The first 2 races for me for 2007 will be Australian Long Course Championships on the 25th February at Huskinson, and Ironman Australia on the 1st April at Port Macquarie. I am really excited about doing both races. The main target will be to try to win Ironmn Australia. This will be my 13th Ironman Australia (maybe 13th time lucky).

After Ironman Western Australia it was good to have a few weeks off. I really needed it after having done 5 Ironmans in 2006.

My lead-up started in the beginning of January. It has been fairly solid so far. I did a couple of weeks in Thredbo and discovered that there were still new levels of pain I hadn’t visited yet. I did some very hard training which I think will put me in good stead for Ironman Australia.

Now I am back at home on the Gold Coast with my family. It is great to be home with Nicole and the kids. I am looking forward to the next phase of training and to racing Australian Long Course Champs.

Good luck in your training and I look forward to seeing you at Port Macquarie in April.

Take care,
Jason shortis
  
JASON SHORTIS RACE REPORT
Ironman WA. I had been very focused in my lead up to the race. This was really the first ironman for a while that I had been really able to prepare thoroughly for. I arrived at the race feeling ready, relaxed and confident. There was a strong feeling that Bruce (my coach) and I had got it right. I had a great support crew at the race, my wife Nicole, my two youngest kids Lily and Joshua, my mother –in –law ,Ali, and my Mum and Dad.

Race Day

Race morning looked just perfect. Clear skies, very little wind and smooth seas.
My race start was really quite uneventful. I got into a good rhythm early on the feet of the swim leaders.
I was having a great swim. The swim course goes right around the end of the pier at Busselton and then back to the shore on the other side. I rounded the end of the pier (about half way) still in the lead group. Then Luke Bell and Andrew Johns put the hammer down and got a bit of a gap. I still managed to come out of the water in 4th or 5th place, only 45sec down on the leaders.

I rode hard early in the bike, trying to maximize my good swim. By the 10km mark I was in 2nd place with Luke Bell out in front. Luke pulled out at about the 50km mark because he had had the flu all week. I had Andrew Johns riding with me. We were caught by Mitch Anderson at the 50km mark. He stayed with us until he decided to pick up the pace at the 70km mark. I tried to go with him but after a few km’s realized that he was just going too fast for me, so I let him go. Mitch just seemed to be intent on building as big a lead off the bike as possible. He ended up riding an incredible 4:18 bike split and hopped of the bike with an 11 minute lead. When I came of the bike and heard this I knew I was going to have to run hard. I ran out of transition quite solidly. I didn’t want Andrew Johns to come with me and I also wanted to close the gap to Mitch as quickly as possible. It took me a while before I started to feel comfortable (if you can call it that) on the run. Johnsy looked to be having some back problems and the gap to Mitch was coming down quicker than I expected. I had no idea what pace I was on. I knew I was running OK but as for my overall time I had no idea (I don’t wear a watch when I race ) . I caught Mitch about the 21km mark. He was very gracious when I passed him, patting me on the back and congratulating me on a great run.

All I had to do now was concentrate on staying relaxed and I could actually win this race. The crowd support was fantastic. The good weather had brought out a very enthusiastic large group of supporters. With about 5km to go the lead race marshall slowed down so I could catch up to him. He then told me that the finishline had asked him to tell me that if I picked the pace up a bit there was  a chance I could break 8hours. “You’re kidding” was my response. So I had a go over the last 5km’s but came up a little short with an 8:03 Ironman. I was absolutely ecstatic. I didn’t think that at 36 years of age I would be having a PB by nearly 13minutes and on top of that I ran my fastest marathon ever (2:43) . What was even better was that I was able to share it with my family at the finishline.

I have quite a few people to thank because, as I have said before, for me this is very much a team sport and this result was very much a team effort.
I would firstly like to thank my amazing and beautiful wife Nicole who supports me so totally. I would also like to thank my beautiful kids Jordan(9), Lily(2 ½) and Joshua (1) for putting up with my tiredness and the weekends of long training. Then there is also my mother-in-law Ali who has helped a lot and my parents who were there right from my very first Ironman in 1992.
I would also like to make a special mention to my coach Bruce Thomas who has shown incredible belief and confidence in me.
On the Sponsor front there are so many to thank:

David Morris from FH Prager
Sam Chew from Asics
Glenn Forbes from Cannibal
Stephen Boyley from Avanti 
Jason Stephenson from Endura
Ralph McManus and Neville Mason from Ryders
Steve West from Hutchinson Tyres
Chris Langdon from ZippErica and Brian from The Aquashop and Blue Seventy Wetsuits
  

IRONMAN AUSTRALIA

Well, it was my 12 th Ironman Australia and the first one for the new location Port Macquarie. Yet again I was one of the bridesmaids. Macca was just too good.

Admittedly I don't think it was one of my best races. I think Ironman Malaysia 5weeks before may have had something to do with it. I found it to be a very tough day in the office.

I started reasonably well in the swim but seemed to get hit an awful lot. I wasn't much of a fan of the swim start or the swim course for that matter. Having my goggles knocked off a few times certainly didn't make it any more scenic. I just found it a bit of a struggle.

I was out nearly 5minutes back. Not a good start at all. Still head down and lets see what happens.

I rode the first lap pretty hard. I was with Stuart Bardsley for the first lap and we were both riding pretty strongly , so I was hopeful that maybe we might at least hold the 5minute deficit. I picked up a group at about the 45km mark and couldn't really shake them until the last lap. Not too many were interested in working too hard although Mackenzie gave me a couple of breaks from the front. Unfortunately Stuey Bardsley had gotten a flat on the first lap.

I felt like I was still a chance of at least making it a show until the last lap when macca just switched it on. Coming of the bike with a 13min deficit is not a very confident place to start the run. Add to this that I have been nursing a bit of a hip injury for the last 12months which wasn't helped by the tough bike course.

I tried to switch it on at the start of the run but I could tell that I wasn't on today. I felt a bit proppy with my hip.

So in the end I gave it my best. I was disappointed I finished so far back (more than 15minutes) but I did the best that I could and so I am happy. That was also Ironman number 36 for me and yet another podium finish.

Did I like the new course? Yes I thought it was very tough but fair. I think the swim needs to be improved, particularly the start, but for a first time race I think they did a pretty good job.

I am looking forward to preparing more specifically for IM OZ next year and hopefully having a better race.

Next up I have Roth, then Hawaii and then maybe IM Western Australia.

I have also started working with a new coach, Bruce Thomas.

We have refined my training a bit and so I am looking forward to see if this will help me step my racing up to a new level.

Take care and hopefully I will see you at a race soon,

Jason Shortis
 

28 th February, 2006.

Hello Everyone,

Well what a month!   I am happy to be able to let you all know that on Sunday I took another Ironman victory at Ironman Malaysia. This was my third Ironman victory in 18 months, and was my third win from the last five Ironman starts. I am also extremely happy to officially announce the arrival of my third child, and first son, Joshua, who was born three weeks ago. This could well go down as one of my best months ever!

In a time of 54 minutes, my swim was fairly average after having dropped off the lead pack and also having to stop momentarily to readjust my goggles. I emerged from the water in 11 th place, 3.5 minutes down on the lead.

Progressing to the bike, I rode well within myself, to have a solid bike leg in a time of 4:40. I got off the bike in roughly 4 th place, about 20 minutes down on the lead.

The run was proving even hotter than the bike leg, and I'm told temperatures rose as high as 40 degrees.   I was certainly not running flat out, merely running to my race plan of having a good solid race. However, by the 25 km mark, I had put 18 minutes into Chris Lieto, to take the lead.   From that point there was no looking back.   I continued to run well within myself to finish the run in a time of 2:54, the only athlete to run sub 3 hours in the sweltering conditions.

I am very happy with the win, which brings me to three consecutive years of Ironman victories.   Whilst I do sill receive valuable advice from others, the win also confirms I must be doing a decent job of managing my training since assuming this responsibility for the last few months.   I am also feeling very positive about the new ways in which I am managing my body in terms of recovery, injury prevention, and strength maintenance.

I am also happy to announce my newest sponsor in Avanti.   I rode the new Kona time trial bike at the race and am certainly very happy with its performance and to be a part of the Avanti team.

Which leads me to a very important point:   I must extend a very sincere thank you to all for your continued support.   Many of you have been with me for years and have been loyal to me through the ups and downs that is professional sport, which really does mean a lot to me.   So thank you - I really do appreciate it.   For the sponsors who are a little newer, I certainly also thank you sincerely for your support, and look forward to continuing our relationship well into the future.

My next race is Ironman Australia in April, so I will update you all again in 5 weeks time.   I hope your month was as good as mine, and look forward to seeing many of you very soon,

Take care, Jason
  
2 IRONMAN VICTORIES IN A ROW!
Jason once again proved he is the most consistent and best-performed endurance athlete in Australia by taking out a resounding victory at yesterday’s 2005 Japan Ironman. Finishing in a record-breaking time of 8:41 this is Shortis’ second Ironman victory in less than six months. Shortis took the victory by breaking Leder's course record by over three minutes.
 
SHORTIS INDUCTED TO HALL OF FAME
In April, Jason was inducted to the prestigious Austrlian Ironman Hall of Fame. Shortis is the only actively competing professional athlete to ever be inducted.
 


NEW DAD
Jason and Nicole are the proud parents of Lily Grace born at 1.06pm Friday 4th of June 2004



  

2ND AT BUSSELTON HALF


  

February 2004
SHORTIS TAKES 2nd in IRONMAN MALAYSIA

Well after a hot day at the office I finished 2nd at Ironman Malaysia yesterday. I am thoroughly happy with the result as the plan was not for me to peak for this race at all, but rather train through it and peak for Ironman Australia in April. It gives me a good indication of how my training is progressing and how my body is responding.

I swam strongly, exiting the water in seventh place, and biked 4:48 - the fastest split of the race in windy and humid conditions. As always the course was beautiful as you cycle around the island on the two loop course, and gives your mind a nice distraction. I ran solidly despite some unfortunate difficulties with aid stations, to finish in an overall time of 8:56:06.

Now it is back home to my wife Nicole and our antenatal classes, my beautiful daughter, and training for Ironman Australia!

  
January 2004
TASSIE HALF IRONMAN VICTORY & A NEW RACE RECORD.

The end of December last year saw me in the lovely Jindabyne for the fourth consecutive year. Two years ago I began running my own camps in conjunction with my coach Bill Davoren, and we have gone from strength to strength. The camps were again well attended with over 35 people signing up for the eleven-day triathlon training special!

Closely following the conclusion of the camp, I travelled to Tasmania for the Sealord Half Ironman. I began the race with a strong swim in the bitterly cold Tasmanian water, and I was very appreciative of the warmth of my wetsuit! Soon enough, I headed out onto the bike leg which was tough with the course being quite open to the wind and with a couple of significant hills at either end of 2 lap course. I felt I ran strongly, not tiring at all to take a comfortable victory in 4:10, eight minutes ahead of second place and ten minutes faster than the previous year’s course record.
November 2003
KONA & FORSTER

I’ve not long returned from racing the World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Having improved my swim leg through concerted effort and an emphasis on stroke correction, I swam the fastest I have ever swum at Kona in a time of 52:54. I felt fantastic at this stage and headed out to the renowned Kona lava fields. I rode the majority of the cycle leg by myself and felt that I rode strongly throughout the day, though unfortunately, just missed out on the lead pack. Entering T2 in a time of 4:46, I prepared myself for the marathon. I ran my usual strong marathon, closed the gaps on many competitors in front, and felt quite steady throughout the run.

I finished in 12th place, in an overall time of 8:39:07; only 7 minutes from third place. In all aspects: individual splits; times, and placing this was my best ever performance at Kona, which really affirms my belief that things only keep on improving. (I think I must have been a late bloomer!!)

Shortly after I also travelled to Forster to run one of my Tritalent Training seminars and to compete in the Half Ironman. The seminar was a well-attended success, and I would love to say the same about the race, which ended as my first DNF in three years!

After receiving a few good lows in the swim, I finished my day on the bike leg where we’ll just say that, two flat tyres and only one spare later, I was found walking back to town!

October 2003
TWO TITLES IN A ROW!

My latest victory was at the Gold Coast Half Ironman at Coomera. My swim was on target and I came out of the water a little over two minutes down on the leader. I biked strongly to take the lead around the 25km mark and continued to ride about 80% capacity. My run was consistent and I felt quite rhythmic, however I had to ensure I reigned myself in as the day was raced just as a strong training day in light of my impending race in Hawaii. I finished in an overall time of 4:06, three and a half minutes ahead of my closest rival.
September 2003
DESARU VICTORY & A NEW RACE RECORD

I have just returned from Desaru in Malaysia where I took the Half Ironman Title in a new course record time (by over 20 minutes!) The race proved to be a fantastic hit-out for me prior to the imminent World Championships in Hawaii.

The day began hot and humid – ideal conditions to simulate the gruelling elements in Kona. I swam very well, feeling comfortable and smooth in the water. With a fast transition I headed out to the rolling hills of the bike leg. I felt strong and fluid on the bike, with good rhythm – which was a good sign that my training had been on track.

Progressing to the run, the day grew more and more humid, and with little shade there was no reprieve from the elements. I ran well, with steady pace, to finish first in an overall time of 4:05, 15 minutes ahead of second place.

4 August 2003
Hi There!
Since Ironman Australia, my training has mostly consisted of a lot of base work, with minimal speed work over the three disciplines. My plan throughout this time was to train through the race in the USA at about 85% of full race fitness, in order to peak for the World Championships, later on in the year in Kona.

My race in Lake Placid was about the toughest I have raced in my career. The day dawned with atrocious weather, and stayed that way for the entire day! These sorts of conditions make for tough racing. My swim was on target for the training I have done, having just recently changed my stroke entirely. Going back to the drawing board for this part of triathlon was a necessary step in order for me to improve my times in this area and take myself to the next level. I am looking forward to the opportunity of testing out these improvements in Hawaii.

Lake Placid’s bike course is said to be the hilliest Ironman course in the USA, and it had a few significant downhills, and the added component of strong, gusting winds throughout the entire leg. Though this sounds terrible, and while it did make for very slow times for all, for me it was actually blessing in disguise. Hawaii’s bike course is notorious for it’s aggressive winds, so I feel like it was good preparation for that race later in the year.

The run was still plagued by the terrible weather that had set in for the day, but by this time the rain was torrential. I had as usual a very strong run, closing down all but two of those in front of me. Overall, I finished in third place in a time of 8:56, which reflected the conditions of the day. Only the top three athletes finished under nine hours.

This was another podium result for me and in the last three years I have finished on the podium in every single Ironman race. I am proud of this sort of consistency and gradual improvement as I believe it is only this way that I can ensure safe, long-term and major successes.

The event in Lake Placid was covered widely in the US media, through newspapers, magazines, and television, including ESPN’s specialist coverage and also as part of their weekly features slot. These will also air on television in Australia in the coming months. Of course the event also attracted internet media, including the ever-popular ironmanlive.com, which posted record-breaking hits for their coverage of the race. This was in addition to other sites such as xtri.com

My next Ironman race is the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. I am looking forward to getting back there and having a very solid performance. Before this I will be racing the Cannibal Half Ironman in October, and there is the possibility of another race in the interim, which is yet to be confirmed depending on my training schedule.

Following the success of last year’s Tritalent Seminars, I will be continuing them this year, beginning with the seminar on the Gold Coast on the 4th of October, in conjunction with Gold Coast Half Ironman. Another seminar will also be held in Forster in November, in conjunction with the Forster Half Ironman, while there will also be one held in Perth. We are currently determining the best location of the next two-day Tritalent Clinic. And finally, in January the Tritalent Camps will again be held in the beautiful Snowy Mountains.

I have also formalised the coaching that until now, I have done only on a casual basis. After constant requests for long-term training, I have finally agreed to coach a small group of athletes on a permanent basis, mostly online.


28th July 2003
Jason has taken 3rd in Ironman USA at Lake Placid. He ran into third in miserable conditions, with strong winds and ankle deep water on the run. First was Kirill Litovtsenko in 8.46.15, second was Chris Lieto in 8.53.21 and Jason came in at 8.56.56.


2nd July 2003
Hi Everyone,
The next race I am preparing for is Lake Placid in New York, which is on the 27th July(stay tuned for results). As I am racing Hawaii later in the year, I am unable to defend my title at Ironman Florida. Given this, the decision was made that Lake Placid would be the next race for me in which to participate. My training is going as planned, and hopefully when I next update you I’ll be telling you about my next win in the States!


8th May, 2003
Hi Everyone, In April, I raced Ironman Australia. This was my tenth race at Forster, and my ninth top-ten finish. This year I finished second in a time of eight hours and thirty minutes. I felt I raced well, and while this is a creditable finish, I have decided to refine certain aspects of my training in order to create that further edge…so stay tuned!
But wait, there’s more…
Only seven days after Ironman Australia, I was waiting at the end of an aisle; poised for another momentous occasion, though this one was much, much more important. On the 13th April, my beautiful Nicole (whom most of you will have met) and I were married. (See the pics in the photo gallery) We enjoyed an absolutely fabulous day, surrounded by all the most important people in our lives: Jordan, my daughter, our families and friends.
We were fortunate enough to have two honeymoons: one with Jordy camping at Coolum, and one in Phuket where we stayed at the beautiful Rydges Resort. (There is a triathlon there later in the year for those of you looking for an excuse to go over, and the hospitality is amazing!)


10th March 2003
Those of you I’ve caught up with recently may have noticed the change of eyewear. I have recently signed with Kaenon sunglasses, which are a fantastic product that I am truly proud to be associated with. Look out for them in specialist stores soon, and give them a try – I’m sure you will be impressed.

 
2nd July 2003
Hi Everyone,

The next race I am preparing for is Lake Placid in New York, which is in July. As I am racing Hawaii latter in the year, I am unable to defend my title at Ironman Florida. Given this, the decision was made that Lake Placid would be the next best race for me in which to participate. My training is going as planned, and hopefully when I next update you I’ll be telling you about my next win in the States!

 
8th May, 2003
Hi Everyone,

In April,I raced Ironman Australia. This was my tenth race at Forster, and my ninth top-ten finish. This year I finished second in a time of eight hours and thirty minutes. I felt I raced well, and while this is a creditable finish, I have decided to refine certain aspects of my training in order to create that further edge…so stay tuned!

But wait, there’s more…

Only seven days after Ironman Australia, I was waiting at the end of an aisle; poised for another momentous occasion, though this one was much, much more important. On the 13th April, my beautiful Nicole (whom most of you will have met) and I were married. (See the pics in the photo gallery) We enjoyed an absolutely fabulous day, surrounded by all the most important people in our lives: Jordan, my daughter, our families and friends.

We were fortunate enough to have two honeymoons: one with Jordy camping at Coolum, and one in Phuket where we stayed at the beautiful Rydges Resort. (There is a triathlon there later in the year for those of you looking for an excuse to go over, and the hospitality is amazing!)

 
10th March 2003
Those of you I’ve caught up with recently may have noticed the change of eyewear. I have recently signed with Kaenon sunglasses, which are a fantastic product that I am truly proud to be associated with. Look out for them in specialist stores soon, and give them a try – I’m sure you will be impressed.


3rd March 2003
Hi There Everyone,

I’ve just returned from racing the Australian Long Course Championships coming third overall. This was the inaugural race for the event’s new location in Port Macquarie and it was certainly a challenging course. I look forward to racing there again in the future. It’s also wonderful to have such strong competition right here in Australia, which constantly produces high results from us all.


10th January 2003
 Hi There Everyone,

At the moment I’m in the Snowy Mountains in Jindabyne, with my coach Bill Davoren running our annual training camp. We have 32 athletes participating, all of varying skill levels. We are providing two camp options, one for seven days and one for fourteen days, however we have over 26 attending the full fourteen-day camp; which is great to see.

We are taking advantage of the diverse terrain available and the great roads that are also relatively quiet. So we are cycling a great deal while we are here. We’re also using the beautiful Lake Jindabyne for some open water swimming and the tracks that abound in Jindabyne for some trail running. Add to that a few social evenings, and we are having a great time!

If you’ve missed out this year, don’t worry, we will be back at the same time next year in 2004.


4th November 2002
I’ve just won Ironman Florida!!

I crossed the line in an overall time of 8:27, which was around the mark I was hoping to hit. I’m feeling a little tired and sore from the race yesterday, but the elation dulls the aches and pains, funnily enough!

Race day dawned on fairly fitful sleep (I don’t like sleeping without my fiancé!), however I woke feeling mostly calm, and prepared to get out there and do my best. I knew I had done the training, and prepared to the best of my ability, so I just had to lay it all out there and allow the rest to take care of itself. The weather was looking pretty awful, but it’s an even playing field for all competitors, so who am I to complain?

I swam a 0:54 in fairly choppy water, but despite this, still felt quite good in the water. I was pleased with the time, considering the fastest was 0:50 minutes.

I had a smooth transition and proceeded to the bike leg. I felt great on the bike, and just concentrated on eating and drinking well, and racing my race. It paid off because I closed a five minute gap on Andreas Niedrig who was racing well, and finished the second leg, biking a time of 4:39:22.

Leaving T2, I ran out and, according to what someone told me after the race, I apparently ran ‘like a man on a mission.’ I have to say, I love running, so when I get out of transition two, I feel confident, and have a lot of my favourite leg of triathlon in front of me (42.2 kilometres in fact!) I felt good and my rhythm came quickly and I just got out there and did what I had to do…. in the rain. I ended up finishing the marathon setting a new course record, in 2:49.

I made sure I had my Aussie flag, and I ran across the finish line a very happy man! I felt fantastic throughout the day, and am obviously very happy with the result.

Thanks to all of those family (especially Nic, Jordy and my parents), to sponsors and to friends who have shown their support for me in my triathlon journey – I couldn’t do it without you. Thankyou also to the Velez family for your kind hospitality in home-staying me.

 
7th October 2002
 Hi Everyone,

I’ve just won the Gold Coast Half Ironman in a time of 4:03.
This was a good lead up race for me, which I raced at just a little quicker than training pace so as not to take too much out of me for my upcoming race in Florida.

It was a challenging course which is always good to race, and I felt good throughout the day, and also that my training is on target for where I want to be in my preparation for Ironman Florida. Stay tuned!

 
12th April 2002 
Hi Everyone,

I’ve just competed in the Australian Ironman Championships, in Forster Australia, in a record deep pro field. I finished third in a Personal Best course time of eight hours and twenty-nine minutes!

I had been pretty ill with a flu bug for the three days prior to the race, and woke feeling pretty ordinary. This is the first race where I have ever gotten up on race morning, prepared myself, and fallen back asleep on the lounge room floor while waiting to leave for the starting area!

I didn’t know if I should race or not, but ended up deciding, I would swim, see how I felt, and re-evaluate my options at that point in time. I had a lot of trouble breathing in the swim and finished in a time I would have liked to be better (in the ideal world where you don’t ever get sick!) I decided though that I would get out on the bike and see how I felt a few k’s down the road.

I was later told that when I approached my coach who was waiting on the side of the road up a hill, he hid behind a tree because he didn’t want me to see him and ask what he thought I should do!!(He was one of the few who knew at that point that I was ill)

On the bike, I continued to feel that I had a few difficulties breathing and could tell the effect the cold was having on my body. I put those frustrations out of my mind though, and decided to press on, at least until T2. When I got there, I was apparently in about 20th position, and have been told since that even some of my most ardent supporters were saying, “Oh well, there’s always next year, and besides, he is sick”.

Not prepared to let that get in my way however, I was now on the run, which I like to think of as ‘home turf’. I was beginning to feel a bit better for the first time that day. I ran the fastest marathon in a time of two hours and forty -six minutes, a time that broke the course record! This allowed me to run through everyone bar two in the field that was previously ahead of me. All credit and congratulations to McCormack, Olivier Bernard, and to all my fellow competitors.

Also, thank you very much to all of you who supported me during the day, it means so much, especially those who are racing and take time and energy out of their race to show their encouragement and support. It really helps me along! Thankyou to all my family who travel to be there to support me, to friends and to my sponsors.

  
March 2002
Hi Everyone,

In March I competed in the Surfcoast International Long Course Championships, where I finished second. This was a fantastic race that I look forward to another opportunity in which to compete.

In February I competed in the Queensland Sprint Championships, at Southport on the Gold Coast, and finished third overall, and second Australian, (a result I was pleased with given the distance).

In January this year I competed in Ironman Langkawi in Malaysia, finishing second, in a Personal Best course time of eight hours, twenty-four minutes! I ran the fastest marathon of the Ironman a time of two hours, forty-seven minutes! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here, and having a great race, feel on target for Ironman Australia later in the year.