CAMDEN Haven’s Cass Garvan dug deep to accomplish a personal milestone on Sunday, 4 May, completing the Port Macquarie IRONMAN 70.3 race for the first time.
Her journey into this demanding sport was spurred by a desire for a new challenge, along with an invitation from her close friend Louise Beale.
“I had set myself a goal to compete in a triathlon before I turned 40 and when Louise asked me to join her, it just felt as if the time was right,” said Cass.
No stranger to endurance sports and with a strong background in swimming, Cass set to work.
Teaming up with Louise, the dynamic duo immersed themselves in a demanding training routine in readiness for the race.
Their regimen included vigorous daily training sessions, strict adherence to dietary plans and adequate rest periods.
Nothing is ever smooth sailing in sport however.
Unfortunately, the swim leg of Sunday’s race was cancelled due to concerns regarding water quality, leaving many first-timers unsure how to tackle the modified race format.
For Cass, a talented swimmer, the cancellation of the swim leg was a particularly tough blow.
“Waking up to the news that the swim leg had been cancelled due to water quality, I was automatically gutted,” said Cass.
“Being a swimmer, this is my calming leg, it gets my body moving and puts me in the right headspace.
“I cried the whole way driving into Port, thinking I would rather the race just be cancelled as I wasn’t even about to compete in my first triathlon, this would only be a duathlon.”
Despite her initial reluctance to participate, Cass soon rallied.
“After seeing my family and friends, especially Lou, I thought to myself, I am just going to do it,” she said.
“I am going to enjoy it and see what the day brings.”
Reflecting on her first Ironman experience Cass remains undeterred, expressing determination to tackle another race in the future.
“Hitting the red carpet at the end of the course is just as fantastic as everyone says it is,” she said.
“ l loved every minute.
“Will I do another one? Hell yes, with a swim leg of course.”
By Kim AMBROSE
