Crew

Ahhhh Ultraman! Four years ago I crewed Carmen and got a taste of what the fuss was all about. That, and Rich Roll was enough to persuade me to apply and have my own crack at the big daddy of triathlon. I finished the race in 2019 having not done a triathlon in 20years and walked away stoked. One of my crew members that year was one of my best mates Ricky Taylor, so when he asked me to crew for him this year at his attempt it was a no brainer. So, on Friday (after a snappy tattoo appointment) it was to his house to prep up.

Now, let me tell you something about Ricky Taylor. I love that guy from the bottom of my heart. HOWEVER, when it comes to endurance sports he frustrates the life out of me. He takes training reasonably casual (he still did his fair share of long hauls for this event), probably half the amount I would do. He then crushes whatever event he has built for and remains pretty darn relaxed in the process. I truly believe he has the ability to be a VERY good endurance athlete but he is just happy doing things the way he does them and not giving up his existence to train every waking moment of the day. At the same time, I love him for this.

So. Ultraman. Day 1 - 10k open water swim, 145k bike. Day 2 - 280k bike. Day 3 - 85k run. Big.

Anyways, we rolled into the start of Day 1 with the crew of Brad (who coached and crewed for me), Rickys girlfriend Grace, best mate Dan, Ricky Dan (yes, very confusing) and myself. Ricky Dan paddled for Ricky during the swim which he demolished. For someone who swam like once a week for the last month or two before the race (see previous paragraph) he crushed it. It was then onto the bike and out for a little spin. Nothing super remarkable happened apart from Ricky doing so so well. He ended the day around 10th I believe. Then, home, unpack, repack the van, eat and sleep. Day 1 in the bag!

Day two is a big day. Potentially 10hrs on the bike and it is pretty unrelenting. Ricky just ticked away, climbing well, passing plenty of competitors and only showed very small signs of some cracks before the Kenilworth Climb, roughly half way through the day. I handed him a gel and he rallied, cruising up it. To sum up a massive day, he really nailed it. He rode strong, stayed positive and powered for home once he hit Bli Bli. To be honest, getting through Day two without crashing, mechanicals or bonking is a win in itself. Coming away with only a few saddle sores was another success.

Home, unpack, repack the van, eat, sleep, here we go again.

Now, Ricky is allegedly a runner. Ok, so he’s pretty darn decent, so there was a little self induced pressure on him going into day three, the double marathon. The biggest barrier to the day…it was blowing wind and absolutely pissing down rain. All day. Like, near the Palmer golf course, knee deep water on the main road and countless other spots where it was ankle deep! Wild! However, Ricky was unshakeable. He started solo then I jumped in and did 18ish km with him. It was super rad. I then sat in the van absolutely drenched and cold, crewing and letting the others have a run. After mildly warming up and a few hours, I got back after it and it was my job to push him home. To be fair, I don’t think I did a lot cause he was really very strong (apart from a few dry heaves and a busted leg) so we just did what we do and pushed it as much as he was able to the finish. After a fantastic run up Noosa Main Beach with the crew, just like that, it was over as quick as it started. Having all said and done he finished 9th place overall and it was a remarkable effort by Mr Taylor. He ate, drunk, recovered and performed so so well. Well played Sir.

It was a fantastic weekend. After another stupidly wet and windy solo 3hr 30min run on the Tuesday, meeting the dieting for the run in Hervey Bay and seeing the Chiropractor on the way through to home, it was a massive five days. I came back pretty stuffed but super grateful to have another life memory shared with Ricky. I treasure him as a friend, sounding board, sometimes training buddy and all round good bloke. I love you brother and I am so proud and honored you chose me as one of your crew members for such a big occasion. Well done; rest and recover mate and we will catch up for another round of fun soon.

For everyone else, have a rad week, stay posi and I'll write ya next week. Consistency + Commitment.