the latest goings on with charlie paul

Ironman Western Australia, Busselton 2009.

For the first time in 6 years, it was not my day in Busselton…

This was my 6th year in a row racing in Busselton. I’ve never had a bad race here, so I’ve come to consider this to be “my race”. It’s where I had my breakthrough as a Pro, coming 2nd in 2005, inspiring me to go after an Ironman win, which I finally did in 2007. In 2008 I returned as defending Champion and that too was an amazing experience. I wanted that “winning feeling” again, but in 2008 I had to settle with 2nd.

I love this race because it has taught me so much, and I’ve grown mentally and physically. It’s really special to me because of that. I can see how far I’ve come.

This time round I was at the end of very long year of racing. I raced 5 Ironman and 5 half Ironmans in 2009. It was a bit of an experiment, but also “living the dream”- To travel the world and race as much as my body would allow. I really wanted to race regularly and give myself the chance to see if I could back up and be competitive. I was excited to be having a break after this one. It’s hard to explain, because I felt really fit coming into the race, and not over-cooked at all. I was in great shape for an excellent race. I felt confident and excited to be racing on my favourite course, in my favourite race town! Busselton makes me feel like a celebrity.

I was enjoying the lack of pressure on my shoulders, but didn’t realise that it was perhaps to my detriment. I didn’t have the same burning desire to win. It’s crazy because there were plenty of reasons why a win would have been fantastic- the money alone! All I can say is that on the start line there are a lot of us that are pretty similar in ability and fitness and on the day the one who shines often just wants it the most. I think getting into the “zone” for the 5th time this year, and getting into the hurt box, was just too hard. I was telling myself “one more time”, “you can make yourself hurt for one day”. But my focus was shocking. I think I was in the zone for the first 20kms on the bike and then was off with the pixies! I had an awesome frame of mind prior to the race, but it deserted me somewhere out on the bike course. I still feel that physically I could have done it. I recovered really quickly post-race. But mentally I just couldn’t.

Lack of focus led to lack of concentration on the basics- taking notice of how I felt in regards to hydration…which led to a headache…towards the end of the bike I couldn’t get enough fluid in- I had a constant thirst, and that’s how I felt for the entire run, seemingly regardless of how much I put in. Heading out onto the run my time was still respectable. I was off the bike in 6:05. There were 3 girls ahead, 2 of whom were I think 6 and 7 minutes up the road, quite catchable I thought!

But Busselton was hot this year- damn hot! High 30s or 100f. The hottest year we’ve had there- made worse by no daylight saving this year for the first time too. We were all moving slower this year. There were 15 girls on the start list, but 5 DNS, and 4 DNFs. Makes me feel slightly better:)

So I didn’t catch any of the girls in front of me. I have to congratulate Christie Syms and Sarah Pollett who took 2nd and 3rd having breakthrough races. Gina was the only one to not get caught by the age group packs, so she rode strongly, solo all day. She won the race on the bike this year, and was deserving of the win.

One of my highlights of the day was running up to Tim Berkel, who was walking, on our 3rd and final lap. I asked him to run with me, and he said “I would if I could”…but not long after I passed him he ran up on my shoulder. I was happy to have company in my suffering, and I think he was too. Running along with Tim was hilarious! We passed a group of young girls, screaming “Woohoo Tim”, wearing “We love Tim Berkel” t-shirts. I asked him who they were, he replied “no idea!”:)

The last lap was like a victory lap, thanking everyone for their support- except for one thing- we didn’t win:) We crossed the line together, happy to be finished, emotional and disappointed all rolled into one.

Another highlight was seeing one of my good friends and training partner out there absolutely on fire. Stephen Gage did a 49 swim and then rode like a demon, to be one of only a couple of age group men to ride the whole day solo. He was the 2nd age grouper off the bike. Seeing him doing so well gave me a big boost. I didn’t know till the finish, but unfortunately gut problems struck him down on the run. He has a scary fast race just waiting to be unleashed! His wife Danielle completed her first Ironman, and hasn’t said “never again” as she predicted pre-race! Woohoo!
Another good friend and athlete to watch out for is Ollie Whistler! I knew he was going to have a great race, and he did before he collapsed unconscious due to dehydration:) At just 21 years old he has plenty of years to get it right, and look out when he does! It was awesome to see him mixing with the big boys.

So for me now its Christmas break. I spent a luxurious week in Bali, with no laptop, no training, no tri-talk- it was heaven! Now I’m learning to surf and enjoying a total break from triathlon until the New Year. I need to re-charge the batteries so that I can come back stronger. It’s a funny feeling- getting unfit- to eventually get super-fit- but it works!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Cut loose and enjoy the holidays.

Charlotte

On race day Kristian will be posting updates from my twitter account;

http://twitter.com/CharliePaul

you can also click “follow me” from the home page of this website.

The updates are sure to be honest and passionate!

Thanks for watching

Charlotte

I can’t believe another a year has rolled around and I’m back in Busso.

I have a big smile on my dial. I have only great memories of racing here. This race is very special to me, and its been part of my schedule since the inaugural race in 2004.

This is where I achieved my first Ironman victory and the race that has inspired me to improve year after year.

So I’m back again!

Yes I want to win the title back. I also want the record back.- But I need to go slightly faster than that- I need to go sub 8:57:50 to reclaim the title I lost in 2007- as the fastest in our household. In 2007 I won my first Ironman in 9 hours flat, but my husband beat me for the first time ever and went sub 9.- What a prick:)

Kristian is happy for me to regain this title. He will be cheering from the sidelines this year, which will be a big advantage for me. It’ll actually be a very exciting day for Kristian as a coach. He has 12 athletes racing, and I think all are in fine form. As a spectator he’s known to be pretty vocal so look out for him under a TP Therapy white tent!

I’m also really happy that my parents have flown over from the UK to watch. I think this will be my Mum’s 3rd time to Busselton- it might be the added lure of the Margaret River wineries?? It’s a big trip for Dad, so I hope I make it worth his while.

I’m racer #32, and you can tune in for updates online at www.ironmanlive.com

Thanks for watching.

Charlotte

I'd been craving for one of these all trip- acai blackberry bowl- it's like a smoothie with toasted muesli on top, delicious.

The famous Waikiki Beach

I've never seen sooo many surfers in the water at once, and such little waves- but that's the beauty of Waikiki- perfect for beginners and longboards

We hired stand-up paddle boards and surf boards and I loved it. I haven’t tried to surf for YEARS.

Breakfast buffet at the Moana Surfrider Hotel, K and his Mum

View from Brekkie

my great posie for catching up on emails

Very cool Bike racks in Waikiki- and did you know each bike has to registered??

We drove around the Island on one day, first stop was Haleiwa

Haleiwa Cafe as recommended by Layne Beachley

We'd like one of these on our wall back in Aus one day...

My arty shot of the trip:)

K checking out the surfers at Haleiwa on the North Shore

Shark's Cove

Pipeline

Dreaming of one day learning to surf!

Our skin came off all week in sheets, it was disgusting

OK, one more arty one, this is another of my favorites.

The iconic Haleiwa sign

what the heck can I say about this one? I don't think my sunnies match the flower- or vice versa?

Shave Ice is a Hawaiian thang

My appetite post-Ironman takes a looong time to slow down!

Awwww now I regret that!

Somewhere on the North/East Coast?? I like this pic, shame about my finger!

Hawaiian sunsets are amazing

Who's that ugly mug?

K all proud that he fits into kids clothing and gets it at a steal!!

Our last evening in Waikiki and the colours on the beach at sunset were beautiful

K's Mum had been eying up this GINORMOUS carrot cake all week, and on the last night she bought some.

Photos, photos and more photos

K's turn to be arty

From this angle? K and his Mum

i like this shot

happy

last footprints on the beach till next year...

Mahalo Hawaii

This has been written and re-written a few times now.
I’ve decided to cut the fluff and just tell you the nitty gritty- what went wrong!

But before I do that, I have to say that this week has been a bit of an eye-opener…
I had a terrible race, and yet the congratulations have still been coming in. I feel really fortunate to have such amazing support from sponsors, friends and fellow triathletes. When I have a bad race I feel that I’ve let everyone down, and so to still get such encouragement is really more than great.

Our housemate, little Downsey, made us this celebration cake! Once the cake is demolished the hula girl is going on her car dash to motivate her to get to Kona in 2010

I’ve been continually reminded that the journey was amazing and that these are the golden years that I will look back on.

So, I think my downfall on race day was simply dehydration and sunburn. Maybe I was complacent after coping so well in the heat in China? I made some mistakes that seemed pretty innocent at the time, but came back to bite me…

I exited the swim in some good company; Linsey Corbin, Natasha Badmann, Sandra Wallenhorst and Tamara Kozulina etc. But after some shocking gear changing from me, the group got away on the short climb up Palani. Once a group gets a gap its next to impossible to get back on. So for the first part of the ride I was heading along the Queen K solo into wind. It did seem windier than usual early on, but as with most days in Kona, you don’t know where it’s coming from and I was still able to ride through it at a good pace. But solo on the Queen K is not where you want to be…

When Erica Csomor came past at a good pace I was really determined to stay with her (legally- just for clarification!). To have someone to pace off and get a bit of protection from was great. Erica was 4th in Kona last year and a strong runner, so if I could stay with her on the bike I would be in a good position I thought.

Anyway,..Erica was going through the aid stations pretty quickly, and I grabbed what I needed, but no more. I needed the “more”. I felt great, I was confident, fired up to stay with Erica,…I tried to grab an extra bottle a few times at consecutive aid stations and sent them flying- I wasn’t prepared to slow down too much… In hindsight it was a silly risk that cost me.

I lost Erica just before Kawaihai, but I was ok with that- we were now on the climb up to Hawi and there were now a lot more riders coming through- the top age group men. I rode conservatively to the top, and was feeling ok.

But on the way down from Hawi (a little over halfway) I was losing ground. I was being passed continuously, and I didn’t know why. I think at this point I had a think about what was going on and realized I needed to drink more. Now that is easier said than done! Once you’re dehydrated and feeling “funny” you don’t feel like drinking- you feel slightly nauseous, and your brain isn’t functioning properly! As well you’re grumpy and negative- and it’s pretty easy to start on a downward spiral…

I felt like I rode from Kawaihai back to T2 just “riding it in”. Mentally I had given up. When your mind is strong you can do amazing things. But mine had turned to mush. We had headwinds all the way home. I did get the fluids in gradually and by T2 I was good to go again.

Something a good friend Teresa Rider said to me before the race sprung to mind. “Set and forget”. Once you’re done with the swim-forget about it. Once you’re done with the bike “forget about it”. So I forgot about it, and focused on the run. I knew my goals were out the window, but I could enjoy myself, encourage friends, and still have a good run.

I had a fantastic run along Alii Drive and back, I was on pace- 7.06 /mile according to ironman live, but then my pace gradually slowed for the rest of the race. I was just having trouble picking the legs up! They just weren’t responding.

When I saw Craig Alexander coming along the Queen K in the lead it was very very cool! I veered over towards his side of the road to give him a big cheer. I was fortunate to do some training with Craig in the month leading up to the race- he’s such a nice guy, totally understated and relaxed, but the absolute professional. So I was really happy for him, it brought a tear to my eye. It’s quite an experience to witness the motorbikes, the hover of the helicopter, and wonder about how many people around the world were watching him right then.

My other downfall was my sunburn. I was tanned from being in Hawaii already for a month. I was wearing factor 70. I thought I would be fine. I remember in T2 I was asked if I wanted sunscreen and also asked if I wanted a cold towel on my back- I said “yes” but not sure to what- I was taking whatever they were selling! So I got the wet towel- which I reckon wiped all of my remaining sunscreen off! I’ve never had such bad sunburn in any race before. Even my arms have peeled.

wowzers! yeowch, (pls excuse the coin slot:))

I thought I had to make a massive improvement on last year to get in the top 10 this year because the field of Pro women was so amazing. But in fact all I had to do was the same as last year. That time would have been good enough for 10th this year. It’s pretty ironic that I thought I needed to take a risk, to put it all on the line. But really I just needed to do what I usually do- race sensibly and solid. Last year I missed the top 10 by less than 2 minutes and I worked out that I probably could have made that time up just in transtion. So this year I decided not to wear socks at all on the bike and I skipped long compression socks for the run since they take so long to get on. -My transitions were awesome!!

So what have I learnt from all of this?

• Stay hydrated! Be sensible. In Hawaii there is no room for mistakes.

• Banana Boat makes the best sunscreen for Ironman athletes! Factor 50 is excellent- and make sure you say YES when offered sunscreen in T2.

• The mind is a powerful beast- be kind to it and feed it well.

“The mind is the athlete, the body is simply the means it uses.” Bryce Courtney.

• I have some amazing sponsors and I’m really fortunate.

• I really love what I do.

Lots more to say, but really need to get this posted!

Home on the Sunny Coast after 5 amazing weeks.

Charlotte

I’m writing this on the deck of a Hotel in Waikiki, overlooking the surf…
Waikiki is chockers with triathletes- and you can spot us a mile off!

Writing this is a big struggle, but extremely therapeutic and helps me rationally evaluate my race. I’ve been through the post-race emotions.

It starts with the initial jubilation at finishing, it’s always amazing to finish, no matter the outcome. The crowds pick you up and make you feel special…The finish line is the most welcome sight after mile upon mile of never ending highway. You’re reminded of how fortunate you are to be there- to be really living- to have the ability to be experiencing this, the good and the bad- just experiencing.

The next feeling was I’ve got to sit down, and I need water…I had to grab someone I knew to lower me to the ground- the legs would not bend and support me simultaneously.

Not long after I had to be helped off the ground to hug a disappointed Pro friend in tears- I told her smiling,”it’s just a silly race, no-one died” and made her laugh. You put the best athletes in the sport all together in harsh racing conditions and you are bound to get fireworks. This year was no exception.

I was remarkably light hearted post race. It wasn’t until the following morning that I woke to feelings of shame, self-loathing, guilt and disappointment. I know this sounds harsh, but I was perfectly prepared and in great shape. I’d arrived on the Big Island one month early to acclimatize, train on the course and settle in to the routine. I’d placed 11th last year, and wanted to improve on that this year, but had ended up in 27th, Wowaa!
Why am I so harsh on myself? Well because this is my job. I poured a lot of money into this race, and a bad result on one day- the day that counts- means I don’t get paid- at all. You know, I know this is the way it is, and I accept the risk. So for one morning, after the race I allow myself to be down. Then the self-pity is over and I can move on:)
In the past I’ve dwelt on disappointments for far too long, and that’s been another lesson in itself- learning to deal with it. My ego is fine with it, I know I can do better. I’m far better at putting things into perspective than I used to be.

So I’m now on holiday on Oahu enjoying my recovery with some fun in the sun. It’s an amazing life, and I will ride the setbacks to live like this.

So what happened on race day?
Coming next!

Still smiling
Charlotte

Wowwwee time has flown!
Race day is just 2 sleeps away now.

The last 2 days have been COOKING here in Kona.
The temperature gauge inside the condo has been reading 90/32 degrees! You try and stay out of the heat- but there’s no escaping unless you stick on the air con, and you don’t want to do that…

So what’s going through my head right now??? I’m keeping relaxed and just getting what I need to get done, done!

I’ve got a notebook by my bed, that I’m reading at every opportunity…
What does it say?

Kona 09

*LASER BEAM FOCUS*
*For one day only* From START to FINISH
because I love what I do
A force-field of energy powering me around the course
100% determination + internal motivation

Am I achieving the best that is in me?
Can I do better?
Am I giving everything that I have?

W.I.N.
Whats Important Now?
Stay in the moment and make every swim stroke, every revolution of the pedal, every stride on the run the best that it can be.

If it’s windy on the bike, I will be saying…
“Mr Wind I know you are strong and I respect you.
But I am strong too and I am going to cut through you like a knife!”

I’ve had such a great build up here in Kona for the last month. I’ve had some World class training partners. I want to race with these girls on race day. I want to play up the front of the field- just like in training I don’t want to be left behind! This will be my mindset. I want to play up the front with my friends!

Everyone is motivated by different things. In the past I’ve dangled a carrot- a nice reward if I achieve my goals. But sometimes that doesn’t work when you’re out there hurting- sometimes you say stuff that “whatever” I don’t want it as much as I want to get off this course!!
This year I want to do well for the pure satisfaction of it.
I want to tick off my goals because I know how good it feels.
I’m simply chasing that feeling…

‘Till post race.
Thanks for tuning in.
I’m racer # 111. I like it!
go to www.ironmanlive.com for updates, results and a live video feed.
It all begins for the pros at 6.45am Saturday 10th October.

These are happy days
Good luck to everyone who’s racing. Enjoy.

Charlotte

I hope you enjoy the pics from our 3 weeks so far in Kona…

Kristian the great multi-tasker

Only in Hawaii

Arrived, and no excess baggage charges all the way from Aus, woohoo, thank you Hawaiian Airlines!

A super clear day, no vog and a view of Mauna Kea

One of my favourite things to eat in Hawaii is Ahi Poke and salsa

We bought this scooter from Craigslist- a Honda Ruckus- it's been fantastic

The view from our lanai

The first Kristian "mishap" a bee sting on the lip whilst descending Hawi

Pleasantly stuffed

oohhh the Ahi sashimi...heaven

Yep Jo Lawn and I pulled the boys all round the course:)

Re-fueling at Hawi with Jo Lawn, husband Armando and Craig Alexander

"Mishap" # 2. Kristian clipped Crowie's back wheel going at about 50kms/hr, thank goodness he didn't take the defending champ down with him!

I've been told this pic needs a warning attached! Now we wear gloves when we ride

The Wounded Man

Our Kona Pad

Friday morning swim group

It gets faster every week with some of Ironman's best swimmers showing up.

Thank goodness we re-group!

A romantic shot of the scooter

Kona has beautiful sunsets

I love my new Sanuks from Hawaiian Pedals

Shioni Sushi with friends, Luke McKenzie etc...

with Paolina Allan who stayed with us for a week, a Pro from Canada.

At the pier with Alicia Bockel and Amanda Balding

Beautiful Frangipanis, probably my favourite flower.

A recovery session by the Pool with Paolina

Limited Edition ironguides t's for ironguides Kona qualifiers.

When the bedroom is 30 degrees plus at night I've been relying on this stuff to get me to sleep- thanks to Jo Lawn!

Taper time and at last we can stop for photo opportunities

White Sands Beach along Alii Drive