Full-time work, two kids and 10-and-a-half hours of gruelling competition? No worries, says Angela Clarke.
The UQ SPORT athlete from Sherwood recently raced to an impressive win in the 40- to 44-year-old age group at the Panthers Ironman Australia Triathlon in Port Macquarie (April 6).
Winning by almost one hour over her closest rival, Mrs Clarke secured a spot in the World Ironman Triathlon Championships in Hawaii later this year.
The punishing event sees competitors endure a 3.8km swim followed by an 180km cycle before finishing off with a 42.2km run.
Mrs Clarke completed the event in 10 hours and 31 minutes in a field of approximately 1600 men and women from more than 30 countries.
“I was very happy and fought the demons of fatigue that start to invade your head space over a race that long,” Mrs Clarke said.
She is now back in training for the World Olympic Distance Triathlon Championships in Canada in June.
“It will be very different training specifically for the shorter distances of 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run,” she said.
The Australian Ironman is an official qualifier for October's Ford Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, an event Mrs Clarke has competed in twice before.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Hawaii despite the winds and searing heat,” she said.
“It is like no other race on earth.”
Mrs Clarke enjoyed a short break before recommencing training with coach and husband Rowan Clarke, who is a Level 2 triathlon coach.
“Rowan is so supportive and is actually much more talented than I am, having competed in Hawaii three times himself,” Mrs Clarke said.
“He knows how to get the best out of his athletes; he also knows how grumpy you can get after riding or running long distances and that helps.
“We’re up at 4.30am every morning to train, regardless of the weather.
“The most difficult part is fitting the training around the demands of our six and three year-olds and full-time jobs."
Mrs Clarke also trains at The University of Queensland under coach Jae Marr as a member of The University of Queensland morning swimming squad.
“I love training with Jae and the morning squad because we have a lot of fun whilst training hard.
“Everybody is really supportive of each other and there are surf and pool swimmers, triathletes and those training for fitness and fun; it is a great mix.
“Jae has a heart of gold and knows everyone by name, which you don’t get at too many places.
“He is also very knowledgeable, takes a keen interest in those competing and is one hell of a swimmer himself, so he has it all.”
As the 2006 World Long Course Champion in her age group and an Australian representative at eight world triathlon championships, Mrs Clarke is hoping her impressive record will attract sponsorship to help with plans for Hawaii.
MEDIA: Mrs Clarke (0434 116 488) or Stephen Danckert at UQ SPORT (07 3346 7520).