Warren, Spencer and I travelled 916km from Geneva in a pickup truck loaded with triathlon equipment to Klagenfurt for the Ironman Austria. We stayed near the beautiful mountains of Carinthia.
I had an emergency tooth extraction the day before the race, which would have prevented participation if left untreated. The athletes shaved their legs as is customary among triathletes, and completed extensive gear preparation.
Race day began at 7am with 2,700 competitors. The 3.8km swim in Worthsee Lake was chaotic, with swimmers fighting for position. I finished stronger on the bike portion, completing 180km in about 5 hours 15 minutes.
Spencer encountered significant mechanical problems, two flat tires, that delayed him roughly two hours. Fellow competitors provided spare tubes, allowing him to continue after initially appearing disqualified.
The run took place in extreme heat, reaching 42 degrees. I struggled with overheating and cramping, completing the marathon in 5 hours 5 minutes for an overall time of 12:04. Warren won the group with 11:45, while Spencer impressively finished in 12:09 despite his earlier setbacks.
An incredible day. A brilliant event.