IMAGINE yourself standing on the beach, waiting to enter the water for your first Ironman triathlon. You and more than 2000 other people are about to feel what it's like to be in the middle of a human washing machine.
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When you finally find some clear water you settle in and swim 3.8km. After navigating your way around the swim course it's onto the bike for a 180km ride and once you've finished the bike it's a quick transition into your running shoes and 42.2km to the finish line. Sitting in the comfort of your own home just the distance involved makes it sound like an impossible feat. Now image doing the same distance, the same way but this time with your eyes closed.
That is exactly the equation facing Nathan Johnston as he tackles the Toyota Ironman Australia on May 4 for the second year running.
Johnston was diagnosed with a degenerative disease of the retina at the age of 14. By 17 just 10 per cent of his vision remained.
Last year he overcame his own physical barriers and everything the Ironman could throw at him to hear the words, "Nathan Johnston you are an Ironman."
While Johnston's Ironman experience is very different from most people, his reason for coming back is a common one.
"I want to go faster. Finishing last year was a big highlight in my life, so here I go again," he said.
"I've learnt to improve my nutrition and know what to expect so no more Coco Pops for breakfast and fisherman's baskets for dinner!"
Not only is he back but so too is his trusty guide, former professional Glenn Gorick.
Gorick will run, swim and ride with Johnston during the Ironman to ensure his safety and help him along the way.
"Nathan made it clear there were no options and told me no was not in the equation, but seriously it's an honour to be his guide," he said.
"I'd say it was the most moving experience in my long history with triathlon and Ironman and surpassed anything I did even as a professional," Gorick said.
Johnston's Ironman dreams don't end at the finish line of Toyota Ironman Australia, they extend all the way to the big island of Hawaii. One day he hopes to be on the start line for Ironman World Championship in Hawaii with his guide Gorick right by his side.
