First edition published November 2008; cover design by Mark Wiggett; layout and design by Barbara Mueller; Printing by CJ Litho, Cape Town.

About the Book:

Have you ever bitten off more than you can chew - deliberately?

Ever been scared to death of something and decided to face it, head on?

That was me two years ago. After earning 5 solid bronze medals at Comrades, I was up for a new challenge. My chosen challenge? To take on the Ironman triathlon. My husband is a double Ironman Finisher, even though he can’t swim – a fact undisputed by his 4 swimming coaches. This was enough to motivate me to train for the Spec Savers Ironman. Into the Washing Machine is my account of all the ups and downs of learning how to swim, tackling the long cycles and maintaining running. Oh yes, and trying to lead a ‘normal’ life too!

Comments from readers

Hi Tracy
"I thoroughly enjoyed your book. It's a humorous, honest, captivating read. I remember going to a Comrades panel talk and Bruce Fordyce saying, "fear is what makes you succeed". Thanks for giving me the opportunity to re-live one of the best days of my life. I loved the way you wrote the book - it is a job really well done - congratulations. It is amazing what IronMan does to people and how magnetic this event is. I am sure your book will attract many wannabe IronMen in to the sport. I will read it again and again."
Karin

Hi Tracy 
Thanks for the books. You have managed to capture the trials and tribulations of training for such an epic event as the Ironman. I can totally relate to what you have written. Even the TI swimming style.I actually got goosebumps when I read that you had crossed the all magic finish line. I believe that there is no other experience on planet earth that comes close to the euphoria one feels when you cross the finish line, hearing your name being called out as you somehow manage to find the strength to run down the magic finish shute. Thanks again.
 Bill

Good day Tracy,
 I have completed your fantastic book and must say that all the hard work was worth it. I hope that many athletes, especially endurance athletes, read your book. It is very inspiring and motivational! It has inspired me even more to take part in the Ironman one day. But, for now it is completing more Comrades marathons. This year was my first and I can only imagine how you felt after completing the Ironman. Thanks once again for a great book that made me laugh, cry and even left salty sea water tastes in my mouth! Have a wonderful festive season and hope to see you on the road! 
Regards, Juan

Hey Tracy,
Thoroughly enjoyed your book. Landed up reading it cover to cover one rainy day up near Machadodorp just after Christmas. Could I get another copy from you as I’d like to give one to a friend as a gift.
Regards, Grant

About the Author:
Why?”
That’s the first question my friends ask when I say I want to do the Ironman.
Then
“I mean, obviously you can run. We know you’ve got a bike that is collecting dust in your garage. But honestly, can you swim? And not only swim, but swim in the sea? Do you know the sea has more currents than a hot-cross bun? And do you realize how far Ironman is? Why don’t you try a smaller triathlon first? Has Al put you up to this?”
I endure the barrage of questions because they are good questions. Ok, so I don’t know much about long-distance swimming in the sea, or triathlons for that matter. Yes, I know my bike has a grimy layer of dirt on it, but that can be cleaned. No, Al hasn’t put me up to this. Yes, I know how far the Ironman is. I’ve already done triathlons before – all two of them. I may not be the most experienced, wannabe Ironman-finisher on the starting block but everyone has to start somewhere, right?
My friends get me thinking. ‘Why do I want to do the Ironman when I cannot swim, am afraid of the bike and am a proud back-of-the-pack runner?’ I think my driving force is to face my fear – the swim.
I don’t have much of a sporting background. I don’t swim – at all. Yes, I run but it’s done at a leisurely pace, chatting to anyone who is prepared to listen. I’ve got a lot to learn about cycling – especially going downhill without wearing the brakes down.
Yip, I have my work cut out for me, but hey, this is life, and what is life without its challenges!

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