IMCH

[Paul H]

Great reports from all of you a great day for a great bunch..

After all that hard training its brilliant to hear that you all pulled it off on the day [especially Tracey, IMLive nearly gave me heat failure]..

I hope you all do it again next year..supporting some how seems more fun than competing...its easier...

As for Sarah's statement "never again" I really dont believe a word of it

Hope you all take a well earned rest.
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Dont forget to HAMMER the bike !!

[Mitten]

Great reports Sarah & Musty - very pleased for you both.

I spent a good deal of time supporting trying to work out the time gap from the swim and bike splits to see how close you all were together. Must have been great fun being so close

Looking forward to hopefully seeing you all in the pub Monday.

Just waiting for one more report I think..........

[Bananaman]

Ironmans philosophy is any thing is possible. When I joined the Shires triers 5 years go I didn’t even know of Ironman. I was just looking to keep fit and healthy and have some fun. With no experience of running a little social cycling and underwater swimming I entered my first sprint. Now I have achieved 10,27 in an ironman. SWIM. Always a problem for me so I set of easy and planned to pick up the pace as the swim went on, I tried to stay out of groups and in clean water enjoyed the run over the island as it helped my lower back pain I have had whilst swimming recently. Swam over some guy on one of the turns and he repaid me with an elbow to the chin. Ran into T1. BIKE. Was looking forward to this and had plans of a sub 5 hour till we drove the course had trained hard 160 miles in the fens 125 miles in the lakes and endless hours in the Chilterns. The first 30 k was along the flat fast and busy lots of groups as one would expect in the beginning of an event. Turning into the hills the beast dropped my avg speed by 1.5 mph and the down hills where short and twisty so not the best to make up avg again. At 90k came Heart break hill short steep but the crowds where awesome driving me on, I had a split of 2,30 at half way. Back on the start of the second lap on the flat head down I hit a kerb at 25 mph came off the bike slid down the road on my elbow and bottom. A race referee on a motor bike helped me up I span my wheels to check ok and set of to his amazement. The pain from the road rash become to much so I took some pain killers but it still hurt I kept thinking pain is only weakness leaving the body, the other effect after the crash was I couldn’t get my heart rate down. The fuel on the bike was eat every 20mins a power gel and water or sports aid drink this kept me going got into T2 RUN always wanted a sub 4 hour marathon but always 25 mins away took some advise this year dropped some training and replaced it with intervals all those cold winter nights running loops and sprits worked 3 hours 59 I was well made up. So how did this all become possible I can only put it down to enjoying the journey and training buddy coach Jim.
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I like to push my mates to there limits the more pain i see the better i feel.

[Dan Powell]

Great stuff Bananasub4hourmarathonman - goes to show what can be done with strength of mind, body and a few ibuprofen Congratulations on a terrific performance.
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Hills, hills and more hills.

[Maurice]

Rob, awesome! And a great advert for strength of mind, stubbornness, and the value of quality over quantity when it comes to training.

Does this only leave Hardknott Pass unconquered before you turn pro cyclist



And the run was fantastic, If you didn't think you could do marathons well, you sure can now.

We are not worthy

Maurice
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To "not" understand or embrace the body's limitations from a physical or mental aspect is an injustice to the soul and its creator. We must exploit our vulnerabilities and dissect our weaknesses. For how are we ever to know our true potential?

[andy_ward47]

Everything has been said, I think you are all amazing and such great reports.

Musty, I must apologise for missing you out on initial congrats.

[Pablo]

It’s great reading all the reports it’s making me feel like doing a long race next year!

Musty: great racing looks like that new bike has really helped – I’m sure all your training and dedication also helped

Sarah: I’m so please you had a great race. I was very nervously watching the bike updates with my fingers crossed for you – I know what an absolute bogger the tyres are to get off, if you puncture.
and what's with the "never again" I give it a week


Rob: I was just amazed at your time and the bike split, what can I say… just dam impressive - with a crash as well.

P.
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Does hunting and foraging for my next meal count as cross-training?