If I were to rate my ability to train for up to six months and compete in a marathon on a scale of one to ten, with 0 being unable to run at all and 10 being 100% capable, I would rate myself a two.

I wrote the above in a post on May 17, 2023. My body was so out of whack that I hadn’t run for over a year and would hold off running for another eight months.

Lying on my bed the night before the Noosa Triathlon, I was already a winner. I was able to line up and compete the next day and for me this was the victory. While the run distance was far from a marathon, I had done enough running to attempt the run leg in under an hour and have a crack at completing the Tri in a modest <3 hours.

The air at Noosa crackled with the energy of more than 7000 athletes. That unmistakable pre-race buzz mingled with a sunrise that cast a golden glow across the beach. Epic. Standing in my swim cap, tri-suit zipped up tight, the hum of thousands of athletes surrounded me, each here for the same challenge yet carrying their own story.

It was humbling to watch the professionals sprint to the water, swim like sailfish, and dance out of the ocean in 16 minutes. Mind blowing.

As the beep sent me off the line, I dove into the water, feeling a familiar surge of adrenaline and nerves. I’d been doing a swim a week for a few months, but nothing truly prepares you for the chaos of the swim start—the thrashing arms, the salty choppy water, the way my breath is all out of sync for a good five hundred meters. The gallon of water you chug without consent always instigates a thought of “What the fuck am I doing here? While I was overtaken by more people than I could count, soon a rhythm took over, and I latched onto the wake of someone as slow as me, looking up with some comfort, finally seeing the beach crowd on the shore get a little closer and mentally ticking off every meter conquered. I’m a poor simmer and I was as eager to get out as I was to get in.

Exiting the water was a relief and a jolt. The second I hit the transition area, the race shifted gears. Wet and barefoot, I pulled on my cycling shoes, threw on my helmet, and leapt onto the bike, legs pumping as I sped out onto the open roads. The course wound past beautiful big eucalyptus trees and coastal views that were equally breathtaking and punishing as one big steady infamous 2km Garmin Hill Climb loomed. My quads screamed at my brain, but my brain won the argument; my breath became shallow, but there was this inexplicable thrill—something about moving forward, feeling powerful yet humbled by the distance left to cover.

And then, there it was: the final transition, that final push. I pulled on my running shoes and started the 10K with legs that felt like they’d forgotten how to run. Each step was an exercise in sheer willpower, but along the sidelines, people cheered your name (by reading the race bib), kids held up handmade signs, residents hosed you down, and volunteers handed out water/electrolytes and smiles. They didn’t know me, but their support felt personal, lifting me through every gruelling step. I enjoy this threshold pain. It’s an interesting mental place, and it’s not for everyone, but I like it, it’s a beautiful place.

With my watch telling me I had only three K’s to go and tracking well under time, a sense of personal pride starts to carry some of your weight. A pleasant rush of emotion hit me as I neared the finish line. I’d made it—through the pain, the doubts of my time goal, the months of (limited) preparation. And there it was, the end of the race had arrived, a race that mentally somewhat starts when you sign up 11 months prior. Crossing that line, adrenaline and relief flooding my veins. The crowd was large and condensed at the finish straight. I could hear my parents yelling, “Go, Dom!!” as I smiled, a truly organic smile that comes with winning, not beating any of the thousands out there,  but winning for yourself, setting a challenging goal and completing it.

For one morning in Noosa, I wasn’t just competing and winning—I was thriving, surrounded by a community of people who understood what it means to push limits and to find out what you’re made of.

What a memorable few days on the road with my brother. Having a laugh, visiting family along the way, having my parents in the crowd, and simply having a crack, a crack at the race, a crack at life.

Race Details:

The Noosa Triathlon is one of Australia’s premier triathlon events, held annually in Noosa, Queensland. It’s part of the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival, a five-day event that includes a variety of athletic activities such as swimming, cycling, and running. Here are the main details:

1. Event Distances and Format
– Triathlon Format: The main triathlon race is an Olympic-distance triathlon consisting of a 1.5 km swim, a 40 km bike ride, and a 10 km run.
– Course: The course navigates through the beautiful scenery of Noosa, including its coastal landscapes and town center.

2. Participant Categories
– Elite and Professional Athletes: The Noosa Triathlon attracts some of the world’s best triathletes and competitive athletes.
– Amateur and Age Groupers: The event also welcomes thousands of age-group athletes who participate for personal goals or as part of a team.
– Team Events: Relay teams can participate, where each team member completes a single leg of the triathlon.

3. Event Festival Activities
– Multi-Sport Festival: The triathlon is the highlight of a week-long festival that includes running and swimming events, a cycling criterium, kids’ events, and other fitness challenges.
– Expo and Social Events: A large expo, community activities, and social gatherings make it a celebration for both athletes and spectators.

4. Popularity and Atmosphere
– High Participation: It’s the largest triathlon event in the world, drawing up to 13,000 participants and more than 40,000 spectators annually.
– Scenic Venue: Held in the beautiful beach town of Noosa Heads, the event is known for its vibrant atmosphere, scenic backdrop, and community involvement.

5. Timing and Climate
– Timing: The event typically takes place in late October or early November, when the weather in Queensland is warm but not too hot.
– Climate: Noosa’s warm spring weather makes it an ideal location for the event, though temperatures can vary, adding to the challenge for participants.

The Noosa Triathlon combines athletic challenge with festival fun, making it a standout event in the triathlon calendar!