Headsweats News & Blog

Headsweats resident Ironman qualifies to Kona

Headsweats salesman and Australian native, Matt Perkins, qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He finished ninth in his division at Ironman Canada with a time of 10:02:51 (1:05:22, 5:21:11, 3:29:33).

Conditions were perfect for Subaru Ironman Canada, and the crowd support from the Penticton community was a great encouragement. I felt pretty relaxed going into the race. I am not quite quick enough to get ahead of the pandemonium of the 2000 plus people jostling for position once the cannon goes off, but I am competitive enough to not want to waste precious time waiting for the masses to sort themselves out before I start.

After sixty-five minutes of a particularly congested swim in Lake Okanagan, I made my way to the transition area to prepare for the 112 miles that lay ahead. I never pay much attention to the scenery at different events because I am so transfixed with my heart rate, speed, cadence, etc., but this course was an exception. It is so majestic. It was tough, though, especially at mile eighty-eight where participants begin the climb up Yellow Lake Pass to the top. Climbing is not one of my strengths so this was a particularly arduous stretch, but once over that summit it was time to cruise back into town to the second transition area.

After six-and-a-half hours of racing, the inevitable pain was starting to set in as the miles of the marathon ticked by. I knew it was time to make up ground on the twenty-nine guys ahead of me out of transition. Of course, I didn't know there were still that many ahead of me. I am glad I didn't because I think I would have been somewhat disheartened to know I would have to pass so many guys for one of the coveted Kona spots.

I was so happy as I crossed the finish line in 10:02:00 with Mike Reilly calling out his catchcry, ³Matt Perkins, you are an Ironman.¹ After five attempts, I had finally put together an Ironman and felt I couldn¹t have raced any better. When they told me I was ninth in my age group, I was over the moon knowing my finish would typically be good enough to earn a spot in the race I had dreamed about for many years.

I want to enjoy the race experience in Kona without placing any undue pressure on myself to perform. The hard part is to qualify. Now is the time to reap the rewards of all the hard work. Headsweats help in my pursuit of Kona is immeasurable. I owe so much to Alan and Kay. I will be wearing my Go Hat with pride in Hawaii!


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Calendar of Events

Look for us at these upcoming events!

2008 Events

Reeds Lake Triathlon - September 6, 2008
Ford Ironman Wisconsin - September 7, 2008
Jarden Westchester Triathlon - September 7, 2008
Road Runner Akron Marathon - September 28, 2008
Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin - October 5, 2008
Ford Ironman World Championship - October 11, 2008
Ford Ironman Florida - November 1, 2008
Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 - November 8, 2008
Ford Ironman Arizona - November 23,2008

2009 Events

Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon - May 3, 2009
Cleveland Marathon - May 17, 2009
Lady Distance Classic - August 2009