: A relieved SGT Allan Lawrence crosses the line to finish the recent Forster Ironman Triathlon.

One could be excused for thinking Sergeant Allan Lawrence is a glutton for punishment.

After recently completing the gruelling Australian Ironman Triathlon at Forster, SGT Lawrence, from RAAF Base Williamtown, has stuck his hand up to partake in the sport's ultimate torture test - the Hawaiian Ironman, to be held in October.

SGT Lawrence secured the final qualification spot for 40-44 year-olds after finishing a creditable 16th in his age group at Forster, NSW.

He completed the arduous 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run in 10hrs 8mins to finish 173rd overall, an improvement on last year's Forster Ironman, where he clocked 10hrs 22mins on debut.

SGT Lawrence's road to Ironman triathlon success began back in 1994 when he started cycling to work to build his fitness.

In 1997 he tested the triathlon waters, entering a few short course races before embarking on the Forster Half-Ironman event in 1998.

The 2001 Forster Ironman was his first attempt racing over the distance, but the result - 21st in his age group -shocked even himself.

'I was surprised to get that close to qualifying [for Hawaii] in my first race, SGT Lawrence said. 'I started to think, "Hey I can actually do this if I try,"' he added.

So he returned this year and booked himself a berth in October's Hawaiian Ironman, an event regarded as the pinnacle of the sport.

For most of us, the thought of swimming 3.8km, cycling a massive 180km and backing that up by running a full marathon is a daunting task, both physically and mentally.

SGT Lawrence, however, approaches his races with a commendable attitude, which could explain why he has been so successful.

'I admit I'm not a good swimmer, so I see the swim leg as a necessary evil that I have to get through,' SGT Lawrence explained.

'In the cycle, I know what sort of speed I can ride to maintain my desired average, so I don't push myself unnecessarily,' he said.

SGT Lawrence saves his energy for the 42km run - by far his strongest leg - and it's during this stage of the race that he makes his move on the field.

'If I'm going to make up time, I know I'm going to have to do it on the run. I enjoy running, to me it's not a chore.'

However, he is fully aware that Hawaii will be his toughest assignment to date.

Having to contend with a challenging open water swim, oppressive heat and humidity and about 1500 tough competitors will no doubt be a test, but it's one he is looking forward to.

'I'm going so I can experience what the race is actually like. I haven't thought about the times I want to achieve, I just want to enjoy it.'

By Ben Caddaye