Other goals will take over after Ironman 14

KATIE FARMAN | 3rd March 2005

It may be the closing of a memorable chapter in the life of Pam Dickson this weekend, however the vivacious Ironman competitor is already plotting her next challenge.

"It is an end of an era," the massage therapist told The Daily Post ahead of this weekend's Taupo Ironman. "I've decided this will be my last Ironman as I'm ready to pass the torch on to someone else ... I guess it will be a little sad - but I'm already preparing for my next event, the Xterra off-road triathlon."

Dickson, who is a 50-year-old veteran of 13 Ironman events including the Holy Grail of the sport - Kona, said while she will miss the buzz surrounding the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run - she is looking forward to improving her mountainbike skills.

"I dabbled in mountainbiking a bit over the winter and really enjoyed it and am looking forward to doing some more," she enthused.

"As part of my build up to Ironman I did the 200km K2 event in the Coromandel then the next day went to Auckland and ran the marathon - it felt good."

And feeling good is something that keeps Dickson on track.

After participating in the Rotorua triathlon club's swimming squad when her daughter began swimming lessons, Dickson completed her first triathlon in 1991.

Later that year she watched her first NZ Ironman in Auckland from the sidelines and quickly caught the bug.

"There were no women there [in Auckland] and I said I am going to do that in two years' time," she reflected. "And I did."

Inspired by Erin Baker, Dickson completed her first Ironman in 2003 and has since entered all events (apart from 1998 and 2004), qualified eight times for Hawaii and boasts a personal best of 11hours and 22 minutes set in Australia in 1997.

The secret to her longevity?

"You've got to enjoy it first, to be successful. I think with the Ironman it's your legs and your head - you've got to look after your legs and don't let your head tell you you're stuffed or tired," she said.

Now heading into her 14th event following a well structured training programme under the guidance of Auckland-based coach Jon Ackland, and supported by her biggest fans - her Mum and Dad - Dickson is feeling strong.

"I've had lots of seconds and thirds, but never had the age-group win," she admitted.

"I felt like I was cheated a bit in 1994 and 1999 with my age falling just outside the age-group cut off, but I would like to go out on a high."

Dickson is one of 10 Rotorua athletes looking to complete Saturday's event in Taupo which begins at 7am. Other entrants include: Brendon Pepper, Kevin Taikato, Sean Barnes, Dave Joy, Vince Powell, Craig Sampson, Gillian Smith, Steve Gibling and Tanya Lee-Parker.

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