MELISSA Dowell believes coping with the humid conditions will be a key factor when she competes for Great Britain at the Ironman World Championship this weekend.

The Colchester Harriers member will battle it out in the Female 50-54 category when the world’s leading triathletes gather in Kona, Hawaii tomorrow.

Dowell, along with more than 2,000 other athletes, will take part in the 2.4-mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim, the 112-mile Around-O’ahu Bike Race and the 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon.

The experienced triathlete, who turns 50 next Monday, is hoping for an early birthday present by achieving success in triathlon’s most iconic event.

Dowell told the Standard: “I’m looking forward to the Ironman World Championship race with excitement but also some trepidation.

“It’s an amazing setting here but can feel somewhat daunting, being surrounded by seemingly thousands of lean, fit-looking triathletes.

“The big factor here is dealing with the very hot and humid conditions, something we can’t train for in the UK.

“I believe that having raced here twice before, I should be able to take confidence that my body already knows what it feels like to run in a fan oven, assuming I haven’t been blown off the bike by the fierce head and cross winds.

“It’s a race where you have to put time aspirations to one side and just cope with the conditions.

“If I don’t achieve the results I am aspiring to, I have to remember it is such a privilege to be here representing Great Britain.”

This will be the third time Dowell has competed in the Ironman World Championship, having previously impressed in 2011 and 2012.

She is hoping to improve on her performances this time around – and has set her sights on a coveted podium spot.

“Having previously finished 15th and seventh in my age group my aspirations are to podium, which is the top five in Kona,” added Dowell.

“This can only be achieved by managing to put in good performances in all three disciplines but particularly on the run marathon.

“I take confidence from my improved run splits in the racing I’ve done this year.

“I came out to Kona feeling quietly confident that I’m in good shape to put down a solid performance.”