IRONMAN Insights - meet Ed O'Brien

What motivated you to join the ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand team? 

I have a bit of a background in endurance sports, having completed the Coast to Coast multisport race in a relay team and individually a number of times. It had been in the back of my mind that an IRONMAN was something I might like to do, so when the applications for the ANZCO race team opened up back in 2024, I knew I had to take the chance. Finishing the full distance event in March 2025 was such a cool experience, and it made me determined to put my name down again for 2026. 

How has your training been going this summer?  

Having already done one IRONMAN, this summer I had the chance to refine how I trained and push myself a bit harder now that I know what the body can tolerate. Having done simar events like Coast to Coast, running and cycling was easy, so swimming has been the biggest area for improvement over the last 18 months. It took a bit of time to get used to swimming for extended periods, however I found that once I got over a certain line I quickly improved and my pre-work open water swims have become one of my favourite training sessions.

Unfortunately I have had a recent setback, dislocating my shoulder (not IRONMAN related!), which has meant swimming has been off limits. Thankfully I have been able to keep the running and cycling going while I focus on rehab and getting the shoulder strong enough to get back in the water. Resilience and being able to adapt is part of what IRONMAN is all about, both during training and on race day, so while the injury has not been ideal, I am determined to get to the start line in the best shape possible.

How are you balancing training with work and everyday life? 

Having an adaptable and flexible training plan is key to being able to fit it in around everyday life. I start every week with a basic plan of what my training should look like, however it is constantly changing throughout the week as other things come up. Even for the full distance , which requires a significant amount of training compared to the 70.3 half distance event, it is still possible to live a normal life and find time for the other things I enjoy doing. 

How has your approach to nutrition and good health changed since starting this journey? 

I plan my meals in such a way to ensure I am eating enough carbs to properly fuel for training sessions as well as having enough protein to ensure good recovery.  Being more conscious of what I am eating has led to a more balanced and nutritional diet, which is essential to getting the most out of my training. 

Tell us about being part of the ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand race team?  

It’s an awesome experience that spans the months of training, the race week build up, and then race day itself. There is a lot of support within the team with everyone  sharing their progress, cheering each other on and celebrating all the little wins along the way. It’s also been great to come back for second year and see the team has grown, with a good mix of returning athletes and first timers. It is also great that this year we have five team members taking on the full distance race. Last year it was just me and Rick. It will be fun to have a few more guys out on the course supporting each other and providing a bit of friendly competition as well! 

What are you most looking forward to on race day? 

Seeing all the ANZCO Foods branding out on course and supporting each other along the way was a special part of last years race and it will only be better this year with more people involved. Seeing everyone cheer each other on and complete what they’ve worked so hard for – especially the first timers and those stepping up to tackle the full distance event for the first time – will be pretty cool. 

What would you say to a colleague thinking about joining the team next year? 

Don’t overthink it too much. It may appear daunting from the outside looking in, and it is definitely a sizeable commitment, but if you’re willing to put in the time and effort you will be surprised at how much you can achieve in a relatively short period of time and how it can change your life.