"Surreal – I couldn't believe it. I just thought, 'did I really just do that?'" says Ironman world champion Laurelee Nelson.
The 65-year-old Kelowna woman completed the 226.3-kilometre triathlon in 12 hours, 47 minutes, 52 seconds in Kona, Hawaii.
The Ironman consists of a 3.8-km swim, 180-km cycle, and 42-km run. Nelson’s split times were 1:33:34 (swim), 6:33:59 (bike) and 4:26:44 (run).
"This was the first time I've won my age group, so that was pretty exciting," says Nelson.
Nelson has competed in 16 Ironman races.
"I knew where I was next in the race. My husband, Don, was keeping track, so when I saw him at the start of my run, he told me where I was in the mix. So I knew there was a chance if I kept going for the marathon."
Nelson has always been a runner. She got interested in triathlons, but because of family commitments, couldn't compete until later in life.
"I always had a dream that I would do them when I was 50," laughs Nelson.
Her first competition was in 2006, when she qualified for the worlds in her first attempt.
"Have a passion and love what you do. Put the time in. Sometimes, you don't feel like getting out there and swimming, biking or running ... but once you put the time in and finish that race, it's such a feeling of accomplishment and joy. I can't even explain it."
"Consistent training, but avoid overtraining so you don't get injury, especially at my age ... nutrition is key, maintaining your health and physical activity," says Nelson.
There's no slowing down for Nelson. "Since I got first in this one ... I automatically qualify for next year. Got one more to do, for sure."
- Sarita Patel, Castanet
