Greg Bowers- Ironman Cairns recap
After completing his second Ironman, A+ Athlete Greg Bowers discusses how his race went and describes his highlights of another solid Ironman performance.
If you are keen to give Ironman a go, Greg’s experience with training and racing can give you some inspiration that with great commitment and a positive mindset, you too can become an ‘Ironman’
Name: Greg Bowers, 55-59 Age Group
Describe your history of endurance sports…
I started with surf lifesaving competition in my early 20s through to early 30s, mainly ski paddling and I am still an active member of my local surf club. Over the past five years have been doing Kokoda Challenge, I guess hiking in the hills doing run/walking has given me the endurance to complete an Ironman. I also was originally training for a Red Bull event in New Zealand which was called off due to Covid so I was doing a lot of mountain bike riding, running, hiking and paddling at the time before I started Ironman triathlon.
What got you into Ironman Triathlon?
In working with Aaron with rehab and strength and conditioning and I was following the event in 2019 and I noticed that a friend (Perry) was in the same event. I contacted Perry to congratulate him and he suggested that I should do triathlon and have been competing in triathlon for the last year and a half.
Describe your Ironman training leading up to Cairns 2022…
I have had a lot of calf and foot injuries this year but managed to develop a program and work within my limits by doing walk/running leading up to Cairns. I was also struck down with the flu but managed to bounce back just in time to continue my training in the final block. I feel that my strength training and a structured triathlon program had set me up well for Cairns Ironman this year.
How did you feel in the week leading up to the race?
I was quite relaxed in the week leading up to the race although I had put my back out just a couple of days before but I seemed to finish alright after the swim and it didn’t trouble me any further.
What was the highlight of your Ironman day?
So many highlights… but one of the best parts of the race is finishing the ocean swim which is not my strongest leg but I came out feeling quite fresh before I hopped on the bike. I would have to say finishing another marathon and another Ironman is always the greatest highlight of the race and getting to that finish line with the crowd atmosphere and my family present is a top highlight.
What went well on the day?
Getting my nutrition right on the day was a bonus. Making sure I didn’t get dehydrated this year and having enough energy to push on in the bike leg which was something that we worked hard on to develop this year.
What events are you planning to take on next?
96km Kokoda Challenge, Sunshine Coast 70.3 and Noosa triathlon later this year.