Doctor's sights on finish line

Alison King | 5th March 2010

IRONMAN NZ

Rotorua Hospital doctor John Molloy happily admits his ironman training hasn't been ideal but that's not stopping him from setting himself what some might consider to be a lofty goal.

"This year it's about finishing and to go back to work on Monday as if nothing has happened," Molloy says.

"I have no intention of hobbling."

He says "this year" as 2010 marks his fourth Ironman New Zealand in a row, not a bad achievement when you take his age - 27 - and time-consuming occupation into account.

"I've got used to fitting it all in now," he says. "I'm only part-time - 40 hours a week. When I was full-time I was working 77 hours a week and it was crazy. Ironman is crazy enough with 40 hours work a week.

"My training's not been ideal this year, though. I was in Waiouru for three weeks in January training with the reserves. That's when I should have been putting in the most training hours but I've been trying to balance the event with everything else."

His swimming, he says, is average, his cycling training has involved lots of rides to Taupo and back but the run shouldn't prove to be too much of a problem.

Since last year's race he's finished the 60km Kepler Challenge and in February collected the Goofy marathon-and-a-half medal after finishing a marathon the day after a half marathon around Disneyworld.

"I enjoy the run and that's the main reason I do ironman, but unfortunately that's the third thing you do."

Molloy, who's a former Rotorua Boys' High School student, vowed to complete the Ironman as long as he was living near the course.

Four years ago he lined up for his first event after starting work at Rotorua Hospital.

He's still working at the hospital - as a locum senior house officer - and still not found a reason not to race.

"I want to go into sports medicine but you have to be in the main centres to do that. Taupo works well with work. If I go to the South Island then I will try the Coast to Coast.

 "I never thought I'd come back to Rotorua after med school but I love it here with the Redwoods and the lakes."

Molloy's best time is 13hrs and 20 minutes from last year's race. This year the goal is to finish.

And depending on how his stride looks the next day, he may start in another endurance event.

 "I've heard about the Tarawera Ultra," he says quietly.

"I'll see how I feel after this ironman ... "