Ironman
Triathlon 2009
On the 2nd of August, I was one of 1500 athletes who gathered in Bolton to take on the UK Ironman Triathlon. 38 different nations were represented in an event which the last Ironman crossed the line just under the 17 hour cut off.
The Ironman Triathlon consists of:
Open water swim 2.4 miles (3.8km)
Bike 112 miles (180km)
My first Ironman pushed my limits further than I have gone before but the experience of becoming an Ironman is truly amazing. After 13 and half hours I finished a journey which had literally taken me all day.
Months of training, preparation and sacrifice all came together for a day of pain, determination and achievement.
The Ironman takes a vast time and financial commitment but finishing the ultra endurance event is priceless.
The Ironman allowed me test my own limits and allowed my clients to see that I do practice what I preach!
After completing my first Ironman, I have come to this conclusion:
The more training you do, the faster you are going to complete the event but when you line up at the start you have already decided if you are finishing or not. The event is no doubt physical but there is a huge mental factor, you will be surprised how stubborn you can be when it comes to quitting.
I hope my experience has encouraged some of you to challenge your own limits, I will do the Ironman again, maybe you will join me next time?
What to know more about the Ironman? - see the Ironman Website
