BENDIGO triathlete Nathan Meade is just days away from the biggest event of his racing career.
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The 31-year-old will contest the Kona Ironman on October 12 in Hawaii.
A lot of Meade's training is in the Bendigo East Aquatic Centre pool or on the bike.
An injured right foot led to being in a "moon boot" for at least six weeks and no running.
"I have been running the past three weeks and the foot is fine now," Meade said of running between 70 and 80 kilometres a week.
"I will go to Hawaii healthy and keen to race well."
The trek to Kona was first triggered by watching a video of the triathlon classic in a year 10 physical education class.
Meade qualified for Kona when he raced to second place in the 30-34 years class at the Cairns Ironman in June.
A 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run was done in 9 hours 19.05 minutes in an event which doubled as the Asia Pacific championship.
"Racing at Kona is going to be a massive challenge," he said of competing in the event for the first time.
"There are so many unknowns. The heat and humidity will be a lot different to what conditions were like in Cairns."
Meade has gained tips from Bendigo Triathlon club-mates such as John Flood, David Meade and Jason Sim about the Kona experience.
"They have all been a great help."
Racing in the ocean is a challenge Meade is looking forward to.
"The current and winds can be extremely strong, which makes it tough for all three legs of the triathlon, but everyone has to deal with it."
A lot of Meade's focus is on the cycling leg.
"It's not easy to make rapid gains, but being able to improve by a couple of minutes in each makes a huge difference as to the finishing order."
There will be plenty of support for Meade in Hawaii.
Those heading to Kona include his wife Kelsey and their daughter India who will be three-months-old on race day.
Nathan's parents, Shane and Shiree, and Kelsey's parents, Pete and Kerri, and Nathan's sister Sophie, brother-in-law Cam and nephew Otis will also be cheering him on.
It's not easy to make rapid gains, but being able to improve by a couple of minutes in each makes a huge difference as to the finishing order.
- Nathan Meade
When not swimming, cycling or running, Nathan Meade is hard at work at National Tiles and Carpet Call.
"In terms of ironman triathlons, this is the ultimate," Nathan Meade declared.
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