#DidITellYouImAnIronman 2.0
Well here I am, about to board a plane to Perth for Ironman Busselton 2018. Peer pressure got me to Ironman Port Macquarie in 2017 and those three pushy people have got me again. I couldn't possibly miss out being part of the awesome foursome Di, Dawn and Kev now with new +Plus Performance additions Kay, Hany and Sarah. Thanks goes out to Racing Heart who has turned this reluctant cat into a more streamlined panther.
Why am I crazy enough to repeat 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run all in about 14hrs and 25mins? Because I want the IM tattoo, oh wait, I may have one of those - I'll just get it underlined this time. I'm doing it because I can. I'm fortunate to be healthy enough to push my body to its limits in one of the biggest endurance events out there.
As you know I have been involved in the Can Too Foundation for ten years, raising money for cancer research. Can Too has trained over 15,000 people in running, swimming and triathlon, to raise over $20 million in only 13 years. All the money raised goes towards cancer prevention, finding cures for cancers and ways to lessen the side effects of current cancer treatments. Sadly cancer affects too many of us. Through life saving projects that the Can Too grant recipient researchers work on, you and I have far more people in our lives than we would have 20 years ago without such research.
Many of you have generously donated to my Can Too antics to help me reach $28,000 for cancer research, but why stop there? No pressure for those that have over generously donated to me in the past. If you have a spare lobster $20 in your wallet it's probably better heading off to a sterile lab with petri dishes than to the bottle shop for a chilled sauv blanc. Don't feel obliged but you're welcome to click the link and send it off to the lab.
Thank you and I'll see you in 14.5hrs 
#Diditellyouimanironman
Did I tell you I'm an Ironman. Wow. Where do I start? My ego and head are so huge right now. FIGJAM. Thank you to everyone who has given words of encouragement and support over the last 6 months of ridiculous self indulgent training. Thank you to the support crew who stood for 17 hours cheering for us on and all of you sending Facebook messages and laughs during the day of social media domination by protégé. Ironmen can't breathe without StandingMen. Thank you to Ironman pioneers who've gone before me and gave me invaluable tips and were with me on Sunday. 'Own the shute' 'Victoria Sponge'
To give you some figures we swam 3.8km, cycled 180km and ran 42.2km. Flat out. I didn't stop. 1071 participants of which 17% were GIRLS. In my case completing all this within 14hrs 25mins, this is an extreme sport and not many people in the world are in the club. It's all the fault of peer pressure from Diane Tremain, Dawn Hillier-Davis and Kevin Davis who got me into this fine mess.
I couldn't have wished for better conditions. The swim, in a river was fantastic and over before I knew it. The bike, all 7hrs 19mins was picturesque with a highlight screaming You're the Voice up Mathew Flinders with the Fonginator. The run was bouncy and smiley for the first 10km. Getting it done until 20km. Swearing to 30km and crying for the last 10km.
The finish Shute, I was told to 'own it'. I rocked it. It is a different dimension. The lights. The music. My heels lifted and I flew down that M Dot carpet as the pain and exhaustion washed away. So thankful for my health to carry me. As soon as I crossed the line and the medic grabbed me with my towel and medal, I sobbed. Ironman sobs. Uncontrollably. I-am-an-Ironman.
I can't believe how well I've recovered and this is testament to the coaching from Gordo #plusperformance and nutrition #keepingteresahappy
From starting my running career with #cantoo in 2008. I'm forever grateful for the journey I began.
So what's next? As I was running at 9:30pm Sunday Ironman was a once only event. However, by Wednesday I'm planning the next one!
Thank you everyone. I can't name you all because you'll be tagged in this message forever, and I don't want to forget anyone as you've all made my IM journey memorable. I love yous all.
I chose to do this event for a cause that so rightly is bigger than my ego. To acknowledge that I have just been on a very selfish journey if you would like to recognise my awesomeness with the cost of a bottle of wine, then I did my first Ironman in honour of 1in 2 of us that may be affected by cancer by our 85th birthday. http://www.cantoo.org.au/fundraisers/ClaireRobertsonironman
Thank you to those that have generously donated.
I'm training and fundraising for cancer research with Can Too
I am training for an event with Can Too, a health promotion organisation that engages and inspires individuals and the community to achieve personal health, wellbeing and altruistic goals.
Beginners and experienced athletes alike are given professional coaching as part of a team to run, ride or swim in endurance events- including 10km, half-marathon and marathon runs, ocean swims and triathlons.
In return, I am raising valuable funds that go towards innovation in the prevention, care and control of cancer through Cure Cancer Australia and Cancer Council NSW.
Thank you for supporting me!
‘It’s so much fun and I can’t believe I’m going to achieve this goal that I never thought possible. A great program and team support is making it possible. You Can Too!’
Thank you to my Sponsors
$260
Mary Lincoln
$260
Robbie Robertson
Fantastic achievement two times IRONMAN
$145.60
Lucy
Crazy crazy women, but an inspiration!!
$104
Lynda Raymond
$104
Zoe Taylor
Amazing effort Claire! Hope the seas are calm, the road smooth and the wind behind you! X
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Bettie!
Miss Bettie - go you good Iron Bettie you! Looking forward to toasting your success! HUGS! xx
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Chisiwck Plumbing
Have a great race Loz and Kay X
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Derek
I love it, Claire the Iron(ing) lady!
$100
Simone Abrahams
Bloody legend Claire Robertson. Go girl!!
$100
Julie Hill
You are such an incredible athlete. Your drive, determination and humour is fantastic to follow on FB. Thank you for supporting a great organisation. Keep us posted super woman xx
$100
John Morris
Smee again - see you at the finish!
$100
Pipster Davis
Happy birthday Claire, thank you for giving me so much inspiration to do another crazy event! you're an absolute legend xox
$95.20
Anna Donohoe Matched Giving
$85
Claire Robertson
Thanks Aunty Janet
$52
+plus Performance
Proud coach :-)
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Elizabeth Nade
Dead set legend Claire!!!!
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Kay
$52
Jp
Great work legend!
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Danielle And Clive Billinghurst
Geez ... Didn't know it was a FULL ironman that you were training for!! That's some serious training and a full on event to conquer. Gone are the days for 'tiny' half marathons for you!! Enjoy crossing the finish line and knowing you've done it - very awesome and very inspiring.
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Allison Heffernan
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Robyn Harper
You're amazing Claire. And crazy. And I'm sure you'll get through this latest amazingly crazy endurance test and send us smiling photos at the end!
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Georgie
Good luck you crazy IM2B! Looking forward to hearing all about it - I'm assuming there will be lots more photos and stories of this one than Disney and NY!
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Lee Lee & Mike
Claire Bear Have I told you lately that you are completely nutso & I love you for it!?!? Been fabulous to see your smiling face through all these ridiculous training sessions! You've made it look easy (no - I'm not signing up)! Enjoy as best you can! :op Trust in the training and before you know it - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!! Bloody brilliant! With you all the way! xox
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Carla Polson
Go Claire!! So inspiring! I wish the few hundred of us in orange who you have supported over the years could be there to return the chat on the day but we will be there in spirit! Can't wait to see the victory laps with your medal!!
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Susie Heath
You are amazing Claire and an inspiration. Am sure you will smash it, and what an achievement and well deserved massive medal at the end. Good luck and can't wait to here all about it. x
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Gina Teague
A huge heart, strong legs, and a wicked sense of humour. So Heres to you, Ms Robertson, you totally got this. Thanks for all you do for CT and cancer research.
$52
M.
It's all about the socks Claire. :-) You'll still do Friday 4000s (or 5800) with me when you're done? Right?
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Flip
You're a legend - can't wait to see you smash this!!
$50
Kay Harris
$50
Jo, Dan, Bella And Gracie
Good luck Claire - we are in absolute awe of what you are doing and the amount of training it takes to achieve this - looking forward to you being an Ironman (i Ron man) and watch out for those car backs! Xx
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Emma
You inspire me xx
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Paul Philpot
Go for it Claire – I'm seriously wowed! I've just lost a family member to cancer, and another is recovering.
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Anne Massey
Go Claire! Beyond impressed with your commitment, and cannot wait to see you become an 'IRONMAN'! No doubt at all that you have got this..........and looking forward to celebrating with you afterwards :)
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Clare Hovey
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K-lo
Go get 'em Claire!
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Kim Cook
Claire you are a complete inspiration. Go well and enjoy!
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Jo Hall
You are such an inspiration Claire Robertson. Good luck!
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Katrina Graham
You fit more activity into a morning before work than most do in a day. I can't wait to see you cross that line and get your shinny medal! xx
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Theresa Kennedy
Claire you are simply amazing! You will smash this event as you always do and I hope you have a fab day and celebration after. x
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Margie Attard
Wishing you a wonderful Ironman on Sunday Claire! You are amazing! Mx
$41.60
Wardys
You complete nutter ???? Lots of best wishes and admiration from Sara David Katie & Emma x
$41.60
Kate Brown
This feels like an elaborate practical joke that's gotten really out of hand. And no-one knows your secret escape word...
$41.60
Gina Teague
Thanks for showing us all how you can dig deep and still keep smiling! Total respect & awe, TC / SP!
$41.60
Jane From Hk
Congrats on becoming an IRONMAN - hope the medal was worth it
$31.20
Barb
Ironman and NYC marathoner - that was the best kept secret ever.
$31.20
Felicity Cox
$31.20
Kate
So, do you win money for finishing this Ironman?
$31.20
Vickianne
You're a true champion! Go out there & enjoy yourself!
$30
Barb
I will have a champagne and watch a movie in your honor on the 7th.
$26
Anna Hole
$26
Anna Hole
While you are becoming an iron person again, I am becoming drunk. Hazzah for day drinking and donating to charity concurrently!
$20.80
Mary Lincoln
$20.80
Sarah Kerrsmith
You are totally amazing Claire (I'll never do a marathon!!) and a complete inspiration. Xxxx
$20.80
Kathryn Lowry
Found a spare lobster. Go you good thing!
$20
Anne Massey
You are awesome! Go girl ??
$10.40
Belfong #oneword
Congratulations IronWoman 2.0! So proud of you. Love your attitude and the positive energy you bring to this sport! #DidITellYouIAlsoDidAnIronman
