When Marty Haynes crosses the finish line at Ironman Australia on May 6 he will have completed the full journey from enthusiastic local Port Macquarie volunteer to a fully fledged Ironman.
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Growing up in Central Western New South Wales, Haynes was pretty active kid who did all the normal Aussie things like playing cricket, soccer, rugby union and basketball but ‘back in the day’ triathlon wasn’t even a thing.
It took a few decades and a move to Port Macquarie for Marty to get his first taste of Ironman.
“When we moved to Port Mac in 2010 we watched an Ironman event and saw the different ages and shapes of the people competing,” he said.
“It was very inspiring and being an ex-smoker who had put on a few kilos I thought I really had no excuse.”
When his wife got the Ironman bug, Haynes went along to see what all the fuss was about.
He found out there was no better place to watch the event from than on the ground helping out on your 40th birthday.
“Samantha was competing in her first Ironman and I wanted to be part of the excitement and atmosphere,” he said.
The community play such an integral part in making these events happen with the volunteering and the support provided they really make it a special day.
- Marty Haynes
“The community play such an integral part in making these events happen with the volunteering and the support provided they really make it a special day.”
Having witnessed an Ironman up close and personal as a volunteer, it wasn’t long before Marty joined his wife, swimming, riding and running and was lining up for his own triathlon debut.
“A mate and I bought a road bike each, installed some tri bars, started running and swimming, changed my diet and that’s how my journey to my first race started,” he said.
“My first tri was a local club race; I was so nervous but everyone was so supportive and I had a great time.”
Like most people he was hooked as soon as he crossed the finish line and was almost immediately looking for his next challenge, moving gradually through the distances.
“After my first 70.3 I didn’t think I’d ever do one again but since then I have participated in four more 70.3 races, two Olympic distance races and some local club races.
“Ironman definitely wasn’t on my radar but here we are four years later and I have decided to try the full distance.
“I trained with friends who provide me with a wealth of knowledge, tips and tricks and I have also trained under coaches to help me get some PB’s.
Ironman definitely wasn’t on my radar but here we are four years later and I have decided to try the full distance.
- Marty Haynes
“I also train by myself and do a mix of training for around 13 – 20 hours a week. I’m just really hoping I can finish on the day I’ve been training hard but I also know it’s going to be a tough day.
“You have to give it the respect it deserves.”
Stepping up to the longer distance will make race day a big occasion but it also has the added bonus of his wife also being in action racing the Ironman 70.3.
“We’ll be supporting each other on the course but I’ll also have family members, fellow athletes and friends supporting me.
“I think being a local is a bonus not only do I know the course well but Port Mac love getting behind the locals so it will be a great day for all athletes.”
With both Mike Reilly and local commentator Pete Murray bringing home the athletes this year, Marty can’t wait to hear those immortal words ‘You are an Ironman.’
“I have pictured myself crossing the line and the elation and sense of satisfaction it will bring. Finishing such an iconic event in my home town will make it even more special,” he said.
