Editorial: Top vibe at Claytons ironman

Do you remember Claytons, the non-alcoholic beverage coloured and packaged to resemble bottled whisky? "The drink you have when you're not having a drink" was the marketing message back in the day, but it entered the Kiwi vernacular as meaning "poor substitute" or "an ineffective solution to the problem".

Well Sunday's Ironman New Zealand 2012 race was a "Claytons Ironman" - the high winds that caused the previous day's cancellation of the annual 226km triathlon leaving only a half-ironman in their wake.

Naturally when the cancellation call was made at 4pm on Friday there was great disappointment. One had to feel for the rookies, and those in the shape of their lives. So much time and effort is needed to ready oneself for the holy grail of triathlon, not to mention the expense. For many it is a once-in-a-lifetime effort.

Personally, I took it on the chin - I had the 2010 Ironman to my name, wasn't enjoying the prospect of cold, wet, windy conditions, and had just picked up a cold. I was over "The summer that never was" a day too early.

The weather forecasters did get it right however. There was no way a safe event could have gone ahead on Saturday. But one must question whether or not the worldwide Ironman organisation, which must generate a large income through its multitude of events, could be better prepared for such occurrences. The logistical problems of rescheduling are understandable, but perhaps throwing a few dollars around could have made it happen.

After all 1421 people turned up to compete on Sunday, which was a beautiful day.

I would expect that many athletes tossed and turned over whether or not they could be bothered with the half-ironman. I certainly did. Ultimately my support crew insisted on an effort.

It wasn't a perfect performance by any means. The swim was a shocker. "Lay-down Sally" Robbins, the infamous Australian rower comes to mind. But I picked up 239 places on the bike and another 100 on the run for a respectable if unspectacular six hours 17 minutes finish. As I sat in the recovery tent I focused on the positives, including the fact that this was my first-ever half-ironman. A personal milestone to take home and think about.

Hawke's Bay athletes were everywhere, and some covered themselves in glory. Including the amazing Ali Hollington who was first in the women's 45-49 age-group, and tough-as-overcooked-steak Brett Mudgway, second in the men's 55-59 age-group. Both should be Kona (World Championships) bound. James Bell, rookie Faryn Ngawaka, Callum Campbell and John Moriarty were among those who joined them in finishing in under five hours. Respect to those talented people.

But it's the vibe that most remember, and while it was a half-ironman distance there was definitely an Ironman feeling on course. It felt good to be out there amongst people who in short order had put personal disappointment aside, looked at the glass as half-full and gone out to test themselves.

Just over halfway through the 90km bike it came to me that I had to forget the embarrassment of my swimming debacle, stay calm, work hard but not burn myself out. The job for the day was to thank the brilliant volunteers for giving up their Sunday, honour the supporters who lined the run route offering encouragement to all and sundry, and finish with a smile on my face for my loved ones and friends who had given me their support. That's what I did.

I can't afford to compete at Ironman New Zealand next year. But I sincerely hope 2013 doesn't have the Claytons factor. "I am an Iron" was funny for a moment, but it was an expensive joke for many.

Grant Harding's final Ironman New Zealand 2012 blog will appear on www.hbtoday.co.nz in the next 24 hours.