Burns survivor Turia Pitt ready for Hawaii ironman triathlon hell

TURIA Pitt has conquered one of the toughest sporting events in the world — the Hawaii ironman triathlon.

Turia Pitt competing in her first ironman in four years in Port Macquarie earlier this year.

TURIA Pitt has conquered one of the toughest sporting events in the world — the Hawaii ironman triathlon.

The inspirational triathlete took more than 14 hours to compete the gruelling race involving a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.

In the lead-up to the race fact Pitt said she knew the pain she would feel during the torturous Hawaii ironman triathlon would be nothing compared to what she has been through before.

And that knowledge, she said, would help her achieve her dream of not just competing in a Hawaii ironman, but completing it.

“Firstly, I think about everything I’m grateful for and really focus on that. It helps shut down any other thoughts that have a tendency to creep in,’’ Pitt wrote on ironman.com ahead of her maiden attempt on the infamous race.

HAWAII IRONMAN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

“The other strategy I call on is that I compare what I’m going through to my recovery. I’ll say to myself ‘well girl, the pain you’re feeling right now is nothing compared to what you’ve gone through before’.

“Reminding myself of that helps me stay mentally strong.’’

Pitt said her desire to race the event helped her recover from near fatal injuries after being caught in a bush fire in 2011.

Burns to 65 per cent of her body meant Pitt could not deal with the heat and humidity the same way as her rivals do in Hawaii.

Never underestimate the power of self belief. #IMKona pic.twitter.com/CrQGprZJ4o

— Turia Pitt (@TuriaPitt) October 3, 2016

As a consequence she wore a special wardrobe of clothing to help deal with the conditions.

“Because of my burns, I can’t regulate my own body temperature so I’ve had to make some adjustments, or use standard tri gear in different ways,’’ she said in one of the three pieces she wrote for ironman.com.

“I’ll use a kit to keep moisture on my skin, rather than repel sweat.

“And I’m going to need things like cooling sleeves and white suits so I don’t overheat.’’

Pitt, who had four fingers from her left hand and her right thumb amputated, had the brakes on her bike adapted so she can push, not pull on them, and boasts push-button gearing.

“I literally just push a button to make it harder and push another button to make it easier,’’ she said.