After a successful summer racing the Kiwi classics at home, Ironman Mark Bowstead is returning to Ironman Australia this weekend, keen to test his new-found running legs on the Port Macquarie course and determined to take an extra step or two further up the podium.
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The Auckland-based athlete, originally got into triathlon as a youngster for a bit of fun and a change of lifestyle, but he quickly realised he had a talent for swim/bike/run.
"I started triathlon at the age of 11 and I was a big computer gamer and had put on a fair bit, so I initially did it just to lose weight," Bowstead said.
"After winning the 20-24 age group at the long-distance worlds in Perth (2009), I decided that after I finished my university degree in Chemical and Material Engineering, I would give being a full time pro a crack.
"I did the Hy-Vee non drafting stuff for a while then primarily 70.3's before moving up to Ironman in 2016, at Ironman New Zealand.
"I had a great first race, finishing in the top ten and going 8.29 on debut."
Recovering from ITB surgery in late 2017, his 2018 started on a confidence-boosting third place in Port Macquarie that inspired him to madly chase the much needed points to give him a shot at a Kona dream.
"After Ironman Australia I went to Ironman Frankfurt where I placed eighth, but I still needed more points," he recalled.
"So, I tried to race again three weeks later at Ironman Whistler but that didn't go so well.
"I placed eighth there also, but it was a slow, tough day."
I started triathlon at the age of 11 and I was a big computer gamer and had put on a fair bit, so I initially did it just to lose weight.
- Mark Bowstead
Three Ironman races in three months, plus all the travel was a massive undertaking that left the Kiwi exhausted, desperately in need of a break and out of contention for the Ironman World Championship.
"My off season was August to October and I didn't do much, which was nice," he said.
"Training for the New Zealand season went quite well and I placed fourth in Taupo 70.3, third in the New Zealand half champs and sixth at Ironman New Zealand (8.25)."
He said his big goal for this year is to retain his love for the sport and he is looking forward to returning to Port Macquarie.
"I lost it a little last year and wasn't enjoying myself," he said.
To do better than last year at Port Macquarie is a big goal, so that leaves only second or first.
- Mark Bowstead
"This year I want to be on the start line fresher.
"I have also put a little less emphasis on the New Zealand racing with the hope to travel and race longer in the year.
"Lots of things are driving me this year.
"I got married in February and that was an amazing day.
"I am very motivated to keep improving over the Ironman distance and I am especially motivated to get my marathon time down."
"To do better than last year at Port Macquarie is a big goal, so that leaves only second or first. To run a 2.50 or faster is definitely a goal. I went 2.54 at Ironman New Zealand so that was a good start."
"I really liked the tough, honest course with roads like we ride all the time in New Zealand and awesome support on the run. I really like the smaller town Ironman, the locals are fully behind it and there is so much support.
"It's a bit like Taupo, which I love."
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