Last Sunday, the two unexpectedly qualified for the event in Ballarat, after treating the day as a training run for the full Ironman in Port Macquarie in May. 

The two will now travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in September to contest the championship. 

Pymer said it was a nice surprise after completing the 1.9-kilometre swim, 90-kilometre cycle and a 21.1-kilometre run. 

“It was really just a bit of a fun training day for me,” she said. 

“Even two days beforehand I thought to myself ‘why am I doing this’? 

“I didn’t think I was fit enough and was hoping to finish top 10 at best.” 

Pymer went on to finish third in the 40 to 44 age group, while Miller finished fifth in the 35 to 39 age group. 

While Pymer competed in her first Ironman championship back in 2003, an injury saw her sidelined before Miller encouraged her to compete again in 2015. 

“I started cycling and swimming before Kelly said she wanted to do a half marathon and said she wanted to train with me,” Pymer said. 

“I thought ‘why not’? We threw ourselves in the deep end and started training 11 weeks out.” 

Pymer said the world championships had always been a goal for Miller, but she never saw herself in the mix. 

“I wasn’t aiming for it because it was something that was only a remote possibility,” she said. 

“I really just compete for the fun of it. 

“I keep saying I am going to retire but I think I will keep going now.” 

Pymer said she had enjoyed the journey alongside Miller. 

“I love the training, not so much the events,” she said. 

“We are getting better all the time, which gives us the incentive to keep going at competitions. I love getting outside and getting together with the great group of friends we run with. 

“They are all very excited, supportive and keen to help us out.” 

The two currently train about six days a week, with three runs, three swims and three rides. 

Pymer said the pair would now start preparations for the full Ironman in May. 

“We will prepare for that full on now and in the months in between just work on maintaining our fitness,” she said.