Natalie Connolly finishing her first GVM Ironman triathlon in St.Kilda.
While most of us have been sleeping, local athlete Natalie Connolly had been preparing for a goal setting challenge.
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Setting out at 4.30am, her daily routine was set by an online planner and would include a minimum of 10 hours of training each week in order to achieve her goal of completing an Ironman Triathlon.
“I also travelled to Echuca twice a week in winter to use the larger heated pool, and I sacrificed early mornings so my work and family life were not affected,” she said.
And achieve she did, with Connolly completing the GVM Ironman 70.3 Melbourne leg of the Oceania race circuit in St Kilda last month.
The half triathlon course is described as scenic, super-quick and spectator friendly.
Competitors were to complete a gruelling 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run.
“I enjoyed the swim but didn’t enjoy the bike ride, and the run was more of a walk/run,” she said.
Connolly completed the course in six hours and 51 mins, resulting in a 19th placing of 50 in her age group.
“I had done sprint triathlons previously but nothing of this distance.
“I had COVID during training and I had it recently again, so that set me back a little both times.
“It’s so addictive though. When I’m on a break I miss the structure and discipline of training.”
Connolly is making plans to better her time next year at the same event.
She will keep up her training, including competing with the Deniliquin triathlon and canoe club.
Natalie Connolly nearing the finish line in the Ironman Triathlon.
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