<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>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>7th place in North American Pro Championships &#8211; I’ll take that. Not everyone has great days – a below average performance doesn’t suddenly mean you are rubbish at the sport. Use the performance, the feeling, the knowledge, to fuel you to the next, ‘don’t let up until you are happy with your race’ – better [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Dear Santa,  I hope this still gets to you in time. I&#8217;m not sure when the last delivery is and I know you must be very busy at this time of year, receiving and reading all the letters from around the World.</p>

<p>I’m writing this, currently 3hours into a 11hour flight from San Francisco to New Zealand. I’ve been in San Francisco for 18months and it’s flown by. I still feel I’ve only just arrived. Here I now am, on a plane relocating again. OK, so this is just a temporary stint, or as I’m calling it, [&hellip;]</p>

<p>It’s taken a few days (ok weeks) to think about putting something down about the last few weeks/months and my last couple of races. To be honest, I’ve been in what I think is called a hole. Mentally more than physically, and it’s taken a lot of grumpiness, moping, and generally feeling sorry for myself, [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Following on the theme from www.witsup.com about training camps, here&#8217;s my take on life in The Sorority House on the Purplepatch Kona Camp 2015 http://www.witsup.com/kona-training-camp-the-sorority-house/</p>