![\"DEL_7367](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/DEL_7367-copy-2.jpg\")
[\/insert]<\/p>\nTwo more sleeps until Ironman Melbourne… <\/p>\n
Happy\u2026
\nI was sitting in the press conference earlier today with literally some of the greatest athletes in Triathlon. It\u2019s both humbling and exciting to be up there with these guys and girls. The women\u2019s field for IM Melbourne is very, very strong, so watch out for an exciting and hard-fought race with some fast times going down.<\/p>\n
When it comes to the men, I think it\u2019s also going to be a big race. I\u2019m going in there as the #2 seed, behind German Nils Frommhold. The last time I saw Nils on the course, I was in a world of pain! It was at Kona and I was working hard at holding it together in the last few kms of the run after having the stuffing kicked out of me going through the Energy Lab. Cramping badly, I watched Nils pass me to take 6th place in the 2014 IM World Championship.<\/p>\n
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Sitting next to me, in front of the Press was another legend of Triathlon, Luke Bell. This guy has had an epic career. After 14 years he\u2019s still going like a steam train- it\u2019s inspiring to see how he keeps on keeping on.<\/p>\n
Overall, I feel that life is good! I\u2019m happy to be here in Melbourne competing with these guys, plus some good up-and-comers. It\u2019s going to be a great race- whatever the conditions turn out to be on the day\u2026 and that could be literally anything!<\/p>\n
Hungry\u2026
\nI\u2019ve been working hard for this race. After Kona last year, IM Melbourne has been my main focus and I\u2019ve certainly put in the hard yards over the last 6 weeks in particular. Mentally and physically I\u2019m feeling well-prepared. I haven\u2019t had any issues with sickness or injury, so I\u2019m raring to go this weekend.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve had an IM win and I\u2019m hungry to get on that podium. And I\u2019d love to do it here in Melbourne. The hard work\u2019s done, I\u2019m fully prepared and on Sunday morning the plan is not to over-think, but just to stay loose, let things flow, give it my best shot and have fun. And I guess, worst case scenario\u2026 Luke Bell\u2019s place is at the 30km mark of the run. If things get too tough, I can always stop in there for a cold, refreshing brew on the way through!<\/p>\n