FOR many of this year's Ironman competitors, family is the key motivation that spurs them through the tough times on the gruelling 226 kilometre course.
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On Sunday, that will certainly be the key for Port Macquarie's Nicole Bann-Murray who will have her husband, daughter and two sons on hand, just as they have been throughout her training.
Under the guidance of well known fitness guru Pete Murray, Bann-Murray has competed in the Ironman 70.3 events in Port Macquarie but is yet to tackle her first full course, something she says she is looking forward to.
"I really don't know what made me decide to do a full Ironman," she said. "A lot of my friends also compete so having a lot of support there made me keen to do it sooner rather than later, as well as watching it last year."
The 42-year old was raised in Port Macquarie and has spent 14 years in the UK, returning five years ago with her husband and children in tow.
She placed fifth in her age group at the 2012 70.3 and was just four minutes slower when she raced last year, with her goal to finish on Sunday in a time of less than 12 hours.
"My key goal is to finish, and if I can do that in less than half a day that would be great," she said. "All of my training group are fantastic and very competitive so it's great to have them there to push me on.
"On top of that, my kids often do my running and swimming training with me and my husband does all of the bike training with me so that's kept me really motivated." Those training partners that she calls family are also volunteers and will be at the finish line to clap her home.
While she admits the long bike leg will be tricky for her, she is still confident of doing well.
"I heard it will be quite windy on the day and 180km is quite a distance," Bann-Murray said. "However I'm feeling well prepared for it so hopefully it should all come together."
Head down to the course on Sunday and cheer Bann-Murray and the rest of the Port Macquarie contingent on.
If you can't make it to the course make sure you keep up-to-date with all the latest race information on the day with Twitter: @IRONMANAsiaPac
Facebook: IRONMAN Asia Pacific
Instagram: ironmanasiapac
Event hastag: #IMOZ .
And don't forget to grab Monday's Port News next week for a full comprehensive guide to the finishers, volunteers and supporters.
