier I was out on a four hour ride in the Christchurch Port Hills. I was enjoying being out and about on the bike. The previous day, the weather had been feral but Friday [&hellip;]</p>

<p>You regularly question your sanity about racing two iron distance races in two weeks. It’s normally about the point you jump off your bike in Transition and try to convince your body that it has to run a marathon!</p>

<p>Last year Matt Dixon, left me with a&nbsp;thought after my race at Challenge Wanaka, whatever the result, however you feel, make sure you smile for the finish line. Regardless! It&#8217;s a non negotiationable. This year as I ran down through town, just 500m or so to go, knowing I’d come so agonizingly close, but not [&hellip;]</p>

<p>1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…f*&amp;k! Actually I think I let out an agonising yell on the count of 1, the point at which Meredith Kessler, crossed the line, raising the winners tape, and I stepped onto the finish carpet realising I wasn’t going to be able to capitalise on the opportunity. Getting so close to the win, but so [&hellip;]</p>

<p>I am incredibly lucky to be able to do something I love every day, and to travel the world training and competing in Triathlon! It’s an opportunity that not many people have, and so I need to keep reminding myself to make the most of it, every day! It is a slightly odd concept though, [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Ironman Malaysia, on the island of Langkawi, is definitely a truly unique experience and adventure. As destination races go, this should be added to the list. What makes it so unique…</p>

<p>From Germany to Poland and the European adventure continued. I seem to be making a habit of adding races back to back. As I did in February racing Challenge Wanaka and then two weeks later Ironman Taupo, we decided to put Challenge Poznan, a half distance race in Poland, onto the calendar, which was just a week after [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The last 2 weeks have been a bit of a whirl wind. First of Roth, and then Poznan. Roth – Breaking 9hrs, 8:51:59, 4th place -and becoming the 6th fastest Britain over the full distance. Poznan – Winning! My first win as a Professional So much has happened and seeing as my blog entries are long [&hellip;]</p>