Moree's Sally Poole has completed one of sport's toughest challenges: finishing an Ironman race.
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Poole competed at her first Ironman challenge in Port Macquarie on May 5, which involves a 4km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run.
not only did she complete the race, she finished 17th out of 38 competitors in her age group with a time of 12 hours and 38 minutes.
"I was really happy with that," Poole said.
Poole has been training with an old school friend and professional triathlon athlete Rebecca Hoschke through her Racingheart coaching program for the last three years and Poole had an Ironman challenge on her to-do list.
She is also the Goondiwindi Triathlon Club secretary and has been training hard over the past three months, competing in numerous triathlons and other events, including Hell of the West in Goondiwindi.
Poole credited Hoschke for all her efforts in coaching, particularly fitting it around Poole's work hours.
"It's a bit of a challenge, but my coach is really mindful that everyone has lives. She designs a training program around that," Poole said.
"I guess having worked with her for a while, she offered great advice, not to put too many expectations, just to go out and enjoy the experience.
"I felt really well prepared. It was just a matter of breaking it down into small pieces and not letting the enormity of it get into my head."
Poole praised the Port Macquarie community for putting on a great event and also thanked the Goondiwindi triathlon community for their support.
"We had our president down at the race spectating and sending updates so that was very kind of everyone to wish me so well."
