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Testimonials
This is my story.
Back in the early 90's I first became aware of an event called Ironman. I had recently moved to New Zealand from Australia and did some running with a couple of friends who were training for IM. I was quite taken with the challenge of participating in such an event. My corporate role prevented me committing to the training required to do IM however I thought one day I will become an Ironman. Some years later I was at a conference in Taupo on IM weekend. The buzz was something again that reminded me one day I will do the event and one day become an Ironman. Corporate was still preventing me committing. In late 2005 i was thinking about my next birthday (Turning 50). I wanted to do something different, something extreme and decided to commit to Ironman as a birthday present. The decision to commit was easy, the reality was the challenge. I hadn't done any serious swimming or biking since my teens, however I had a reasonable running base and I worked out 5 to 6 times a week. It was around February 2006 that I was introduced to Walter. I shared my goal with him, we had some frank discussions and he indicated that if I was committed he would coach me. He must have wondered what he had taken on as I struggled to swim a length of the Parnell pool and I got excited when I came back with an average 24kph after 3 hours on the bike. Anyway the rest is history, I became an Ironman in March 07 (11 hours 45 mins 15 mins inside my goal time of 12 hours). The feeling was amazing! It is more than just competing in an event. The personal satisfaction is one thing, but the learning that comes out of the program is just awesome. I have been pretty successful in my business life however I wanted to test my ability to see if i could set goals and achieve them in other areas. Did I have the drive? Could I commit? Did I have the self discipline? Could I overcome adversity? Am I able to plan and organise? Could I unlearn bad habits? I have answered those questions. Importantly I am continuing to answer those questions as i set myself new goals. In July 07 I will be competing in The World Longcourse Championships in France (who would have ever thought just 18 months ago).
How do I feel? Bloody good! I am fitter than I have been in 35 years, I am achieving results that I would have only dreamed about and I am continuing to amaze myself with what can be achieved if you put your mind to something. Walter told me to be patient, to trust the program and to be consistent. I have done that and it works. I have met and trained with some fantastic people who are part of Walters' team. Some of them are fantastic athletes. The support, encouragement and camaraderie are something that is unique in this group Walter needs to take credit for this. Most important the game is fun. Watch this space - Game on!
Thanks Walter.
That's my story.
Andrew Davidson