The Aussie Iron Woman has just returned from one of the world’s most gruelling triathlon challenges in Kona, Hawaii.

It was the second time she had completed the Ironman World Championship in as many years and said her first attempt at the 180.2km cycle, 42.2km run and 3.86km ocean swim was “lucky”. 

“The winds were extremely kind and the heat was bearable. I remember as soon as I finished I knew I wanted to come back and experience what the island is known for,” she said. Not satisfied with the lessened challenge in 2013, Kacey in hard training well before this year’s championships.

“I had a 21-week program for this race, one of the longest preps I have done,” she said.

“With working full time it meant that mornings started as early as 3.30am and night time sessions finished about 7pm. This made for some long days.”

When race day rolled around, it looked like Kacey had found the challenge she was chasing. Strong headwinds put pressure on the cycling leg and 39 degree heat made for a gruelling run.

“I was disappointed in my swim, I had worked hard and spent extra hours in the pool and to get out and see I swam a 1:12 it was a shock,” she said

“The headwind was something that I had never experienced before. I was struggling to keep my bike upright, which meant it was hard to take in my nutrition and drink fluids. I loved it, I felt strong and I was having the time of my life.”

In the end, Kacey finished the World Championship in just over 10hrs 36mins and said she is currently enjoying some well deserved down time.

“(I’m) enjoying sleep-ins, exciting food, wine and spending time with family and friends. I have registered for Ironman Australia in May next year, so I will start training for that race in six to eight weeks,” she said.