In an extraordinary performance, Stawell's Jamie Bennett has completed his first ironman at the Asia-Pacific Ironman held in Melbourne.
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The 43 year old Stawell policeman started training in June of last year after finally committing to the full course.
"I've done several half ironman challenges before, but I have always wanted to do the full ironman," Bennett said.
Bennett remembers watching the Hawaii Ironman and thinking it was something he must do and to achieve that now he couldn't be more excited.
"Once you finish it's really strange. It's like oh well done that, it wasn't so bad," he said.
Bennett, who for all the half ironmans has completed his own training, decided he would seek professional help to get him through the full event.
The Asia-Pacific Ironman held in Melbourne consists of a 3.9 kilometre swim, 180.2 kilometres on the bike, and then 42.2km running.
A phenomenal effort for anyone to complete while maintaining a full time job and his family life.
Bennett joined Team Try Coaching in June last year and ever since, has been receiving fortnightly training programs.
Team Try Coaching is based in Melbourne, but worked with Bennett in conjunction with his busy lifestyle, to provide him with every possibility of completing the race.
"The training was pretty tough. It was varied throughout the three activities, but I guess the main focus was on swimming because it was my weaker leg," Bennett said.
The transition from swimming in the Stawell pool and Ararat pool to the open water was a shock for Bennett.
"I know you don't drink the water, but it does get in your nose and mouth and it took some time to get used to the salt water," he said.
Bennett's favourite leg of the race is the bike ride which is lucky considering the distance and time it takes.
After 10 hours and 38 minutes of intense activity, Bennett crossed the line to be greeted by his family.
Although not a spectator friendly sport, his family were there when he left the starting post and there when he crossed the line showing great support.
Bennett pulled up well, but he has a nice friction burn on the top of his neck thanks to his wetsuit.
The competitive edge of Bennett is encouraging him to do another Ironman to better his time.