She rarely does triathlons but ranked 5th in her category, 25th among women, in a world-renowned gruelling race

Competing in an Ironman 70.3 event is no small feat, and even more so when you rarely partake in endurance triathlons. Also known as a Half Ironman, the Ironman 70.3, organised by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), is renowned worldwide for its gruelling yet rewarding nature.

The "70.3" in the event's name represents the total distance of 70.3 miles (113km) that participants cover. This endurance test comprises a 1.2-mile (1.9-km) swim, a challenging 56-mile (90-km) bike ride, and a demanding 13.1-mile (21.1-km) run. Each of these distances is precisely half the length of the corresponding segment in a full Ironman Triathlon. In essence, Ironman 70.3 pushes athletes to their limits, requiring unwavering determination to conquer its three distinct components and reach the finish line.

For presenter and former race driver Claire Jedrek, the challenge of Ironman 70.3 Langkawi beckoned. Her venture into the world of triathlons began in 2015. However, it was only in the past two years that she decided to elevate her commitment to the sport. “Just like motorsport, it’s a numbers and data game. I wanted to see an improvement competition-wise, and I wanted to extract the maximum out of my training and my abilities,” she shares. 

It was a conversation with her coach, Kent Cross from KOA Sports in Australia, that introduced the idea of competing in the Ironman 70.3 Langkawi. This event represented a significant departure from her usual sprint triathlons, which typically lasted no more than an hour and a half, allowing for an all-out effort. Transitioning to endurance triathlons became the latest challenge in her fitness journey.

In a truly remarkable feat, Claire triumphed over the challenge with unwavering dedication. Her tenacity and resolute spirit were rewarded as she clinched the 5th position in her category, an impressive 25th among women, and an outstanding 157th place in the overall rankings. Reflecting on her achievement, Claire shared, “I definitely felt really good at the end of the race. After looking at the data and my overall feelings, I realised there were opportunities for me to push myself further. This first Ironman was for me to see how my transitions to long races would affect my body putting all the three disciplines together in a single day. [Above all,] I also just really wanted to enjoy this experience.”

Here, she tells us a little more about competing and conquering the demanding course, as well as how technology helped play a part in her success. 

The Ironman 70.3 Langkawi is known for its challenging course. What inspired you to take on this race as your first triathlon, especially considering the tough reputation it has among first-timers?

Claire Jedrek: I hadn’t looked up the triathlon course at all when I agreed to join, and it was only after I joined that other friends who had done Ironman’s warned me this was a hard course because of the heat and the really hilly bike course. It’s not a favourite for many. 

It’s a good thing I actually really like hill climbing, so I wasn’t too worried about cycling – it was more of the overall heat while running and making sure that I had the proper nutrition. Racing for six hours in the sun isn't really my idea of fun, but it was a checklist destination and race. So I’m really glad that I took the leap into endurance racing.

Walk us through your race strategy.

CJ: My strategy was just to pace myself throughout to make sure that I felt really good in the 21km at the end, as I have never done a half marathon after a 1.9km swim and 90km bike ride. I usually push on hills for training, but I chilled a little to save my legs.

You mentioned experiencing an intense headache during the swim. Can you tell us more about that experience and how you managed to overcome it to complete the race?

CJ: I could feel the headache when I turned my head down and up. I knew I had some emergency medication in my nutrition pouch and decided to use it and I gave myself half an hour of cycling time to kick in and then I would decide if I would carry on. I knew that if the headache was there before I ran, it would be game over in the heat and it wouldn’t be worth it to risk it. It cleared up after the 10km mark and I was able to finish the bike ride and carry on the run without any more physical drama.

You described the emotional moment during the bike ride when you cleared the headache. Can you share more about your mental and emotional journey during the race, including any key moments that stood out for you?

CJ: I definitely was overcome with emotion when my headache disappeared, and I teared up a little. It was one year of training for this day, so to be able to carry on and conquer the next section felt momentous. 

There was some anxiety leading up to the race, because not knowing what to expect from your body and the course is always beyond your control. I reminded myself to always panic slowly in every section because I could control emotions. I really enjoyed the race when the streets were lined with kids and teenagers looking for high-fives. I lost count how many I waved at too. The smiles and cheers from randoms were everything too. Human moments like those make it worth it.

How did technology play a part in your race?

CJ: I've been using an Apple Watch since the Series 2 in 2016, so I've seen amazing tech development over the last seven years. Coming from motorsport, I love data and the Apple Watch really feels like an extension of who I am, right on my wrist. 

The sport functionality coupled with daily data from Apple Watch is really unparalleled and I’m really loving the latest watchOS 10 updates. I love to cycle and the updates to cycling workouts such as now being able to see my cycling power (watts) is game changing, as it lets me know where I need to be pushing or slowing down in a race.

The last thing I need is a watch that I need to take extra care of, robust is exactly what it has to be and that’s what I get from Apple Watch Ultra 2. To be able to go from different temperatures including cold/hot pools, steam rooms, and survive my daily and textured life is on the priority list and knowing the amount of tech that is crammed in this tiny watch, makes Apple Watch Ultra 2 perfectly suited for my daily living. 

I wear my watch from the moment I wake up, to the moment I sleep. I check for Heart Rate (HR) and Heart Variability consistently and you can learn a lot when you wear Apple Watch for that data. When I’m at my peak of training and fitness, my HR is lower and steady. When I’m sick or under stress or even had a drink or two, you can see how my Heart Rate increases and this also affects my sleep.

Langkawi is known for its beautiful landscape. Could you share some of your favourite moments and highlights from the race and the island itself?

CJ: I am honestly kicking myself that I have not been to Langkawi before. It is stunning and more than what I expected. It was the perfect destination for a sporting holiday. It is really laid back and simple, and I can’t believe it’s such a short flight away. I definitely will go back for another cycling trip with friends and family. The waters were calm and blue, and traffic was minimal. There are so many types of resorts at various parts of the island that you can try. Definitely worth a visit if you have never been!