Isuzu Ironman 5150 Nelson Mandela Bay - Daniel Kimber From Couch to Finish Line

Ironman 5150 Nelson Mandela Bay

My First Triathlon with Embark

Finding a training group like Embark felt like winning the triathlon lottery. While many other athletes came from running or cycling backgrounds, I was starting from scratch—literally off the couch. But from day one, the focus with Embark was never about perfection; it was about progress. The mantra was simple: "Better than yesterday." That mindset, combined with the energy from Coach STeve and the supportive community, created an environment where I felt encouraged, empowered, and—most importantly—welcomed to ask questions and grow.

The Swim – Calm Start, Tough Middle

This race was my first experience with a dry start, so I was a little anxious. But seeing the calm waves as I stood at the edge immediately put me at ease. I felt strong heading out to the first buoy. That is, until I hit the current. The water suddenly turned challenging, and I realized I’d be fighting it until the next turn. I kept telling myself, "This is the hard part. After this, you’ll be with the current." That mindset got me through the toughest stretch, and the rest of the swim went smoothly. My biggest takeaway? When it comes to seeding, get in the water early—closer to the front is definitely better!

The Bike – Smooth Ride, Solid Pace

Rolling into T1, I felt good about my swim time and knew I had room to push on the bike. I refueled with water and carbs, then hit the road. Conditions were ideal—smooth, flat roads and not too much heat. Once I hit the straight stretch, I found my rhythm. I stayed low, used my gears efficiently, and kept my legs turning steadily. On lap two, the Corporate Triathlon Challenge group joined the course, which made navigation tricky as they filled up much of the road. But I managed to stay focused and maintained a strong average speed, fuelling smartly to set myself up for the run.

The Run – Pushed by People, Powered by Gels

Let’s be honest—running is always the hardest part for me. In fact, I’ve always joked that the only good reason to run is if something’s chasing you! After pushing hard on the bike, my legs were screaming in agreement. But the constant cheers and support from fellow Embark athletes helped me fight through the mental brick wall.
The course was mostly flat, but the heat had picked up. I stuck to a run/walk strategy and focused on staying cool and fueled. The aid stations were a lifesaver—stocked with water, Coke, and gels. A well-timed caffeine gel gave me a second wind for the final 4km push. Running may not be my strongest discipline, but thanks to Embark’s training and race day support, I crossed the line with a time I would’ve been proud of even without the swim and bike.

The Finish – More Than Just a Race
Crossing the finish line and seeing a time faster than my goal was emotional. It was overwhelming in the best way. Every early morning, every question asked, every brick session—it all led to that moment. And it was the Embark community that made it possible. What stood out most was that the support didn’t stop at the finish line. After the race, we celebrated as a team over lunch, swapping race stories and getting insight from Coach Steve to prepare for what’s next.

This wasn’t just a race—it was a transformation. And thanks to Embark, it’s only the beginning.