Ironman 70.3 World Championships Taupō 2024 - Laura Beanland-Stephens

Five years ago, a young innocent amateur triathlete, donned in a pink and black camo trisuit, matching with her bestie braved her first half Ironman. You bet there were speed dealers and marmite and chip sandwiches . With a fair amount of luck and a huge amount of naivety, a ticket to Ironman 70.3 World Champs was stamped. 

Little did we know what was to unfold. 

After several years of hard yacker and a blow out at IMNZ in March, 2024 was about slowing down and finding the love again. With 70.3 WC locked in I knew I still had to do some work but my race intention was about enjoying myself and being open minded (slightly less aggressive than usual). I lapped up some different activities and even added rum racing on a Friday afternoon. The second half of this year was full of fun training sessions with friends which I love, nevertheless we worked hard! 

Things really clicked in time for December 14th. 

Feel good, race good. 

The girls were on. 

Lake Taupō was stunning and the rolling start made for a stress free swim.

Onto the ride and made some friends as we played cat and mouse on the new climbs and descents. The first half of the course was challenging but refreshing. Broadlands home is familiar territory but the wind was on our side making for a brilliant ride. PB power. 

No tears in T2, all was well. 

All about control and finding a rhythm on the run - Consistency is the goal. For the first time ever I knew exactly what I could do and I executed with a few laughs along the way. 

Equalled PB Half Marathon. Didn’t shit myself. 

The atmosphere was incredible. Another iconic day in Taupo. What a way to show the world what Aotearoa can offer. I truly had the best day I could have asked for. 

When I qualified for this race did I expect to have five years of racing under my belt and a whole new lifestyle? No way. But I’m so stoked with how it’s turned out. Though my fellow Triceratops no longer don the Lycra, they are still emotionally invested in the triceratop journey. I was lucky enough to board the hype train along with NHTC which makes for an entertaining ride, and of course always under the watchful eye of the meticulous Matt Kerr! 

What’s next? Who knows, let’s see where the wind blows.